County Council - 2026-02-03
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
Prince George's County Council swore in two new members—Danielle Hunter (District 6) and Timothy J. Adams (District 4)—on February 3, 2026. The legislative session addressed proposed state housing legislation, including Senate Bill 36 (Starter and Silver Homes Act), which would effectively eliminate single-family zoning statewide by restricting local authority over lot sizes, setbacks, and density. The council expressed concerns about infrastructure capacity and local control, with staff noting the bill could allow up to eight units per acre on residential land without corresponding infrastructure funding.
Key Decisions (5)
Consent Agenda Adoption
Council approved consent agenda including minutes from January 23 and January 27, 2026. Vote was 8-0-1 with Council Member Adams abstaining as he was not present for those items.
CR-4-2026 Introduction - Council Rules Amendment
Resolution concerning county council rules and procedure introduced by Council Member Fisher, referred to HHSPS committee.
CR-5-2026 Introduction - Common Ownership Communities Program
Resolution concerning common ownership communities program rules and regulations promulgation introduced by Chair Oriaga, referred to PHED committee. Additional sponsors: Council Members Ivy, Burrows, DeNoga, and Adam Stafford.
State Legislative Positions Letter Authorization
Council authorized chairperson's signature on letter transmitting positions on proposed state legislation including PG-304 (alcohol beverage licenses), SB-288 (highway user revenues), SB-224 (property tax authority), SB-353 (foreclosure restrictions), HB-556 (property tax credit - letter of information), and SB-349 (vehicle laws). Council also withdrew PG-405-26 (school facilities surcharges deferral).
2026 Legislative Calendar Transmittal Authorization
Council authorized chairperson's signature on letter to County Executive transmitting the council's legislative calendar and appointment schedule for 2026.
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
State legislation (SB-36) would effectively eliminate single-family zoning statewide, allowing up to 8 units per acre and lot subdivision into 3 lots, potentially dramatically increasing density in residential areas.
Housing Demand
75% of Prince George's County houses are valued under $400,000, compared to only 31-32% in Montgomery County and 38-39% in Howard County, indicating significantly more affordable existing housing stock.
Infrastructure
Council expressed serious concerns about infrastructure capacity (roads, schools, utilities) to support increased density from proposed state housing legislation, noting no corresponding state funding for infrastructure improvements.
Sentiment
Council supports affordable housing conceptually but opposes state preemption of local zoning authority, preferring to center density increases around designated town activity centers rather than allowing development anywhere.
Housing Demand
Transit-oriented development bill (SB-389) would eliminate parking minimums within quarter-mile of rail stations and allow commercial/mixed-use development within half-mile of stations on state-owned property.