Hello, neighbors! Flowers are popping up and giving welcome hints of spring, which is a wonderful time to celebrate the coming of new ways to enjoy the outdoors. Please join us for the Duvall Field Groundbreaking Ceremony at 8:30 am on Friday, March 14^th at Duvall Field. Renovations will include an amphitheater, new multi-purpose soccer and baseball fields, basketball and pickleball courts, walking and fitness trail, new playground, and more. Funding is provided by the City’s Capital Improvement Program, with support from State Bond Bills and Program Open Space.

Unfortunately, life is not all fun and games, and we know many are reeling from uncertainty, intimidation and job losses at the federal level. Our undocumented neighbors are fearful that they or their loved ones might be apprehended and uprooted from their community. Congressman Glenn Ivey’s office has collected resources at this link: Resources for Marylanders Affected by Trump Administration Policies | Congressman Glenn Ivey. Please share this information with those who need it and look out for your neighbors however you can.

In local news, the Mayor and Council held public hearings on February 4th to hear feedback on two proposed Charter amendments — 25-CR-01, which would allow the Mayor & Council to either hold a special election or appoint a replacement if a vacancy arises within 365/366 days of the next election, and 24-CR-02, which would allow 16- & 17-year-olds to vote in City elections. The body decided not to vote on the proposed amendments until the second District 3 representative is seated after the March 11^th special election. 

We invite you to join us for a virtual District 2 Community Meeting on Saturday, March 15 at 11 am where we will provide updates, listen to your thoughts, and answer your questions. Click here to join (passcode: 15Mar25). See you then!

On April 8th, the Mayor and Council are expected to vote on creating an Affordable Housing Task Force. The proposed composition includes two members from each district, as well as a voting liaison from the Age-Friendly College Park Workgroup. Please reach out if you’d like to learn more.

Finally, the all-day budget session is on April 5. The proposed budget will be released to the public and Council about two weeks prior. The City does not anticipate significant financial impact from changes at the federal level. While Councilmembers have been asked not to bring District projects forward, we do not anticipate challenges in maintaining current services or the need to increase property taxes. 

Please note that comments are by Councilmembers Esters and Whitney and are not approved or sanctioned by the City of College Park.