Discover the latest updates and key developments in local government activities across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia in our weekly comprehensive report. From legislative meetings to policy reviews, budget discussions, and educational initiatives, this update provides a concise overview of essential matters shaping the future of these regions.
Whether you're a concerned citizen, policymaker, or simply interested in staying informed about local governance, this report offers valuable insights into the decisions and actions that impact your community. Dive into the details of government agendas and stay up-to-date on the critical issues that shape the fabric of these diverse and dynamic localities.
CLPA will provide continual updates throughout the week on any new developments on our site, on X (formerly Twitter): @LocalPolicyCTR, and on Facebook @localpolicycenter.
See a complete list of meetings below.
District of Columbia
DC Council
The DC Council will hold a legislative meeting tomorrow at 1 pm. Key actions include the first reading and vote on the Reservoir Park Recreation Center Designation Act of 2024 (Bill 25-841), which would officially name the recreation center, and the Youth Mentorship Through Community Engagement Act of 2024 (Bill 25-742), designed to foster mentorship programs for young residents. Final readings will include the Recidivism Reduction, Oversight, and Accountability for DYRS Act of 2024 (Bill 25-826), which aims to reduce recidivism through enhanced accountability for youth rehabilitation services. CLPA published a policy brief on this bill in September.
Proposed resolutions, such as the Director of the Office of Human Rights Kenneth L. Saunders Confirmation Resolution of 2024 (PR 25-993), will also be considered. Emergency legislation includes the Election Worker Protection Second Emergency Amendment Act of 2024 (Bill 25-1045) to safeguard election workers and the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Technical Second Emergency Amendment Act of 2024 (Bill 25-), which refines policing and justice measures. Legislation requested by the Mayor, such as the Downtown Arena Revitalization Emergency Act of 2024 (Bill 25-), which seeks funding and policies to rejuvenate the arena district, will also be reviewed.
The next additional legislative meeting is scheduled for December 17, 2024, at noon.
DC State Board of Education
The DC State Board of Education will not have a public meeting. However, there will be a working session on Wednesday at 5 pm.
Maryland
Maryland General Assembly
The Maryland House of Delegates and the Maryland Senate have adjourned for the year but will be back in session in January 2025.
Charles County
Board of Charles County Commissioners
The Charles County Board of County Commissioners will meet tomorrow at 9 am.
Approval items will include budget amendments, a Cobb Island Pump Station lease, and letters of support for watershed funding.
Morning briefings will cover a proposed public hearing for the donation of land for a hospice and the introduction of Bill 2024-18, which seeks to amend zoning for fast-food restaurants in Core Employment/Residential zones. Afternoon briefings will feature a transportation update from the Tri-County Council and discussions on legal costs. The session will also include the award of the Consolidated Public Improvement Bonds of 2023.
Public hearings starting at 6 p.m. will address proposed Bill 2024-15, which amends the Water and Sewer Ordinance, and Bill 2024-16, a zoning text amendment related to agritourism driveways and parking.
Montgomery County
Montgomery County Council
The Montgomery County Council will meet tomorrow at 9 am. Key agenda items include the Election of Council Officers and comments from the newly elected Council President. Later in the morning, the Council will interview Stephanie Iszard, nominated as Chief of Children, Youth, and Family Services, and conduct a District Council Session to introduce a Corrective Map Amendment (CMA H-151) for properties on Piedmont Road.
During the Legislative Session, the Council will introduce two bills: Bill 27-24 (Animal Control - Impoundment and Disposition) and Bill 28-24 (Employees' Retirement System and Other Post-Employment Benefits - Administration - Powers and Duties), both scheduled for public hearings in January 2025. In the afternoon, several Public Hearings will be held, including one on Bill 25-24 (Contracts and Procurement - Prohibitions Against Human Trafficking - Enforcement) and another on Expedited Bill 22-24 (Taxation - Collection of Development Impact Taxes), with related actions on supplemental appropriations for various county programs.
The next Council meeting is set for Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 9:30 am.
Montgomery County Board of Education
The Montgomery County Board of Education will meet on Thursday at 9 am. with the election of board officers, followed by a closed session resolution. Consent items to be approved include multiple contracts, such as Bid No. 9706.5 for athletic field maintenance and the award of contracts for major projects like the Burtonsville Elementary School Replacement Project and HVAC upgrades at Gaithersburg Middle School. Supplemental appropriations for programs under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, including the Career Advising and Community Schools initiatives, will also be considered.
