Public Meetings - Prince Georges County, Maryland

On Monday, April 27, 2026, at 2:30 PM, the Prince George's County Council Education and Workforce Development Committee, chaired by Councilmember Shayla Adams-Stafford, held two budget work sessions: one for the Board of Education (BOE) operating budget and one for Employ Prince George's, Inc. (EPG). Both sessions focused on fiscal challenges, funding requests, and strategic priorities. Board of Education (BOE) Operating Budget - Committee staff (Caleb Callender) presented highlights: the county contribution is projected at $968,737,900, but excluding $42 million for alternative construction financing and $18.7 million for teacher retirement, bringing the total to $1,029,438,000. Federal funding declined by over $24 million due to termination of grants (Title I, Medicaid, discretionary funds). Overall expenditures increase due to negotiated salary adjustments; operating expenses decrease, with increased spending on special education. PGCPS is recruiting for special education positions via targeted hiring, advanced contracts, and early hiring. The budget would not eliminate emergent programs but would only save a small portion. Transportation funding decreased due to a switch from two routing systems to one, improving efficiency, reducing overtime, and cutting about 2,000 bus stops. Staffing lost 188 FTEs (170 teachers, 76 paraprofessionals). Enrollment is anticipated to decrease by 1,109 students, while preschool population increases by 240 to 4,863. Cost per pupil is projected at $22,841 for K-12 and $22,352 including pre-K. - Superintendent Dr. Sean Joseph and CFO Lisa Howell presented: the district faces one of the most challenging financial environments in over a decade due to declining enrollment, shrinking fund balance, rising costs (negotiated compensation, special education). Funded enrollment is flat, but the composition shifts toward higher-cost students (free/reduced meals, special education). Pre-K funding is tied to eligibility tiers; a legislative change caps Tier 2 at 450% of federal poverty level. Per-pupil amounts increase for most state aid programs, but foundation funding only grows 2.38%, insufficient to cover negotiated agreements. The proposed budget of $2.7 billion in unrestricted revenue includes a request for $50 million additional county contribution above the minimum, which is only increasing by about $1 million. The county executive has committed $20 million, leaving a $30 million shortfall. To date, the district cut nearly $147 million; further cuts would impact safety, security, and the AI literacy accelerant. Special education requires $27.2 million for corrective action, including contracted services (speech, nursing, sign language) and autism support. $33 million in accelerants include special education, academic achievement ($1.2M for literacy), safety and security ($2.3M for staffing and devices), and professional development ($1.1M). 87% of funding goes directly to students; further cuts will impact schools. - Discussion: Councilmember Harrison compared to Montgomery County, which has $700 million more for a similar-sized system, citing a 70% residential vs. 30% commercial tax base imbalance. He expressed concern about future years; Superintendent Joseph responded that next year will require at least another $100 million cut if collective action is not taken, and that the district has established a cross-functional committee to explore new revenue. Councilmember Olson noted the state's effort index shows Prince George's County in the top five in contribution based on wealth, but the tax base imbalance means high taxes with lower dollar return. He cautioned against simply raising taxes on working families. Chair Adams-Stafford noted ongoing efforts to connect K-12 with workforce through partnerships with park and planning, library, and community college. Councilmember Burroughs asked about college and career readiness cuts; Superintendent Joseph said no impact on curriculum, with career counselors covering functions. Burroughs also raised transportation and sidewalk safety concerns; Director Baldwin explained the non-transportation zone policy (elementary up to 1 mile, secondary 2 miles) and noted that expanding transportation would require more buses and staff. Burroughs expressed interest in collaborative solutions for safe passage. Employ Prince George's (EPG) Budget - Committee staff (Caleb Callender) presented: EPG's mission is workforce development with core services including career exploration and opportunities for youth and returning citizens. The FY2027 budget increases by $331,000 due to compensation and fringe, partially offset by operating decreases. Staffing lost 15 full-time and 3 part-time positions. EPG faces retention concerns due to non-competitive salaries; they hope to offset with better benefits and hybrid positions. Revenue increases $331,000 from all county grant funding, with an additional $850,000 from a U.S. Department of Labor Pathways grant. Challenges include termination of ARPA grants, delaying lease renewal with Tanger Outlets (now month-to-month), and the county's reentry employment incentive program not attracting businesses because grants are disbursed after 12 months; EPG is requesting a 90-day disbursement. - Interim President/CEO Jeffrey Swilly and team presented: EPG administers 10 workforce development programs, targeting six high-demand sectors (transportation, technology/AI/cybersecurity, healthcare, retail/accommodations, financial services, professional services). They have a network of over 300 members (America's Job