New eComment Portal Heightens Public Engagement Options; First Use During April 20th Council Session
The Prince George’s County Council, meeting virtually until state of emergency declarations are lifted, has established an eComment portal to facilitate public participation in virtual Council sessions. The portal enables residents to register electronically to speak on agenda items scheduled for public hearing, or to submit a comment or letter into the official public record, in lieu of verbal testimony.
The eComment portal will be activated at 5:00 p.m. on the Friday preceding a meeting agenda. Written testimony or comments will be accepted in electronic format, rather than by U.S. mail. For those unable to use the portal, comments/written correspondence may be emailed to: clerkofthecouncil@co.pg.md.us or faxed to (301) 952-5178. All testimony and comments received by the deadline will become part of the public record of the meeting.
Council Chair Todd M. Turner (D) – District 4, says as the Council convenes virtually because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic, public participation in Council processes has become even more important.
“Given the economic impact of COVID-19 in Prince George’s County, and the Council’s current FY 21 Budget Review and Adoption process, public input in Council processes is critical. eComment provides residents with an opportunity to participate in virtual Council sessions, and important budget public hearings, while adhering to social distancing guidelines.”
Testimony and comments will not be accepted via social media or by telephone/voice mail message.
The eComment portal will be available for the Council session scheduled for Monday, April 20, 2020. The agenda includes public hearings. For more information, visit: https://pgccouncil.us/458/Public-Hearing-Notices-Sign-Up-to-Speak
