Public Meetings - Prince Georges County, Maryland

The Prince George's County Streamlining Development Review Work Group met on July 22, 2026, to discuss proposed legislative items and a consolidated list of recommendations. The meeting featured extensive debate about the fairness of the work group's composition, the lack of substantive analysis, and whether to vote on the recommendations. No formal votes were taken, and the chair committed to relaying comments to the county council chair and scheduling a future meeting. Discussion Items - Legislative Overview: Mr. Hamlin presented four bills: LDR 144 and 153 (combined review of preliminary plans and detailed site plans), LDR 145 (creation of a development ombudsman), and LDR 146 (concurrent consideration of concept plans, NRIs, and floodplain delineations). He noted these were discussed substantively at a prior meeting and are intended to make processes more efficient. - Criticisms of Process: Greg Smith raised concerns about the work group's composition (one environmental activist, one planning academy graduate, and ten development industry representatives, many from MBIA), the tight 60-day timeline, and the lack of analysis of the bills' impact on public engagement. He cited a detailed planning staff report critical of LDR 153 and argued that the long list of recommendations lacked vetting. - Support for Moving Forward: Several members, including Alex Villegas and Mr. Tedesco, argued that the group should proceed with voting, noting that many recommendations came from various stakeholders (including Park and Planning) and that dissent could be attached as minority reports. Mr. Jordan suggested a rating exercise to identify uncontroversial items. - Community Comments: Written comments in the chat from community members expressed support for delaying a vote until more analysis was completed. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken on the legislative items or the consolidated recommendations. - The chair (Raina Hightower) acknowledged the concerns raised and stated she would relay all comments to the council chair. She noted that the work group would meet again, with a public notice posted on the work group's webpage. - The meeting adjourned without a clear path forward, with several members expressing frustration over the impasse.

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.

The Prince George's County Council convened at 10:55 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, with 9 members present (Council Members Adams, Fisher, and Adams-Stafford participated remotely). The meeting covered a consent agenda, proposed correspondence, second readings of bills, public hearings and enactments of several bills, and the introduction and adoption of resolutions. The meeting recessed at 12:00 p.m. and did not reconvene due to lack of a quorum; remaining items were moved to a special meeting on Monday, July 27, 2026. (Note: The raw transcription misstates the date as July 24; the official agenda and minutes confirm July 21, 2026.) Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Approved minutes from June 16, 2026 and July 14, 2026. - CB-075-2026 (Quiet and Clean Landscaping Equipment): Presented by Council Member Dernoga and referred to the Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee. - CR-072-2026 (Stop Sign Monitoring Systems - Town of Edmonston): Introduced by Council Member Adams-Stafford and referred to the Committee of the Whole. - CR-073-2026 (DPIE Fees for Rent Stabilization Program): Introduced by Chair Oriadha (by request of the County Executive) and referred to the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee. - CR-074-2026 (National Harbor Extraordinary Development District): Introduced with additional sponsors (Council Members Fisher and Adams) and referred to the Committee of the Whole. - Motion to adopt consent agenda carried 9-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Tanya Stevens (President, Seven Crossing Homeowners Association) expressed concerns about lack of transparency and community engagement regarding a planned winery and resort in the Ducket Town Road corridor. She stated that the project advanced to groundbreaking without informing the community, and that the county council seems to prioritize economic development over community protection. - Amy Pegosky (District 1 resident) raised issues about noise from Snow Hill Manor historic venue, claiming amplified parties continue until 11 p.m. or midnight despite a prior agreement to end at 9 p.m. She also complained about inhumane conditions at the county animal shelter, with 86 double-stacked crates in an enclosed patio area, urging council members to conduct a pop-in visit. - Gina Shelton (PhD researcher) introduced a free