Council Connection

COUNCIL PASSES 23 PIECES OF LEGISLATION IN FINAL MEETING BEFORE SUMMER RECESS

In their final meeting prior to Summer Recess, Council Members voted to enact 10 bills and 13 resolutions on Tuesday, July 8, covering topics ranging from public safety and community beautification to quality of life, employment, development, and much more. Highlights include the following:

• CB-49-2025: A bill proposed by Chair Edward Burroughs III (District 8) and Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha (District 7) creating a Youth Advisory Program by adding two teen or young adult members to many of the county’s 50+ boards and commissions. The legislation requires for the creation of two positions, on eligible bodies, for county residents between the ages of 16 and 24, with the intent of gathering new input and perspective while further strengthening youth involvement in county decision making.

• CB-16-2025: A bill proposed by Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha (District 7) that bars the Prince George’s County Police and Fire Departments from disqualifying applicants solely for a positive cannabis or marijuana screening.

• CR-3-2025: A resolution introduced by Council Members Wanika Fisher (District 2) and Wala Blegay (District 6) that formally requests the Prince George’s State House and Senate Delegations support legislation allowing the sale of beer and wine in Maryland grocery stores. The intent of the resolution is to attract additional grocery stores to the county, citing data showing 40% of the county’s neighborhoods are considered food deserts. According to the resolution, allowing beer and wine sales in grocery stores would increase overall sales in Maryland by $192.8 million, create 760 new jobs, and bring $24.1 million in additional tax revenue.

• CB-30-2025: A bill proposed by Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha (District 7) and Council Member Tom Dernoga (District 1) requiring the Department of Public Works and Transportation to annually submit a list of roads set for repaving to the County Council. The list will be presented to the Council for feedback each year in December.

• CB-31-2025: A bill proposed by Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha (District 7) penalizing commercial property owners with escalating fines, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, for code violations involving excessive weeds or litter on their property. After a fourth consecutive offense for failure to remove the unsightly objects or overgrown vegetation, the county will handle removal and bill the property owner for the cost.

DARRYL BARNES UNANIMOUSLY CONFIRMED AS PLANNING BOARD CHAIR

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Board has a new Chair. On Tuesday, July 8, the Council confirmed the approval of Darryl Barnes in a unanimous vote. Barnes served in the Maryland House of Delegates from 2015 to 2023 and is a former Chair of Maryland’s Legislative Black Caucus. He is also the President of both Barnes International and Bi-County Business Roundtable. Barnes replaces former Planning Board Chair Peter Shapiro. His term runs until 2029.

CHAIR BURROUGHS JOINS COUNTY EXECUTIVE BRAVEBOY TO ANNOUNCE THREE NEW PUBLIC SAFETY LEADERS

Council Chair Edward Burroughs III (District 8) joined County Executive Aisha Braveboy as she announced new leadership for three public safety departments on Monday, July 7. County Executive Braveboy tapped Dr. Katina Gomez to serve as Director of Homeland Security, Anthony Reese to serve as Director of Emergency Management, and Vennard Wright as Director of Office of Information Technology. Wright previously held the same position before resigning in January 2017 to start private sector businesses. Reese is currently the Acting Chief of Forest Heights Police Department. Gomez is a veteran of the Prince George’s County Police Department who was the highest-ranked woman in the department prior to her retirement. She served as the Deputy Chief of the department’s Bureau of Homeland Security.

“These three individuals have all been tested. They are experienced. They are to be trusted,” said Chair Burroughs during Monday’s announcement. “I cannot think of a better group of people for these roles.”

COUNCIL MEMBER HAWKINS HOSTS KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AND LEGISLATION TRAINING FOR COUNCIL INTERNS

Council Member Calvin Hawkins (At-Large) had the pleasure of partnering with The FRESH (Fully Restoring Every Son’s Hope) program to host a powerful two-day Know Your Rights and Legislation Training for our County Council Interns. Over the course of the training, our interns engaged in impactful activities including mock trials, improvs, and drafting legislation. A special thank you to Chair Edward Burroughs (District 8), Acting Council Administrator Colette Gresham, and every Council staffer who made this program an inspiring and informative experience. We look forward to many more initiatives like this that empower and educate our future leaders!

July 16 - Zoning Hearing Examiner - 9:30 AM - DETAILS

Archived Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page.

