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 have a Legislative meeting today at noon.
Legislation of interest:
B25-0119 - Healthy Homes and Residential Electrification Amendment Act of 2023-A program called the Healthy Homes Program would create electric appliances for lower-income families. It would also raise fees for installing appliances that use fossil fuels. Additionally, it would stop the District of Columbia Housing Authority from installing fossil fuel-burning appliances during conversions under the Rental Assistance Demonstration Program.
B25-0756-Downtown Arena Financing Partnership and Revised Budget Emergency Amendment Act of 2024- This bill would add money to the budget for the downtown arena's modernization. The budget for construction projects in the Fiscal Year 2024 Local Budget Act of 2023 would be increased by $515 million for this purpose.
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 meet this Tuesday at 9 am to discuss and approve various budget amendments, transfers, and change orders related to infrastructure projects like the Mattawoman Inflow and Infiltration, Piney Branch Sewer Interceptor Upgrade, and Landfill Leachate Pretreatment Facility. Additionally, there's a legislative update on the 2024 Maryland General Assembly Session, a briefing on revisions to the Hotel Rental Tax, a review of the FY2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, and discussions on the FY2025 budget overview and capital improvement projects.
Charles County Board of Education
The Charles County Board of Education met yesterday and discussed a number of issues among these issues was a discussion on selecting textbooks for an African American Advanced Placement Course and an update on the school climate, both of which were accompanied by attachments providing detailed information. A significant focus of the meeting was on the Superintendent's proposed FY2025 Operating Budget, presented along with supporting documentation for thorough review.
The meeting ended with a series of action items, including:
Selection of textbooks for the African American Advanced Placement Course
Consideration of Policy 1820 addressing Educational Equity,
Discussion and approval of resolutions for Mental Health Awareness Month, Caribbean American Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, and LGBTQIA+ Pride Month.
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Montgomery County
Montgomery County Council
The Montgomery County Council will meet today at 12:45 pm. Today's meeting will have a number of public hearings regarding Bill of Bill 7-24, which deals with Landlord-Tenant Relations and Tenant Protection, which, if enacted, could improve safety and communication in rental housing and expand protections for tenants during emergency situations in Montgomery County.
The Council will also receive an update from county staff on the FY 2025-2030 Capital Improvements Program (CIP). They will review several key points, including the County Executive's recommended CIP, committee reviews, and ongoing changes related to recent legislative actions. The council will also discuss plans for capital improvements, including projects like the Ride-On Transit Center and MCPS Bus Depot Relocation.
Additionally, there will be action on various items, such as approving funds for IAFF COVID Booster Vaccinations and introducing amendments to the Comprehensive Water Supply and Sewerage Systems Plan.
Montgomery County Board of Education
The Montgomery County Board of Education will not have a public meeting this week.
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Prince George's County
Prince George's County Council
The Prince George's County Council will meet today at 1 pm. The Council will approve several bills on the Consent Agenda, which allows routine items to be grouped together for approval without separate discussions unless someone wants to discuss a specific item further. Those bills include:
CB-032-2024, Local Impact Grant Funds, which would assign a percentage of Annual Local Gaming Revenue to youth and young adult employment readiness programs or housing stability programs for senior citizens.
CB-033-2024, the Underserved Youth Employment Act of 2024, proposes reserving positions in youth employment programs for individuals from low-income households.
CB-034-2024, the Classification of Prince George's County, would address changes in the county's classification plan for work positions.
CB-035-2024, the Repeal of the Northern Gateway Business Improvement District, focuses on repealing a specific business improvement district.
CB-036-2024, Emergency Transporation Fees, would adjust emergency transportation fees to account for inflation and increased operational costs.
The Council will have the second reading of bills (meaning the vote before the bill is finally approved by the Council), including:
CB-009-2024, 9-1-1 Voluntary Emergency Registry, which establishes a registry program to alert first responders about individuals with special needs during emergencies.
The will have public hearings were held on several important resolutions as well. This includes:
CR-018-2024, A Resolution Concerning Fiscal Year ("FY") 2022 Annual Action Plan
CR-019-2024, A Resolution Concerning Housing Investment Trust Fund ("HITF") for Housing and Community Development
Both resolutions address funding allocations and initiatives in housing and community development.
Prince George's County Board of Education
The Prince George's County Board of Education will not hold a public meeting this week. However, there will be a debate with the PGCPS Student Member of the Board candidates tomorrow from 6 pm- 8 pm.
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 hold a legislative meeting tomorrow at 5:30. During the meeting, they will have a public hearing and second reading on an ordinance about property tax rates for the upcoming fiscal year, consider grant applications for fire and emergency response and underage drinking prevention, release funds for police technology, accept a parcel of land, designate an acting city manager, review the draft fiscal year action plan, and discuss other city council business.
Alexandria City Board of Education
The Alexandria City Board of Education is scheduled to hold a public meeting this Thursday at 6:30 pm. On the Consent Calendar, there are several key items up for approval. These included the FY 2024 Monthly Financial Report for February, various personnel actions, and the approval for community use of facilities in March 2024. There will also be a legislative update, which will provide insights into recent developments affecting the school system. In addition, the Board will discuss the implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act within the Alexandria City Public Schools, receive an update on athletics programs, and revise existing policies to better align with current educational standards and legal requirements.
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Arlington County
Arlington County Board
The Arlington County Board will hold a Recessed Meeting tomorrow at 3 pm. The meeting will feature updates from various board members, appointments, regional reports, and reports from the County Manager. Following this, at 6:30 pm, the meeting will move on to Consent Items, previously identified agenda items. Then, no earlier than 6:45 pm, the meeting will address Regular Hearing Items, including a discussion on the RACE to Rebuilding Trust & Community grant awards.
Last year, Arlington County and United Way of the National Capital Area launched the RACE to Rebuilding Trust & Community funding program, which supports local nonprofits in addressing racial and social inequities with grants for community projects and operational enhancements. Applications closed on December 21, 2023.
Arlington County School Board
The Arlington County School Board will hold a public meeting this Thursday at 7 p.m. The agenda includes amendments to a policy regarding food and nutrition services and membership changes to School Board advisory committees. Monitoring items on the agenda include an update on secondary English language arts and information items, including revisions to School Board policies related to supporting student wellness, a new construction contract award for the Arlington Career Center, and a roof replacement contract for Escuela Key.
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Fairfax County
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will not hold a public meeting this week.
Fairfax County School Board
Fairfax County School Board will hold a public meeting this Thursday at 7 pm. Action items for this month include the strategic plan goal baseline report and the county's IDEA Special Education Annual Plan for 2024-2025. They will also discuss the performance review of Facilities, transportation and safety, and Security conducted. For the Board Policy review that ensued, they will examine policy addressing Executive Limitations related to facilities, transportation, safety, and security.
New business items not up for an immediate vote but scheduled for future action include reports on strategic plan goals, human resources monitoring, the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document, and a nomination for an excellence award.
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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.