initiative connecting local PhD researchers with policymakers to provide tailored research briefs on child and family policy challenges, funded by the William T. Grant Foundation. - Public Hearing Testimony on CB-066-2026: - Alexandra Tyukavina (District 1 resident, PGCPS parent) spoke in favor, stating the bill provides $20 million to PGCPS for teacher pension costs, which was promised by the County Executive but not included in the approved budget. She urged the council to increase the minimum maintenance of effort contribution next year. - Amy Olivo (Prince George's County Board of Education, District 4) also spoke in favor, expressing gratitude for the $20 million payment but disappointment that it does not count toward next year's maintenance of effort. Discussion Items - Proposed Correspondence: - LTR 06022026 (Priority Funding Areas): Joint letter to the Maryland Secretary of Planning regarding amendments. The PHED Committee voted 5-0 in favor. Authorized for Chair's signature 9-0. - LTR 07212026a (PGCPS FY2026 Transfer Request 3): Letter supporting a net decrease of $5,553,550 in the FY2026 operating budget. Authorized 9-0. - LTR 07212026b (PGCPS FY2027 Budget Reconciliation): Letter supporting the approved FY2027 operating budget of $2,984,293,454, at no additional cost to the county. Authorized 9-0. - LTR 07212026c (Housing Authority Commissioner Compensation): Letter supporting a change from a $300 per session stipend (unchanged for 40 years) to a monthly stipend: $1,000 for chair, $800 for vice chair, $500 for other commissioners. Authorized 9-0. - LTR 07212026d (Cannabis Reinvestment and Restoration Board Methodology): Referred to the Committee of the Whole without a vote. - Second Reading of Bills (Introductions): - CB-047-2026 (Off-street parking for elderly/disabled housing): Increased minimum parking from 1 space per 4 beds to 1 space per 2 beds. Introduced. - CB-067-2026 (Permitting fees consolidation): Updated and consolidated fee table. Introduced with additional co-sponsors (Council Members Harrison, Fisher, Adams). - CB-070-2026 (Places of worship standards): Amended dimensional standards for places of worship on assemblages of 25 acres or more. Introduced. - CB-073-2026 (Sign height standards): Amended maximum sign height in industrial zones. Introduced. - Public Hearings and Enactments (Third Reading): - A package of six beautification and enforcement bills (CB-041 through CB-046) were all enacted unanimously (9-0) with multiple co-sponsors added during the meeting. Chair Oriadha thanked colleagues for supporting the package, which increases fines and enforcement for illegal dumping, vacant properties, illegal signs, and litter. - CB-050-2026 (Destination Prince George's): Amended to include Amendment 1, then enacted 9-0. Reassigns hotel/motel tax revenue from Experience Prince George's to a new entity. - CB-060-2026 (Procurement Refinements): Enacted 7-1-1 (Council Member Harrison voted nay, Council Member Ivey abstained). - CB-062-2026 (Prevailing wages on public works - apprenticeable trades): Enacted 8-0 (some members absent). - CB-066-2026 (Supplementary Appropriations FY2027): Enacted 8-0 after public testimony. Provides $20 million to PGCPS for teacher pension costs. - CB-068-2026 (Supplementary Appropriations FY2026): Enacted 6-0-1 (Council Member Ivey abstained). - Introduction and Adoption of Resolutions: - CR-075-2026 (Weinstein House/Harry's Market Historic Site): Introduced with sponsors Oriadha, Fisher, Ivey. Rules suspended (8-0), then adopted 8-0. - CR-076-2026 (Central Avenue-Blue/Silver Line Sector Plan): Introduced with sponsors Oriadha, Harrison, Ivey. Rules suspended (8-0), then adopted 8-0. - CR-077-2026 (Central Avenue-Blue/Silver Line Sectional Map Amendment): Introduced with sponsors Harrison, Ivey, Adams. Rules suspended (8-0), then adopted 8-0. - CR-078-2026 (Port Towns Plan Public Facilities and Transportation Element): Introduced by Chair Oriadha. Rules suspended (8-0), then adopted 8-0. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda adopted 9-0. - Four proposed correspondence letters authorized (all 9-0). - Six beautification/enforcement bills (CB-041 through CB-046) enacted unanimously (9-0). - CB-050-2026 (Destination Prince George's) enacted after amendment (9-0). - CB-060-2026 (Procurement Refinements) enacted with a split vote (7-1-1). - CB-062-2026 (Prevailing wages) enacted (8-0). - CB-066-2026 and CB-068-2026 (Supplementary Appropriations) enacted (8-0 and 6-0-1, respectively). - Four resolutions (CR-075 through CR-078) adopted after suspension of rules (all 8-0). - Meeting recessed at 12:00 p.m.; Committee of the Whole did not reconvene due to lack of quorum; remaining agenda items moved to the special meeting on Monday, July 27, 2026.