Center Community Network) with three service centers (Largo, National Harbor, Suitland) and community access points in six municipalities. Youth Career Connections program places 50 career coaches in 26 middle schools and 24 high schools across 70+ sites, funded through Blueprint for Maryland's Future. Career coaches provide career exploration, connect to CTE programs, and support dual enrollment. A pipeline analysis shows 3,000 individuals engaged at the community level, 22% transition to basic services, 38% to program enrollment, 122 receive skills upgrades, 88 earn credentials (72% credential attainment). Placement outcomes: 8,500 placements in PY24; current year (PY25 mid-point) shows about 3,000 placements. Key challenge is converting early engagement into active participation. - Discussion: Councilmember Harrison asked about the New Carrollton community access point; data for FY25 showed 64 individuals served, 2 moved to intensive services, 1 placed. He also asked about the reentry program delays; CEO Swilly cited a change in administration and the 12-month grant disbursement rule, requesting modification for early payment after 90 days. Councilmember Olson asked about the pipeline; EPG acknowledged the low conversion (88 out of 3,000, about 2.9%) and noted strategies like VIP enrollment days. Councilmember Olson also asked about the Laurel Multi-Service Center (open 6 months), which serves cross-county traffic but skills training only for Prince George's residents. Chair Adams-Stafford asked about the mobile unit; it provides Wi-Fi, registration, and job matching at community events. She also asked about budget and staffing: EPG is considering salary adjustments to be competitive; not filling positions reduces capacity. Councilmember Burroughs asked about the Tanger Outlets lease; EPG is exploring alternatives, possibly a community access point if closure is unavoidable. Key Outcomes No formal votes were taken; the committee received presentations and discussed budget requests and operational challenges. The Board of Education's request for $50 million additional county funding (with $20 million committed) leaves a $30 million shortfall that will require further cuts, primarily affecting special education, safety, and technology. Employ Prince George's will continue to seek alternative lease arrangements for the National Harbor center and modifications to the reentry incentive program disbursement schedule. Committee members expressed commitment to collaborative efforts on workforce development alignment, transportation safety, and sustainable funding solutions for both entities. The committee will continue discussions in subsequent work sessions.

The Public Safety, Health and Human Services Committee of the Prince George's County Council held a budget worksession on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 11:00 AM (called to order at 11:10 AM) in Committee Room 2027. Chair Wanika B. Fisher presided, joined by Councilmember Danielle Hunter. The committee reviewed the FY2027 proposed budgets for the Office of Homeland Security, the Health Department, and the Office of the Sheriff. No votes were taken as quorum was not required for budget worksessions. Discussion Items Office of Homeland Security - Proposed FY2027 budget: $61.3 million, a 30.5% increase from FY2026. 95% from the general fund, 5% from grants. The agency anticipates adding 91 new positions to accommodate new code enforcement responsibilities previously under DPI. - Director Katina Gomez reported accomplishments: decreasing 911 average answer time to 4 seconds, achieving zero vacancy rate for communications, distributing over 5,000 community preparedness surveys, and converting three limited-term grant positions to merit positions. - Priorities for FY2027: ensure 50% of county buildings and agencies have security assessments, finalize the pathway program with Prince George's County Public Schools, upgrade public safety radio infrastructure, and address the backlog of 311 service requests related to new code compliance. - Discussion included: expanding mental health call diversion (Protocol 41) with a standardized national protocol; concerns about retaining a part-time psychologist for 911 call takers (hours expired); and weather preparedness efforts, including climate resiliency hubs in partnership with the Department of Environment. - Councilmember Hunter asked about grant funding prospects and the impact of federal policy uncertainty. Director Gomez noted grants are uncertain. Regarding the transition of code enforcement, she stated the budget may suffice initially but will require ongoing analysis. Health Department - Proposed FY2027 budget: $89.9 million, a decrease of $22.3 million from FY2026. 42% from the general fund, 54% from grants, 4% from opioid abatement and special revenue funds. The decrease is primarily due to the removal of prior appropriations for four federal grants that did not materialize. - The department requests a supplemental $1.2 million for fringe and operating costs, plus $450,000 for IT staff augmentation and $1.4 million to address a backlog of 1,600 clients in the nurse monitoring program (AIRS). Nurses currently manage 400 clients each, compared to 70 in neighboring counties. - New positions (8) support the Food is Medicine Program, Health Assurers Program, and Black Maternal Health Program. - Director Dr. Tonya Oqessami (Dr. O) highlighted accomplishments: first five-year strategic plan, elimination of a $70 million accounts receivable backlog, implementation of a new electronic health record system saving $800,000 per year, and a