At its September 15 worksession, the College Park City Council discussed the City’s proposed 2027 State Legislative Priorities and Advocacy Agenda. The agenda will guide the City’s advocacy before the Maryland General Assembly, Prince George’s County, State agencies, and other governmental partners during the coming year. (Granicus College Park⁠)

The Council has not yet formally adopted the resolution. Following the worksession discussion, staff will bring the legislative agenda back to the Council for adoption at an upcoming meeting.

The City recently established a more formal annual process for considering legislative priorities during August and September. Once the priorities are adopted, City staff and legislative representatives can advocate on issues consistent with the Council-approved agenda without having to return to the Council for direction on every individual bill. (City of College Park⁠)

Expanding Local Tools for Affordable Housing

One of the most significant proposals in the draft agenda involves affordable and inclusionary housing.

College Park does not have independent zoning authority, which limits some of the tools available to the City to require affordable units as part of new development. The City proposes seeking State legislation that would give municipalities without zoning authority additional options to encourage or require affordable housing.

The proposal could allow a municipality to establish local inclusionary housing requirements if the County does not establish minimum affordable-housing requirements for new developments within a period established by State law.

Funding for Major College Park Projects

The draft agenda also identifies several projects for which the City would seek State, County, or M-NCPPC funding.

These include continued funding and prioritization for the remaining phases of the Route 1 Reconstruction project, construction of the North College Park Community Center, design and engineering of a new pedestrian bridge across the Northeast Branch near Old Calvert Road, Phase 2 of the Metzerott Road capital improvement project, and the Campus Drive Reconstruction and Bridge Replacement Project.

The City would also advocate for continued State funding for full implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, support for Youth Service Bureaus, and State and County assistance for a community land trust to help preserve long-term housing affordability in College Park.

Possible State Bond Funding

The Council also discussed several projects that could potentially qualify for Legislative Bond Initiative funding through the State capital budget.

These include acquiring property for a City tree bank, supporting a potential recreational sports facility partnership with the University of Maryland, and funding pedestrian and bicycle improvements on City-owned streets.

These projects are being identified as opportunities to explore; inclusion in the legislative agenda does not itself guarantee State funding.

Housing, Economic Development and Public Safety

The proposed advocacy agenda covers several broader policy areas that could involve State or County legislation, agency decisions, funding, or partnerships.

On housing, the City would advocate for policies that increase affordability and housing options while strengthening tenant protections. The draft specifically identifies issues such as algorithmic rent-setting, transparency in rental fees, and responsible rental practices.

On economic development, the City would support investments, incentives, tax credits, tourism funding, and other programs that can assist local businesses, encourage responsible redevelopment, attract investment, and strengthen College Park’s growing innovation economy.

The proposed agenda also makes public safety a priority, including improved resources, information sharing, and coordination among the multiple law-enforcement and public-safety agencies serving College Park.

Transportation, University Partnerships and Sustainability

Transportation and pedestrian safety are another major focus. The City would support policies that improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and motorists while helping advance College Park’s transportation priorities.

The agenda also recognizes the importance of the City’s partnership with the University of Maryland, particularly initiatives that can attract jobs and investment, encourage innovation, and strengthen the local economy.

Climate and sustainability priorities would include support for renewable and clean energy, environmental sustainability, waste reduction, and measures that improve the City’s resilience to climate-related challenges.

Watching Issues That Could Affect College Park

Not every issue that comes before the General Assembly can be predicted months in advance. For that reason, the proposal also includes a legislative “watch list.”

City staff and legislative representatives would monitor developments involving education and childcare; programs for children, families, seniors and veterans; municipal revenues and authority; local government operations; and municipal elections and election administration.

If proposed legislation falls clearly within the adopted priorities, the City could take a position consistent with the agenda. Issues raising significant new policy questions would come back to the Mayor and Council for direction.

The Council’s annual legislative agenda is intended to give College Park a coordinated voice when decisions affecting our residents, businesses, infrastructure, and municipal government are being considered in Annapolis and at the County level.

The Council will consider formal adoption of the 2027 State Legislative Priorities and Advocacy Agenda at an upcoming meeting.