The Prince George's County District Council convened on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the Council Hearing Room in Largo, Maryland. The meeting was originally scheduled for 9:45 AM but was called to order at 10:28 AM. Seven members were present at roll call; Council Member Adams-Stafford arrived during the meeting, bringing the count to eight. Council Members Blegay, Burroughs, and Fisher were absent. The council addressed several zoning items, including an error permit approval, deferral of a comprehensive design plan, and waiver of review for multiple site plans. Consent Calendar - Approval of District Council Minutes (July 14, 2026): Motion by Vice Chair Olson, seconded by Council Member Hunter, approved 7-0. - ERR-001-2026 (Eucharia Ogu): The council adopted the prepared order of approval with conditions for a permit issued in error (validation of fence permit from 2018 and two-story addition permit from 2021) at 6313 Joyce Drive, Temple Hills. Motion by Chair Oriadha, seconded by Vice Chair Olson, approved 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comment or testimony was provided. Discussion Items - CDP-9306-06 Bailey's Village, Lot 10: Council Member Harrison moved to defer this item to a later date. The motion was accepted and the item was deferred. - DET-2024-009 The Mark at College Park: Council Member Olson moved to waive the council's election to review the Detailed Site Plan for 589 multifamily units near College Park. Seconded by Harrison, approved 7-0. - DSP-2025-0036 Mill Branch Crossing - Arby's: Council Member Adams moved to waive review of the Detailed Site Plan for a 1,910-square-foot restaurant with drive-through in Bowie. Seconded by Hunter, approved 7-0. - SDP-2025-0014 Oakwood Preserve: Council Member Hunter moved to waive review of the Specific Design Plan for 112 single-family homes along Largo Road. Seconded by Olson, initially approved 7-0; when Council Member Adams-Stafford arrived, she was added to the vote, making it 8-0. - SDP-2025-0015 Saddle Ridge: Council Member Harrison moved to waive review of the Specific Design Plan for 450 single-family and 253 townhouse units in Accokeek. Seconded by Hunter, approved 8-0. Key Outcomes - Approved the July 14, 2026 minutes and the ERR-001-2026 permit correction. - Deferred CDP-9306-06 (Bailey's Village) to a later date. - Waived council review for four site plans: The Mark at College Park, Mill Branch Crossing/Arby's, Oakwood Preserve, and Saddle Ridge. - The meeting adjourned at 10:48 AM. Note: The meeting also included a recognition of visitors from the Emerging County Leaders Program and the Prince George's County Muslim Council's Foundation.

The Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee of the Prince George's County Council met on July 21, 2026, at 9:22 a.m. in Committee Room 2027. Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha presided in the absence of Chair Wala Blegay. Four members were present (Oriadha, Adams-Stafford, Dernoga, Olson); Blegay was excused. Council Member Timothy Adams also attended. The committee considered four pieces of legislation, all of which received favorable recommendations with amendments. Public Comments & Testimony - CB-069-2026 (Private Schools): Matthew Tedesco, representing St. Jerome Institute (an independent Catholic high school seeking to relocate to Prince George's County), expressed support for the bill with amendments, noting it would allow reuse of a historic school site (St. Hugh’s) without a special exception. He stated the school currently enrolls about 70 students and anticipates no more than 130. Don Bunuan, a parent and board member of St. Jerome Institute, also spoke in support, emphasizing the school's student body is largely from Prince George's County and that a special exception would be too costly for the nonprofit. The City of Greenbelt submitted a letter in support. Discussion Items - CB-070-2026 – Use Regulations and Dimensional Standards – Places of Worship: Sponsored by Council Member Dernoga. The bill amends zoning to allow modified design and dimensional standards for places of worship, cultural facilities, monasteries, or convents on properties of 25 acres or more, and removes the need for special exception in certain zones. The sponsor noted the bill was developed to accommodate non-traditional religious designs (e.g., mosques, mandirs) and includes technical amendments from the Zoning Hearing Examiner. The Planning Board supported with amendments; M-NCPPC Technical Staff had opposed the original draft. - CB-073-2026 – Standards for Specific Sign Types: Sponsored by Council Member Dernoga. The bill increases the maximum sign height from 18 inches to 42 inches in Industrial, Employment, and IE-PD zones, with a requirement that signs be at least 10 feet above ground. The sponsor stated the 18-inch limit was inappropriate for industrial uses. The Planning Board supported with amendments; Technical Staff supported with amendments. - CB-069-2026 – Use Regulations – Permitted Uses – Private Schools: Sponsored by Council Member Adams. The bill exempts certain private schools in the Residential Rural Zone from special exception approval when reusing existing buildings. The sponsor noted it aligns with Plan 2035 goals and is a zoning correction. The Planning Board supported with amendments; Technical Staff opposed. Draft Two incorporated committee and