Bowie · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bowie public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Senior gym-walking fee
Seniors who have walked the city gym for free for years now face a $50 gym card fee in the current budget. Helen Clark, 88, spoke on behalf of a group of walkers asking the council to restore free access; council may add an agenda item soon.
IT Modernization and Revenue Diversification
Bowie endorsed the state task force studying how counties and municipalities raise revenue — an effort that could affect where city money comes from in the future.
Fees for nonprofit meeting space and block party permits
Millie Hall of Concerned Citizens of Prince George's County said nonprofits are being charged $50 an hour for meeting space despite the Ken Hill building being intended for nonprofit use, forcing her youth financial literacy program to Crofton. She also flagged the block party permit fee jumping from $25 to $50.
State legislative session and municipal funding
The city's lobbyists outlined a $71 billion state budget with growing out-year deficits, a failed bill that would have preempted local zoning, and a transportation grant fix that didn't pass — putting roughly $100 million in local transportation funding at risk statewide. Mason's Law will require Bowie to inventory open drainage inlets by 2027.
FY2027 CDBG Annual Action Plan
Federal block grant money will keep funding home rehabilitation for income-eligible homeowners, the workforce development center at the Kenhill Center, and fair housing education.