MAKO and COG brief Prince George's County Council on state fiscal outlook, housing, data centers and regional planning

Representatives from the Maryland Association of Counties (MAKO) and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) briefed the Prince George’s County Council on Oct. 28, presenting state fiscal context, housing and transportation priorities, data‑center and energy issues, and regional programs that affect the county.

Jack Wilson, MAKO president, and Michael Sanderson, MAKO executive director, told the council that Maryland faced significant fiscal strain after the prior legislative session and that the state’s April budget actions were designed to bridge a multi‑year gap. Sanderson told the council the state’s general‑fund budget is roughly $25–$26 billion and that about $3 billion of adjustments were made to stabilize finances. He said the state had shifted some costs to counties, for example sharing spikes in teacher pension costs between state and counties, which has contributed to local budget pressure.

Sanderson highlighted the state’s 10‑year education blueprint and warned that some costs tied to that plan could land on the…