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.
Sprinkler retrofit costs as a barrier for family child care homes
A new bill would strip away special-exception and site-plan hurdles for day care centers and cut their parking requirements, aiming to make childcare easier to open countywide.
Rental License Display and Short-Term Rental Penalties
Council Member Dernoga's bill would require landlords and short-term rental hosts to display their licenses, add advertising rules, and raise penalties on noncompliant short-term rental hosts. The committee held it for now, so changes are still coming.
Tobacco sales ban at non-gas convenience stores
Two related bills would curb tobacco sales at convenience stores: CB-083 would bar tobacco sales through the zoning ordinance with a transition period, while CB-089, a broader ban with higher penalties, was held indefinitely.
Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Coordination
County agencies are being urged to better coordinate services to support seniors suffering from Alzheimer's disease and related dementias amid rising costs.
One-year moratorium on prisons and corrections facilities in District 4
The county is freezing permits for new prisons and corrections facilities in District 4 for a year while the council figures out how to regulate where these facilities can go. Current zoning bans private prisons but doesn't define them clearly.
Autism Equity Initiative in Prince George's County
A briefing on how widespread dementia is in the county, presented with the Alzheimer's Association and the Department of Family Services. It informs future county services and support for affected families.
Cannabis Reinvestment and Restoration Fund authority (CB-093)
The board was scheduled to review a draft methodology for distributing cannabis reinvestment funds created under CB-088-2025. How this money is allocated could shape which communities and programs benefit from cannabis tax revenue.
Illegal vending penalties (CB-032)
The county is toughening penalties for illegal sidewalk and right-of-way vending (fines now $1,000/$2,000/$3,000 with a warning first) while also creating a pilot program to legalize and simplify street vending on designated streets. One council member argued penalties come before legal pathways exist.
Clean County Legislative Package
Council members complained state road grass cutting in the county looks worse than neighboring Charles County. SHA explained a vendor's workers' comp failure killed seven mowing contracts and crews are working overtime to catch up.
Pedestrian safety and Vision Zero
Ninety-seven people died on county roads last year and nearly 60 more this year. SHA's pedestrian safety program is delivering fixes on New Hampshire Ave, Route 410, Route 212, and more — and officials want protected bike lanes, not just paint.
Public safety equipment and facilities funding
The committee backed multi-year financing for emergency communication equipment and public safety vehicles, moved capital funds to the District VI Police Station, and added money for public safety infrastructure upgrades.
9-1-1 Radio Replacement and Public Safety Financing
Up to $120 million in financing will replace the 2009-vintage, unencrypted police 911 radios and fund annual public safety equipment leases.
Independent Office of the Inspector General
A bill to create an independent watchdog with subpoena power died when no one seconded the motion; opponents cited charter conflicts with existing audit and ethics offices, while supporters cited grant-process scandals and Montgomery County's $28 million in IG findings.
FY 2027 Budget — Fire/EMS Department
The committee backed multi-year financing for emergency communication equipment and public safety vehicles, moved capital funds to the District VI Police Station, and added money for public safety infrastructure upgrades.
Illegal street vending enforcement and pilot program
The county is cracking down on unpermitted street vending that officials say creates safety hazards, unfair competition for licensed businesses, and lost tax revenue — while also launching a pilot to create legal vending opportunities. A resident testified about vendors overrunning gas station parking lots in her community.
Transfer of Enforcement Division to Office of Homeland Security
DPIE's enforcement division now operates as OHS's Code Compliance Division under Executive Order 13-2026, with CB-123-2026 codifying the move. Inspectors gain closer ties to police and Sheriff support, and new hires will work evening hours.
Tobacco and liquor retailer density by district
CB-83 would bar convenience stores from selling tobacco products to combat the spread of 24-hour smoke shops; industry groups want a clearer line drawn between legitimate convenience stores and bad actors.
