The Year Ahead

Five Predictions for Prince George’s County In 2020

By M.H. Jim Estepp

M.H. Jim Estepp

The Economy

Following up on the prediction that the economy would fare well in 2019, there are sufficient signs to see another strong year in 2020. The U.S. has a deal in place with China to increase purchases from here, while greatly decreasing cybertheft. American markets continue to achieve all-time highs on a semi-monthly basis. The longest-running bull market in American history will continue. The job market remains strong, with unemployment rates not seen in the last 50 years, accompanied by steady wage growth and high consumer confidence.

Housing

 Ten years ago, Prince George's County consistently had an inventory of 5,000 houses available. That number now stands at fewer than 2,000, while the market here has seen an increase in median sales price to $315,000, a leap of 12.5 percent over the same period last year, with sellers averaging 100 percent of their asking price over the last six months. Even with fewer homes available, in new and existing stock, the county continues to exceed expectations, with total dollars of sales up five percent year over year. The market will continue to perform well in the coming year.

Politics

For the first time in a generation, Prince George's County will not have a State Senate President from our community, as Mike Miller has stepped down from the post. While he will continue to serve the residents of District 27, there will be significant changes at the top of the Maryland Senate. Prince George's will have a critical voice on the leadership team, though, as Senator Melony Griffith will serve as President pro tem. With a new Senate President and a new Speaker of the House going through their first sessions, the safest predictions are growing pains and challenges to Governor Hogan, as Kirwan funding comes before the body.

Public Safety

We can expect continued gains in the Police Department and Fire/EMS services, under the exceptional leadership of County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Public Safety Director Mark Magaw and our two outstanding Chiefs, Hank Stawinski and Tiffany Green, as they combine world-class performance with the continuing quest for innovation to lead these two nationally recognized departments.

Health and Longevity

Once again, Prince George's County continues to improve, this time, in the most important category of all, the health and longevity of its residents. This year's County Health Rankings see Prince George's move from 14th to 11th overall in the state. Even before the new hospital arrives, the county continues to see improvement in all its health care operations, and we're witness to greatly improving ratios in primary care physicians, dentists and mental health professionals, keeping our residents healthier than ever. You must tie-in public safety here, as drastic reductions in violent crime help play into the longevity of our residents.

We are excited to present this and other information in the 2020 version of the Greater Prince George's Business Roundtable's "Prince George's County Quality of Life Index®," coming this Spring. 

M.H. Jim Estepp is founder, president and CEO of the Greater Prince George's Business Roundtable