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 have a Legislative Meeting today at noon. Among the bills discussed will be B25-0049, the Local Rent Supplement Program Eligibility Amendment Act of 2023. If enacted, this bill could make obtaining affordable housing more accessible for DC residents. It would allow applicants to self-certify their eligibility for local rent supplement vouchers, simplifying the process. It would also prohibit the Housing Authority from using an applicant's criminal history or immigration status when they are determining their eligibility for housing assistance.
DC State Board of Education
The DC State Board of Education will have a public meeting today at 5:30. The meeting will focus on key issues, including graduation policies and mathematics performance. A panel discussion featuring experts, a parent, and a school principal explored current graduation policies, likely considering potential improvements or changes. Concerns about math performance in DC schools will also be addressed, with the Board reviewing recommendations for improvement and appointing a new member to the DC Math Task Force.
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 Board of Charles County Commissioners will not convene for a publoic meeting this week. However, if you would like to review the Charles County Commissioners 2025 Preliminary Legislative Package, it is linked here. CLPA will highlight the legislative package at a later time.
Montgomery County
Montgomery County Council
The Montgomery County Council will have a Council Session today at 9:00 am. The Council will introduce Bill 21-24, addressing the naming of County facilities; Expedited Bill 22-24, concerning the collection of development impact taxes; and Expedited Bill 23-24, which proposes extending the sunset date for the Minority Owned Business Purchasing Program. Also on the agenda is Bill 24-24, an environmental bill that proposes a tax on paper carryout bags and a ban on plastic bags. The Council will also take action on Bill 14-24, concerning vehicle noise abatement. Beyond legislation, the meeting will cover budget appropriations, appointments to County boards, and worksessions on infrastructure policy and state legislation.
Montgomery County Board of Education
The Montgomery County Board of Education will be in recess this week.
Prince George's County
Prince George's County Council
The Prince George's County Council will meet tomorrow at 9:30 am, which will be dominated primarily by housing and development issues. The Council will hold second readings for several bills, including CB-001-2024, which aims to increase funding for minority-owned businesses, and CB-062-2024, which proposes restrictions on convenience store locations for public safety and health reasons. Other bills under consideration address electric vehicle charging infrastructure (CB-067-2024 and CB-105-2024), landlord-tenant security measures (CB-071-2024), property tax credits (CB-075-2024), and rental housing licenses (CB-089-2024).
Beyond these bills, the Council will also address several resolutions concerning housing and community development, including funding allocations and payment in lieu of tax agreements. There will also be an update on the Council Member Workgroup and an executive session to discuss appointments to the County Cannabis Reinvestment and Restoration Board and the status of ongoing litigation.
Prince George's County Board of Education
The Prince George's County Board of Education will not hold a business meeting this week, but they will have a Board work session at 5:00 pm on Thursday to discuss Communications and Community Engagement.
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 is in recess, and will not have a public meeting. However, the Board will have a Work Session on Thursday to discuss the ACPS 2025 Legislative Program and work on their strategic plan.
Arlington County
Arlington County Board
The Arlington County Board will meet this Saturday at 3:00 pm. The meeting begins with a public comment period, followed by consideration of consent items involving site plans, use permits, and real estate transactions. Key items include the approval of site plan amendments for The Crossing Clarendon (item 1) and Century Center I (item 2), and the renewal of use permits for various establishments like Darna Restaurant (item 4) and Westover Market & Beer Garden (item 5). The meeting also addresses the Green Valley Farmers Market (item 10), requiring a modification to zoning ordinance requirements.
Beyond the consent agenda, the meeting includes a regular hearing on several significant items. ZOA-2024-05 (item 30) proposes amending the zoning ordinance to define and regulate recovery residences. The Board will also consider amending the County Employees' Supplemental Retirement System (item 31) and discuss requests to advertise public hearings on ordinances related to vehicle immobilization and towing (item 32), and the discharge of firearms for County-supervised deer management activities (item 33). This meeting reflects the Board's ongoing work to manage land use, community services, and administrative functions within Arlington County.
Arlington County School Board
The Arlington County School Board will convene this Thursday at 7:00 pm. The Board will review monitoring items, including a student services update on chronic absenteeism. The meeting will conclude with action items, information items covering budget directions, legislative packages, policy revisions, property agreements, any new business, and, finally, adjournment.
Fairfax County
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will not convene for a full Board meeting this week. However, the various Board committees will meet today, which will include the following meetings: the Legislative Committee at 9:30 a.m., the Health and Human Services Committee at 11:00 a.m., the Older Adults Committee at 1:30 p.m., and a joint meeting with the Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees at 3:00 p.m.
Fairfax County School Board
The Fairfax County School Board will not convene this week.
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