Photo courtesy Andrews Federal Credit Union
Andrews Federal Credit Union recently hosted a group of career-driven young women for the Invest in Girls Industry/Role Model Exchange program.
Andrews Federal Credit Union Empowers Future Leaders through Invest in Girls Event
By PRESS OFFICER
Andrews Federal Credit Union
SUITLAND, Md. (Dec. 29, 2025)—Andrews Federal Credit Union recently hosted a group of career-driven young women for the Invest in Girls Industry/Role Model Exchange program. This event was conducted in partnership with Prince George’s County and the Maryland Council on Economic Education.
During the event, a panel of business leaders, including 10 leaders from Andrews Federal, shared their experiences in the work world and provided advice and guidance for navigating future career planning.
Participants in the program came from Crossland High School, Oxon Hill High School, and Dr. Henry Wise, Jr. High School in Prince George’s County. In addition to the role model exchange sessions, the Andrews Federal leadership team shared their expert advice and guidance. The girls heard from Andrews Federal Board Chair Col. (Ret.) Kenneth McKinney about his career experiences in the military and as a civilian, and they also had the opportunity to interact with Andrews Federal President/Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Orgeron and Chief Operating Officer Damita Robinson.
According to credit union leadership, this program continues to be an outstanding opportunity for partnership and for developing future leaders. “At Andrews Federal, we recognize the power of education to build bridges and to create opportunities,” said Damita Robinson, Chief Operating Officer for Andrews Federal. “Through Invest in Girls, we provide young women with opportunities to see others in action and to define the next steps needed to reach their desired career goals. The future is bright for these young women, and we’re honored to play a part in shaping it.”
Founded in 1948, Andrews Federal Credit Union has grown to serve more than 148,000 members in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and military installations in central Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. For more information about Andrews Federal, visit www.andrewsfcu.org.
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Prince George’s County Council Unanimously Appoints Wala Blegay as Council Member At-Large
By PRESS OFFICER
Prince George’s County Council Media
The Prince George’s County Council on Monday, December 29 voted unanimously to appoint Wala Blegay to serve as Council Member At-Large, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of Calvin Hawkins.
“I am deeply honored by the unanimous vote of my colleagues and grateful for the trust placed in me,” said Council Member Blegay. “Former Council Member Hawkins has long been known as the People’s Champion, and I am committed to carrying forward that legacy—championing the voices and needs of residents across every district in Prince George’s County. I am ready to serve, ready to listen, and ready to continue building a stronger Prince George’s County for everyone.”
Council Member Blegay was elected to the Council in 2022, representing District 6, and has since built a record of people-centered leadership focused on community engagement, responsible development, healthcare access, and economic opportunity. She previously served as Vice Chair of the Council, helping advance a people-driven agenda rooted in equity, accountability, and transparency.
As Chair of the Board of Health, Council Member Blegay has prioritized improving health outcomes by addressing long emergency room wait times, advocating for expanded access to primary care, and elevating maternal and family health as critical county priorities. Her legislative work also includes advancing HOA transparency and hearing process reforms, supporting rental stabilization efforts, strengthening small business access to county procurement opportunities, and promoting quality development standards that protect neighborhood character and quality of life.
In District 6, Council Member Blegay has led efforts to move forward major community-centered development initiatives, including Downtown Largo and Westphalia, while remaining deeply engaged with residents through town halls, legal clinics, small business engagement events, and community forums focused on development and quality-of-life issues.
As Council Member At-Large, Blegay will expand this work countywide, with a continued focus on listening, accessibility, and results-driven leadership. Her office will be launching Town Hall 2026, a series of community town halls across Prince George’s County to ensure residents remain at the center of County decision-making.
Pursuant to the County Code, when there is a vacancy in the Office of a Council Member that occurs during the last year of a term, a majority of the remaining Council Members will appoint a qualified person to fill the vacancy.
