Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy has officially pulled back the curtain on her Fiscal Year 2027 proposed budget, signaling a significant turning point for the county’s finances. After years of navigating economic uncertainty, the $5.92 billion proposal suggests the county has successfully closed the $170 million structural deficit that loomed over FY 2025.
For residents, the FY27 budget isn’t just a spreadsheet; it’s a roadmap for how the county intends to improve daily life—from the classroom to the commute. Here are 5 things to know about the budget:
1. Investing in the Next Generation
Education remains the largest slice of the pie. The CE is proposing a $2.97 billion total budget for Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS)—an increase of $20.8 million over the previous year.
Key highlights for parents and students include:
- New Construction: $42 million to accelerate “Phase Two” of the school construction program, aimed at delivering eight new schools.
- Academic Support: $20 million dedicated specifically to special education, reading, and math programs.
- Teacher Retention: The administration noted that PGCPS currently leads the state in reducing teacher vacancies, a trend they aim to continue with competitive pay packages.
2. Safety and Recruitment
Public safety accounts for a massive portion of the General Fund. With homicide rates reportedly down 48% in 2025, the CE is doubling down on recruitment to keep the momentum.
- Police: $453.5 million, including funding for 150 new recruits and new body-worn cameras.
- Fire/EMS: $325.9 million to bring in 100 new recruits and 46 new sworn positions.
- Local Hires: In a win for local employment, nearly 60% of current recruits are Prince George’s County residents.
3. The “Beautification Blitz” and Infrastructure
If you’ve noticed fewer potholes, the CE says that is by design. Under “Strike Force 311,” the county claims to be repairing over 1,000 potholes a week. The FY27 budget continues this clean up mission with:
- $10.5 million for litter pickup, street sweeping, and the “Clear-the-Curb” program.
- $84.4 million for stormwater management to mitigate the flash flooding that plagues many local neighborhoods.
- $3.9 million to modernize the permitting system—a frequent pain point for local homeowners and small business owners.
4. Housing and Health Services
Despite the focus on fiscal discipline, the budget expands specific “safety net” programs for vulnerable neighbors:
- Affordable Housing: $21.2 million for the Housing Investment Trust Fund to help keep Prince George’s affordable as the region grows.
- Seniors: A $1 million Utility Assistance program specifically for senior citizens.
- Behavioral Health: $24.2 million for mental health and addiction treatment, plus new funding for early autism detection.
5. Financial Health at a Glance
The total budget is projected to grow by 2% compared to last year. While “Special Revenue” and “Grant” funds are seeing a decrease, the General Fund—the primary engine for county services—is up by 3.2%.
| Fund Type | FY27 Proposed | Change from FY26 |
| General Fund | $4.97 Billion | +3.2% |
| Enterprise Funds | $284.5 Million | +3.5% |
| Total Operating Budget | $5.92 Billion | +2.0% |
What’s Next?
The budget is now in the hands of the County Council. Led by Chair Krystal Oriadha, the Council will spend the next several weeks digging into the details.
Important Dates for Residents:
- Now – May: County Council budget hearings and deliberations.
- June 1, 2026: Deadline for the Council to approve the final budget.
- July 1, 2026: The new fiscal year begins and funding is released.
“This budget reflects our shared commitment to ensuring growth benefits every resident,” Braveboy said. “We are building a County that is prepared for the future.”
