Hal W. Metzler

This Strategic Plan outlines the City of Hyattsville's direction and goals for 2026-2031, emphasizing a firm commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. It aims to foster a vibrant community where residents feel safe, connected, and supported through lively neighborhoods, reliable infrastructure, environmental stewardship, thriving local businesses, affordable housing, and exceptional public services. The plan focuses on strategic paths including creating a safe and inviting city, fostering a growing and thriving economy, ensuring excellence in municipal services, providing housing and livable neighborhoods, establishing dependable infrastructure, promoting a sustainable natural environment, and enhancing community character.

The City Administrator presented updates regarding staff departures, new local businesses opening, community engagement initiatives including ward check-ins and community meetings, and the status of various infrastructure projects such as storm water improvements and roadway work. Additional topics covered included the Youth Advisory Council leadership program, recent scholarship recipients, Special Olympics torch run participation, upcoming community events like watch parties for the FIFA World Cup, and various committee meeting announcements.

The council meeting addressed several operational and community items, including the departure of key city staff and the recognition of their contributions. Discussions were held regarding new business openings, ward-level community engagement activities, and public safety initiatives such as 'Coffee with the Cop' and school-based programs. The meeting also featured updates on the Youth Advisory Council cohort selection, the Education Pathway scholarship recipients, and upcoming infrastructure events like ribbon cuttings and the groundbreaking for 'The Spot'. Public comments focused on police department investigations, the municipal budget, and bond refunding requests.

The City Council held several meetings throughout the month. Discussions included the introduction and first reading of the fiscal 2027 budget, with funding approved for a city caseworker and cost of living adjustments for staff. Presentations were received regarding cultural heritage promotion and an update on the countywide master plan for parks and open space. Progress reports were provided on city-wide traffic calming projects, and an ordinance to address vacant commercial properties was discussed. Additionally, expenditures from discretionary funds were approved to support various community-led summer projects including pride events, food pantry donations, and youth advisory initiatives.

The meeting included a review of Public Works Week activities, including an open house and a luncheon that served as a retirement celebration for a long-serving employee. The police department provided an update on K9 trial achievements and activities during Police Week, including survivor pickup and tribute events for fallen officers. Discussions also covered a budget barbecue, an economic development tour highlighting city assets and potential expansion for local businesses, and new initiatives from the Community Services Department, such as a bilingual oral history project, fire safety workshops, and a mental health awareness campaign by the Youth Advisory Council. Finally, the council discussed upcoming community events and received a request for an update regarding ice expansion at a specific local address.