News Detail

M-NCPPC Raises Concerns Over Prince George’s County’s FY27 Budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 9, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT: Calista Black, Calista.Black@mncppc.org  

                               Anika B. Jackson, Anika.Jackson@pgparks.com

M-NCPPC Raises Concerns Over Prince George’s County’s FY27 Budget

Commission calls for transparency and equity in the budget process while reaffirming nearly 100 years of essential services to Prince George’s County

LARGO, Md. (June 9, 2026) — Prince George’s County finalized its Fiscal Year 2027 budget and The Maryland‑National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M‑NCPPC) is providing important context and transparency for residents about the impact of recent budget decisions on the work of the Commission and the communities it serves.

The County Council recently approved a $6 billion Prince George’s County budget that includes at least a $20 million cut to our operating budgets, an $8 million cut to our capital budget, a $33 million cut to the construction and operation of our Largo Headquarters Office, a series of unfunded new program initiatives, and a transfer of more than $39 million from M‑NCPPC to fund a range of County programs, positions, and initiatives.

This structural reduction represents a significant shift that will require the Commission to evaluate operations, programs, and investments in the year ahead. The first version of the FY27 budget adopted on May 27, 2026, contained numerous clerical, mathematical, and structural errors that were identified by The Commission and shared with the County Executive and County Council. These clerical errors were corrected in the budget that was passed by the County Council today.

“At our core, M‑NCPPC exists to serve the public,” said Artie Harris, Chair of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. “As an award-winning agency that has served the residents of Prince George’s and Montgomery counties for nearly 100 years, we take that responsibility seriously. We recognize that balancing a countywide budget requires difficult decisions, and we value our longstanding partnership with the Prince George’s County Council and County Executive. At the same time, we must be clear that reductions of this magnitude affect the services our communities rely on every day. We remain committed to working with County leadership to find a solution that preserves those essential services and continues to meet the needs of our residents.”

What this means to Residents and Budget Impact Concerns

The adopted budget reductions and related fiscal directives will place a significant strain on M-NCPPC’s ability to lawfully, effectively, and responsibly execute its statutory obligations under the Land Use Article and the Prince George’s County Zoning Ordinance. Proposed FY27 budget reductions and potential staffing cuts will significantly weaken M-NCPPC’s ability to meet legal requirements, maintain consistent review processes, and effectively serve the public—raising the risk of delays, legal challenges, and reduced accountability.

The current approved Budget causes a level of instability which could impact the Commission’s long-term financial outlook, including its all-important AAA bond rating. As it stands, many programs and services delivered to the community could be impacted, including:

• A 40% reduction to the Management Services Division budget, significantly affecting help desk operations and permitting functions.
• A potential hiring freeze for both career and seasonal positions, limiting workforce capacity and service delivery.
• Elimination of printing the Your Guide and Summer Camp Guide, decreasing awareness of important public information and programs and services.
• Cuts to arts programming, resulting in less support for local artists and arts organizations.
• Reduced countywide funding for senior and disability services, as resources are redirected to support special program initiatives in specific districts.
• Limits expedited reviews for priority economic development and housing projects, which could delay key development efforts.
• No funding for the Planning Assistance to Municipalities and Communities (PAMC) Program, eliminating a valuable source of local planning support.
• Elimination of funding for the Neighborhood Planning Academy, including its dedicated municipal program.
• No new master plans and studies will be undertaken. No funding will be available to update the Prince George’s County General Plan, Plan 2050, slowing long-term strategic planning for the County.

These reductions will have broad operational impacts, including delays, reduced support capacity, and increased uncertainty across Departments.

“We have navigated difficult budgets before, and we will navigate this one to the best of our ability,” said Darius A. Stanton, Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County. “What I want every resident to know is that this Department belongs to them—all of them. We will continue to show up for our community, advocate for their needs, and deliver the highest level of service possible.”

A Longstanding Partner in County Government

M‑NCPPC has a long history of working in close partnership with Prince George’s County to meet evolving community needs, particularly during times of fiscal constraint. Over the past several years, the Commission has consistently stepped forward to support the County by improving the process to manage valid project charges and finding operational efficiencies while preserving critical programs for residents.

This cooperative approach reflects the Commission’s mission as a bi‑county agency created by the Maryland General Assembly to plan for the physical development of the region and provide comprehensive park and recreation services. It also underscores M‑NCPPC’s role as both a steward of public resources and a flexible partner in meeting broader governmental priorities.

“Despite the challenges before us, the Planning Department remains firmly committed to supporting and planning vibrant, sustainable communities across Prince George’s County,” said James Hunt, Acting Director for the Prince George’s County Planning Department. “We want to guide responsible growth, engage residents, and advance the policies and investments needed to strengthen neighborhoods, protect resources, and improve quality of life for all.”

