Taking College Park’s Priorities to Annapolis

At tomorrow night’s City Council meeting, the Council will consider submitting three Legislative Action Requests (LARs) to the Maryland Municipal League (MML) for possible inclusion in its 2027 statewide legislative agenda.

Each year, municipalities across Maryland have the opportunity to propose legislation that addresses local challenges and provides local governments with additional tools to better serve their communities. If selected by MML, these proposals could become part of the organization’s advocacy efforts during the upcoming Maryland General Assembly session.

The first proposal would prohibit stopping, standing, or parking in designated bike lanes. As communities continue investing in bicycle infrastructure, keeping bike lanes clear is essential for cyclist safety. Vehicles blocking bike lanes force cyclists into traffic, creating unnecessary hazards and discouraging active transportation.

The second proposal would allow local governments to request a review of commercial property assessments when there is evidence that a property’s assessed value is significantly below market value. This would help ensure greater fairness in the property tax system and allow local governments to more accurately capture revenues needed to support public services.

The third proposal calls for a statewide study of strategies to address long-term vacant commercial properties. Vacant storefronts and underutilized commercial buildings can hinder economic activity, reduce investment, and negatively impact surrounding neighborhoods. The study would explore potential tools and best practices to encourage redevelopment and productive reuse of these properties.

These proposals reflect College Park’s ongoing commitment to safer streets, stronger commercial corridors, and sound fiscal stewardship. While the proposals originate from local concerns, they address challenges faced by municipalities throughout Maryland.