stakeholder amendments. - CB-071-2026 – Home Occupation and Home Businesses – Regulation and Enforcement: Sponsored by Council Member Dernoga. The bill revises definitions, adds prohibitions on home vehicle businesses, and establishes enforcement procedures and enhanced penalties. The sponsor targeted issues with contractors parking multiple business vehicles and auto repair businesses in residential neighborhoods. The Planning Board took no position on the original draft but provided comments. The committee discussed concerns about redundancies with existing code; the sponsor argued the changes are necessary for enforcement. Key Outcomes - CB-070-2026: Motion to adopt amendment 1 and favorably recommend as amended (corrected draft one) carried 4-0 (Blegay excused). Motion by Dernoga, second by Olson. - CB-073-2026: Motion to favorably recommend proposed Draft 2A as amended carried 4-0 (Blegay excused). Motion by Dernoga, second by Olson. - CB-069-2026: Motion to favorably recommend Draft Two as amended carried 4-0 (Blegay excused). Motion by Olson, second by Dernoga. - CB-071-2026: Motion to favorably recommend Draft Two as amended carried 4-0 (Blegay excused). Motion by Dernoga, second by Olson. - The meeting adjourned at 10:02 a.m.

The Prince George's County Board convened on July 15, 2026, at approximately 12:30 PM (evening session) with a quorum of seven members present. The meeting focused on community engagement strategy, review of a grant application, and administrative updates. The board approved minutes from a previous meeting, discussed potential town halls, and workshopped a grant application document, with several amendments proposed. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board voted 6-0-1 (one abstention) to approve the minutes from the prior meeting, as circulated. Roll call: Mayor In Yang (approved), Natalie Doris (approved), Crystal Carpenter (approved), Rand Attrison (approved), Dr. Valencia Campbell (approved), Deborah Mims (approved), Angela Fair (abstained). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the meeting. Shannon Rogers joined the call late but did not provide testimony. Discussion Items - Community Engagement Strategy: - Mr. Todd (staff) reported that the board is coordinating with the county council to potentially hold a joint town hall in early September 2026, pending confirmation. The board also discussed holding individual district town halls, with board members reaching out to their respective council members. - Board member Randy Addison proposed exploring informal engagement at community events (e.g., festivals) to supplement town halls. The suggestion was supported, and the Downtown Largo Festival on September 5, 2026, was mentioned as a potential tabling opportunity. - Chair Crystal Carpenter emphasized the need for timely community feedback and noted that the board aims to keep meetings to one hour but may exceed that when necessary. - Grant Application Review: - The board reviewed a draft grant application for $4 million (corrected from $2 million; fiscal year 2027). The document was workshopped collaboratively. - Priority Points (Section 5): Ms. Carpenter noted that the language on priority points did not reflect the board’s earlier discussion or the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). A specific point about prioritizing activities integrated with other community service projects was debated. Natalie Doris moved to remove that language, arguing it could disadvantage new organizations. Dr. Valencia Campbell cautioned against over-deliberation, stating that existing review processes can address partnerships. The board agreed to revisit the language. - Objectives (Page 4): Ms. Carpenter recommended reordering bullets to prioritize three types of organizations: community-based organizations offering services to low-income communities, historically underfunded organizations, and those serving disproportionately impacted areas. The board agreed to align terminology with the SOP (e.g., using “OSC-identified disadvantaged communities” instead of “low-income”). - Allowable Costs and Evaluation Criteria: Ms. Carpenter requested consistency between the application’s evaluation criteria (e.g., “community impact,” “organization capacity”) and the SOP’s section 7.2. She also noted that startup or general operating funds, previously discussed, were not included in the draft. Dr. Campbell advised against committing to startup funds without a formal vote. Shannon Rogers (staff) agreed to add a placeholder comment. - Unallowable Costs: The standard list was reviewed, with the addition of law enforcement agencies for activities. No objections were raised. - The board agreed that Shannon Rogers will update the application document by July 16, 2026, and share it via Dropbox for further comments. Key Outcomes - Votes: The board unanimously approved the prior meeting’s minutes (6-0-1). No other formal votes were taken. - Directives: - Staff will follow up with council members to schedule district town halls and confirm the joint September town hall. - The grant application will be revised to reflect the board’s feedback, including funding amount ($4 million), fiscal year (2027), consistent terminology, and reordered objectives. - The next board meeting is scheduled for July 29, 2026. - Reminders: Board members were reminded to submit financial disclosures to the Office of Ethics.