CHAIR BURROUGHS HOSTS YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS, LAUNCHES FREE HEALTHY FOOD DISTRIBUTION

Chair Edward Burroughs (District 8) hosted the inaugural Burroughs District 8 Youth Leadership Awards Ceremony, proudly celebrating the first-ever class of his District 8 Student Leadership Program. The program was completed by 70 brilliant students from Friendly, Oxon Hill, Crossland, and the Greater D8 community, including private and homeschooled students, all of whom showed up, stepped up, and led with heart. Chair Burroughs had the honor of awarding over $345,000 in scholarships to 108 incredible students across District 8. Huge thanks to partners Joan’s House Inc., Excellence in Education Foundation for PGCPS, Kappa Foundation of Fort Washington, and Kappa Epsilon Lambda Education Foundation for helping make this happen. More recently, Chair Burroughs launched a bi-weekly free healthy food distribution program for 1,000 families in District 8, in partnership with The StoreHouse and Victory Church International. Families will be supported through the program for one year in effort to combat food insecurity in the county and empower families to have a healthier future.

VICE CHAIR ORIADHA HOSTS BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE EXPO

Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha (District 7) saw an amazing turnout at her Business Roundtable Expo with more than 80 businesses coming out to learn more about funding, financial partners, processes, and opportunities from state and county agencies. She’s excited to see the growth that will come from the networking and conversations that took place!

COUNCIL MEMBER ADAMS-STAFFORD HOLDS RETAIL MEETING, VISITS FIREFIGHTERS, ATTENDS ANNUAL COOKOUT

Council Member Shayla Adams-Stafford (District 5) had an insightful meeting with the COO of Urban Edge Properties to discuss the future of retail in District 5! She’s excited about several new businesses coming to Woodmore Towne Center. Council Member Adams-Stafford also had the chance to visit the Bladensburg Fire Department to learn more about the incredible work they do and the communities they serve. Finally, she had a great time with the Whitfield Gardens Civic Association at their Annual Neighborhood Cookout. It’s always a joy to connect with the community and enjoy some good food and great conversations. 

COUNCIL MEMBER IVEY SPEAKS AT GREATER PRINCE GEORGE’S BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE

Council Member Jolene Ivey (At-Large) joined the Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable and spoke on the county’s FY26 budget, the impacts of the federal budget bill, and the future of business in the county. She knows that collaborating with our business stakeholders to bring investments to our county while prioritizing smart growth and development is what this county needs to make sure every Prince Georgian is thriving.

COUNCIL MEMBER WATSON HOSTS COMMUNITY MEETING

Council Member Ingrid S. Watson (District 4) hosted a community meeting with residents from a new community in Glenn Dale named Fairway Estates. She was excited to meet with them and work collaboratively to address their concerns.

COUNCIL MEMBER BLEGAY HONORS LIBERIAN PRESIDENT, WELCOMES FIRST LADY OF SIERRA LEONE, CUTS RIBBON AT COMMUNITY CENTER, CELEBRATES JULY 4

Council Member Wala Blegay (District 6) was honored to formally present a Prince George’s County Proclamation to the President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Boakai. As a Liberian American elected official, this moment was especially meaningful for Council Member Blegay. Additionally, Council Member Blegay welcomed First Lady Fatima Maada Bio of Sierra Leone to Prince George’s County. She looks forward to deepening the relationship between the county and both Sierra Leone and the Republic of Liberia. Council Member Blegay also had the honor of cutting the ribbon at the Grand Opening of the newly renovated Kettering Community Center! This upgraded space is a major win for the Kettering community with a renovated kitchen, new restroom stalls, updated furniture, anda freshly paved and striped parking lot. Finally, Council Member Blegay celebrated July 4^th at one of her favorite communities in District 6 — Cameron Grove!

COUNCIL MEMBER OLSON SPEAKS AT DOCTORS COMMUNITY HOSPITAL MEETING, JOINS JULY 4^TH PARADE

Council Member Eric Olson (Distrct 3) joined County Executive Aisha Braveboy at an event with Hensel Phelps and Luminis Health to bring local businesses together to compete for work on the Doctors Community Hospital expansion. Council Member Olson also had a great time celebrating Independence Day at the Town of University Park 4th of July Parade!