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 at noon today. First readings will occur on the following bills:
Seizure-Safe Schools Amendment Act of 2024 (Bill 25-571)
Automatic Voter Registration Technical Amendment Act of 2024 (Bill 25-752)
Rulemaking Public Comment Modernization Amendment Act of 2024 (Bill 25-790)
Illegal Dumping Enforcement Amendment Act of 2024 (Bill 25-135)
Great Streets Program Expansion Neighborhood Retail Priority Amendment Act of 2024 (Bill 24-488)
There will a final vote on:
Local Rent Supplement Program Eligibility Amendment Act of 2024 (Bill 25-49)
Early Childhood Educator Pay Scales Temporary Amendment Act of 2024 (Bill 25-993)
DC State Board of Education
The DC State Board of Education will not have a public meeting this month.
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 met today at 9:00 am. The agenda included several key legislative discussions and budgetary decisions. Among the primary issues were two public hearings: one on the proposed 2024 Bond Issue and another covering various zoning amendments. The bond issue hearing focused on funding for infrastructure projects, with public input solicited both in person and virtually. The bond size presentation and specific project lists were made available for public review, with residents given a chance to voice their support or concerns.
Additionally, zoning amendments received attention, particularly the proposed Zoning Text Amendment 24-184 for transitional provisions in the Waldorf Activity Center Zones and the Aviation Business Park amendments, including text and map revisions. As outlined in the county's strategic plan, these zoning amendments aim to support local development and economic expansion initiatives. Public feedback was welcomed on each item, ensuring community members could contribute to the legislative decision-making process.
Montgomery County
Montgomery County Council
At today's Montgomery County Council meeting, several significant pieces of legislation and resolutions were introduced and discussed. New bills introduced included Bill 25-24, which focused on prohibiting human trafficking within contracts and procurement. It was led by Councilmember Luedtke and scheduled for a public hearing on December 3. Additionally, expedited legislation is planned for public hearings on the same date, including Bill 22-24, related to development impact tax collection, and Bill 24-24, which proposes regulations on paper carryout bags and a prohibition on plastic bags.
The Council also reviewed and endorsed multiple economic development grants through the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund, including substantial grants for companies like BlueHalo, LLC, and Bioreliance Corp. These grants support job retention and expansion within Montgomery County. Additional actions included confirming appointments to various county boards and approving budgetary amendments, such as funding for agricultural land preservation. The session also included several public hearings on grants supporting Montgomery County Public Schools and an update on the Takoma Park Minor Master Plan Amendment scheduled for December.
Montgomery County Board of Education
The Montgomery County Board of Education will not have a full board meeting this week.
Prince George's County
Prince George's County Council
The Prince George's County Council met today at 10 am. Legislation discussed included a resolution to designate the National View Site in Forest Heights as an Urban Renewal Area (CR-096-2024), which allows local authorities in Forest Heights to implement revitalization efforts to enhance urban development. Additionally, the council considered a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement between Prince George’s County and Petra Development for the National View Project (CR-097-2024). This agreement supports affordable housing by offering tax incentives to the developer, helping to advance community investment in the region.
Another key agenda item was the discussion around CB-078-2024, which approves the collective bargaining agreement for civilian employees within the Prince George’s County Police Department. This agreement outlines improved compensation and terms of employment. Furthermore, a resolution (CR-066-2024) addressed budget reallocation for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, optimizing resources for the Recreation and Park Funds to enhance public amenities. These measures reflect ongoing efforts to support urban renewal, employee welfare, and community service
Prince George's County Board of Education
The Prince George's County Board of Education will not have a full board 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. Their next session will be on November 12th.
Alexandria City Board of Education
The Alexandria City Board of Education will hold a public meeting on Thursday at 6:00 pm. Legislative items include the adoption of the 2025 ACPS Legislative Positions, which outline the district’s policy priorities for the upcoming year. The meeting will also feature updates on redistricting efforts and the impact of the PreK-8 model analysis on future school boundaries.
Yesterday, there was a Joint City Council/Alexandria City Board of Education Subcommittee meeting, which focused on key initiatives and updates relevant to city and school operations. Updates included the progress on the High School Project, ongoing Facility Assessment and Capital Improvement Planning (CIP), budget status, and collaborative city-school operations. Additional briefings covered the Amazon/VA Tech partnership, which is expected to impact local infrastructure and workforce education, as well as school safety and security and collective bargaining developments for school staff.
A critical point of discussion was a proposed resolution to revise the school board election cycle, indicating a potential shift in board member election timing to align with broader electoral schedules or improve school governance continuity. The meeting concluded with announcing revised FY 2025 meeting dates for continued joint discussions on shared goals and ongoing initiatives.
Arlington County
Arlington County Board
The Arlington County Board is in recess this week. The Board's next meeting will be November 16th.
Arlington County School Board
The Arlington County School Board will meet today at 7 pm. Notable items include the 2025 School Board Legislative Package, which aims to advance student-centered workforce initiatives, enhance student well-being, promote operational excellence, and align school board actions with strategic goals in student success and community partnerships. Additionally, the Board will discuss budget directions for FY 2026 to shape funding priorities in the coming fiscal year.
The meeting agenda also covers consent items, such as personnel actions across various staffing scales, appointments to advisory committees, updates to school board policies on program evaluation, school board liaison roles, and board meetings. Information items will focus on infrastructure improvements, including proposed kitchen renovations at Carlin Springs and Barrett Elementary Schools, alongside policy revisions concerning boundary settings and superintendent evaluation protocols.
Fairfax County
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will meet tomorrow at 9:30 am. The meeting will include agenda items such as approving a "Watch for Children" sign in the Springfield District and permitting public hearings for land acquisitions necessary for road and sewer improvements. A major agenda item will be the consideration of a proposal to amend Fairfax County Code Chapter 30, which would update standards for private schools and childcare facilities.
Public hearings for this week's meeting will begin at 3:30 pm. They will cover topics such as the creation and enlargement of various sanitary districts for refuse and recycling services and amendments to parking regulations, including creating the Chantilly Park Community Parking District in the Sully District. There will also be a public comment period on a zoning ordinance amendment to repeal Chapter 112.1 and enact Chapter 112.2.
Fairfax County School Board
The Fairfax County School Board will hold a public session this Thursday at 7:00 pm. The meeting will feature a report and vote on the Strategic Plan Goal 1: Strong Start (Pre-K-12), which evaluates the school division’s progress toward its 2030 educational goals. At the meeting, they will also certify the Fairfax County Federation of Principals, Supervisors, and Administrators (FCFPSA) as the exclusive bargaining agent for administrators and supervisors following a successful election. The Board will also have public hearings on contract awards for cooling unit replacements, a Bren Mar Park Elementary School renovation project, and a school bond issuance discussion.
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