Public Meetings - Prince Georges County, Maryland

On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the Prince George's County Council met in Committee Room 2027 of the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building in Largo, Maryland. Proclamations were presented beginning at 9:30 a.m., and the business meeting convened at 1:44 p.m. with eight members present, including Council Member Timothy Adams participating remotely, and three members absent. The Council approved a consent agenda, adopted resolutions on the 210 On the Park bond inducement and a corrections facilities moratorium, deferred several other resolutions, and rescheduled a briefing and executive session due to the late start. The meeting adjourned at 2:14 p.m. Proclamations - A proclamation recognized Thursday, October 15, 2026 as White Cane Awareness Day and was presented to Rev. Raymond Raysor of the National Federation of the Blind, National Harbor Chapter. Council Member Adams, who spoke about his personal experience with disability, joined Council Members Ivey and Adams-Stafford in sponsoring the recognition. - A proclamation recognized the Ji Li Project and HBCU P.R.O. Women's Flag Football for their founding-year impact, including the inaugural camp and combine held August 8–9, 2026 at Maya Angelou French Immersion School, and was presented to Anita C. Jarman. - A proclamation recognized Y.E.G. Solutions and its founder, Agustus Aja-Onu, for his work in solar energy, contracting, and community leadership, presented on the occasion of his 45th birthday. - A proclamation recognized the Maryland Women's Business Center for assisting more than 1,500 entrepreneurs annually and was presented to board chair Nancy Regelin. Public Comments & Testimony - Rico Dancy, president of Black Lives Matter for the Deaf, expressed concern about how police and jails treat deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, citing incidents in other jurisdictions and the ADA requirement for certified interpreters. He urged the Council to ensure police follow ADA requirements. - Lislyn Moore, a healthcare worker, substitute teacher, and parent of a Student Leadership Academy (SLA) student, expressed support for SLA and asked for more resources and positive media coverage for the program. - Latricia Jones, a District 8 resident and PTSA president, expressed support for SLA and described its impact on her son, saying his GPA rose from under 2.0 to 4.06 after participating in the program, and that he received scholarship funding for college. - Marjorie Jones raised concerns about the proposed SPEAR project at National Harbor. She argued the county would receive about $7.4 million per year in direct tax revenue, not the $63 million cited, citing a developer-commissioned Ernst & Young report. She said projected debt obligations could total $762.9 million against $985 million in gross revenue over 30 years, leaving $22.1 million net, and requested feasibility, life-cycle, and seasonal attendance studies. She also raised concerns about facial recognition surveillance and the removal of project labor agreements. Council Statements and Points of Personal Privilege - Council Chair Krystal Oriadha took a point of personal privilege to discuss the FY26 Project Charge Pilot Program. She stated that she and the County Executive jointly requested that the second distribution of project charge funding be returned to the County so it could be preserved for investments in District 7. She said the decision was about transparency, putting residents before controversy, and ensuring every dollar remains accounted for and dedicated to community programs. - Council Member Edward Burroughs then discussed public funds for nonprofits. He said he welcomes transparency and an independent review, noted that Jones House initiated an independent audit by a CPA firm, and announced a fiscal partnership with the Center for Nonprofit Advancement. He said representatives from both organizations would present their findings at the October 20 council meeting. He also invited the public and media to the Student Leadership Academy orientation on Wednesday, October 14, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Oxon Hill High School. Consent Calendar - The Council approved the County Council minutes from October 5, 2026 and October 6, 2026, and adopted the consent agenda by an 8–0 vote. Voting aye were Chair Oriadha, Vice Chair Olson, and Council Members Burroughs, Dernoga, Harrison, Ivey, Hunter, and Adams. Council Members Adams-Stafford, Blegay, and Fisher were absent. Resolutions Eligible for Final Reading - CR-084-2026, concerning the Own the Block Education Initiative, was deferred to the October 20, 2026 County Council agenda. - CR-089-2026, approving the issuance and sale of revenue bonds by the Housing Authority of Prince George's County, the awarding of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits by the State of Maryland Community Development Administration to 210 MPD Partners, LLC, and the acquisition and development of the 210 On the Park project, was adopted by an 8–0 vote. The Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee reported favorably, and Council Chair Oriadha expressed strong support for the project. Introduction and Adoption of Resolutions - CR-107-2026, approving the Minor Plan Amendment to the 2013 Approved Subregion 5 Master Plan, was deferred to a later date. - CR-108-2026, approving the Subregion 5 Sectional Map Amendment, was deferred to a later date. - CR-109-2026, establishing a one-year moratorium on building permits and certificates of occupancy for corrections facilities and prisons in Council District 4, was introduced by Council Members Adams, Ivey, Olson, and Burroughs. The Council voted 8–0 to suspend the rules and then voted 8–0 to adopt the resolution. The resolution addresses a gap in County Code Section 4-345(o), which prohibits detention centers but is silent on corrections facilities and prisons. Briefings and Executive Session - The briefing on Dementia Services in Prince George's County: Capacity and Coordination was rescheduled to a later date due to the late start. - The scheduled executive session concerning the Office of the County Auditor was deferred to a later date. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved 8–0. - CR-089-2026 (210 On the Park bond inducement) adopted 8–0. - CR-109-2026 (temporary moratorium on corrections facilities and prisons in Council District 4) adopted 8–0 after suspension of the rules. - CR-084-2026 deferred to October 20, 2026. - CR-107-2026 and CR-108-2026 deferred to a later date. - Dementia services briefing and executive session rescheduled. - Meeting adjourned at 2:14 p.m.

The Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy, and Environment (TIEE) Committee of the Prince George's County Council met on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 10:09 AM. Chair Thomas Dernoga presided, with Vice Chair Eric Olson and Council Members Timothy Adams, Sydney Harrison, and Danielle Hunter present. The meeting was adjourned at 12:24 PM. The agenda included a briefing on the WSSC Water FY 2028 preliminary proposed budget and action on two resolutions concerning energy infrastructure planning and climate action leadership. Discussion Items WSSC Water FY 2028 Preliminary Proposed Budget Briefing - Presentation: WSSC Water General Manager/CEO Kishia Powell, along with CFO Munetsi Musara, Chief Engineer Alan Wong, and Director Priscilla To, presented the utility's preliminary budget. The presentation framed the budget around a refreshed vision across four pillars: workforce, infrastructure, innovation, and community trust. - Budget Overview: The FY 2028 operating budget is primarily supported by rate revenue (93%). The capital improvement program (CIP) is proposed at $742.8 million for FY 2028 and $4.71 billion over six years. The utility is proposing a 7% rate enhancement as a base case, significantly lower than the 11.7% recommended by a cost-of-service study, in an effort to manage customer impact. - Key Cost Drivers: The presentation highlighted significant cost pressures, including aging infrastructure, electrical system obsolescence at the Potomac Water Filtration Plant, rising personnel and healthcare costs, increased overtime and paving restoration costs due to a higher number of main breaks (planning for 2,300 in FY 2028 compared to a historical estimate of 1,800), and external factors like regional sewage disposal cost increases. - Customer Assistance: WSSC highlighted its commitment to affordability, maintaining $10.64 million in customer assistance programs and noting that since 2023, $32 million in assistance has been provided to nearly 81,000 customers. - Council Questions and Discussion: Council members raised questions about rate comparisons with other jurisdictions, the root causes of overtime costs, utility coordination with PEPCO on grid reliability, plans for data center water consumption, and opportunities for solar and bioenergy generation on WSSC property. Council Member Hunter requested better marketing of assistance programs for residents. Council Member Adams stressed the importance of protecting vulnerable and fixed-income residents. Council Member Dernoga requested a district-by-district breakdown of assistance program utilization. Discussion also centered on the recent Potomac Water Filtration Plant power outage and the urgent need for electrical system upgrades. CR-098-2026: Energy Infrastructure Planning for Better Utility Bills - Purpose: This resolution directs the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) to study the benefits and challenges of master planning for utility use and to provide a report to the county council with recommendations. - Stakeholder Testimony (Maryland Clean Energy Center - MCEC): MCEC Executive Director Kathy Magruder, joined by Keith Wang, Ben Rupert, and Damian Trasada, expressed strong support for the resolution's objective of strategic energy planning. They provided an overview of their financing capabilities, including the Maryland Clean Energy Capital (MCAP) program, the Climate Catalytic Capital (C3) Fund, and the Jane E. Lawton Conservation Loan Program. MCEC offered to serve as a financing and technical assistance partner to the county. Council members requested MCEC pursue formal engagements with Bowie State University and Prince George's County government. - Stakeholder Testimony (M-NCPPC Planning Department): Planning Department staff stated they are in strong support of an energy infrastructure master plan but expressed reservations about being named the lead agency for the study. They indicated they lack specific engineering and utility expertise, would require an outside consultant, and the work is not in their current approved work program, meaning it could not begin before the next fiscal year without displacing other commitments. - Outcome: Council members noted the lack of a report date and misalignment of agency roles. A motion was made by Council Member Harrison, seconded by Council Member Hunter, to hold the resolution in committee until October 22, 2026, to allow time for the sponsor and stakeholders to amend the bill. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). CR-101-2026: Climate Action Leadership and Engagement by All County Agencies - Purpose: This resolution, sponsored by Council Member Ivey, mandates a unified, whole-of-government approach to climate change mitigation. It requires all county agencies to participate in the Interagency Climate Committee (ICC), adopt emission reduction targets into their core goals, and provide standardized biannual progress reports. - Department of the Environment (DOE) Testimony: Deputy Director Coley, Christopher Akmabola, and Danielle Miller Wagner presented an update on the ICC, which has been meeting monthly since May 2025. They reported it has facilitated collaboration on tree planting, heat pumps, and grant applications. Regarding electric vehicle (EV) charging, they stated that while current county building chargers are primarily for the county fleet, plans are in place to expand public access, and an application for a $16.5 million state grant for community EV infrastructure is in progress. - Amendments and Discussion: Council members raised a concern, prompted by a communication from a former Sierra Club member, that controversial but crucial elements of the county's Climate Action Plan, specifically related to land use and tree conservation, were being deprioritized in practice. An amendment was proposed to explicitly require these priority areas to be integrated into the ICC's work. - Outcome: A motion was made by Chair Dernoga, seconded by Council Member Adams, to favorably recommend the resolution with the described amendments. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Key Outcomes - WSSC Water Briefing: The briefing was received as part of the FY 2028 Spending Affordability Process. No formal vote was taken on the budget or proposed rate structure. The county council is scheduled to adopt resolutions on WSSC spending limits by the end of October. - CR-098-2026 (Energy Infrastructure Planning): Held in Committee (5-0). Re-referred for amendments and further discussion at the October 22, 2026 meeting. - CR-101-2026 (Climate Action Leadership): Favorably recommended to the full council with amendments (5-0). The amendments aim to ensure land use and tree conservation are prioritized in the work of the Interagency Climate Committee. - Next Scheduled Meeting: October 22, 2026.

Note on meeting time: The provided meeting timestamp was 14:00 UTC, but the transcript indicates the meeting started at 7:00 PM Eastern Time ("Good evening") and adjourned at 7:59 PM, suggesting a discrepancy. The summary uses the date from the prompt (October 8, 2026) and the time reflected in the transcript. The Prince George's County Black Maternal Health Equity Task Force held its inaugural meeting on October 8, 2026. The 12-month task force, established by County Council legislation CR 99-2025, is charged with examining Black maternal health challenges, disparities, systems, and opportunities in Prince George's County, and developing recommendations for the County Council, State Health Department, and state legislature. The meeting included opening remarks, roll call, a governance review, a presentation on the maternal health landscape, a 12-month roadmap presentation, and a discussion period. Opening Remarks & Roll Call - Councilwoman Crystal Oyeva (Chair, District 7) opened the meeting, sharing her personal experience as a mother and emphasizing that Prince George's County is one of the worst places in the state for Black women to give birth, but has the opportunity to become a national model through stakeholder collaboration, strategic planning, investment, and policy change. - Luke Keys, task force coordinator and community health advisor, welcomed members and stressed the goal of creating a system worthy of Black mothers' trust. - Roll call confirmed five members present: Dr. Charmaine Ivy, Joel Walker, Dr. Diane Young, Jaina Ziggler, and one additional member (total nine authorized positions). A quorum (50%+1) was declared. Governance & Procedures - Kathy Canning, County Council attorney, reviewed task force governance: quorum requires a majority of authorized members (5 of 9), voting follows Robert's Rules of Order and Council rules, and work groups are subject to public meeting requirements. - Mr. Keys clarified that motions (e.g., adjournment) require a member to move and a second. Maternal Health Landscape Presentation (Dr. Diane Young) - Dr. Young, Division Director for Family Health Services at the Prince George's County Health Department and adjunct professor at George Washington University, presented an overview of Black maternal health in the county. - Pregnancy-related deaths (2016-2020): 11 deaths, all among Black women. (County cannot report per 100,000 due to low birth numbers.) - Pregnancy-associated deaths: 16 deaths in the last reporting cycle (cause unspecified). - Prenatal care (2022): 10,500 births; nearly half received first-trimester care, another third in the second trimester, smaller numbers in the third trimester, and a small percentage received no prenatal care. Entry into prenatal care by race/ethnicity: highest among Latino women, followed by African American, Asian, and White women. - Social determinants driving disparities: Systemic factors (policies, racial bias, historical inequities), community factors (safety—homicide is a leading cause of maternal death—transportation, food deserts, social support), provider factors (implicit bias, microaggressions, cultural competency), and individual factors (employment, stable housing, education, health literacy). - Positive outcome: The Health Department's Healthy Beginnings postpartum home visiting program (partnered with University of Maryland Capital Regional Center) reported zero readmissions in 2025 and 2026 year-to-date among high-risk women. Dr. Young advocated for funding to expand this program. 12-Month Roadmap (Luke Keys) - The task force will use a socio-ecological model (SEM) to examine maternal health at policy/structural, healthcare system/organizational, community, interpersonal, and individual levels. - First half (through March 2027): Focus on policy, systems, and organizations, with mid-year recommendations aligned with the County Executive's budget release (March) and state legislative calendar. - Second half (April–October 2027): Focus on community, interpersonal, and individual levels, culminating in a cross-level synthesis and final report/recommendations. - Subgroups (proposed): Academic & Student; Healthcare & Maternal Health Workforce; Community & Implementation Partners; Black Mothers, Families & Lived Experience. Subgroups will convene quarterly and inform task force discussions. Members were asked to rank subgroup preferences via a follow-up form. - Recommendation framework: Recommendations will identify what should change, responsible parties (county, state, institutional, community, regional), resources/authority needed, timeline (0-6 months, 6 months-2 years, 2-10 years), and measures of success (SMART goals). Emphasis on co-design with implementers and affected communities. Discussion on Key Issues & Opportunities - Postpartum