Category: Announcements Page 1 of 241

How can College Park better support students, help families find educational resources, and expand learning opportunities for adults? At our Tuesday, October 20 worksession, the Mayor and Council will review six education initiatives and provide direction on recommended changes.

The proposals focus on making better use of existing funding, improving access to services, and measuring how City-supported programs benefit residents.

1. Redirecting Funding Toward Direct Tutoring

The City currently budgets $30,000 annually for Imagine Learning, an online platform offering academic support and test preparation. However, staff found that none of the platform’s 68 registered student profiles had completed a module as of September 22.

Staff recommends discontinuing the subscription and directing families to Brainfuse, a free tutoring resource available through the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System. The existing $30,000 would instead support:

• $7,500 for school-based tutoring grants at Buck Lodge Middle School, Parkdale High School, and College Park Academy.
• $10,000 for a Latino Student Fund STEM Saturday partnership, supporting expanded tutoring, enrichment, and college readiness opportunities.
• $12,500 for elementary academic support, potentially through a pilot awarded to qualified organizations.

Funded programs would report participation by College Park residents, attendance, and student progress to help evaluate their effectiveness.

2. Updating Public School Education Grant Guidelines

College Park has provided grants to neighborhood public schools since 2008. Staff recommends clearer categories explaining how schools may use these funds, including academic support, clubs, athletics, facility improvements, student engagement, mentoring, and family involvement.

The proposed guidelines would help schools connect their requests to specific educational needs. Staff recommends implementing the revised categories during the current fiscal year, with applications available in early November.

3. Adding Financial Need to Summer Camp Scholarship Eligibility

The City’s summer camp scholarships currently offer up to $400 per eligible College Park student entering kindergarten through grade 12. Staff recommends adding a financial need requirement and making applications available each January.

Families could demonstrate eligibility through participation in assistance programs or submit a separate hardship form. The proposal would use 300% of the federal poverty level as guidance rather than an absolute cutoff, allowing consideration of individual circumstances.

4. Helping Families Navigate Educational Resources

Finding the right school contact, understanding enrollment requirements, and keeping track of scholarships and deadlines can be challenging.

Staff recommends strengthening connections with school registrars, parent engagement staff, and existing County resources, including services available in Spanish. The City could promote these resources through Youth and Family Services and refer families to appropriate assistance. Council will also consider whether an education liaison or additional outreach staff could help residents navigate available opportunities.

5. Expanding Access to Adult English Learning

English language instruction can help residents pursue employment, communicate with schools, and access community services.

Staff recommends building partnerships with established college and community-based ESL and ESOL programs and connecting residents with existing low-cost or free classes. Another option is partnering with an established provider to offer a course at a convenient location specifically for College Park residents.

6. Making School Volunteering More Accessible

Parents and caregivers interested in volunteering in County schools must complete required screening, including fingerprinting. Traveling to Upper Marlboro during business hours can create a barrier.

Staff recommends organizing a local mobile fingerprinting event before the end of 2026, with advance registration and individual appointments. Bringing this service closer to home could make it easier for residents to get involved in their children’s schools.

Funding and Next Steps

The City’s approved FY2027 public school education initiatives budget is $152,250. The tutoring proposal would reallocate $30,000 already budgeted. The proposed fingerprinting event would cost $60 per participant, with a minimum payment of $900 for 15 participants. Any additional staffing or expanded programming would require further consideration.

These recommendations have not yet been adopted. At the worksession, Council will discuss the proposals and provide direction to staff.

I encourage parents, students, educators, and other residents to share their thoughts. Our goal is to ensure that City resources reach those who need them and support meaningful learning opportunities throughout our community.

The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, at City Hall, 7401 Baltimore Avenue, in the second-floor Council Chambers. You may also participate through Zoom⁠. Written comments may be sent to cpmc@collegeparkmd.gov by 5 p.m. on meeting day.

College Park Council to Discuss Childcare Assistance for Families and Local Providers

Finding affordable, reliable childcare remains a challenge for many College Park families. On Tuesday, October 20, the Mayor and Council will discuss recommendations from the City’s Childcare Task Force, including two proposed pilot programs that could help families pay for care and help providers expand childcare availability.

The Task Force identified high costs and a shortage of available childcare spaces as major barriers. The Council packet also notes that Maryland’s Child Care Scholarship Program has frozen new enrollments because of high demand and limited funding, leaving additional gaps for families seeking assistance.

Proposed Childcare Assistance for Families

Staff recommends considering a $100,000 childcare assistance pilot, with awards of up to $2,500 per household. The program would help eligible College Park families cover approved childcare expenses, potentially including daycare, preschool, before- and after-school care, and summer care.

