Discover the latest updates and key developments in local government activities across the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and beyond 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.
See a complete list of meetings below.
District of Columbia
DC Council
The DC Council will hold a legislative meeting today at noon, which will include a vote on B25-0784, the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Support Act of 2024, which would update laws needed to put the Fiscal Year 2025 budget into action. Mayor Bowser has expressed significant concerns about the proposed budget as originally drafted. Ahead of the first vote, she pointed out that while the budget raises $530 million in new taxes and fees, it fails to address several critical issues she had previously highlighted.
Mayor Bowser emphasized that the bill underfunded public schools and 21 district facilities while also cutting essential investments. She specifically criticized the budget for eliminating the youth sports complex at RFK Stadium, delaying the replacement of the correctional facility, and reducing improvements to high-crash roadways. Additionally, she noted that the Council’s budget cuts would diminish investments in Downtown revitalization and critical community projects.
In response to these concerns, Councilmember Mendelson has proposed an amendment to B25-0784, which may help to mitigate some of the opposition and address the mayor's key issues.
DC State Board of Education
The DC State Board of Education will not have a public meeting this week.
Maryland
Maryland General Assembly:
The Maryland House of Delegates and the Maryland Senate have adjourned for the year and will be back in session in January 2025.
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Charles County
Board of Charles County Commissioners
The Board of Charles County Commissioners will not have a public meeting today at 9:00 am. The Commissioners will address several approval items, including a request to reconsider Friday, July 5, 2024, as a county holiday. They will also discuss various budget amendments and transfers for FY2024, including transfers for office renovations, inspection and review funds, building furniture and IT equipment, electrical work at Mallows Bay, and the Community Options Waiver Program.
Significant legislative actions during this meeting will include:
Request approval of the Board of Education's FY2024 intercategory and FY2025 budget transfers.
Proposed revisions to the County Commissioner Expense Policy.
Request to use community support funds for the Commission for Veterans Affairs.
Action on a proposal to establish February as African American Heritage Month instead of Black History Month in Charles County.
In the morning they will discuss a request to schedule a public hearing for the Docket 90 Amendment related to the Villages of Wooded Glen & Piney Reach Master Plan. This will involve reviewing various documents, including a summary memorandum, staff reports, location maps, and public comments. Additionally, there will be a briefing on the proposed Blue Zone Initiative, aimed at improving community health, presented by Commissioner Collins and representatives from the Charles County Health Department and Blue Zones organization. The Department of Economic Development and PSM Aviation will hold a briefing on the Maryland Airport in the afternoon.
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Montgomery County
Montgomery County Council
The Montgomery County Council will have a public meeting today a 10 am and will discuss a variety of legislative matters, focusing on several key resolutions and appropriations. In the district council session, the council will act on confirming the County Executive's appointments to the Sign Review Board. The consent calendar includes several introductions and actions on various resolutions and appropriations:
Resolution to Authorize the Optional Method for Condemnation of Land Advanced Taking - MD 355 Clarksburg Shared Use Path: This Capital Improvements Program (CIP) project aims to improve transportation infrastructure in Clarksburg.
Executive Regulation #02-24, Rent Stabilization: This regulation will be discussed in an upcoming PHP Committee worksession.
Resolution to Adopt a Technical Correction to Resolution 20-545: This involves an amendment to the FY23-28 CIP and a supplemental appropriation for Montgomery County Public Schools' Technology Modernization, funded by federal aid.
Resolution to Adopt the FY25-30 Tax Supported Fiscal Plan Summary: This fiscal plan summary is recommended for approval by the GO Committee.
Resolution to Approve the Montgomery County Hazard Mitigation Plan 2024: This plan aims to address potential hazards and ensure the safety of the community.
DOT Docket Nos. AB 776, Abandonment - Segment of Right of Way off Holdridge Road: This involves the abandonment of a segment of right-of-way in Silver Spring, recommended for approval by the TE Committee.
Optional Procedure for Condemnation of Land, Advance Taking - Metropolitan Branch Trail, Phase II: This project focuses on the advancement of the Metropolitan Branch Trail, also recommended for approval by the TE Committee.
Supplemental Appropriation to the FY24 Operating Budget, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service: This appropriation involves state grant funds for the Fire, Rescue, and Ambulance Fund.
Resolution to confirm the County Executive's appointments to the Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board and the Upcounty Citizens Advisory Board: Appointments include R. Thomas Hoffman and Paul Klee, respectively.
Resolution regarding Montgomery County Commitment to Disseminating Secure Firearm Storage Information to Parents: This resolution underscores the county's commitment to firearm safety and secure storage.
In addition, there will be hold public hearings on updates to the Montgomery County Growth Tiers Map and several supplemental appropriations related to operating budgets for various departments, including correction and rehabilitation, snow removal and storm cleanup, and general services. Additionally, there will be a public hearing on Bill 11-24, which aims to establish the Make Office Vacancy Extinct (MOVE) Grant Program.
Montgomery County Board of Education
The Montgomery County Board of Education will not have a public meeting today at 3:30 pm. During this meeting the Board will appoint Dr. Thomas W. Taylor, Ed.D., M.B.A. to be the county's new Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Taylor brings over 25 years of experience in education, with more than 12 years in leadership roles, including 6 years as a superintendent. His appointment, effective July 1, 2024, is pending the finalization of his employment agreement and the approval of the State Superintendent of Schools.