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Del. Jazz M. Lewis Tapped to Lead State Government Relations
2-Time Alumnus’ Experience Includes Nearly 9 Years in General Assembly
By PRESS OFFICER
University of Maryland
The University of Maryland on Wednesday, December 17 named Maryland Del. Jazz M. Lewis ’11, M.P.P. ’14 as its director of state government relations.
Lewis, the House majority whip, resigned from his role in the state legislature on Tuesday during a special session; starting Jan. 5, he will lead the university’s engagement with state, county and local government partners in support of UMD’s mission and priorities.
He brings with him more than a decade of experience in state, federal and national public policy, including senior leadership roles in the Maryland General Assembly, on Capitol Hill and in one of the country’s most influential labor-environment coalitions. The Prince George’s County native has spent his career advancing economic opportunity, strengthening Maryland’s communities and championing policies that support working families.
As director, Lewis will serve as the university’s primary liaison to state and local officials, working closely with senior leadership, faculty and campus partners to advance UMD’s priorities. He will help shape the university’s overall governmental engagement strategy, strengthen relationships in Annapolis and across Maryland, and advocate for policies and investments that support UMD’s teaching, research and service mission.
Lewis is a two-time graduate of the University of Maryland, earning a Bachelor of Arts in government and politics and a Master of Public Policy degree. As an undergraduate, he participated in College Park Scholars’ Public Leadership Program, an experience he credits with launching his career in public service.
Most recently, Lewis served as legislative director for the BlueGreen Alliance, where he led its national legislative strategy on clean manufacturing, workforce development and industrial policy, including work supporting implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Earlier in his career, Lewis worked for U.S. Rep. Steny H. Hoyer ’63 (D-Maryland) as a senior policy adviser. He was first elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 2017 to represent District 24, which includes communities such as Lake Arbor, Capitol Heights and Glenarden. In 2023, he was appointed majority whip, becoming the youngest member to serve in that position.
Lewis will replace Ross Stern, who will retire at the end of this year after more than 25 years of service leading the university’s government relations efforts.
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Pathway to Purchase Homebuyer Assistance Program Expands Benefits With New Guidelines
Prince George’s County Now Offers Up to $50,000 in Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance for First-Time Homebuyers
By PRESS OFFICER
Housing & Redevelopment, Prince George’s County
Largo, Md. (Dec. 23, 2025)—Prince George’s County has elevated its commitment to expanding access to homeownership with the release of updated guidelines for its Pathway to Purchase Homebuyer Assistance Program. Under the enhanced program, eligible first-time homebuyers may now receive up to 100% more than previous assistance, from $25,000 to up to $50,000 in financial aid to support down payment and closing costs, significantly reducing barriers to purchasing a home in today’s competitive housing market.
Pathway to Purchase allows qualified buyers to purchase homes anywhere in Prince George’s County, supporting community stability and wealth-building opportunities across the jurisdiction. Eligible residential properties include new construction homes, resale properties, and foreclosures, offering flexibility and choice to participating households.
Administered by the Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development (PG-DHCD), the program is further strengthened through a partnership with the State of Maryland’s Mortgage Program. Through this collaboration, eligible homebuyers may receive an additional $6,000 toward down payment and closing costs. Buyers who participate in the State’s Partner Match Program may also qualify for a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $2,500, increasing the total financial assistance available.
“This important partnership with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and private-sector lenders allows us to take a meaningful step toward expanding affordable homeownership,” said Jonathan R. Butler, Director of the Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development. “This dedicated funding helps families overcome financial barriers and move confidently onto the path to homeownership. We remain committed to helping residents build stability, equity, and generational wealth through the pursuit of the American Dream.”
Pathway to Purchase assistance is provided as a 0% interest, deferred loan. The loan becomes due only when the home is sold, transferred, or no longer serves as the buyer’s primary residence. Importantly, the loan is fully forgiven after 10 years of continuous owner occupancy, at which point the lien is released—making the program both affordable and homeowner-friendly.
Under the program guidelines, the maximum allowable purchase price is $448,000 for resale homes and $485,000 for new construction homes. All properties must successfully pass a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection as part of the application process to ensure safe and livable housing conditions.
