Prince George's County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Prince George's County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
County-Owned Grocery Store Implementation Plan
CR-115-2026 concerns an implementation plan for a county-owned grocery store, an effort to address food access gaps in underserved areas of the county.
Own the Block commercial real estate education initiative
Many commercial property owners in the county live elsewhere, so the profits — and the pride of ownership — leave town. This program would teach residents how to buy and manage commercial real estate themselves.
County equity stakes in development projects
The County Equity Participation Authority Act, which would let the county co-own development projects through special purpose entities, was postponed indefinitely — a significant economic development tool left on the shelf.
Returning citizen employment requirements and incentives
Two bills moved forward: CB-101 requires 5% of new hires on large county contracts be returning citizens (as amended), and CB-102 doubles and speeds up employer reimbursements under the re-entry incentive program. Both aim to cut recidivism and expand job pathways.
Prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements on public works
CB-062-2026, amended in committee, would require contractors on public works projects to employ workers from registered apprenticeship programs and boost damages for violations — aimed at building the local skilled-trades pipeline.
Apprentice requirements on county public works contracts
CB-062-2026, amended in committee, would require contractors on public works projects to employ workers from registered apprenticeship programs and boost damages for violations — aimed at building the local skilled-trades pipeline.
Hotel and Motel tax revenue reassigned to Destination Prince George's
Money from the hotel and motel tax will flow to a new entity, Destination Prince George's, instead of Experience Prince George's, to promote tourism and economic investment. The committee backed it with amendments.
Agritourism promotion plan
The county wants State, regional and local agencies working together to promote agritourism — farm visits, wineries and rural attractions — in identified areas. It's aimed at boosting rural parts of the county and drawing visitors.
Agritourism and Winery Promotion Pilot Program
Two new resolutions promote county farms and wineries — one builds a partnership plan for agri-tourism, the other launches a $50,000 pilot program for winery signage and marketing.
Quantum science workforce development
The Council adopted a resolution urging schools, employers, and agencies to work together on training, apprenticeships, and career pathways in the emerging quantum science economy.
Business and restaurant support legislation
Four new laws make it easier for local, veteran-owned and diverse businesses to win county contracts and cut permit fees for sit-down restaurants, plus incentives to attract fine dining. The aim is growing the local economy and dining options.
Attracting and growing fine dining and sit-down restaurants
Four new laws make it easier for local, veteran-owned and diverse businesses to win county contracts and cut permit fees for sit-down restaurants, plus incentives to attract fine dining. The aim is growing the local economy and dining options.
Tech company MOUs and youth tech pipeline
OIT is pushing Microsoft, AWS, Motorola and other vendors it pays millions to sign MOUs committing resources to county schools and youth programs, plus hackathons and six summer interns.
Employ Prince George's FY 2027 Budget
The county's workforce agency lost 18 positions, expects ARPA grant money to end, and may lose its National Harbor center lease. Its career coach program in schools is growing, and it's pushing to speed up its re-entry employer incentive payments from 12 months to 90 days.
Bob Hall, Inc. beverage distribution expansion
The council confirmed the existing AG/IE zoning is appropriate on 31.71 acres near Upper Marlboro, clearing the way for a major expansion of the Bob Hall beverage distribution operation.
Liquor license caps and ownership equity
Class A liquor licenses have been frozen since 1996 and small-restaurant licenses capped at 215, and the board doesn't collect demographic data on licensees. Members raised concerns that the cap shuts out minority and women entrepreneurs; an equity license bill is moving in Annapolis.
Vacant retail space and business-property owner matchmaking
Multiple council members said property management companies report no relationship with the EDC, leaving vacant strip centers filled with low-quality tenants. The EDC says it has the vacancy data but hasn't communicated it; members requested reports and offered to help broker connections.
Economic Development Incentive Fund Briefing
The Council got a rundown on how the EDI Fund lends and leverages funds to attract and grow county businesses, including year-to-date loan performance.
Blue Line Corridor Development
County officials presented concepts for the Blue Line Corridor, including Metro joint developments, a sports headquarters and practice facility, an amphitheater, and projected economic impact.