Bringing the World to Prince George’s County  February 9, 2016

An Update from County Councilman Mel Franklin

February 9, 2016 | Volume 2, Issue 1

Prince George’s Rising is a countywide newsletter designed to empower communities with key information and issues of concern. It is my honor to serve you on the Prince George’s County Council. Over the last several years, including the immediate past two years as Chairman, I have worked with my colleagues on the Council to move our County forward. With your help, we are “Bringing the World to Prince George’s County.” For more information, please go to https://www.melfranklin.net or e-mail me at mel@melfranklin.net.

Jobs and Opportunities Available at MGM National Harbor; Slated to Open in Fall 2016

As you can see if you pass over the Wilson Bridge or visit National Harbor, MGM National Harbor is rapidly speeding towards completion by late-fall of this year. The focus is turning towards the 4,000 permanent jobs and $70 million in annual procurement with businesses that will occur in the operation of this 24-story destination resort.  The MGM National Harbor Community Benefit Agreement approved by the County Council and County Executive includes several requirements for local hiring and procurement with local businesses. It is essential that County residents and businesses vigorously seek these important economic opportunities.

Residents who are interested in employment at MGM National Harbor, can go here (SkillSmart): http://www.mgmnationalharbor.com/jobs/career-opportunities.aspx

And here (job listings): https://mgmresorts.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/307

Businesses interested in MGM operations procurement, go here: http://www.mgmnationalharbor.com/suppliers/default.aspx

The MGM National Harbor Community Benefits Agreement: http://tinyurl.com/mgmcommunitybenefitagreement

County Leaders and Residents Support the Prince George’s County Regional Medical Center Act

County leaders are united in supporting the Prince George’s County Regional Medical Center Act (Senate Bill 324), sponsored by Senate President Mike Miller and (crossfiled by) Speaker Mike Busch, which would mandate previously committed state funding for building the state of the art Regional Medical Center at the Largo Town Center Metro Station, which is projected to be a catalyst for nearly $3 billion in county economic activity.

Read the Council letter of support: http://tinyurl.com/councilhospitalfundingletter

Sun Article: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/blog/bal-miller-busch-plan-spending-mandate-for-new-prince-georges-hospital-20160126-story.html

Senate Bill 324: http://tinyurl.com/sb-324-2016

Post: Prince George’s community hopes for GSA ‘game-changer’ to spur growth

“In years past, there wasn’t great planning done for a number of Metro stations,” said council member Mel Franklin (D-Upper Marlboro). “It reflected the attitude that the county did not see Metro stations as development magnets. We’ve changed that view and direction.” County officials are seeking to stimulate jobs and economic development on the Southern Green Line Corridor.

Full Post Article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/prince-georges-community-hopes-for-gsa-game-changer-to-spur-growth/2016/02/07/5538aea8-c460-11e5-a4aa-f25866ba0dc6_story.html

COMMUNITY NEWS YOU CAN USE

With State and County Incentives, County’s Largest Publicly Traded Firm Firm 2U Inc. to Expand and Add 900 Jobs

WBJ: Education-technology firm 2U Inc. will move to 7900 Harkins Road near the New Carrollton Metro Station — where the company will lease space — is to accommodate an additional 900 jobs in Prince George’s County during the next five years. The Maryland Department of Commerce is providing a $2 million conditional loan to the company while Prince George’s is providing $1.5 million in loans. The company will move into an initial 169,423 square feet of office space, but that will grow to 252,952 square feet after the buildout is complete.

Full WBJ Article: http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/blog/techflash/2016/02/fast-growing2u-is-moving-its-hq-but-staying-in.html

Nearly $1.5 Million in State and County Incentives Help Save 700 Jobs at Safeway Distribution Center Slated for Closure

Under the deal, “executives from Safeway’s new owner Albertson’s agreed to take over management of the old warehouse, leasing C&S’ operations systems until it could acquire its own. County and state government kicked in nearly $1.5 million in incentives to bring the deal over the finish line.” The County incentives shall be funded by the County Economic Development Incentive Fund and are subject to review/approval by the County Council.

