Agenda – Budget and Fiscal Outlook, Business Development Tools and Incentives, Real Estate Development, and Affordable Housing 

The Prince George’s County Council convened for day-two of its Legislative Year Annual Retreat, “The People’s Agenda: Putting the People First,” on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, in the Sunset Room at National Harbor. 

Council Vice Chair Wala Blegay (D) – District 6, noted day-two of the retreat as a time for the Council to further examine the issues important to residents, as “The People’s Agenda” takes shape.  

“On day-two of our retreat, the Council remains laser focused on examining and addressing issues important to both residents and businesses – our County’s finances, small business development, employment opportunities, real estate challenges, and affordable housing.  The people of Prince George’s County have shared their concerns, and we intend to address them effectively and efficiently as a part of ‘The People’s Agenda.’ The retreat is an important part of that work.”

Day two of the Council’s retreat began with a Financial Overview of the County, including information related to the County Budget and fiscal outlook, provided by Office of Management and Budget Director Stanley Early, Office of Finance Director Stephen McGibbon and their respective teams.  Council Members asked presenters several questions during the session, including those related to the County’s Rainy-Day Fund, the impact of projected decreases in income taxes, alternatives to construction costs, and tax credits.  

The Council’s Business Development Tools and Incentives session provided Council members with an opportunity to examine how the County is using various incentives and tax credits to attract, support and retain businesses. Council Members made queries for additional industry data and shared concerns about critical investments reaching the districts they serve. “My district hasn’t felt the trickle down of these investments,” said District 6 Council Member Krystal Oriadha.  “They don’t feel there is a true investment inside of the beltway and this is something we need to see happening," talking about it is not enough.

The retreat continued with County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks, who joined the Council with opening words of appreciation for the work ahead, “Thank you all in advance for the work you are going to do. The optimism and the outlook for the County is just so positive and everyone is excited about what is anticipated to happen - thank you for that.” County Executive Alsobrooks provided an overview of several goals and objectives for the County in the coming year, shared with the state lawmakers earlier Wednesday.

The retreat concluded with sessions focused on real estate development, Minority Business Enterprises and a robust discussion on affordable housing. 

Due to the inclement weather forecast and ice storm warning for Thursday, December 15, 2022, which includes icy road conditions overnight and into the morning, day three of the Prince George’s County Council Retreat, “The People’s Agenda: Putting the People First” will be rescheduled to a future date.

For more information, updates and retreat presentations, visit https://pgccouncil.us/Retreat. To view the retreat on-demand, please visit the Council’s YouTube page, https://www.youtube.com/@PGCCouncil