Complaint-driven enforcement and district equity
Members warned that 311-driven enforcement can leave immigrant and working-class neighborhoods underserved — District 2 has among the most code violations but the fewest complaints. Nine enforcement liaisons, one per council district, are funded in FY 2027 to fix this.
Youth vaping and prevention programming gaps
Youth cigarette use has collapsed (2.1% in high schools), but vaping sits at 14.3% statewide. The health department's tobacco program is small, state-grant funded with no local investment, and the county only has two inpatient treatment facilities.
Tenant protection legislative package
Three bills — relocation notices, a multilingual rights guide, and expedited enforcement of unsafe rentals — all advanced, aiming to make rental protections actually usable by residents.
Emergency Communications and Public Safety Equipment Financing
The county wants to borrow up to $70 million to replace about 7,000 9-1-1 radios bought in 2009 that can no longer be repaired or updated, plus up to $30 million for public safety vehicles and $20 million for unexpected capital costs. First step: introduction of CR-096-2026.
FY 2027 Office of Homeland Security budget
The county is borrowing up to $120 million to replace nearly 7,000 9-1-1 radios from 2009 that can no longer be repaired, buy public safety vehicles and equipment, and cover unexpected capital needs. This keeps emergency communications working for police, fire, and EMS responders.
ICE Office Expansion in Hyattsville
Residents are pressing the Council to rescind the permit allowing ICE to expand its office at 6505 Belcrest Road in Hyattsville, arguing immigrant families accessing services there — a food pantry, social services, community college satellite, and immigration court — could be scared away or targeted.
Police Accountability Board vacancies
The council held a public information session where eight candidates for five Police Accountability Board seats spoke about their qualifications.
Permitting of ICE offices in Hyattsville
Residents are urging the council to push County Executive Braveboy to revoke a use and occupancy permit for DHS/ICE legal offices near a school, community college branch and immigration court. They say it violates the Community Safe Spaces Act and intimidates immigrant families. The council says it is already looking into its options with the administration.
Emergency Weather Operations Fund
After complaints about last winter's storm response, Public Works rolled out an elevated snow strategy: a new 311 snow team, faster 311 response, better performance tracking and clearer communication with residents and Council offices.
Emergency Weather Operations Fund (proposed)
A new $15 million dedicated fund will let DPW&T lock in snow removal contractors before winter instead of scrambling each storm. The department has historically gotten only about $4 million a year for snow — one big storm wipes that out.
Countywide beautification and blight enforcement package
Bills introduced would slap fines up to $5,000 on unmaintained vacant properties and tax vacant blighted houses at five times the normal rate, with proceeds going to the school board.
Emergency Vehicle Access and Recovery Act
A new emergency law spells out how people can recover vehicles towed from private or public property — including proof of ownership, indemnification, and notice to family members — prompted by residents being detained by federal authorities and leaving vehicles behind.
Homeland Security absorbs DPIE code enforcement
The county's code Enforcement Division is being moved from Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement into the Office of Homeland Security — a restructuring that changes who handles property enforcement.
Human trafficking awareness notices in hotels
Every hotel, motel, and lodging establishment in the county would have to post a notice in each guest room telling victims and employees how to recognize trafficking and who to call. The county sits on the I-95 corridor, and sponsor Eric Olson said he got the idea from a New York hotel room notice. It costs the county nothing — hotels bear the compliance burden.
Maternal Health Improvement Strategic Plan
Two resolutions push for earlier diagnosis, screening access and better care navigation for women with fibroids, plus stronger state and federal research funding and insurance coverage. Fibroids disproportionately affect Black women, a significant population in Prince George's County.
Protections against utility and government impersonation scams
New bill CB-038-2026, added late to the agenda, would stiffen penalties for people falsely claiming to be from a utility company or government agency — a common scam targeting residents.
Ban on New Detention Centers
CB-031-2026 would stop the county from issuing building permits or occupancy certificates for private immigration detention facilities. The committee recommended it favorably with amendments; the full council decides next.
