Prince George's County Council Committee of the Whole Meeting - July 21, 2026

Call to Order and Overview

The Committee of the Whole convened at 12:33 p.m. (agenda had listed 11:30 a.m.) with six members present (Chair Krystal Oriadha, Vice Chair Eric Olson, Thomas Dernoga, Sydney Harrison, Jolene Ivey, and Danielle Hunter). Five members were absent. The meeting adjourned at 1:06 p.m.

CR-072-2026: Stop Sign Monitoring Systems (Town of Edmonston)

Overview

J. Kenneth Battle, Jr., Director of the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment (TIEE) Committee, provided an overview. The resolution authorizes up to four locations for stop sign monitoring systems in the Town of Edmonston, based on traffic studies conducted by the town. The town had met all requirements, including passing a local ordinance after public notice.

Vote

A motion to favorably recommend the resolution to the County Council passed 6-0 (Vice Chair Olson moved, Council Member Hunter seconded).

CR-074-2026: National Harbor Extraordinary Development District

Overview

Nathaniel K. Tutt, III, Director of the Government Operations and Fiscal Policy (GOFP) Committee, introduced the item. Devin Martin, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the County Executive, and Amber Hendricks Ford, Assistant DCAO for Economic Development, presented a PowerPoint titled "National Harbor Extraordinary Development District." Key points included:

• The resolution is the first step to enable the Sphere at National Harbor, an immersive entertainment venue (the first Sphere location outside Las Vegas).
• The project is projected to generate up to $1.5 billion in annual economic activity for the state, attract over two million visitors annually, and generate up to $63 million annually in taxes to the county (including park planning and WSSC).
• The resolution designates a five-acre area as an extraordinary development district and creates a special fund. It is required before the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) can enter a pledge agreement for incremental property tax revenues.
• The administration clarified that this resolution does not involve tax increment financing (TIF), a community benefits agreement (CBA), or the commitment of existing county monies. Future steps will include additional legislation, a TIF bond structure, supplier diversity plans, a CBA, community engagement, and a parking plan.

Discussion and Questions

Council Members raised several issues:

• Council Member Dernoga requested the economic impact study and questioned the debt service estimates (projected at $7-12 million annually) and the property tax base ($16 million+).
• Council Member Harrison suggested coordinating with the transportation plan update and noted ongoing discussions with state and county partners.
• Vice Chair Olson emphasized the importance of transportation planning, including the Woodrow Wilson Bridge tolls and rail, and reiterated support for the region.
• Council Member Ivey raised concerns about light pollution from the Sphere's illuminated exterior and asked for mitigation measures.
• The administration responded that they are already working on lighting plans, community briefings, and will address concerns in upcoming weeks.

Public Comments & Testimony

Matthew Teffeau, Director of Government Affairs for Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Metro Washington (headquartered in Prince George's County), spoke in support of the project. He noted that ABC supported the enabling state TIF bill and that approximately 19,000 minority construction workers reside in the county, with 17,000 in merit-shop positions. He expressed eagerness to be part of the ongoing conversation on financial bonding, labor requirements, and community stakeholder engagement.

Vote

A motion to report the resolution out of committee with no recommendation passed 6-0 (Vice Chair Olson moved, Council Member Hunter seconded).

Proposed Joint Letter: Cannabis Reinvestment and Restoration Board Methodology

Overview

A proposed joint letter to Courtney Davis, Deputy Director of the Maryland Office of Social Equity, regarding Prince George’s County Cannabis Reinvestment and Restoration Board methodology was presented. No additional discussion was needed.

Vote

A motion to favorably recommend the letter to the County Council passed 6-0 (Vice Chair Olson moved, Council Member Hunter seconded).

Key Outcomes

• CR-072-2026 (Stop Sign Monitoring Systems): Favorably recommended to the County Council (6-0).
• CR-074-2026 (National Harbor Extraordinary Development District): Reported out of committee with no recommendation (6-0). The administration will proceed with next steps, including M-NCPPC pledge agreement negotiations, community briefings, and future legislation.
• Cannabis Reinvestment Letter: Favorably recommended to the County Council (6-0).
• Meeting adjourned at 1:06 p.m.