Agenda – Standing Committee Goals and Objectives, Labor, and School Construction

The Prince George’s County Council convened its Legislative Year Annual Retreat, “The People’s Agenda: Putting the People First,” on Tuesday, December 13, 2022. The three-day meeting is being held in The Sunset Room at National Harbor. 

Council Chair Tom Dernoga (D) – District 1, says the Council retreat is an important opportunity to set a framework for “The People’s Agenda,” and chart the best path forward.

“Historically, the Council convenes an annual retreat in January, however the work ahead demands a level of urgency that requires us to convene the retreat in December. Our top priority is effectively and efficiently addressing the needs and concerns of County residents, without delay,” adding, “This is done with strategic planning, measurable goals, and forward-thinking policy that places, above all else, our residents’ quality of life.  The Council’s annual retreat will include several opportunities for productive dialogue about how we can best implement the People’s Agenda for Prince Georgians.”

Following welcome remarks from Council Chair Tom Dernoga and Vice Chair Wala Blegay (D – District 6), leadership of the Council’s standing committees provided an overview of goals and objectives for their respective committees. 

The Council’s afternoon labor session included presentations from union principals, and discussions surrounding Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and Project Labor Agreements (PLA). Council Members discussed ways to leverage County contracts to benefit residents, focusing on increasing the number of contracts that go to County-Based MBEs while using PLAs to recruit, hire and train County residents, providing them with much needed benefits, including but not limited to, health care, retirement, sick leave, and family leave. 

The day concluded with a discussion on the Prince George’s County Public Schools Construction Program and Process, with the Council reaffirming its commitment to performing oversight of this critical function. Subject matter experts shared with Council Members ways to monitor school construction spending while ensuring County tax dollars are used efficiently.

Day two of the Council Retreat, which began at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, will feature a Prince George’s County Financial Overview; and dialogue focusing on Business Development Tools and Incentives, Real Estate Development, Minority Business Enterprises, PayGo and Affordable Housing. 

 The Annual Council Retreat is an open meeting, and the public is invited to attend. For more information, updates and presentations, visit https://pgccouncil.us/Retreat. To view the retreat live and on-demand, please visit the Council’s YouTube page, https://www.youtube.com/@PGCCouncil

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