support: Joel Walker (older care specialist and doula) emphasized the need for more postpartum doula support accessible to Prince George's County residents, noting that many clients are in Northern Virginia/DC. - Doula professionalization: Dr. Young noted her research on professionalizing doulas to make them accessible beyond Medicaid or self-pay, and ongoing efforts with legislators. - Medicaid postpartum coverage: Clarified that Medicaid covers four months postpartum, but a full year is needed. - Social determinants: Kelly Robinson (nurse midwife and researcher) stressed addressing non-clinical factors like wraparound services and social support. - Transportation: Mr. Keys noted transportation barriers to appointments, with qualifying distances from public transit often excluding mothers. - Mental health: Dr. Young cited a study in DC where 48% of women referred to mental health services were not connected to care; access does not guarantee actual care. Jaina Ziggler (doula) highlighted the need for mental health awareness and available services for mothers. - Data, research, and collaboration: Dr. Young suggested including George Washington University's Center of Excellence and Bowie State University. Mr. Keys emphasized including smaller community organizations with direct client relationships. - Other themes: Birth outcomes other than live births (e.g., impact on mothers and families) were mentioned. Key Outcomes - Quorum and official business: A quorum of five members was present; the meeting proceeded with official business. - Governance and procedures: Adopted Robert's Rules of Order and Council rules; quorum and voting rules established. - Presentation and roadmap: Dr. Young's landscape overview and the 12-month roadmap were received without formal vote but formed the basis for future work. - Next steps: Meeting summary/minutes to be sent by end of week (October 10, 2026). A form will be emailed next week to gather member perspectives and subgroup interests. The academic/student subgroup may convene before the next full meeting. - Next meeting: November 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM, focusing on evidence, county landscape, and existing programs. - Adjournment: Motion made and seconded; meeting adjourned at 7:59 PM Eastern Time. Closing remarks: Mr. Keys noted that eight out of ten mothers in Prince George's County leave the county to give birth—a statistic the task force will examine—and expressed confidence that the county can create a new standard for Black maternal health.

The Prince George's County Cannabis Reinvestment and Restoration Board met on October 8, 2026, to review community engagement data, discuss the board's branding, and establish a timeline for the first grant application cycle with the assistance of County Grants Director Shannon Rogers. Consent Calendar - The board unanimously approved the meeting minutes from September 9, 2026. Discussion Items Community Engagement & Survey Results - Staff presented feedback from 69 community surveys and three town halls held in September. Desired investments included road repairs, stop sign cameras, financial literacy programs, healthcare infrastructure, and first-time homebuyer support. - Board members discussed the need for broader outreach, especially in the southern part of the county and districts that have not yet hosted town halls. - Natalie Doris offered Iverson Mall in District 7 for a town hall on October 28, 2026. Karen Yang offered to secure a venue in District 3. A virtual town hall was also proposed to increase accessibility. Board Branding and Pending Legislation (CB93-2026) - The board extensively discussed the stigma associated with the word "Cannabis" in its official name. Members noted that over half of potential participants at town halls disengaged because of the name. The board expressed unified support for aligning its name with the state's "Community Reinvestment and Restoration Fund" while remaining transparent about the cannabis tax funding source. - Staff provided an update on CB93-2026, which would rename the board and require current members to reapply for four-year terms, maintaining continuity until new appointments are made. - Chair Carpenter identified a significant conflict between the strict timeline required by the proposed legislation and the realistic operational timeline for grant processing presented by the Grants Director. Grant Application Process & Timeline - Shannon Rogers presented a detailed timeline and process. The county's grants management system will support the application, with a dedicated grant analyst assigned to the board. - Proposed Timeline: Applications will be open for 60 to 90 days. Board review of applications is expected to take 6 to 8 weeks. Payouts to grantees will follow 2 to 3 weeks after allocation decisions. - A draft application and scoring rubric are available for board review. The county can directly notify over 600 pre-registered community organizations when the grant opens. Key Outcomes - Next Meeting: Scheduled for October 21, 2026, featuring Courtney Davis (Deputy Director, Maryland Office of Social Equity) as a guest speaker. - Grant Application Review: Board members will review the draft application and rubric and provide feedback at the next meeting. - Town Halls: An in-person town hall in District 7 (October 28, 2026) and a virtual town hall are being finalized. - Legislative Feedback: The board will formally relay its concerns regarding the feasibility of the legislated timeline in CB93-2026 to the County Council. - Compliance: A letter has been transmitted to the state regarding the board's spending plan to meet compliance deadlines. - Public Comment: A new public comment period was added to the agenda but deferred to the end of the meeting. The meeting was adjourned before it was conducted.

