Greenbelt · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Greenbelt, MD public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Consulting Services RFP
Greenbelt is moving from isolated DEI programs to a citywide effort and plans to hire a consultant to assess where it stands, define roles, and set measurable goals. Council wants the work to measure both internal culture and community impact, and is considering a resident advisory committee on DEI and accessibility.
Save-As-You-Throw (SAYT) Program Fees
Trash fee decisions loom. The proposed 2027 base rate dropped from $2.60 to $2.40, which Councilmember Knesel says puts the whole financial burden on families. Expect a resolution at the next meeting with new financial scenarios.
Bond bill and legislative priorities for 2027
Council's top state priorities are data center guardrails, municipal zoning authority, and fiscal capacity; top bond projects are Pepco street light upgrades, wayfinding, and Indian Creek Park. These go to Annapolis with District 22 municipalities.
Ranked choice voting next steps
Council moved forward with drafting a charter amendment adding ranked choice voting, as voters backed in a 2025 referendum. Pope wants a test run and cost analysis first; the election is about a year away.
Budget Process and Finance Working Group
A proposed council finance working group was tabled to Wednesday, with the city manager warning next year's budget faces a $700,000 adjustment for an under-budgeted abatement expense.
City Manager Directive on Anti-Union Activities
A resident petitioned to see the City Manager's directive prohibiting anti-union activity in the city. The request was received but not acted on.
Recognition Group Grant Policy Overhaul
Grant requests from local nonprofits have jumped 212% — over $77,000 — beyond what the city budgets. The new policy caps operating grants at $25,000, splits funding pools by organization type, and tightens eligibility; it passed 6-1.
Charter Amendment on Collective Bargaining
A proposal to give certain city workers union rights was tabled until May 11 after concerns about last-minute wording changes.
Use of Public Safety Surcharge Funds for Studies
The city recovered $546,000 in overdue public safety surcharge revenue. The manager plans to use $200,000 of it to cover budgeted police vehicles, freeing general fund money for DEI-related assessments and community visioning — trading off against playgrounds or vehicles.
CARES Senior Services Funding and 501(c)(3)
CARES' nursing and senior programs may get $132,000 shifted from other budgets to stay alive for another year while the group becomes a nonprofit.
DEI Officer Role in the FY 2027 Budget
The city's first DEI officer role is up for restructuring. Residents pushed back hard in the budget hearing, and the council ultimately agreed to keep the position funded while weighing four restructuring options and promising more transparency.
GATe financial sustainability and possible streaming tax
Greenbelt Access Television has lost over half its cable PEG funding in five years ($180K to $85K) and cut staff from six full-timers to two part-timers. Council floated a dedicated work session to find new revenue, possibly including a streaming tax.
FY 2027 Public Works Budget
The final public hearing before the May 26 budget adoption drew comments on sidewalk funding, DEI transparency, and better budget accessibility. If you care about where your tax dollars go, adoption is May 26.
Green Ridge House FY 2027 budget and operations
Green Ridge House is Greenbelt's federally subsidized Section 8 senior housing facility, and the FY 2027 budget funds continued HVAC riser replacement, erosion repairs, and resident amenities. Rent for residents actually went down a dollar a month thanks to a utility allowance increase, and HUD reimbursements are running smoothly.