The Board will take final action on Policy IKB regarding homework, followed by an oral discussion on the expansion of work-based learning. Additionally, Board of Education items will include a resolution for a future closed session, a report of the previous closed session, appointments to the ethics panel, and new business. Informational summaries of previous meetings will also be provided.
Prince George's County
Prince George's County Council
The Prince George's County Council will hold a special meeting today at 7:30 to discuss and vote on CR-060-2024. This resolution would start the process of holding a special election to fill a vacancy created by Council Member At-Large Mel Franklin's resignation on June 14, 2024. The resolution sets the special primary election for August 6, 2024, and the special general election for November 5, 2024. Candidates must file their certificates of candidacy by July 5, 2024.
Prince George's County Board of Education
The Prince George's County Board of Education will meet on Thursday at 7 pm. Key legislative discussions will revolve around policy and governance recommendations, including the introduction and potential rescission of several board policies. These include BP 0116 on Wellness, Nutrition, and Physical Activity, BP 2801 on Safe and Supportive Schools, and several student records and security policies. Additionally, first readings of new policies such as Service Animals in Schools, Student Information and Records, Educational Equity, and Core Curriculum Resources will be announced.
The meeting will also address budget consent agenda items, including the approval of vendors for USDA processing, amendments to the Blueprint Schools Program Phase II, and fiscal year 2025 expenditure requirements. Significant time will be devoted to discussing the upcoming fiscal year budget, non-resident tuition rates, and other financial matters crucial for the upcoming school year.
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.
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Alexandria City
Alexandria City Council:
The Alexandria City Council will have a public meeting today at 7:00 p.m. One key legislative item to be discussed is the acceptance of the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant award for the implementation and ongoing operation of Permanent Supportive Housing for adults with serious mental illness. This initiative, spearheaded by the Alexandria Community Services Board in collaboration with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, aims to provide stable housing and support services for vulnerable populations.
The council will also consider the first reading and potential passage of several ordinances, including one to establish a process for granting franchises to install and operate electric vehicle supply equipment on public property. This ordinance is part of the city's efforts to promote sustainable transportation options and reduce carbon emissions by enhancing electric vehicle infrastructure.
Additionally, the meeting will address amendments to the city's zoning map and master plan, including the rezoning of properties at 709 and 711 Pendleton Street and at 6101 and 6125 Stevenson Avenue. These amendments are part of broader redevelopment efforts to enhance commercial and residential areas within the city. The council will also deliberate on several grant applications and resolutions related to transportation infrastructure and opioid settlement agreements.
Alexandria City Board of Education
The Alexandria City Board of Education will not have a full committee meeting this week.
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Arlington County
Arlington County Board
The Arlington County Board will not have a full Board meeting this week.
Arlington County School Board
The Arlington County School Board will not hold a full public meeting this week
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Fairfax County
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will have a full public meeting today at 9:30 am. Among the administrative items on the agenda are several measures aimed at improving local infrastructure and traffic conditions. The board will consider incorporating new streets into the secondary system in the Providence and Mount Vernon Districts, approving traffic calming measures for Cherrytree Drive in the Mount Vernon District, and authorizing additional fine signs for speeding in various districts, including Southrun Road and Carrleigh Parkway.
In addition, the board will address several action items, including the authorization to advertise public hearings on proposed amendments to the county code. These amendments cover a range of issues such as correcting a scrivener’s error in the ordinance renaming a polling place, proposing changes to the uniformed retirement systems ordinances, and increasing taxicab rates. Furthermore, the board will authorize the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board and the Fairfax County Department of Transportation to apply for and accept grant funding for programs addressing opioid use and active transportation infrastructure, respectively.
The afternoon session will include multiple public hearings. Notably, the board will consider amendments to the county code to consolidate precincts, relocate polling places, and remove a voter satellite office. Another significant hearing will focus on the adoption of Chapter 124.1, the Erosion and Stormwater Management Ordinance, which will replace existing chapters to streamline and enhance environmental regulations.
Fairfax County School Board
Fairfax County School Board will hold a public meeting this Thursday at 7:00 p.m. During the meeting, they will discuss policy, including the adoption of the Community Advisory Committee Operating Manual. The manual provides a structured framework for the operations of the School Board's citizen advisory committees, which will be rebranded as community advisory committees. It will cover various aspects such as committee scope, membership, roles, meeting structures, and interactions with the School Board. This adoption follows a period of review and recommendations by the Public Engagement Committee.
The meeting will also include the approval of a rooftop solar power purchase agreement for nine elementary schools. This initiative is part of the school district's ongoing efforts to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability. The agreement with Sun Tribe, LLC, will enable the installation of solar panels, providing long-term energy cost savings and supporting the district's commitment to renewable energy. The detailed proposals, analyzed for energy savings and feasibility, highlight the anticipated benefits of this 25-year term agreement.
Additionally, the meeting will include a series of action items and consent agenda approvals. These will range from contract renewals for various consulting services to reappointment of the Educational Employees’ Retirement System trustees. Among these is approving a new sole source contract with The College Board for standardized testing services, which is crucial for college readiness programs. The evening will also see updates on the strategic plan, academic matters, and superintendent reports, ensuring a comprehensive review and decision-making process for the board members.
The session will conclude with new business items and board committee reports. Notably, the board will discuss the continued designation of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology as a regional school, emphasizing the benefits of state funding and regional cooperation. This designation supports the school's status and funding, fostering greater visibility and partnership opportunities.
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CLPA will provide continual updates throughout the week on any new developments on our site, on Twitter: @LocalPolicyCTR, and on Facebook @localpolicycenter.
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