This evening, I will have the profound honor of swearing in our new City Council members. Their enthusiasm and commitment to serving College Park are truly inspiring, and I look forward to working side by side with them to uplift our city and advance the hopes and aspirations of our residents.

As we enter the next term, we do so with a clear understanding of both the challenges ahead and the meaningful opportunities before us. We are mindful of the broader economic climate — and these realities remind us to be thoughtful, responsible stewards of our residents’ tax dollars. Yet even with these constraints, there is so much to look forward to: the long-awaited renovation of Duvall Field; the new North College Park Community Center taking shape; Lakeland’s ongoing restorative justice work; long-needed stormwater and flooding solutions in Calvert Hills; the continued revitalization of Route 1; and seeing the Purple Line project through to completion, finally connecting our city in ways we have hoped for decades. We are also optimistic about achieving meaningful improvements in public safety and policing services — delivering the level of service our residents deserve and expect from the taxes they contribute.

Below is an overview of tonight’s Council meeting and the swearing-in ceremony.

Tonight’s City Council Meeting

The meeting will begin with an invocation by Pastor Robert Stephens of Aletheia College Park.

There will be brief remarks from the current Council and presentations honoring our outgoing Councilmembers Esters, Whitney, and Rigg. Afterward, the 2023–2025 Council will adjourn, and the new Council will be sworn in.

Presentations from Mayor Kabir

  • Councilmember Llatetra Brown Esters

  • Councilmember Susan L. Whitney

  • Councilmember John Rigg

Remarks by Outgoing Councilmembers

  • Councilmember Llatetra Brown Esters

  • Councilmember Susan L. Whitney

  • Councilmember John Rigg

Adjournment of the 2023–2025 Mayor & Council

Swearing-In Ceremonies

Swearing-In of Mayor-Elect Fazlul Kabir

The Honorable Mahasin El Amin, Clerk of the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, will administer the oath of office.

Swearing-In of the 2025–2027 City Council

I will then swear in the newly elected City Councilmembers.

Appointment of the Mayor Pro Tem (25-G-126)

After thoughtful conversations with my Council colleagues and considering the perspectives shared, I believe the role of Mayor Pro Tem provides an important opportunity for Councilmembers to build leadership experience and strengthen our partnerships with neighboring jurisdictions and regional organizations.

With that in mind, and based on these consultations, I am pleased to consider appointing Councilmember Maria Mackie as our new Mayor Pro Tem. Councilmember Mackie is one of our most senior and experienced members, with a long record of service across numerous committees and initiatives that have strengthened our city.

I also want to extend my sincere thanks to Councilmember Denise Mitchell for her dedicated service in the Mayor Pro Tem role and for her work connecting College Park with key organizations across the state and region.

Remarks by Incoming Councilmembers

  • Councilmember Kelly Jordan

  • Councilmember Holly J. Simmons

  • Councilmember Daniel M. Oates

Address by Mayor Kabir

To begin the new term, I will share an address reflecting on the challenges ahead and the opportunities before us.

Benediction

Pastor Robert Stephens of Aletheia College Park

Adjournment & Reception

The meeting will adjourn following the benediction.
Please join us for a reception in the lobby afterward.