Post Article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/01/21/maryland-warehouse-workers-save-jobs-from-consolidation-threat-at-a-cost/

Summer Youth Job Readiness Training for County Youth

The County’s Summer Youth Jobs Program, in collaboration with the Prince George’s Community College, is hosting a Job Readiness Training Program for County Youth between the ages of 15 to 19.  Youth who participate in the job readiness training obtain a preferred position in being selected for the summer jobs program.

Click here to register for Job Readiness Training: http://www.pgcc.edu/Programs_and_Courses/Noncredit/Continuing_Education_Program_Detail.aspx?id=6442469036

New Emergency Expertise Comes to MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center

From MedStar: With nearly 60,000 patients receiving care in our Emergency Department (ED) every year, MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center recognizes the importance of our ED in the community. As part of our dedication to providing outstanding and timely emergency care, this August we were delighted to welcome a group of talented physicians and physician assistants from MedStar Emergency Physicians to our ED.

Full Press Release: http://www.medstarsouthernmaryland.org/2016/01/12/new-emergency-expertise-comes-to-medstar-southern-maryland-hospital-center/#q={}

Congresswoman Donna Edwards Small Business Event: Financing & Other Options to GROW & SUSTAIN Your Enterprise

Tuesday, February 23, 2016, 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM, Hillcrest Heights Community Center, 2300 Oxon Run Drive, Temple HIlls, MD 20748 – Speak with retail bankers, credit unions, & financial experts, explore nontraditional financing, and learn what lenders look for in a winning loan proposal. For more information, visit www.donnaedwards.house.gov or call 301-516-7601.

Congratulations to Joint Base Andrews for Receiving the 2015 Commander-in-Chief’s Air Force Award for Excellence

This prestigious award “recognizes outstanding and innovative efforts of the people who operate and maintain U.S. military installations. Excellent installations enable better mission performance and enhance the quality of life for military men and women and their families,” officials said in a statement announcing the winners. “Each winning installation succeeded in providing excellent working, housing and recreational conditions.”

Full Defense Department Press Release: http://www.defense.gov/News-Article-View/Article/612607

Parks Department Black History Month Events

Please participate in the MNCPPC Parks Department’s outstanding month-long programming for Black History Month.  See the full calendar here and share with your neighbors:http://www.pgparks.com/Assets/History/2016+Black+History+BrochureV2.pdf

From the White House: Fact Sheet About the Zika Virus

From the Obama Administration: “Since late last year, the Administration has been aggressively working to combat Zika, a virus primarily spread by mosquitoes that has recently been linked to birth defects and other concerning health outcomes.”

Full Fact Sheet: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/02/08/fact-sheet-preparing-and-responding-zika-virus-home-and-abroad

OTHER IMPORTANT COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention/Still I Rise, Inc.
Call (301) 868-4903 or go to http://www.stillirisemd.org or call 211

Apply for the Homeowners/Renters Tax Credit Program
Call 1(800) 944-7403 FREE or go to http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/htc.html

Apply for the Homestead Tax Credit Program
Call (866) 650-8783 FREE or go to http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/homestead.html

How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment
Call (301) 952-2500 or go to http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/appeal.html

Free Legal Assistance: District Court (Upper Marlboro) Self-Help Legal Resource Center
Call 410-260-1392 or go to http://www.courts.state.md.us/legalhelp/districtctselfhelpctr.html

County-Based and Minority Business Procurement Opportunities and Certifications
Call (301) 883-6480 or go to http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/SupplierDevelopment/Pages/default.aspx

County Employment and Workforce Assistance
Call (301) 583-4650 or go to http://www.pgcedc.com/workforce-services

For constituent concerns, please use County Click 311: http://countyclick.princegeorgescountymd.gov or call 311

Request Pothole Repair: http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/PublicWorks/Services/RoadwayImprovements/Potholes/Pages/default.aspx

Find Your Elected Officials:
Contact your County Council Member at http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/countycouncil/Pages/default.aspx
Contact the County Executive at http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/ExecutiveBranch/Pages/default.aspx
Find out and contact your state and federal elected officials at http://mdelect.net

View the Prince George’s County Code at http://www.municode.com/library/md/prince_george’s_county/codes/code_of_ordinances



Is a resource you need not here?
Check https://www.melfranklin.net or contact me at: Mel@MelFranklin.net