Mar 13

Mar 13 Budgeting In The New Reality

Acting Prince George’s County Executive Tara Jackson Shares A Reduced FY2026 Budget Proposal

By Raoul Dennis // PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIM JOHNSON

Under conditions that might significantly raise the blood pressure of a seasoned career politician, Acting County Executive Tara H. Jackson faces her first (and only) at bat in determining the county budget for FY2026.

‘This year’s $5.4 billion proposed budget was developed under challenging economic conditions,” Jackson said in her statement to the county just hours after delivering her only budget proposal. “The county faces a budget shortfall of $130-$170 million due to increased state-mandated costs and federal economic uncertainty.”

Add to this the thousands of county residents who directly or indirectly work with the federal government and who are facing job insecurity or the outright loss of their jobs as the federal government goes through a reorganization phase.

The proposed budget applies $2.9 billion to schools, $314 million for safe neighborhoods neighborhoods and $424.3 million for police (an increase of $29.2 million).

“It’s not enough for people to simply feel safe,” Jackson said of one of the few budget increases she included. “We want people to actually be safe.” [See “Acting County Executive Tara Jackson On FY26 Budget” above].

The budget calls for $143.7 million in spending toward mental health. Some $9.6 million will be aimed at economic development.

“This budget maintains the county’s proven strategy of a prioritized focus on education, providing safe neighborhoods, economic development and improving quality of life for county residents,” notes the administration in its budget overview.

“The unprecedented actions at the federal level, including mass layoffs and funding cuts, pose a significant threat to our county and state,” said Council Chair Jolene Ivey. “This is one of the most difficult budget years in recent history and there are some tough decisions to make, but we are committed to finding solutions and protecting essential services for our residents.”

Prince George’s County Council Vice Chair Ed Burroughs also responded to the executive’s proposed budget. “This is one of the most difficult financial situations that the county has been in in recent history, so we are going to have to navigate through that.”