PG-DHCD administers Pathway to Purchase in coordination with approved mortgage lenders, and eligible buyers must work with a participating lender to apply.
For eligibility requirements, participating lenders, and application details, visit the Pathway to Purchase website or contact the Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development’s Pathway to Purchase Office on (301) 883-5456.
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M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Board and Department Announce
January 2026 Events and Meetings
By PRESS OFFICER, M-NCPPC
LARGO, Md. (Jan. 2, 2026)—The Prince George’s County Planning Board and the Prince George’s County Planning Department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) announce their upcoming public events and meetings for January 2026. For more details, review the list of events and meetings below or visit www.pgplanningboard.org and www.pgplanning.org. Events and meetings are subject to change.
Prince George’s County Planning Board Meetings
Thursday, January 15 | 10 a.m.
Thursday, January 22 | 10 a.m.
Thursday, January 29 | 10 a.m.
Online and M-NCPPC Largo Headquarters (Auditorium), 1616 McCormick Drive, Largo, MD 20774
The Prince George’s County Planning Board meets on Thursdays to consider planning, zoning, subdivision, and other matters within its jurisdiction. The meetings may be viewed in person at the M-NCPPC Largo Headquarters and via live streaming video. Public participation is encouraged. Everyone who wishes to speak virtually or in person at the Planning Board meeting must register online by noon on the Tuesday, two days prior to the Planning Board meeting. Written comments, documents, and exhibits must be received via email, hand delivery, or mail by noon on the Tuesday before the Planning Board meeting to be included in the record. For more details, visit: www.pgplanningboard.org
Subdivision and Development Review Committee Meeting
Friday, January 16 | 9:30 a.m.
Friday, January 30 | 9:30 a.m.
Subdivision and Development Review Committee (SDRC) is a coordination and interagency meeting early in the development review process with the applicant and M-NCPPC staff, where the public can be invited to virtually view the meeting only. The meetings are held virtually and may be viewed via live streaming video. The agendas are posted online.
Open House for Subregion 1 Minor Plan Amendment
Wednesday, January 21 | 6:30 p.m.
Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activity Center | 7120 Contee Road, Laurel, MD 20707
The Prince George’s County Planning Department will host an Open House for the for the Subregion 1 Master Plan Minor Plan Amendment. The Amendment focuses on future development and infrastructure in and around Konterra and north Beltsville. Event attendees will hear a summary of community engagement results, review draft updated plan language and proposed zoning changes, and provide feedback to inform the updated plan and sectional map amendments. To register for the open house in advance, visit https://pgplan.org/sub1openhouse. For more information on the plan, visit https://pgplan.org/subregion1.
Suitland Cultural Arts Implementation Strategy Community Charette
Saturday, January 24 | 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Suitland Community Center, 5600 Regency Lane, Forestville, MD 20747
The Prince George’s County Planning Department will host a community feedback session to review and respond to the outcomes and concepts for Suitland’s Cultural Arts District’s opportunity sites. Community members are invited to explore renderings of each opportunity site created from prior community engagement sessions, provide feedback, and help shape the future of cultural arts in Suitland. For more information on the Suitland Cultural Arts Implementation Strategy and to register in advance for the event, visit the website: https://pgplan.org/suitland-cultural-arts.
Prince George’s County Historic Preservation Commission
Tuesday, January 20 | 6:30 p.m.
Hosted by the Prince George’s County Planning Department, the Prince George’s County Historic Preservation Commission meeting will be held virtually on the third Tuesday of the month. For meeting details, visit https://www.pgplanning.org/countywide-planning/historic-preservation or call 301-952-3680, or email HistoricPreservation@ppd.mncppc.org.
M-NCPPC Full Commission Meeting
Wednesday, January 21 | 10 a.m.
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission will hold its Full Commission meeting in a hybrid format from the M-NCPPC Headquarters in Wheaton and via video conference. Agenda packets will be available online: https://www.mncppc.org/meetings/
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