The Prince George's County General Assembly Committee convened on March 11, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding the governor's housing bill and its implications for the county's job-to-housing ratio. The meeting highlighted concerns about the regional assessment that groups Prince George's County with Frederick and Montgomery Counties, which has led to challenges in meeting housing requirements.

Director Hall provided an update, noting that while Prince George's County meets the housing threshold independently, the regional coupling with Montgomery County—currently not meeting its threshold—complicates the situation. This has raised questions about whether the county could seek an exemption or a "notwithstanding clause" to avoid penalties for Montgomery County's shortcomings.

Committee members expressed frustration over the bill's structure, which they believe penalizes Prince George's County for job growth. Mr. Genovka pointed out that the county has been struggling with its job-to-housing ratio since the early 2000s, with a significant percentage of residents commuting outside the county for work. He emphasized that the current bill does not address the need for more jobs and instead exacerbates existing challenges by imposing additional housing requirements.

The discussion also touched on the need for amendments to the bill, including the possibility of counting existing residential units in the planning pipeline, which could improve the county's housing ratio. The committee members agreed to propose an amendment for a notwithstanding clause to exempt Prince George's County from the regional requirements, allowing for a more favorable assessment of its housing situation.

In conclusion, the committee's deliberations underscored the complexities of the housing bill and its potential impact on Prince George's County. The proposed amendments aim to ensure that the county's unique circumstances are recognized in the legislative process, as members prepare to advocate for changes that would better support local job growth and housing needs.