Proposed eligibility guidelines would require both the child and parent or guardian to live within City limits and use a licensed or otherwise legally authorized provider. Assistance would consider household income and other available benefits. Staff proposes an income limit of 100% of the applicable area median income benchmark, with assistance decreasing as income increases.

If Council supports moving forward, staff would develop detailed program rules, including benefit limits and a transparent process for prioritizing applicants if demand exceeds available funding.

Helping Childcare Providers Expand Access

A second proposal would establish a one-year, $100,000 Childcare Provider Capacity Grant Program, offering competitive grants of up to $25,000 per provider.

These grants could help providers create additional childcare spaces, retain staff, extend operating hours, improve facilities, purchase equipment, or reduce costs for qualifying College Park families. The proposal also contemplates reimbursement assistance for new providers who complete certification requirements.

Priority would go to projects demonstrating measurable benefits for City residents, particularly families facing financial barriers. Recipients would be required to document spending and report outcomes, such as additional spaces created, existing spaces preserved, or care made more affordable.

Better Information and a Child Tax Credit Study

The City is also working to make childcare information easier to find. A City webpage and resources on CollegePark.life are being developed to help families identify providers, understand assistance options, and navigate applications. The packet anticipates the CollegePark.life resources by the end of October and the City webpage by mid-November.

Separately, a $25,000 grant from Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign is supporting a study of a possible municipal child tax credit. Sage Policy Group will examine legal feasibility, potential program design, fiscal considerations, and possible benefits for families. This work does not establish a tax credit, and the grant cannot be used for direct subsidies to parents or businesses.

What Happens Next?

At the October 20 worksession, Council will discuss the recommendations and provide direction on whether to develop and fund the two pilots in FY2027 or FY2028. Together, the proposed pilots would require $200,000. Neither program has been approved or opened for applications.

I encourage residents, parents, caregivers, and childcare providers to share their perspectives as we consider practical ways to make childcare more accessible and affordable.

The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, in the second-floor Council Chambers at City Hall, 7401 Baltimore Avenue. Residents may also join through Zoom. Written comments may be sent to cpmc@collegeparkmd.gov by 5 p.m. on meeting day.

Happy 10th anniversary, College Park parkrun! This wonderful milestone celebrates a decade of running, walking, volunteering, and building friendships through a free, weekly 5K along the Paint Branch Trail.

I still remember Andrea Zukowski, and the other founders visiting community groups and civic associations, encouraging residents to join. Getting a new tradition started takes hard work and persistence. They believed in what parkrun could bring to College Park, and their dedication helped turn that vision into a lasting community gathering.

Their story offers a simple lesson: when you believe in something that can make your community better, keep going. The beginning may be challenging, but with patience, commitment, and people willing to help, something small can grow into something extraordinary.

Of course, this anniversary also belongs to the amazing volunteers who make parkrun possible each week. From welcoming newcomers and marking the course to keeping time and cheering everyone across the finish line, their efforts create an encouraging experience for all. Thank you for giving your Saturday mornings to this community.

And thank you to the runners and walkers who return Saturday after Saturday. Every participant contributes something special—whether pursuing a personal goal, walking with a neighbor, or offering encouragement to someone taking part for the first time.

Parkrun promotes health and well-being, but its greatest gift may be the sense of belonging it creates. It gives neighbors a reason to come together, learn one another’s names, and celebrate each other’s progress. As a participant myself, I am grateful to be part of it.

The College Park parkrun takes place at the Paint Branch Trail, located at 4289 Metzerott Road, College Park, MD 20740.

Additionally, please join the College Park City Council on Tuesday, October 27, at 7:30 p.m. as we continue celebrating this special an

Congratulations to the founders, volunteers, runners, and walkers who have made these ten years possible. Here’s to many more Saturdays together!

Great news for College Park, Beltsville, Greenbelt, and the entire Prince George’s County community! A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s plan to close the historic Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC), protecting one of the nation’s premier agricultural research institutions and a treasured part of our region.

On Tuesday, October 13, U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria of the Northern District of California issued an order halting the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) controversial restructuring plan, which included closing BARC and relocating its employees to other parts of the country.

The proposed closure, first announced in July 2025, raised serious concerns among scientists, elected officials, environmental advocates, and residents throughout our region.

Protecting Jobs, Research, and Our Local Economy

According to Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy, the court’s decision helps protect approximately 1,000 jobs and an estimated $450 million in economic activity that could have been lost had the facility permanently closed.

Established more than a century ago, BARC has become a national leader in agricultural research, contributing groundbreaking discoveries in food safety, human nutrition, animal health, crop production, and environmental sustainability. Among its many achievements are the development of the Roma tomato and advancements in poultry breeding.

The approximately 6,500-acre property also contains extensive forests, wetlands, streams, wildlife habitats, and agricultural land, making it an invaluable environmental resource for surrounding communities.