The Cannabis Reinvestment and Restoration Board held a community town hall on October 7, 2026, in Councilmember Timothy J. Adams' District 4 to present the fund's status and gather community input on spending priorities. The fund, fueled by 35% of the 12% cannabis sales tax, currently holds approximately $12 million and is non-lapsing. Board members emphasized that the money is intended to repair harm from past cannabis enforcement, with 18 Prince George's County zip codes designated as 150% disproportionately impacted. The board aims to open an application portal in 4–6 months. Public Comments & Testimony - Rose Johnson (District 6 resident) asked about the timeline for fund disbursement, number of town halls held, and how outreach is being conducted. The board reported three town halls to date (September 17 in District 6, October 6 in District 1, and this one), plus tabling at events. They noted gaps in South County (Districts 7, 8, 9) and ongoing efforts to engage all council members. - Florida Lemus (District 4 resident, representing Community Legal Services) advocated for allocating funds to cover small fees (e.g., $5 for registering wills, $30 for expungement filings) that burden low-income seniors and justice-impacted individuals. She highlighted her organization's legacy planning and expungement programs. Board members confirmed that such proposals fit under categories like programs benefiting individuals impacted by incarceration and community investment. - A community member asked about contacting the board after the meeting; Crystal Carpenter provided her email (president@springdalemaryland.org) and noted the website and open board meetings as additional touchpoints. - A resident raised the importance of including the disabled community, referencing personal experience with care gaps. Board members acknowledged that disability support is considered within their methodology and that the fund can be recalibrated if gaps are identified. Discussion Items - Board chair Crystal Carpenter opened the meeting, explaining the board's formation in March 2026 and its 13-member composition (9 district appointees, 4 county executive appointees including OMB). She stressed that the board is not about promoting cannabis but about restorative investment. - Board member Natalie Doris added that the fund is meant to strengthen and heal communities, support businesses and services in the impacted zip codes, and grow the county's entrepreneurial ecosystem. - Board member Randy Attresson shared a personal story of his father's incarceration due to drugs, underscoring the fund's mission to close the gap for families affected by the war on drugs. - The board outlined eligibility categories: education (scholarships, tutoring, youth development), workforce development, health & wellness (mental health, substance use prevention), housing stability, youth/family support, small business development, justice re-entry services, and community investment. They noted that services must be delivered in the 18 designated zip codes. - Board members discussed the timeline: the board was appointed in October 2024 but first met in March 2026 due to transitions. They compared progress to Anne Arundel County, which launched its first grants in October 2025 after a year of infrastructure building. The Prince George's board expects to open applications in 4–6 months. - The board addressed confusion around the name, noting efforts to rebrand as the "Community Reinvestment and Restoration Board" to shift focus from cannabis to community healing. - They emphasized that community input is a requirement for the spending plan; feedback from town halls and an online survey will be assessed alongside board priorities to refine the framework. Key Outcomes - No votes or formal decisions were held; the meeting was a listening session for community input. - The board committed to continuing outreach, especially in under-represented districts (7, 8, 9), and to posting eligibility criteria and application details on the Prince George's County website. - Board members encouraged attendees to spread the word, complete the community survey, and sign up for email updates to stay informed about the application window and technical assistance sessions. - Crystal Carpenter offered her email for follow-up questions and to join the mailing list. - The board will next meet weekly and incorporate feedback from this and other town halls into its spending plan framework.

