It is February, the time of year when we have grown accustomed to the cold weather but long for signs of spring. It may take a bit longer to see those signs since Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on Groundhog Day and predicts six more weeks of winter, but it’s not too cold for parents to plan for summer camp. College Park’s annual summer camp scholarship applications are open! Learn more at https://www.collegeparkmd.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=711.

Normally, it would be enough to recognize that February brings with it Black History month and Valentine’s Day. And although we want to encourage you to take advantage of programs and activities offered by Prince George’s County and the University of Maryland, we would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the many changes we have witnessed at the federal level over the past few weeks.  We recognize that some of these changes are a cause for great concern and have negative impacts for many in our community. Federal workers who have concerns about the impacts of recent executive orders on their jobs are encouraged to contact Congressman Glenn Ivey’s office via phone at 240-906-6262. Immigrant and working-class families in need of support can contact CASA at 1-866-765-2272. We encourage everyone to find balance and take care of themselves and their families. You will find information about resources for mental health support and immigration issues on the city’s website.   

Apparently, this time of year is a great time for elections. Prince George’s County is holding a Special Election for County Executive.  The primary election is Tuesday, March 4, 2025, and the general election is June 3, 2025. The city is also holding a Special Election on March 11, 2025, to fill the council seat vacated by former Councilmember Stuart Adams.  

During February, the following items are anticipated for the Council meeting agenda: the appointment of the Child Care Task Force Committee, discussion and action related to the November 2025 election, and a presentation from the Vacant and Blighted Properties Tax Committee on creating a vacant property registry. 

In closing, we want you to know the City of College Park remains committed to being an inclusive community. Now more than ever, it is important to aspire to be One College Park. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Llatetra Brown Esters Susan Whitney
Councilmember District 2 Councilmember District 2
lbesters@collegeparkmd.gov swhitney@collegeparkmd.gov