The Prince George’s County Council has received the 2021-2022 Prince George’s County Charter Review Commission Final Report and Recommendations, publicly presented during Council session on Tuesday, May 3, 2022.
The seven-member Charter Review Commission, established by Council Resolution CR-003-2021 and CR-32-2021, and authorized in County Charter Section 1106 is charged with undertaking a comprehensive study of the County Charter and recommending appropriate changes. 2021-2022 Charter Review Commission Members include Chair Lupi Grady, The Hon. Samuel H. Dean, The Hon. Camille Exum, Dennis Brownlee, Dr. Stephanie Overton Stanard, Glenda Wilson, and Jacqueline Woody.
Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II, noted the diligence of the Charter Review Commissioners, thanking them for their service to the residents of Prince George’s County.
“The County Charter, which details the powers, duties and structures of government and the rights of citizens, is a critical document. The Council commends the conscientious work of the Charter Review Commission in its careful study of our County Charter, and we look forward to reviewing the final report, and recommendations.”
The Commission’s work, which began in December 2021, included nine (9) virtual public meetings; a virtual public hearing; and briefings from various County agencies and departments; and Executive and Legislative branch officials. The Commission also studied the work of prior Charter review bodies and invited governmental officials to offer ideas and suggestions.
Charter Review Commission Chair Lupi Grady acknowledged the work of the commission to offer recommendations that provide “fair and reasonable Charter amendments greatly benefiting the residents of Prince George’s County.”
Focusing its efforts on more efficient County operating procedures in the areas of appropriations, contracting and personnel; prohibiting discrimination by contractors who are recipients of County funds; revising the Charter to reflect gender neutral language; and revising the Charter to comply with State law concerning compensation of Council Members and the County Executive, the Charter Review Commission presented 10 final recommendations to the Council.
The Council may accept all, some, or none of the Charter amendment recommendations submitted by the Commission. Pursuant to Charter Section 1105, any amendments to the Charter may be proposed by the Council in the form of a Charter Amendment Bill, which, upon approval, will be submitted to voters during the General Election. Charter Amendment bills must be enacted by July 12, 2022, to appear on the November General Election ballot.
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