During a recent budget work session, the Prince George's County Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee outlined key strategic focuses for the Office of Community Relations (OCR) for fiscal year 2026. The committee emphasized a commitment to enhancing efficiency and responsiveness to residents through the maintenance of the new PGC 3-1-1 Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system and the expansion of resource services via the "3-1-1 on the Go" initiative.

The proposed budget for OCR stands at $5,398,100, reflecting a decrease of 6.3% from the previous fiscal year. This reduction is attributed to lower compensation expenditures and operational costs, including cuts in advertising and office supplies. Despite the budget constraints, OCR aims to fill six critical positions, including community developers and compliance specialists, to bolster its outreach and service capabilities.

Director Davis highlighted the successful launch of the "3-1-1 on the Go" mobile unit, which has engaged hundreds of stakeholders and improved access to government resources. The initiative has also increased the number of Spanish-speaking call operators, reducing wait times for non-English speaking residents. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding employee work-life balance, as staff are often required to work nights and weekends to meet community needs.

The committee also addressed ongoing frustrations from residents regarding response times for service requests. Many constituents have expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived delays in addressing their concerns, leading to calls for improved accountability and oversight of the 3-1-1 system. Director Davis acknowledged these issues and suggested that enhanced training for agency personnel and a potential "tickler system" for monitoring service requests could improve communication and transparency.

As the committee moves forward, the focus will be on ensuring that OCR can effectively serve the nearly one million residents of Prince George's County while navigating budgetary limitations and addressing community concerns. The anticipated outcomes include a more responsive service delivery system and improved quality of life for residents in economically challenged neighborhoods.