A Victory for Community Advocacy

The decision is also welcome news for residents who have worked tirelessly over the years to protect BARC’s land and preserve its environmental and agricultural heritage.

Community organizations, environmental advocates, and residents of College Park, Beltsville, Greenbelt, and neighboring communities have repeatedly raised concerns about proposals that could threaten this precious green space. Their efforts have helped keep attention focused on the long-term preservation of the property.

I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all the residents who have advocated passionately for preserving BARC and protecting its forests, natural habitats, and open spaces for future generations. Your commitment to protecting this remarkable regional resource deserves recognition.

I’m also grateful to County Executive Aisha Braveboy and Prince George’s County for joining the legal challenge, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown for supporting the lawsuit, and our federal and state lawmakers who have worked to protect BARC.

What Happens Next?

The ruling comes in response to a lawsuit brought by a coalition of federal employee unions, local governments, and nonprofit organizations challenging the USDA’s restructuring efforts.

The court found that the administration likely violated congressional funding restrictions by proceeding with office closures and employee relocations without the required authorization.

However, this is a temporary victory, not a permanent resolution. The judge acknowledged that the funding restrictions underlying the decision are currently scheduled to expire in December 2026. The legal battle and the broader debate over BARC’s future could therefore continue.

For our community, the goal remains clear: preserve BARC’s world-class research mission, protect local jobs, and safeguard its irreplaceable natural and agricultural resources.

BARC is more than a federal research facility. It is part of our region’s history, economy, environment, and identity. This week’s ruling gives us an important reason to celebrate while reminding us why continued community involvement matters.

Together, we must continue working to ensure that BARC remains a center of scientific discovery and a treasured green space for generations to come.

What recreational activities and programs would you like to see in College Park? The City of College Park wants to hear from you! Residents are encouraged to participate in a new Recreation Survey to help shape future recreational opportunities in our community.

Whether you’re interested in fitness classes, sports, outdoor activities, family-friendly programs, activities for seniors, or other recreational opportunities, this is your chance to share your ideas and priorities.

With exciting improvements to recreational spaces such as Duvall Field and ongoing efforts to expand community amenities, the City is working to make College Park an even better place to live, play, and connect with neighbors. Your feedback can help City officials better understand what residents want and identify opportunities for future recreational programs and activities.

The survey is quick and easy to complete, and every resident’s input matters!

How to Participate

Residents can take the survey online at:

https://www.collegeparkmd.gov/recreationsurvey

Survey Deadline: Friday, November 6, 2026

Don’t miss this opportunity to make your voice heard! Whether you’re a longtime resident, a young family, a student, or a senior, your perspective is valuable.

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and encourage your friends and neighbors to participate. Together, we can help build a more active, healthy, and connected College Park!

Looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? Good Neighbor Day is returning to College Park on Saturday, October 24, 2026, and organizers are looking for more than 600 volunteers to help make a difference across College Park and surrounding communities.

Good Neighbor Day is a special partnership between the University of Maryland, the City of College Park, and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) Department of Parks and I Recreation. The annual event brings together students, residents, local organizations, and community members for a day of service, teamwork, and neighborhood improvement.

This year, volunteers can choose from more than 30 community-led service opportunities, offering many ways to contribute to making our neighborhoods cleaner, greener, and more welcoming.

Whether you’re a University of Maryland student looking to connect with the surrounding community, a longtime College Park resident hoping to give back, or a family interested in volunteering together, there’s an opportunity for you!

Volunteer opportunities are open to everyone ages 10 and older, both on and off campus. No matter your background or experience, your time and willingness to help can make a difference.

Why Good Neighbor Day Matters

Good Neighbor Day is about much more than completing service projects. It’s about building stronger relationships between the University of Maryland and the surrounding neighborhoods, bringing people together across generations, and reminding us that a thriving community depends on neighbors helping neighbors.

It’s also a wonderful opportunity for UMD students to get involved beyond campus, meet local residents, and experience the broader College Park community.

How to Volunteer

● Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026

● Location: College Park and surrounding communities

● Opportunities: 30+ community-led service projects

● Volunteers Needed: 600+

● Who Can Participate: Everyone ages 10 and older

● Registration: goodneighborday.umd.edu

Interested volunteers are encouraged to register early and select a service opportunity that matches their interests.

Let’s come together on October 24 to show what it truly means to be a good neighbor! Whether you can contribute a few hours of your time or bring along friends and family, every act of service helps build a stronger, more connected College Park.

💛🌱 Be a volunteer. Make a difference. Be a good neighbor!

The City of College Park will observe Indigenous Peoples Day tomorrow, Monday, October 12, 2026, with all City offices closed for the holiday. Residents are reminded that trash, recycling, and yard waste collection schedules will be adjusted during the holiday week.

