Sustainable Communities

The Sustainable Communities Program, administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), is a place-based designation that supports revitalization and reinvestment in Maryland’s core communities.

Sustainable Community Areas are given competitive access to a toolbox of grants and tax credit initiatives that support projects that include, but are not limited to:

Streetscape improvements
Residential & commercial façade improvements
Community beautification
Affordable housing development Placemaking projects
Vacant/blighted property acquisition/rehabilitation

The Neighborhood Revitalization Section of the Prince George’s County Planning Department provides technical planning services for municipalities and communities in the County that have, or are pursuing, a Sustainable Communities designation. The services the section offers include:

Planning and implementation support of action plan strategies
Guidance on financial programs and incentives
Assistance in the preparation of renewal applications
Assistance in the designation of unincorporated communities
Coordination of agency and stakeholder partnerships

Prince George’s County has over 20 sustainable community areas that have implemented a variety of projects to revitalize their community, increase prosperity for local households, and improve the health of the surrounding environment.

Current Projects

Glassmanor and Oxon Hill Renewal

The Glassmanor and Oxon Hill area was originally designated as a sustainable community back in 2016. Every sustainable community must renew their designation every five years to maintain competitive access to DHCD’s state revitalization programs. The renewal process gives communities the opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments achieved in the past five years and update their action plan with new strategies, set new priorities or reaffirm existing strategies.

Project Timeline

DATE: November 2025
ACTIVITY/MILESTONE: NRS conducted outreach and formed a workgroup of residents and community members, County agencies, non-profits, and stakeholders

DATE: December 2025-January 2026
ACTIVITY/MILESTONE: Workgroup meetings were held to complete the application

DATE: February 2026
ACTIVITY/MILESTONE: The renewal application was finalized

DATE: March 2026
ACTIVITY/MILESTONE: The application is being reviewed and authorized by the Office of the County Executive

DATE: March 16, 2026
ACTIVITY/MILESTONE: The final application will be sent to Maryland DHCD

Fort Washington Designation

NRS has been working in coordination with the nonprofit Fort Washington Forward Inc., community leaders, and local stakeholders to designate a portion of the Fort Washington area as a sustainable community. This project was initiated by Fort Washington Forward who is interested in revitalizing its commercial corridors as well as marketing and enhancing its community assets.

As part of this effort, an action plan has been drafted. An action plan is a five-year investment strategy that outlines outcomes and action items that will increase the economic vitality and livability of a sustainable community, increase prosperity for local households and improve the health of the surrounding environment.

On April 21st, an open house will be held for community members and local stakeholders to come and provide feedback on the draft plan and share ideas on key topics such as transportation, economic development, the environment, and housing. The details of the open house can be found below:

Date: April 21, 2026

Time: 6-8 p.m.

Location: Southern Regional Technology and Recreation Complex – Multipurpose Room

Light refreshments will be provided. View/Download event flyer.

If you are a resident, business owner, employee, nonprofit, or advocate for Fort Washington and want to get involved in this project, please contact Elizabeth Mekonnen. 

Questions? Contact Elizabeth Mekonnen at Elizabeth.Mekonnen@ppd.mncppc.org or 301-952-4363. 