The Prince George's County Department of Permitting, Inspection, and Enforcement (DPIE) is set to propose a budget of approximately $32.3 million for fiscal year 2026, reflecting a slight decrease of $45,300 from the previous year. This budget aims to address critical staffing and operational needs, including a supplemental request of $2.2 million to cover merit and cost-of-living adjustments that were not included in the fiscal year 2025 budget.

Key highlights from the budget presentation revealed that DPIE plans to allocate funds for two new investigators to support the county's rent stabilization program, which is expected to be implemented later in fiscal year 2026. The department currently has 321 authorized staff positions, but a hiring freeze has left 16 positions unfilled, impacting inspections and enforcement operations.

Operating costs are projected to decrease by 14.2%, totaling around $10.5 million, due to reductions in supplies and training expenses. However, a significant $3.5 million increase is earmarked for enhancements to the permitting and licensing system known as Momentum, which aims to improve operational efficiency and data accuracy.

The budget also includes a focus on IT initiatives, with $3.4 million proposed for upgrades to various programs that support plan reviews and regulatory compliance. As the department navigates these financial adjustments, officials emphasize the importance of strategic planning to ensure effective service delivery to the community.