Agenda Includes County Budget, Grants Update and Council Priorities
The Prince George’s County Council convened its 2019 Annual Retreat “Service. Community. Progress,” today, January 7. The two-day annual meeting is being held in the Terrapin Room at The Hotel at the University of Maryland, in College Park.
Council Chair Todd M. Turner (D) – District 4, says the Council Retreat offers an opportunity for the Council to come together as a body to discuss critical issues and concerns important to residents.
“We are focused on developing cohesiveness among the members, and identifying important priorities for the Legislative Year ahead.”
Council Members opened Monday’s session with a briefing on County Budget and fiscal matters provided by Office of Management and Budget Director Stanley Earley, and the County’s Acting Chief Administrative Officer, Major Riddick. The presentation and dialogue focused on the County’s economic outlook, long-term fiscal outlook, and General Fund and Capital Improvement Program projections for Legislative Year 2019. Economic Development Corporation President and CEO David Iannucci concluded with a presentation focusing on Economic Development Tools including, but not limited to, the Economic Development Incentive (EDI) Fund; County and state tax credit tools and opportunity zones.
Following an update on Council grants, District of Columbia City Council Member Rob White, who discussed his role as an At-Large Member, fielded questions from County Council Members.
The afternoon session focused on various Council initiatives including the Blue Ribbon Commission; Tax Credit Reform Commission; Comprehensive Housing Strategy; and the Prince George’s County Public Schools Performance Audit & P3 Workgroup.
County Executive Angela Alsobrooks joined the Council during the final session of the day, reaffirming her commitment to effectively address the needs of County residents and the shared priorities of education; workforce development; County beautification; and transportation and infrastructure.
“I think what we are all aware that this is a time of change, and also a time of uncertainty, and I think we have an opportunity, together, to provide for Prince Georgians the kind of stability, sure-footedness and impactful legislation that will change their lives.”
The day concluded with a General Assembly outlook and overview of Legislative Priorities for 2019.
Day two of the Council Retreat, which begins as 10 a.m. on Tuesday, will examine the issues of health care, including the University of Maryland Capital Region Health, Board of Health and health study updates, as well as a zoning discussion on the Countywide Map Amendment.
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
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