The Prince George's County Board of Appeals held a virtual hearing on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Chair Bulware, Vice Chair Johnston, and Board Member Stanton were present. The board heard five variance applications and approved the minutes from the September 23, 2026, meeting. All votes were unanimous (3-0). The meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were listed or discussed. Public Comments & Testimony - In the Suco Wash LLC case (V-21-26), nearby residents Gabriella Koch and Norma Flores testified in opposition, raising concerns about a dead-end street, excessive driveway width, and potential parking burdens. A letter of support from the City of Hyattsville was noted. - In the Saunders case (V-34-26), a neighbor's letter of objection was acknowledged, though no neighbor appeared to testify. The homeowners' association sent a letter of support. Discussion Items - V-78-25 (Rita N. Amaya): Requested variances of 10,368 square feet net lot area and 5'6" lot width to construct a two-story single-family dwelling with basement, open deck, front porch, and driveway at 11000 Queen Anne Avenue, Beltsville. The applicant stated a prior variance had expired due to lack of resources; the board approved the request, noting the lot's unique size. - V-27-26 (Carlos Hernandez Lopez and Maribel Maria Reyes): Requested variances for 8,510 square feet net lot area, 5% lot coverage, 12-foot rear yard, and a parking waiver to legalize unauthorized additions and driveway paving at 5003 Odell Road, Beltsville. The board denied the request, determining the violations were self-inflicted because construction began without permits. - V-40-26 (Mynor Joel Cruz): Requested variances of 1,200 square feet net lot area, 12-foot lot width, and a parking area waiver for a proposed 12'x20' asphalt driveway at 5416 15th Place, Hyattsville. The board found unique topographic conditions and approved the request. - V-21-26 (Suco Wash LLC): Requested variances of 1,700 square feet net lot area, 25-foot lot width, 12-foot frontage, 10.9% lot coverage, and 1.3-foot side yards (both sides) for a two-story dwelling with an attached garage at 4614 Burlington Road, Hyattsville. The board approved despite neighbor objections, noting the project had previously been approved twice and had a favorable recommendation from Hyattsville. - V-34-26 (Richard and Beatrice Saunders): Requested a security exemption for a 6-foot vinyl fence (2 feet above the allowed height) at 8018 Alloway Lane, Beltsville. The applicants cited recent crime in the area, their retirement, and PTSD issues. The board approved based on the unique sloping lot, HOA support, and compelling testimony. Key Outcomes - V-78-25: Approved (3-0). - V-27-26: Denied (3-0) due to self-created hardship. - V-40-26: Approved (3-0). - V-21-26: Approved (3-0), with recommendation for the applicant to address neighbor concerns. - V-34-26: Approved (3-0). - Minutes from September 23, 2026: Approved unanimously. The board will next convene on October 21, 2026, at 6:00 PM.

The Prince George's County Council, sitting as the Committee of the Whole, met on October 6, 2026, to consider two agenda items: CR-103-2026, a resolution concerning the Local Impact Grant Funds Multiyear Plan for FY2028-2030, and TA-6-2026, a minor amendment to the 2010 Approved Master Plan and Sectional Map Amendment for Subregion 1 (Planning Areas 60, 61, 62, and 64). Both items were unanimously approved. Public Comments & Testimony - At a joint public hearing on June 8, 2026, nine speakers provided oral testimony and staff received 21 written submissions (plus one late submission) regarding the Subregion 1 plan amendment. Testimony focused on zoning, public facilities, and parks, with a key concern being the potential impacts of qualified data centers. Discussion Items - CR-103-2026 – Local Impact Grant Funds Multiyear Plan: Staff presented the spending plan for FY2028-2030, totaling $12,174,300 from video lottery terminal taxes. The council moved an amendment (moved by Councilmember Burroughs, seconded by Councilmember Fisher), which passed unanimously, and then moved to approve the resolution as amended. - TA-6-2026 – Subregion 1 Master Plan and Sectional Map Amendment: Staff (Elena Perry, Hannah Menard, and Kier McCune) presented an overview of testimony received and worked collaboratively with the council on revisions. Councilmember Denoga moved to direct staff to prepare a resolution of approval on the minor amendment with revisions (seconded by Vice Chair Olson). A separate motion was made for approval of the sectional map amendment with revisions. Key Outcomes - CR-103-2026: The council voted 8-0 to approve an amendment to the resolution, and 8-0 to move the resolution favorable as amended. - TA-6-2026: The council voted 7-0 to direct staff to prepare a resolution of approval for the minor plan amendment with revisions, and 7-0 to approve the sectional map amendment with revisions.