community health assessment. - Risks include: federal policy uncertainty, lack of a merit-term position category, a backlog in adult evaluation and review services, IT funding gaps, and needed updates to the permitting and licensing software (Momentum). - Councilmember Hunter asked about Medicaid eligible residents (estimated 1,600 underserved), food inspection violations (common issues: lack of food service managers, temperature, vermin), and initiatives to reduce racial disparities in maternal health (targeted efforts through Healthy Beginnings and postpartum collaborative). - Discussion also covered illegal vending, partnership with DPI, and the need for support from Maryland National Park and Planning for cooling centers. Office of the Sheriff - Proposed FY2027 budget: $75.1 million, an increase of $7.5 million from FY2026. Includes a supplemental request of $2.6 million for FY2026. 70.5 million general fund, 4.5 million grant funds. - Sheriff John Carr highlighted creation of a Domestic Violence Bureau to focus on domestic violence and mental health. He reported that a clinical technician for staff mental health is in the hiring process. A new state mandate requires increased courthouse security: two deputies per criminal courtroom, one per civil courtroom, and one per four courtrooms for hallways. - The sheriff's office handles approximately 100 emergency petitions per month. Concerns raised about underreporting of domestic violence in Latino and immigrant communities due to fear of ICE. - Councilmember Hunter asked about gaps in domestic violence response: Sheriff Carr cited resource silos, need for wraparound services (housing, financial), and lack of communication with Child Protective Services (CPS) regarding children involved in domestic violence incidents. - Councilmember Fisher noted the need to correlate domestic violence cases with CPS involvement. - Assistant Sheriff Wiseman described the Bureau of Professional Accountability, which handles complaints, policy, accreditation, and body cameras. The bureau has several vacancies, including an accreditation manager and a deputy chief. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken. The committee received the presentations and will consider the budgets as part of the full council budget process. - Follow-ups requested: The Health Department will provide details on state/federal mandates and funding gaps. The Sheriff's Office will explore potential correlation between domestic violence cases and child protective services. - Next Steps: The committee will continue budget worksessions on subsequent days.

The Prince George's County District Council convened on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 10:12 AM (delayed from 10:00 AM) in the Council Hearing Room, with Vice Chair Eric Olson presiding. Seven members were present at roll call (Council Member Burroughs arrived later, bringing attendance to eight). The meeting addressed six zoning items: approval of minutes, a zoning map amendment, two related site plan/departure items, a property zone retention petition, a community benefit agreement for a previously approved special exception, and a detailed site plan for elderly housing. All votes were unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 10:27 AM. Consent Calendar - Approval of District Council Minutes (April 13, 2026): Motion by Council Member Fisher, second by Council Member Harrison. Approved 7-0 (Absent: Oriadha, Adams-Stafford, Blegay, Burroughs). New Cases ZMA-2025-003 Melwood Estates - Applicant: Day Land Investment, LLC. - Request: Rezone 27.54 acres from AR (Agricultural-Residential) to RSF-A (Residential, Single-Family Attached), located on Melwood Road. The property remains in the M-I-O (Military Installation Overlay) Zone for height. - History: M-NCPPC Technical Staff recommended disapproval (11/07/2025); Zoning Hearing Examiner recommended approval with conditions (04/14/2026). - Council Action: Motion by Council Member Hunter, second by Council Member Fisher, to elect to review the case. Carried 7-0 (Absent: Oriadha, Adams-Stafford, Blegay, Burroughs). Referred for Document DSP-20053-02 and DPT-2025-0003 West Hyattsville Phase 2 - ETOD - Applicant: WHPC Block 3, LLC & WHPC Block 4, LLC. - Location: 8.04 acres in Hyattsville, east of Little Branch Run. - Request: Detailed Site Plan for a 342-unit multifamily building with parking garage and plaza, and a companion Departure from Design Standards for a reduced bufferyard. - History: Previously heard on April 13, 2026, and referred for document preparation. - Council Action: Two motions by Council Member Fisher (seconded by Council Member Ivey for DSP, and by Council Member Hunter for DPT) to adopt prepared orders of approval with conditions. Both carried 7-0 (Absent: Oriadha, Adams-Stafford, Blegay, Burroughs). PC-001-2026 Bob Hall, Inc. - Applicant: Evalina Wallis Hall Cain, et al. - Request: Retain existing AG (Agricultural) and IE (Industrial) zoning on 31.71 acres near Pennsylvania Avenue to allow expansion of the Bob Hall, Inc. beverage distribution operation. - Council Action: Motion by Council Member Harrison, second by Council Member Ivey, to approve the zone retention. Carried 8-0 (Absent: Oriadha, Adams-Stafford, Blegay). Item for Discussion SE-2022-015 South Bowie Self-Storage - Applicant: SSZ Bowie Self Storage LLC. - Location: 7.93 acres near US 301 and MD 214. - Request: Approval of a Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) between the applicant and CASA/Prince George's County, Inc., as required by zoning ordinance Section 27-5102(f)(4)(A)(vii)(bb). The underlying