Key items for discussion and action include the approval of the 2025–2026 school calendar and the selection of a consultant for a school boundary review (RFP No. 4998.1). The Board will tentatively take action on Policy GCB concerning the reporting and handling of fraudulent actions by employees and contractors. An amendment to the Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals agreement will also be discussed. Informational updates will cover fall 2024 literacy progress, the superintendent’s entry plan, and FY2026 budget recommendations.
Prince George's County
Prince George's County Council
The Prince George's County Council meets tomorrow at 11 am. The agenda includes remarks by the 2024 Council Chair and Vice Chair, followed by the election of the County Council Chair and Vice Chair for the 2025 legislative year. These newly elected officers will serve from December 3, 2024, to December 2, 2025. After the elections, there will be an official exchange of the gavel, and the incoming Chair will offer remarks.
Prince George's County Board of Education
The Prince George's County Board of Education will have its Annual Meeting of the Board of Education and the swearing-in of new board members at 5 pm today. Looking ahead to the Board Business Meeting on Thursday at 5:30 pm, key highlights will include the approval of several consent items, such as the implementation of House Bill 0821, which focuses on creating a specialist network to support student success, and the authorization of FY 2025 tax-exempt financing for replacing buses, vehicles, and instructional materials. Additionally, the Board will consider a Memorandum of Understanding for the joint construction of the Riverdale Hills Early Childhood Center. The Superintendent’s FY 2026 proposed budget will be presented, along with reports from committees on policies like the rescission of Policy 9265, which evaluates the superintendent.
Virginia
Virginia General Assembly
The Virginia House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate have adjourned for the 2024 session. They will be back in session in January 2025.
Alexandria City
Alexandria City Council
The Alexandria City Council will meet next Tuesday at 7 pm.
Alexandria City Board of Education
The Alexandria City Board of Education will meet this Thursday at 6 pm. Several critical actions are scheduled for the Consent Calendar, including approval of personnel actions, a task order for the George Mason Elementary School modernization project, and a change order for Verizon service at Minnie Howard. The board will also consider policy revisions and adopt minutes from prior sessions. Monitoring items include updates on attendance trends and strategies to reduce absenteeism, an evaluation of the division's Social Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives, and a presentation of the proposed academic calendars for 2025-2028.
Arlington County
Arlington County Board
The Arlington County Board will not have a public meeting this week.
Arlington County School Board
The Arlington County School Board will not have a public meeting this week.
Fairfax County
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will meet tomorrow at 9:30 am. The agenda includes critical actions such as adopting the county’s 2025 Legislative Program, which outlines the county’s key policy priorities for the upcoming Virginia General Assembly session. This program will address issues such as transportation funding, education, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability, providing a framework for the county’s lobbying efforts. The Board will also consider an amendment to Zoning Ordinance §3102, focusing on expanding affordable housing options by modifying density regulations in high-demand areas.
Additionally, the Board will discuss Budget Item BA2024-017, which reallocates $15 million in surplus funds from the previous fiscal year to support community health initiatives, including mental health programs and pandemic recovery efforts. Another key action will involve Resolution R2024-12, aimed at supporting green infrastructure projects by approving a $5 million bond issuance for stormwater management improvements in flood-prone neighborhoods.
The next meeting will occur on December 10, 2024, at 3:30 p.m., where the Board will hold a work session with the county's General Assembly delegation to review the legislative program and discuss collaborative strategies for advancing the county’s policy goals during the state legislative session.
Fairfax County School Board
The Fairfax County School Board will meet tomorrow at 7 pm and address various agenda items, beginning with a closed session at 4:30 p.m. The open session agenda features several critical action items and discussions. The Human Resources (EL-4) Monitoring Report and policy review will spotlight workforce matters. The FY 2025 Midyear Budget Review will offer insights into financial adjustments and priorities, while the Strategic Plan Update will discuss progress on district goals. The consent agenda includes practical items like playground upgrades and elementary school renovations. The new business section of the meeting will introduce key topics such as the FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program and the Strategic Plan Goal 2 Report focusing on student safety and empowerment. However, these will be slated for future votes.
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