Tonight, the City Council will hear a presentation from the Restorative Justice Commission outlining its initial priorities and proposed work plan—an important milestone in College Park’s ongoing effort to address the historic harms caused by urban renewal in the Lakeland community. This presentation builds on the Commission’s report, The Way Forward Toward Restorative Justice, which was presented to Council in October 2025 and includes 33 recommendations focused on repair, recognition, and accountability.
The Commission’s work is rooted in acknowledging the lasting impacts of urban renewal on Lakeland residents and their descendants, including displacement, loss of generational wealth, and the disruption of a close-knit community. Over the past several years, the City has taken meaningful steps toward reconciliation, including issuing a formal apology, removing urban renewal language from the City Charter, renaming public spaces to reflect Lakeland’s history, adopting the Lakeland Neighborhood Plan, and establishing both a Restorative Justice Steering Committee and a permanent Restorative Justice Commission. Tonight’s discussion focuses on moving from reflection and study to prioritized, actionable steps.
A central element of the proposed work plan is the creation of a new designation called Lakeland Legacy Members. This designation would formally recognize individuals and families who were harmed by urban renewal policies. Establishing this group is identified as the Commission’s top priority because it lays the foundation for future restorative justice programs, eligibility criteria, and long-term support initiatives. The proposal includes developing a clear enrollment process, securing legal guidance to ensure fairness and consistency, providing staff support for administration, and potentially creating a Legacy Council to advise on program development.
The presentation also highlights advocacy-oriented initiatives aimed at restoring opportunity, access, and connection for Lakeland residents. These include exploring right-of-first-refusal policies for properties within the historic urban renewal area, improving transportation and mobility options, re-establishing safe and visible access between Lakeland and Lake Artemesia, and supporting homeownership through programs designed to increase owner occupancy. One concept discussed is a “Return to Lakeland” program, intended to help former residents or their descendants reconnect with and return to the community.
Funding and sustainability are also part of tonight’s conversation. The Commission outlines potential funding approaches that could include City earmarks, payments in lieu of taxes, partnerships with the University of Maryland for scholarship programs, and future grant opportunities. While no immediate funding decisions are expected tonight, the presentation will help inform future budget discussions and long-term planning.
Tonight’s worksession is an important step in shaping how the City translates restorative justice principles into concrete action. Council’s role this evening is to listen, ask questions, and provide direction on priorities as this work continues to move forward.