Prince George's County Announces Passage of $5.8 Billion FY 2026 Budget

May 30, 2025

LARGO, MD - Acting Prince George’s County Executive Tara Jackson announced today that the County Council has approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget. The adopted $5.8 billion spending plan protects core services while continuing critical investments in public education, safety, housing, and infrastructure—despite navigating one of the most challenging budget cycles in recent memory.

“I’m incredibly proud of the collaborative effort that led to the passage of this year’s budget,” said Acting County Executive Tara Jackson. “This was one of the most difficult fiscal environments we’ve faced in over a decade, shaped by state cost shifts, federal instability, and revenue pressures that forced all of us to make tough decisions. Yet through it all, we stayed grounded in our values. We protected essential services, avoided placing additional property tax burdens on our residents, and made smart, strategic investments in the things that matter most—like education, public safety, and climate resilience. I want to thank the County Council, our budget team, agency leadership, and the thousands of residents whose voices helped shape this process. Together, we delivered a budget that puts people first and positions Prince George’s County for a more stable and equitable future.”

In the weeks after Acting County Executive Jackson announced the FY26 proposed budget, the State provided an additional $11.4 million in funding through the State disparity grant program. In addition, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) increased its reimbursement to the County for the cost of services it receives and for assumed responsibility for additional County programs. This has allowed the County to save a few initiatives that had been earmarked to be cut.

“I want to sincerely thank our Prince George’s County delegation in Annapolis for securing this critical funding, which provided much-needed relief at a pivotal moment,” said Jackson. “I also want to express my deep appreciation to MNCPPC for their partnership and willingness to step in and assume responsibility for key programs. Their collaboration helped us preserve services that residents rely on, and it’s a true example of what we can accomplish when state and local partners work together with shared purpose and flexibility.”

The County faced a projected budget shortfall of $130–$170 million heading into FY 2026, driven by:

A $45 million increase in the County’s required contribution to the State’s Blueprint for Maryland’s Future (Kirwan), bringing the total to $969 million.
Economic uncertainty at the federal level, with over 73,000 local residents employed by the federal government.
A structural imbalance where revenues are growing by just 1% while expenditures are rising more rapidly.

“This was one of the most challenging budget cycles in recent memory, but through collaboration, listening, and a deep commitment to our residents, we delivered a budget that reflects our values,” said Prince George’s County Council Chair Ed Burroughs. “We protected critical services without asking residents to shoulder more of the burden, and we prioritized investments that uplift families, support small businesses, and strengthen our communities. This budget is a reflection of both responsible governance and a shared vision for a more equitable future.”

FY 2026 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS

Education & Youth Development

$2.95 billion for the Board of Education, including $969.6 million in County funding—meeting State Blueprint requirements.
$59.6 million for Pre-K expansion.
$143.0 million for Prince George’s Community College.
$1 million for the Summer Youth Enrichment Program.
$42.6 million for Phase II of the Alternative Construction Finance Program to deliver eight new schools.

Public Safety & Safe Neighborhoods

$421.4 million for the Police Department, including 110 recruits and enhanced community policing.
$315.0 million for Fire/EMS services, supporting 95 recruits and expanded paramedic services.
$63.0 million for the Office of the Sheriff, including a new Psychologist to help combat mental wellness for employees.
$44.1 million for Homeland Security.

Health & Human Services

$149.3 million across Health & Human Services, including.
$25.2 million for mental health, addiction, and substance use programs.
Expanded veterans, family, and social services.
$105.7 million for emergency and transitional housing initiatives.

Environmental Sustainability & Beautification

$60.6 million for beautification and environmental programs.
$218.9 million for stormwater management to mitigate flooding and climate risks.
Major investments in the County’s Climate Action Plan, including tree planting, bikeshare expansion, and litter control.
Continued support for Clear-the-Curb and street sweeping programs.

High-Performance Government & Infrastructure

$27.0 million to improve County curb and rehabilitation projects.
$2.75 million for animal shelter renovations.
$3 million for police station upgrades.
$3.5 million to modernize the permitting and licensing system.
Continued investments in pedestrian safety under the Vision Zero initiative.
We are especially proud to announce that County-operated transit services will be free to ride. This will increase ridership, improve air quality, and reduce traffic congestion. It will also save the County about $4.0 million in fare-related costs.

Economic Development & Housing

$50.5 million for the Department of Public Works and Transportation for the Blue Line Corridor.
$29 million for the Central Avenue Connector Trail, enhancing access for 300,000 residents.
$20.2 million for the Housing Investment Trust Fund to expand and preserve affordable housing.

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