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.
Street Vending Regulation and Enforcement
The county will now fine illegal street vendors — a mandatory warning first, then $500/$1,000/$2,000 — starting a year from now, alongside a new pilot program creating legal vending zones with permits. Residents in Langley Park and Chillum pushed for cleanup and safety; vendors and advocates warned there is currently no license pathway at all.
2026 Summer Youth Enrichment Program Outcomes
The county's summer youth jobs and enrichment program was briefed to the committee — a key summer opportunity for young residents to earn and learn.
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.
High-Wage Employer Fast Track Program (CB-105-2026)
The bill would create a single expedited approval process for employers meeting wage, investment, and job-quality standards, aiming to attract high-paying jobs to the county. The main sticking point is cost: agencies say they lack budget and staffing for dedicated permit project managers, though Draft 2 spreads duties across multiple agencies.
$215M National Harbor Sphere venue bond financing
The county is considering up to $215 million in special obligation bonds to help build an immersive entertainment venue at National Harbor and refinance the 2022 bonds. The money is repaid from tax increment, hotel tax, and PRA tax revenues at National Harbor — not the county's general credit — but the committee refused to take a position, leaving the fight for the full council.
National Harbor immersive entertainment venue financing
The county is being asked to authorize up to $215 million in special obligation bonds to help build a Sphere-style entertainment venue at National Harbor and refund older 2022 bonds. Repayment would come from tax increment, hotel taxes and other district revenues, not the county's general credit. The committee declined to take a position, leaving the decision to the full council.
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.
Cannabis Reinvestment and Restoration Board overhaul
The bill rewriting how the cannabis reinvestment board works was amended four times and sent to the full Council with a unanimous favorable recommendation.
Project labor agreement dispute on the Sphere project
Sphere refused to sign a PLA, arguing only ~10% of county construction trades are unionized and a PLA would exclude minority and merit-shop contractors. Union representatives and several council members demanded enforceable labor agreements as a condition of any county funding.
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.
AI Education and Workforce Readiness
Briefings covered how PGCPS is rolling out AI tools for students and families, and how Bowie State is building AI career pathways. The goal is preparing county students for jobs in a fast-changing tech economy.
Sister city relationship with Kumasi, Ghana
The council formally established a sister city relationship with Kumasi, Ghana, opening doors for cultural and educational exchanges.
Capital Plaza restaurant pad site
A small 1,910-square-foot restaurant with drive-through service will be built on a pad within the Capital Plaza shopping center on Annapolis Road after the council waived review.
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 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.
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.
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.
Veteran-owned business procurement opportunities (CB-024-2026)
A set of bills would give county procurement preferences to veteran-owned and locally-owned businesses, create a diverse supplier prime contractor program, and incentivize restaurants with fine dining awards and reduced permit fees. The goal is keeping more county spending with local businesses and attracting restaurants.
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.
Discovery District quantum and AI economy
A resolution pushing schools, employers, and agencies to work together to prepare residents and students for the emerging quantum science economy — training, mentorship, curriculum alignment, and career pathways.
Apprenticeship Incentive Program
The county wants to grow apprenticeships in tech, construction, building trades, and healthcare by having Employ Prince George's and other agencies offer a package of incentives. More apprenticeships mean more paid pathways into good careers for county residents without needing a four-year degree.
FY 2027 Capital Budget Review — Redevelopment Authority
Staff read a long list of candidate capital projects — including a $200 million Laurel High School rebuild, $25 million Bowie Aquatic Center, $300 million Camp Springs multi-gen facility, and dozens of road resurfacing projects — so council members can advocate for them in negotiations.