Accessibility barriers for deaf and blind residents
A new task force will study accessibility barriers for blind, low-vision, deaf and hard-of-hearing residents and recommend fixes. This could improve how residents access county services, signage, communications and facilities.
Higher fines for neglected commercial properties
Vacant shopping centers, utility corridors and open commercial green space have become hotspots for dumping, drinking and homeless encampments. This bill gives the county real leverage — fines up to $5,000 — to push owners to fence, clean and maintain their land. Residential owners are exempt.
Fibroid Healthcare Awareness and Insurance Access
Two new resolutions push for more fibroid awareness, screening, treatment access, and better insurance coverage — a significant women's health push backed by most of the Council.
Impersonation of utility companies and government agencies
A new ordinance targets scammers who falsely claim to represent utilities or government agencies, adding penalties to existing prohibitions. This is aimed at protecting residents — especially seniors — from fraud.
Illegal dumping enforcement
Six bills from Chair Oriadha would create rapid-response cleanup corridors, a public transparency dashboard, tougher vacant property enforcement, higher fines for illegal signs, a citizen reward program, and a special tax rate on vacant properties. Together they aim to tackle dumping and blight that residents see on their streets.
Safe spaces and peer community for foster youth
Student members said foster youth need places to just be kids and connect with others who share their experience — like a Student Leadership Academy-style program for youth in care, with mental health specialists on hand.
Support and resources for foster/resource parents
A 19-year licensed foster parent described being on call 24/7 with little institutional backup — having to leave work for wheelchair repairs, fight for tutoring and out-of-school slots, and cover costs out of pocket. Members discussed respite care and better coordination among agencies.
North County Animal Shelter delayed and cost tripled
The long-planned North County Animal Shelter has been delayed so resources can go to renovating the existing Upper Marlboro shelter — and its estimated cost has jumped from $7.1 million to $18.8 million, roughly triple the 2022 figure. Structural deficits in the county's environmental funds are blocking new projects like this one.
Motor vehicle takeover and street racing crackdown
A new bill would make it a county offense to organize, participate in, or even knowingly attend a street takeover event, aligning with state law.
Unhoused encampments on University Boulevard
Council Member Fisher described an acute drug-addicted unhoused population behind businesses on University Boulevard in her district and pressed for a joint service outreach visit within 30 days, warning of risks once the Purple Line opens nearby.
State's Attorney FY 2027 budget and evidence system
The State's Attorney's office is running with 15+ vacancies and an outdated case management system, leading to case dismissals when evidence can't be shared with defense attorneys. The office wants an Axon discovery system (~$400K/year) that isn't in the submitted budget, plus more juvenile division resources ahead of new Maryland laws taking effect October 1.
Motor vehicle takeovers
A broad council-backed bill would criminalize organizing or even attending takeover events and formalize penalties for stunt driving. Its hearing was pushed to May 5, delaying final action.
Domestic Violence Response Coordination
The county's Domestic Violence Workgroup held its organizational meeting to elect leadership and set its priorities for the year. The group's work shapes how the county coordinates services and support for domestic violence survivors and their families.
Circuit Court facility needs
A new state mandate requires two deputies per criminal courtroom, one per civil courtroom, and one per four courtrooms for hallways. Sheriff Carr says the staffing increase is coming and notes the office covers the county with only 393 sworn personnel.
311 Service Responsiveness
The county's 311 line is running with 12 call-takers instead of 20 — during a winter storm they fielded over 330 calls an hour. Seven call-center positions sit unfunded in the proposed budget, and Council Member Blegay pushed the director to fight for that money. Residents complain service requests get closed without the work actually done.
Juvenile and car meetups organized on social media
The chief warned that flash mob-style teen gatherings and car meetups spread through social media could turn violent this summer. Police are piloting a $500 tip reward for car meetups, planning an education campaign and urging new legislation, but a recent gathering of 500-600 juveniles in District 5 showed the limits of curfews.