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 Twitter: @LocalPolicyCTR, and on Facebook @localpolicycenter.
See a complete list of meetings below.
District of Columbia
DC Council
The DC Council will not have a Legislative Meeting this week. However, the Council will have two Committee of the Whole hearings this week. Tomorrow's hearing will be on Bill 25-847, “Advancing Equity in Special Education Protocols Amendment Act of 2024,” which would provide students with an individualized education program the right to remain in their initial placement feeder pattern school unless the programs available in the feeder pattern cannot support the student’s needs. Thursday's hearing will be on Bill
25-630 “Universal Out of School Time Amendment Act of 2023” and provide universal access to after-school and summer programming for public school students by 2035.
DC State Board of Education
The DC State Board of Education will have a public meeting tomorrow at 5:30. They will hear from the Panel on Education as a Civil Right. The board will also vote to establish the State Board Authority Working Group.
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 meets today at 9 am. The commissioners will deliberate on proposed Bill 2024-(17), which addresses the operation of golf carts on Cobb Island. This bill will be introduced with a request to schedule a public hearing, underscoring the county's effort to regulate and improve transportation options in the area while balancing safety and accessibility concerns.
The board will hold public hearings on two important legislative proposals in the evening session. The first will address the FY2025 Municipal Storm Water (MS4) Financial Assurance Plan (FAP), aimed at advancing stormwater management and compliance with environmental standards. The second hearing will focus on revisions to the Homeowners Tax Credit, which seeks to enhance financial relief for eligible residents.
Montgomery County
Montgomery County Council
At today's Montgomery County Council meeting at 9 am, the Council will introduce of Bill 26-24, Police - U visa Law Enforcement Certification Policy (The "U V.I.S.A" Act), which seeks to formalize the County’s certification process for U visa applications, enhancing protections for undocumented victims of crime who cooperate with law enforcement. This measure, sponsored by a coalition of Councilmembers, will be critical in advancing public safety and justice equity. A public hearing for this bill is scheduled for January 14, 2025.
Additionally, the Council will introduce multiple resolutions for supplemental appropriations to the FY25 budget, covering areas such as behavioral health services, police grant programs, and energy conservation initiatives. Each resolution represents targeted investments in critical services supported by federal, state, or settlement funds. These legislative actions will undergo public hearings in December.
Montgomery County Board of Education
The Montgomery County Board of Education will not have a full meeting this week.
Prince George's County
Prince George's County Council
The Prince George's County Council will meet today at 10 am with a packed agenda. Among the key legislative items, the Council will discuss CB-006-2024, which seeks to expand the Re-Entry Employment Incentive Program to include county government agencies, establishing a dedicated fund, and setting reporting requirements. Additionally, CB-016-2024 will focus on public safety, requiring late-night businesses to obtain safety plans from the Police Department to ensure secure operations during midnight hours. Both measures demonstrate a proactive approach to employment equity and community safety.
Other legislative priorities include CB-030-2024, aimed at prohibiting the transfer of untraceable firearms to minors and increasing penalties for violations, and CB-088-2024, proposing the indexing of the county’s minimum wage to the Consumer Price Index, ensuring wages keep pace with inflation. The Council will also deliberate on CB-065-2024, establishing a Land Bank Authority to manage and repurpose distressed properties, highlighting the county's commitment to economic and community revitalization. These legislative actions, among others on the agenda, underscore the Council’s ongoing efforts to address pressing issues and enhance the quality of life for county residents, and improve the educational environment.
Prince George's County Board of Education
The Prince George's County Board of Education will not have a public meeting this week.
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 is in recess this week.
Alexandria City Board of Education
The Alexandria City Board of Education will not have a full Board meeting this week.
Arlington County
Arlington County Board
The Arlington County Board will meet today at 3 pm. The Board will deliberate on ZOA-2024-06, a proposed ordinance to amend Article 7 of the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance (ACZO). This amendment aims to refine building height regulations within the Crystal City Coordinated Redevelopment District, setting a 35-foot maximum to accommodate three-story developments. The Board is expected to consider adopting this ordinance, as recommended in the County Manager’s report, to enhance alignment with the General Land Use Plan.
Additionally, the Board will address SPLA24-00012, a site plan amendment for Crystal Houses 7 and 8, which proposes modifications to zoning ordinance requirements such as parking ratios and density allowances. Another critical item is the proposed vacation of a storm sewer easement at the Crystal Houses site, with accompanying authorizations for real estate actions to facilitate the development. Beyond zoning and development, the Board will consider updates to Chapter 14.3 of the County Code on trespass towing and modifications to the Stormwater Utility Credit Program, laying the groundwork for a December public hearing.
Arlington County School Board
The Arlington County School Board is in recess this week
Fairfax County
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will meet today at 9:30 am. The Board will deliberate on multiple action items and public hearings to advance infrastructure, transportation, and environmental goals. Among these, the approval of agreements such as the SmarTrip Operations Funding Agreement and the 2025 Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan for the Fairfax Connector will shape the future of regional transit. The Board will also consider traffic calming measures and initiatives to integrate streets into the secondary road system, reflecting continued investment in road safety and community infrastructure.
The legislative agenda will further focus on public hearings addressing land rights acquisitions for major construction projects, such as improvements to Backlick Road and Tysons East Pump Station. These measures are critical for advancing public utility and road enhancement projects. Additionally, the Board will hear input on proposed amendments to the County Code concerning private school and childcare facility standards, a move aimed at ensuring regulatory alignment and improved community services. Public engagement will play a vital role, as residents can comment on the proposed legislative program for the 2025 Virginia General Assembly, shaping the County’s advocacy efforts at the state level.
Fairfax County School Board
The Fairfax County School Board is in recess this week.
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