Across Prince George’s County, M‑NCPPC programs are deeply embedded in daily life. From early childhood programs and afterschool care to senior centers, adaptive recreation, environmental education, and community events, the Commission’s work touches residents at every stage of life.

In the past year alone:

• More than 30,000 hours of direct support were provided to individuals with disabilities.
• Over 2,000 staff members were trained in inclusive service delivery.
• More than 6,800 residents participated in enrichment programming.
• Hundreds of children received meals and safe care through after-school programs.
• Nearly 4,500 helpdesk ticket requests for planning and development inquiries were processed.
• More than 30,000 requests from residents and stakeholders for GIS Data via the Open Data Portal were received.
• Over 15,900 permits from the County’s Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement reviewed.

For many families and stakeholders, these services are not optional; they are essential. They represent stability, accessibility, and trusted relationships built over time. This budget puts these services at risk.

Balancing New Priorities with Existing Services

The Prince George’s County FY27 Budget includes new investments in programs for seniors and individuals with autism and special needs intended to be carried out by other government agencies or private entities. This may result in a duplication of services. The Commission has spent decades building nationally recognized programs in these areas, delivered through trained professionals and trusted community spaces across the County. In addition, the FY27 budget includes transfers to County agencies that appear to include other duplicative and redundant services already provided by the Prince George’s County Planning Department and will be disconnected from the Department’s core statutory planning functions.

While M‑NCPPC supports expanded investment in these priorities, these services are already being provided through the Commission’s existing programs. The reallocation of funding raises important questions about how to ensure continuity, avoid duplication, and maintain the high level of care residents currently receive.

The adopted budget reductions and related fiscal directives also present a substantial threat to M-NCPPC’s ability to effectively, and responsibly execute its duties, responsibilities, and obligations to Prince George’s County residents. Proposed FY27 budget reductions and staffing cuts could significantly weaken M-NCPPC’s ability to meet operational requirements, maintain consistent review processes, and effectively serve the public—raising the risk of delays and reduced accountability.

Concerns About the Budget Process

M‑NCPPC leadership believes it is important to highlight concerns regarding the budget development process. M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Department and Commissioners’ Office submitted its FY27 proposed budget and followed up with proposed reductions and adjustments. M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County submitted its FY27 proposed budget in good faith and was not asked to identify reductions or adjustments. The Prince George’s County Spending Affordability Committee moved the proposed budget forward without modifications.

During the May budget work session with the County Council, the Department’s presentation of its operating budget and capital improvement program was limited, with minimal opportunity for substantive discussion or inquiry with the Council or its staff. The Commission was blindsided by the magnitude of the planned transfer and reductions. The Commission believes that a more transparent and deliberative process is essential not only for agencies, but for the residents who ultimately rely on these services.

A Proven Record of Service and Resilience

M‑NCPPC has demonstrated consistent excellence and resilience, even under challenging conditions. Over the years, the Commission has maintained services through economic downturns, public health emergencies, and extreme weather events.

During recent severe winter storms, staff mobilized to clear facilities, operate warming centers, and support emergency operations, and maintain remote business functions, demonstrating the Commission’s role as a critical part of the County’s emergency response infrastructure.

The Commission’s achievements further reflect this commitment:

• Maintains a AAA bond rating with bond rating firms.
• Recipient of the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for more than 40 years.
• Recipient of Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for more than 50 years.
• Finalist eight times for the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.
• 100% compliance with national Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) accreditation standards meeting standards of best practice.
• National recognition in land use planning including an award-winning Neighborhood Planning Academy that serves as an example of excellence in community engagement.
• 8-time Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) accreditation demonstrating that the M-NCPPC Park Police, Prince George’s County Division meets the gold standard in public safety for 28 years.
• National recognition in sustainability, forestry, and equity initiatives.
• Engagement with more than 69% of County households.

These outcomes are the result of decades of investment, professional expertise, and a mission-driven workforce dedicated to public service.

Looking Ahead

M‑NCPPC remains committed to working collaboratively with County leadership as the FY27 budget is implemented. At the same time, the Commission will continue to advocate for transparency, thoughtful planning, and the protection of services that residents depend on.

About The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission 

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a bi-county agency empowered by the State of Maryland in 1927 to acquire, develop, maintain, and administer a regional system of parks within Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, and to provide land use planning for the physical development of Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties. In addition, the agency gained responsibility for the public recreation program in Prince George’s County in 1970. The governing body of M-NCPPC consists of 10 members, five appointed by Montgomery County and five by Prince George’s County. The Commission coordinates and acts on matters of interest to both counties and meets at least once a month. The members of the commission from each county serve on separate county planning boards to facilitate, review, and administer the matters affecting their respective counties.  

###