GREENBELT CITY GOVERNMENT
When Greenbelt's first families moved in, the federal government provided rules on how the city would be operated. There was no local government in place to provide for local services and laws. Within six weeks the people held their first election, choosing a five member city council from among 17 candidates. They created a city charter that established the first city manager/council form of government. The city charter was approved by the Maryland Legislature in June 1937. The city charter outlines such things as the responsibilities of the city officials (City Council), terms of office, and what type of services the city will provide to its residents (police, recreational facilities, refuse collection, etc.)
The City of Greenbelt elects a new council every two years. Greenbelt's next election will be held in November of 2011. Any resident of Greenbelt who is a qualified, register voter is eligible to run for election. Potential Council Members must file with the city clerk. The City Council consists of seven members who are elected at large. The members of the City Council choose the mayor and the Mayor Pro Tem. The member who received the most votes in the election is customarily chosen as Mayor, with the member receiving the second highest number of votes usually becoming the Mayor Pro Tem. The Mayor Pro Tem assumes the duties of the Mayor when he/she is not available.
The City Council holds regular meetings the second and fourth Monday of every month except during July, August, and December when it meets once a month. City Council meetings are open to all. Click here for Upcoming Agenda.City Council meetings are generally held at 8:00 p.m. in the Council Room located at 25 Crescent Road. Meetings are also shown live on the Greenbelt Municipal Access Channel 71, Verizon 21 and Streaming live at this website. In addition to its regular meetings, the City Council holds work sessions on many Monday and Wednesday nights.
The City Council is advised on many issues by the various Advisory Boards and Committees. The City of Greenbelt currently has 14 advisory boards and committees made up of citizen volunteers. These boards and committees meet regularly to discuss such issues as youth, education, senior citizens, city planning, public safety, parks and recreation, recycling and the arts. All of these boards and committees report to the City Council. They make recommendations on issues concerning the city and its residents.
The current City Council members are: Mayor Judith "J" Davis; Mayor Pro Tem Emmett Jordan, and Council Members Edward Putens; Rodney Roberts, Leta Mach, Konrad Herling and Silke Pope.
If you are a Greenbelt resident, registered to vote in Prince George’s County, you are registered to vote in city elections. For more information on voter registration,
click here.