Prince George’s County officials are taking steps to make local government more accessible to everyday residents. Council Chair Krystal Oriadha unveiled a resolution this week that would require the County Council to begin at least one meeting each month at 5 p.m. or later. The move follows a recent listening tour that featured evening discussions with constituents who said daytime, weekday meetings made it difficult for many to attend.
Evening meetings to fit working families
“The communities felt like they wanted more opportunities to connect, and one of the complaints is that our meetings are during the day and during the week, and it’s really hard for some of the residents to participate,” Oriadha said. By scheduling a regular evening session, the council hopes to accommodate parents, shift workers and seniors who otherwise must choose between work, family responsibilities and civic engagement.
Resolution also expands virtual participation
In tandem with the evening‑meeting proposal, Oriadha is sponsoring a second resolution that would let members of the public address the council virtually when bills are up for hearings. “If you meet people a little bit where they are and create more opportunity, they’ll be more engaged,” she explained. The virtual‑participation measure would allow residents to speak from home or a community center, removing the need to travel to the council chambers on a Tuesday afternoon.
Studies cited by the council indicate that jurisdictions that already permit virtual public comments see higher overall engagement, especially among women. Prince George’s County already allows its own elected officials to attend and vote in meetings remotely, a practice that has become routine since the pandemic.
Council reaction and next steps
Some council members have questioned why evening meetings have not been scheduled earlier in the year. “Yeah, we can, but it’s always going to be at the discretion of the chair,” Oriadha responded. “It’s important if we create at least a standard that we’re going to host at least one meeting in the evenings. As a body, we can make that decision, so then it’s not at the discretion of who just happens to be sitting at the chair seat.”
The resolutions will be placed on the council’s agenda for a vote at the next regular meeting. If adopted, the first evening session is expected to take place in October, with the virtual‑public‑hearing rule becoming effective shortly thereafter.
Why this matters for families and faith communities
For many families in Prince George’s County, the ability to attend council meetings after work hours aligns with traditional family rhythms and allows parents to stay involved in decisions that affect schools, public safety and local services. Faith‑based groups, which often serve as community anchors, have also expressed support for more flexible meeting times, noting that congregants can better participate when meetings do not conflict with worship services or volunteer commitments.
By expanding both the timing and format of public participation, the council aims to strengthen the democratic process at the county level, ensuring that a broader cross‑section of residents can have their voices heard on issues ranging from zoning to public‑health initiatives.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
