By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
The Prince George’s County Council has approved the Acting Prince George’s County Executive Tara Jackson’s fiscal year (FY) 2026 proposed budget.
“I’m incredibly proud of the collaborative effort that led to the passage of this year’s budget,” said Jackson in a statement on May 30, the day after the passage of the budget. “Together, we delivered a budget that puts people first and positions Prince George’s County, Md. for a more stable and equitable future.”
The adopted $5.8 billion budget prioritizes protecting core services while continuing critical investments in public education, safety, housing and infrastructure despite the instability and tricking deficit from current state and federal funding issues. The budget will be fully enacted on July 1.
“This year, more than ever, the budget required us to dig deep, not just into spreadsheets and forecasts, but into the lived experiences of the people we represent,” said Council Chair Edward P. Burroughs III (PG-D-08) in a press release on May 29. “I am a firm believer that leadership starts with listening, and we have heard loud and clear from our community about what matters to them.”
Top priorities of the budget include $6 million for the Council’s non-departmental grants, $1.5 million for county executive grants, $800,000 for a litter cleanup program, full funding for the labor trafficking unit and $250,000 to support a program that delivers meals to older residents. This budget does not include any increases in taxes.
The council was also able to allocate $250,000 to the Black Maternal Health Fund, an initiative Council Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha (PG-D-07) has championed.
“This is an incredible moment for all women of color in Prince George’s County, Md.,” said Oriadha. “This is an issue I am very passionate about, as a Black mother who experienced birth complications. I am so grateful that Chair Burroughs and my fellow council members have joined in making Black maternal health a priority, and I know that we will have happier, healthier families here in Prince George’s County, Md. as a result of this monumental funding.”
The $250,000 marks the first time the council has allocated resources toward Black maternal health.
The council was also able to preserve funding for Prince George’s County Community Television, supported a new webpage that provides re-entry resources for citizens returning from incarceration and stopped a 30-day hiring delay for first responders.
“I am incredibly proud of this final budget, and all that we were able to squeeze into it, despite challenging circumstances,” said Burroughs. “This budget is a reflection of our values and priorities as we shape the future of Prince George’s County, Md., one that is more just and more equitable for all Prince Georgians, in every corner of our county.”