Special Exception (118,573 sq ft consolidated storage building and 117,680 sq ft outdoor storage) had been approved earlier. - Orientation: People's Zoning Counsel Stan Brown confirmed the CBA was in order. - Council Action: Motion by Council Member Adams, second by Council Member Ivey, to approve the executed CBA. Carried 8-0 (Absent: Oriadha, Adams-Stafford, Blegay). Pending Finality – Planning Board DET-2025-010 Branchville Crossing - Applicant: Cruz Development Corporation. - Location: 2.20 acres in College Park, at Branchville Road and MD 193. - Request: Detailed Site Plan for an 87-unit apartment building for elderly or physically disabled families. - History: M-NCPPC Technical Staff approved with conditions (03/11/2026); Planning Board approved with conditions (04/16/2026). - Council Action: Motion by Vice Chair Olson, second by Council Member Dernoga, to waive council's election to review, allowing the Planning Board decision to become final. Carried 8-0 (Absent: Oriadha, Adams-Stafford, Blegay). Key Outcomes - The Council approved all agenda items with unanimous votes (7-0 or 8-0). - The Council elected to review the Melwood Estates ZMA (7-0), setting the stage for a future final decision. - The Council approved prepared orders for West Hyattsville Phase 2 (DSP and DPT) and the Bob Hall zone retention. - The Council approved the Community Benefit Agreement for South Bowie Self-Storage. - The Council waived review for Branchville Crossing, finalizing the Planning Board's approval. - No public testimony was heard during this meeting.

The Prince George's County Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Task Force held a full task force meeting on April 27, 2026. The primary agenda item was a presentation and Q&A session with representatives from the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) on ADU best practices, state requirements, and implementation challenges. The meeting was chaired by Councilmember Sheila Adam Stafford, with Committee Director Marina Hightower managing the flow. Discussion Items - Presentation on ADUs by Maryland Department of Planning: Susan LaRuz and Carter Wrightman presented on the state's ADU mandate (HB 1466), the sustainable growth planning principles, and MDP's guidance. They noted that Maryland faces a housing crisis, needing approximately 590,000 new units by 2045 and a shortage of 275,000 affordable rental units for households earning 80% or less of area median income. ADUs are seen as a key tool. The state definition limits ADU size to no greater than 75% of the primary dwelling unit's size, and local jurisdictions may not impose lower size limits. MDP recommends using above-grade square footage for measurement. They also discussed that owner-occupancy requirements are not prohibited but should be considered carefully as they may inhibit development. Regarding HOAs, state law invalidates private restrictions that unreasonably restrict ADUs. Parking requirements necessitate a parking study. Setbacks for ADUs cannot exceed those for other accessory structures. Water/sewer/septic issues are complex, and state law does not override other state requirements like fire sprinklers. - Clarifications on ADU Types: Task force member Martin Russell asked about tiny homes and converted sheds (e.g., Amish sheds) as ADUs. MDP responded that the state law does not specify structure types; local building codes apply. Prefabricated or manufactured homes that meet dwelling unit requirements could be used as ADUs, but mobile homes may be different. MDP referenced FAQ 21 for further guidance. - College Park Carve-out Request: Maryam, Director of Planning for the City of College Park, asked whether a carve-out could be granted due to the city's high student population (over 50% off-campus) and potential for investor abuse. MDP was not prepared to answer and requested an email for further discussion. - Pre-existing Unpermitted ADus: A question was raised about how the state handles illegal or nonconforming ADUS. MDP clarified that enforcement is a local responsibility, not state. They noted that amnesty programs elsewhere (e.g., California) have had limited success. - Size Restrictions and Local Flexibility: Discussion on whether local jurisdictions can impose stricter size limits below 75%. MDP's interpretation is that they cannot, but there is some ambiguity. Other jurisdictions like Howard County have adopted specific approaches (e.g., whichever is lower approach). MDP noted that the state does not enforce local ordinances. - Setback Requirements: Member Epps questioned whether ADUs should be treated like accessory structures (same setbacks) or like dwelling units for health and safety. MDP stated the law is clear that setbacks for ADUs cannot exceed those for other accessory structures, but health/safety/fire access considerations may apply separately. Susan LaRuz added that other laws (e.g., fire access) could impose additional requirements. - One Additional Meeting: It was noted that one more task force meeting is needed to finalize recommendations before transmitting them to the County Council. The deadline for local ordinance adoption is October 1, 2026, and the task force is on track. Key Outcomes - Next Meeting: The task force will schedule one additional meeting to consolidate recommendations. - Recommendations to Council: After the final meeting, recommendations will be transmitted to the Prince George's County Council, which will direct staff to draft legislation. A public hearing will follow. - Resource Sharing: The MDP presentation will be shared with task force members via Marina Hightower.