Maryland Park and Planning Commission proposes $52.6M budget with new positions

Prince George's County is set to enhance its planning and development efforts following the recent approval of the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission's budget during the Planning, Housing, and Economic Development Committee meeting on March 20, 2025. The proposed budget reflects a significant investment in the county's infrastructure and personnel, aimed at improving service delivery and community engagement.

The commission's administration fund is proposing a total budget of $3.9 million for the commissioner's office, marking a modest increase of 0.5% from the previous year. This budget includes provisions for reimbursing the county council for shared occupancy costs at the Largo headquarters. The Planning Department's budget is notably larger at $52.6 million, which represents a 3.7% increase, allowing for the addition of 21 new full-time positions to bolster staffing levels.

Key highlights from the budget discussions include a focus on aggressive recruitment strategies to fill vacant positions within the Planning Department, which has struggled to fully utilize its personnel funding. The department aims to reduce reliance on consultants and enhance its capacity to execute its work program effectively.

Additionally, the budget introduces a new Intake and Regulatory Review Division, tasked with streamlining the processing of development applications and improving communication with stakeholders, including citizens and business owners. This division is expected to enhance transparency and efficiency in the planning process.

The meeting also outlined ongoing projects, such as the Central Avenue Blueland sector plan and the update to the 2009 approved master plan for transportation, which are critical for the county's future development. The Planning Department is committed to releasing preliminary drafts for public review by September 2025, ensuring community involvement in the planning process.

Overall, the approved budget signifies a proactive approach to addressing the county's planning and development needs, with an emphasis on improving operational efficiency and community engagement. As these initiatives unfold, residents can anticipate enhanced services and a more collaborative planning environment in Prince George's County.