Honoring Indigenous Peoples Day

Indigenous Peoples Day is an important opportunity to recognize and celebrate the rich histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native American and Indigenous communities. Long before College Park became the city we know today, this region was home to Indigenous peoples, including the Piscataway, whose deep connections to the land continue today. The holiday also encourages us to reflect on the injustices Indigenous communities have faced throughout history and the importance of preserving their cultural heritage, honoring their resilience, and recognizing their ongoing contributions to our society. As a community, it is an opportunity to celebrate our shared history while promoting greater understanding, respect, and inclusion.

Holiday Trash and Recycling Collection Schedule

Due to the holiday, regular refuse, recycling, and yard waste collections will be delayed by one day during the week of October 12:

● Monday, October 12: No collection (holiday).

● Tuesday, October 13: Regular Monday collections.

● Wednesday, October 14: Regular Tuesday collections.

● Thursday, October 15: Regular Wednesday collections.

● Friday, October 16: Bulk and special collections only.

Bulk and Special Collections

Bulk and special collections will take place only on Friday, October 16, during the holiday week.

Residents must schedule their pickups in advance before placing items at the curb.

To schedule a collection, contact the City’s Department of Public Works:

● Phone: 240-487-3590

● Email: publicworks@collegeparkmd.gov

Residents are encouraged to plan accordingly and share this information with their neighbors to help ensure a smooth collection schedule.

The City wishes everyone a meaningful Indigenous Peoples Day as we reflect on the history, resilience, and lasting contributions of Indigenous peoples to our community and nation.

College Park is considering changes to its New Neighbors Homeownership Grant Program to help more people purchase homes and establish lasting connections in our community.

The program provides eligible buyers with down payment or closing cost assistance and encourages owner-occupied housing. An information report in the October 6 Council packet outlines possible improvements, with staff proposing a fuller discussion at the October 20 worksession. The proposed changes have not been approved.

Under current guidelines, grants range from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the buyer’s qualifications and the property being purchased. Recipients must live in the home as their primary residence for at least five years. Assistance is provided at settlement, subject to eligibility and available funding.

Staff reports that demand has increased, and four applications were turned down after funding ran out. The City has already increased the program’s annual budget from $75,000 in FY2026 to $200,000 in FY2027.

The report proposes considering these changes:

● Increase basic assistance: Raise grants for City residents and full-time graduate students from $5,000 to $10,000.

● Increase enhanced assistance: Consider grants of up to $25,000 for certain qualifying buyers or purchases of rental or vacant properties.

● Expand eligible professions: Add qualifying public school teachers and childcare workers to those eligible for enhanced grants.

● Consider income-based eligibility: Use area median income as a possible qualification for buyers who do not meet other criteria.

● Include vacant homes: Allow purchases of homes on the City’s vacant-property registry to qualify for additional assistance.

● Review combined assistance: Consider limiting the City’s contribution to $5,000 when a buyer also receives assistance through the separate Live+Work program.

● Extend the residency requirement: Require recipients to remain owner-occupants for seven years instead of five, matching Live+Work guidelines.

● Review repayment protections: Consult the City Attorney about covenant and lien arrangements that protect public funds when recipients sell early or convert their homes to rentals.

These proposals give the Council an opportunity to consider how larger grants and broader eligibility could help homebuyers while ensuring that available funding serves the community effectively.

Supporting homeownership can help families put down roots and strengthen neighborhood stability. The upcoming discussion will focus on how to make the most of the program’s expanded funding and encourage long-term residency in College Park.

Looking for a healthy and enjoyable way to start your weekend? The City of College Park invites residents to join the next Walk With a Doc event tomorrow, Saturday, October 10, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at beautiful Lake Artemesia.

This month’s walk will feature Megan Winsor-Lovely, PA, and Tessie Aikara, MD, who will lead a discussion about cholesterol, its impact on our health, and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The event is a wonderful opportunity to get some exercise, learn valuable health information, meet neighbors, and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re a regular walker or just looking to become more active, everyone is welcome!

Event Details

• When: Tomorrow, Saturday, October 10, 2026
• Time: 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
• Where: Lake Artemesia, College Park
• Meeting Point: Parking lot at 8200 55th Avenue, College Park, MD
• Health Topic: Cholesterol
• Speakers: Megan Winsor-Lovely, PA, and Tessie Aikara, MD
• Cost: FREE! Participants will also receive a free T-shirt.

Walk With a Doc is part of an international initiative that brings healthcare professionals and community members together through free, doctor-led walking programs. The goal is to encourage healthy living, make health education accessible, and strengthen community connections.

Bring your family, friends, and neighbors and enjoy a refreshing morning walk around one of College Park’s most beautiful outdoor destinations.

For more information, contact the City’s Planning Department at 240-487-3540 or Planning@collegeparkmd.gov.

Come out tomorrow morning, get moving, and take another step toward a healthier College Park!