The Prince George's County Council convened on October 6, 2026 (Legislative Day No. 34) at 10:00 AM in Committee Room 2027, with Chair Krystal Oriadha presiding. The meeting began at 11:48 AM and adjourned at 1:25 PM. The agenda included consent agenda items, a transportation briefing from Prince George's County Public Schools, an update on FY2027 budget allocations, enactment of a rental license bill, adoption of several resolutions, and introduction of a seniors/disability ombudsman resolution. The council took votes on multiple items. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Minutes from September 22, 2026 (BOH) and September 29, 2026 were approved. - Introduction of Resolutions: CR-104-2026 (partial waiver of school facilities surcharge for Flats at Glenridge Station) and CR-105-2026 (full waiver of public safety and behavioral health surcharge for same project) were introduced and referred to the Government Operations and Fiscal Policy (GOFP) Committee. The Flats at Glenridge Station is a 245-unit affordable housing community with 219 units at 60% AMI and 26 units at 50% AMI. The developer requested a complete waiver of the Public Safety Impact Fee and a 50% reduction in the School Facilities Surcharge. - Consent Agenda Adoption: The consent agenda was adopted by a vote of 8-0 (with Council Members Burroughs, Fisher, and Harrison absent). Public Comments & Testimony - CB-023-2026 (Rental Licenses): The public hearing was convened at 1:12 PM. Hugo Cantu, representing the Apartment and Office Building Association (AOBA), spoke. He stated that AOBA members support licensing and can comply with the bill's display and advertising requirements, thanking the council for working with the industry. No other public testimony was heard. Discussion Items - PGCPS Transportation Briefing: Dr. Shawn Joseph (Superintendent) and Dr. Charoscar Coleman (COO) presented on transportation challenges for SY 2026-27. Key points included: 40 driver vacancies, 100-125 daily driver absences, use of contracted CDL drivers as a bridge, evaluation of routing technology (Bus Planner/Chipmunk app) with recommendations to the Board by December 2026, a data dashboard under development, and a focus on improving on-time performance and family communication. The council discussed electric bus utilization (21 electric buses, limited by charging infrastructure and driver endorsements), van usage for McKinney-Vento students (37 of 50 vans in service), and the high cost of transportation ($153 million annually, $50 million from the state). Council members expressed concerns about walk-to-stop distances, after-school transportation, and the need for public safety collaboration. - FY2027 Budget Allocations Briefing: Arian Albear, Director of Legislative Impact, provided an update on nearly $10 million in council allocations to 15 agencies. Notable allocations included: $535,000 for Circuit Court law library improvements; $100,000 for spay/neuter services (split between trap-neuter-return and owned pets); $470,000 for Department of Family Services (veterans, nutrition for elderly, Family Justice Center); $2.146 million for Department of Housing and Community Development (land bank, housing trust fund, rental assistance); $350,000 for DPIE temporary staff; $2.15 million for Department of Social Services (Child Resource Connect, Early Start Child Care Scholarship); $691,000 for Economic Development Corporation (Own the Block pilot); $500,000 for health department (Early Connections Autism Program and Black Maternal Health Equity Fund); $721,200 for Office of Community Relations (HOA commission conflict resolution, community engagement, adopt-the-block, CIT Snap It Get Paid); positions for Office of Homeland Security (district-level response team); $1 million for small business cohort program (launching Oct. 14); $100,000 for police department (missing black girls campaign); $250,000 for Prince George's Community College (aerospace/aviation program); $200,000 for library system (Sunday hours and speech therapy); and $50,000 for agri-tourism pilot. Council members clarified funding sources and timelines. - CB-023-2026 Enactment: After the public hearing, Council Member Dernoga moved to enact the bill, which was seconded and passed 8-0 (Council Members Burroughs, Harrison, and Adams absent). The bill strengthens rental license display and advertising requirements, including short-term rentals. - CR-085-2026 (Autism Equity): The Public Safety, Health, and Human Services Committee reported a favorable recommendation (4-0) for Draft 2, which adds a request to PGCPS for autism evaluation data. The fiscal impact is approximately $285,000. The council voted 8-0 to substitute Draft 2 and then adopted the resolution 8-0. - CR-086-2026 (Government Transparency Workgroup): The GOFP Committee reported favorably (5-0). The council adopted the resolution 8-0, establishing a workgroup to review county agency performance data and recommend periodic reporting. - CR-092-2026 and CR-093-2026 (Council Rules Amendments): Both resolutions (requiring evening meetings and annual listening tours) were deferred to a later date. - CR-106-2026 (Seniors and Disability Affairs Ombudsman): Introduced by Council Member Adams with multiple sponsors, the resolution urges the County Executive to designate an ombudsman within the Aging and Disabilities Services Division. Council Member Adams spoke about his personal experience with a disability. The council suspended the rules (8-0) and then adopted the resolution 10-0 (all members present except Harrison). - Proposed Correspondence: A joint letter to Courtney Davis, Deputy Director of the Maryland Office of Social Equity, regarding the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund 2026 Annual Report was authorized for the Chair's signature by vote of 8-0. - Additions Package: The council accepted the additions package (motion by Vice Chair Olson, seconded by Council Member Dernoga) by a vote of 8-0. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Adopted: 8-0. - Rental License Bill (CB-023-2026) Enacted: 8-0. - Autism Equity Resolution (CR-085-2026) Adopted: 8-0 for substitution and adoption. - Government Transparency Workgroup (CR-086-2026) Adopted: 8-0. - Seniors and Disability Affairs Ombudsman (CR-106-2026) Adopted: 10-0 (after rules suspension 8-0). - Correspondence Authorized: 8-0. - Additions Package Accepted: 8-0. - CR-081-2026 (Utility Shut-off Moratorium) Deferred to October 13, 2026. - CR-092-2026 and CR-093-2026 Deferred to a later date. - Briefings Held: PGCPS Transportation Briefing and FY2027 Budget Allocations Briefing were both completed. - Audit Request: Council Members Harrison and Hunter requested an immediate audit of Community on the Front Line, Edward Charles Foundation, and Jones House. Chair Oriadha noted she had already requested audits for organizations receiving over $150,000. No second was received; the council adjourned.

The Public Safety, Health and Human Services Committee met on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 9:54 a.m. in Committee Room 2027, chaired by Wanika Fisher. Four members were present (Fisher, Burroughs, Hunter, Oriadha), with Vice Chair Blegay absent. The committee considered a single piece of legislation: CR-085-2026, a resolution concerning autism equity in Prince George's County. The meeting was adjourned at 10:14 a.m. Staff Presentation - Committee Director Anya Makarova summarized CR-085-2026, which encourages a comprehensive initiative for autism equity through inclusive public infrastructure and transparent data reporting, including a library sensory-friendly pilot, an autism services dashboard, and a nine-member autism equity advisory workgroup. - Budget and Policy Analyst David Noto presented the fiscal impact: estimated initial cost of $286,000 (rising 2.75% annually) based on health department and library estimates. The Office of Management and Budget had originally estimated $911,250, which included a parks and planning playground estimate, but Parks and Planning already incorporates sensory elements into playgrounds countywide. Sponsor Comments - Council Member Krystal Oriadha, the primary sponsor, shared her personal experience navigating the system with her son and emphasized the need to centralize information, collect data, and bring stakeholders together to better serve families with autistic children. Amendments - Legislative Attorney Kathy Canning presented seven amendments to the proposed draft two, covering rephrasing of the initiative description, a December 31, 2027 implementation date for the library pilot, development of the health department dashboard, encouragement of sensory elements in playgrounds, designation of a lead agency by the county executive within 90 days, establishment of a nine-member workgroup for 12 months, and a requirement for at least nine workgroup meetings. - The Office of the County Executive expressed strong support and suggested adding a data point on page 2, line 25: "and all requests for autism evaluations and services" from PGCPS, which was incorporated. A motion to accept the amendments was made by Council Member Oriadha, seconded by Council Member Hunter, and carried 4-0. Agency Comments - Andrew Ballard, Chief of Public Health Policy, stated the health department's support but noted operational challenges: difficulty obtaining wait-time data from third-party providers, need for data-sharing agreements, and reliance on external grant funding (90% of behavioral health funding). He estimated $40,000 for the dashboard and noted the need for a program manager. - Denise Dunbar, Public Health Program Chief, described an existing pilot under a SAMHSA grant that focuses on early childhood behavioral health integration, including a recent convening of over 60 professionals. She outlined plans for a community of practice and a future pilot with two pediatric practices, a behavioral health provider, and a family navigator, pending additional funding. - Melanie Townsend-Diggs, South Area Director of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System, confirmed the library system's ability to create a sensory-friendly pilot zone by December 31, 2027, and noted existing infants and toddlers programs at some libraries. - Council Member Oriadha highlighted the existing Play Learning Lab at Spaulding Library, which has served over 120 children with free speech therapy, and announced $200,000 allocated to the library system for expanding programming for children with developmental delays. Key Outcomes - The committee voted unanimously (4-0) to adopt the seven amendments as presented, including the addition proposed by the County Executive's office. - The committee then voted unanimously (4-0) to favorably recommend CR-085-2026 (as amended) to the full County Council. - The meeting adjourned at 10:14 a.m.