The Prince George's County Literacy Commission held a meeting on July 15, 2026, from approximately 12:15 PM to 1:15 PM. The meeting covered follow-up data requests from the previous meeting, partner presentations on literacy challenges and solutions, and an update on the upcoming Literacy Summit. Key data on student proficiency, teacher training, and screening were presented, along with organizational presentations from multiple partners. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the previous meeting were approved by unanimous consent following a motion and second. Discussion Items - Follow-up Data Requests: Caleb Callender presented data on student catch-up rates. For third graders in 2022, about 5% were able to reach proficiency by 2025. For multilingual learners, proficiency ranged from 14–20% in grades 3–4 but dropped below 5% in grades 5–8, with the caveat that many students enter the system at middle school level. Data on the Ready to Read Act showed that in 2020–2021, approximately 8,200 kindergartners were screened, with 25% identified as at-risk. As of September 2025, 1,044 pre-K through third grade teachers had completed MSDE science of reading coursework, with an additional 50–100 projected to finish by September 2026. A review of the PGCPS data dashboard revealed ease of access but lack of clarity on special education data and gender inclusivity. A follow-up on remedial education is pending. - Partner Presentations: - Ellen O'Neill (Atlantic Seaboard Dyslexia Education Center): Reported training 280 reading specialists in Frederick County, contributing to 63% ELA proficiency. Raised over $100,000 to support training at a K-2 Title I school in Langley Park, where students previously scoring in the red on DIBELS all moved to green. Two students' fathers were recently detained by ICE, but the students remain in the summer program. - Megan Sutherland (Prince George's County Memorial Library System): Highlighted programs for English language learners (Kids Achieve Club, Read to Rover), early literacy for expectant parents (Hatchlings), and adult literacy (Spanish literacy classes). Noted that library staff are not trained to teach reading and emphasized staff training and collaboration opportunities. - Dr. Shanti (Prince George's Community College): Described adult education programs including free GED prep, National External Diploma Program, and ESL career pathways (child care, health care, culinary arts, construction). Noted flexible scheduling and Saturday food service programs where students practice skills. - Ali Oliver Kruger (Interact Story Theater): Presented on arts-based literacy programs using theater to address socioeconomic disparities, multilingual learner needs, learning differences, and oral language gaps. Programs serve birth through 12th grade in schools, libraries, and community spaces, including family engagement and teacher training. - Amy (Sarah Cosano): Shared her work providing voluntary evening professional learning sessions for PGCPS educators, with attendance often exceeding 200. Sessions cover reading, writing, data, and coaching, and have shown positive impact on student outcomes. - Literacy Summit Update: Pastor Crawford announced that the Literacy Summit will take place on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Suitland High School. Registration closed with 400 reconfirmed attendees and 50–60 on a waiting list. The summit will focus on three work streams: parent engagement, outreach to leaders, and building an ecosystem of local organizations. The goal is to demonstrate real progress in literacy within a three-to-five-year window. Key Outcomes - The commission will not meet in August; the next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM. - Members are asked to submit documentation of their remarks to the council staff. - Future meetings will focus on high-leverage strategies to boost literacy outcomes and close gaps, with a synthesis of recommendations and a vote planned for the fall. - The commission will continue to explore collaboration opportunities among partners.

The Prince George's County Board of Appeals held a virtual hearing on July 15, 2026, at 6:00 PM to consider four variance requests and approve the minutes from the July 1, 2026 meeting. All variance requests were approved unanimously (3-0). The meeting was conducted via teleconference with Spanish translation provided for the first case. V-18-26: Jose Martinez Herrera - 3000 Jamestown Road, Hyattsville - Request: Variances of 101 square feet net lot area, 1-foot front yard depth alongside the street (corner lot), and 12-foot rear yard depth to obtain a building permit for a proposed 2-story single dwelling with attached garage, porches, and area way. - Testimony: Melissa Carter (attorney) presented, noting the property is in a 1940 subdivision and the corner lot creates unique conditions. The City of Hyattsville voted to support the variance. No questions from board members. - Outcome: Motion by Member Stanton, seconded by Vice Chair Johnson. Approved 3-0. V-30-26: Tracy Burton - 2405 Ritchie Road, District Heights - Request: Variances of 9.79 feet lot frontage, 7% lot coverage, and a waiver of the parking area location requirement to validate existing conditions and obtain a building permit for an unauthorized 1,061.4 square foot driveway extension. - Testimony: Tracy Burton testified about safety concerns due to heavy traffic, three accidents, and difficulty seeing oncoming traffic. The unauthorized driveway was installed 21 years ago; she removed the portion encroaching on a neighbor's property after an inspector's notice. The board noted unique topography and sloping conditions. - Outcome: Motion by Member Stanton, seconded by Vice Chair Johnson. Approved 3-0. V-28-26: Jordan Eberst - 16801 Boot Hill Road, Accokeek - Request: Security exemption (variance) for a fence 2 feet over the allowable 6-foot height (to 8 feet) in the rear yard to obtain a building permit for a fence. - Testimony: Jordan Eberst and Tiffany Huff (contractor) testified about significant wildlife (deer, foxes, bobcats) that clear a 6-foot fence, causing tick infestation and a diagnosis of alpha-gal syndrome. The child with special needs uses the yard. The fence is not visible from any public roadway. - Outcome: Motion by Member Stanton, seconded by Vice Chair Johnson. Approved 3-0. V-35-26: Devon and Terri Ann Polk - 308 King James Court, Upper Marlboro - Request: Variance of 12 feet front yard depth to construct a 6' x 19' addition for a mother-in-law suite. - Testimony: Devin Polk (applicant), Marty Minton (contractor), and neighbor Sean Brown (supporter) testified. The HOA architectural board approved the addition, but a formal letter has not yet been provided. The board noted unique property conditions and neighbor support. - Outcome: Motion by Vice Chair Johnson, seconded by Member Stanton. Approved 3-0. Minutes Approval - The board approved the minutes from the July 1, 2026 meeting via motion by Member Stanton, seconded by Vice Chair Johnson. Approved 3-0. Key Outcomes - All four variance requests were approved unanimously (3-0): V-18-26, V-30-26, V-28-26, V-35-26. - Minutes from July 1, 2026 were approved. - The board will recess in August; the next meeting is scheduled for September 9, 2026.

The Committee of the Whole met on July 14, 2026, at 12:08 p.m. to receive a briefing on the FY 2027–2029 Local Impact Grant (LIG) Multi-Year Plan. The meeting was chaired by Vice Chair Eric Olson with six members present. The briefing covered the proposed allocation of $12,174,300 in LIG funds, primarily for education and workforce development programs within a six-mile radius of the video lottery facility. The Council voted unanimously to refer the briefing for document. Discussion Items - Local Impact Grant Funds Multi-Year Plan: Nathaniel K. Tutt, III, Director of the Government Operations and Fiscal Policy (GOFP) Committee, presented the FY 2027–2029 plan. Pursuant to CB-88-2015, the County Executive transmitted the plan for Council review and approval by resolution. The plan allocates $12,174,300 total: $10,929,300 for education, employment, workforce development, apprenticeship training, and tuition assistance, and $125,000 for County Council administration to support nonprofit oversight, auditing, and accountability for LIG-funded programs. All activities must occur within six miles of the gaming facility. A representative from the Office of Management and Budget was available for questions. Key Outcomes - Motion and Vote: Council Member Fisher moved to refer the briefing for document, seconded by Council Member Burroughs. The motion carried unanimously with a 6–0 vote (yes: Olson, Adams-Stafford, Burroughs, Dernoga, Fisher, Adams; absent: Oriadha, Blegay, Harrison, Ivey, Hunter). - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 12:11 p.m. by unanimous consent.