This has been another great year
of progress and achievement in Prince George’s County. For that, I thank all of you--County residents, employees and my staff (some of them pictured above). The County gained nearly
5,000 jobs and reduced unemployment by two percentage points. We received a “green light” on the Purple Line and surpassed $7
billion dollars worth of projects in our economic development pipeline. The median price of homes has risen more than 60 percent since "plummeting to the bottom" four years ago. In September, regional business powerhouse Bisnow
summarized our success and noted that we are “just getting started.” I agree.
We are continuing to make progress in our public schools as educational reforms take hold. In November, we launched a new and very significant partnership with Venture Philanthropy Partners (VPP). As a result of this partnership, Prince George's County is VPP's first suburban school district to receive millions of dollars in investment for a career and college readiness program called Ready to Work. Others are taking notice of our progress. For instance, the Washington Post and WAMU recently highlighted the integration
of English and Art into STEM (science, technology, engineering and
mathematics) courses within our school system. We know there is more to do and we are committed to providing the
resources needed to sufficiently educate our children.
We also have seen great progress in health care, social services, and public safety. The number of uninsured residents decreased by 30% and we continue to work toward building a 21st century health care system that will be anchored by a new Regional Medical Center. For the fourth straight year, overall crime is down. And in 2015, it is down 16% from last year, which translates into nearly 4,000 fewer crime victims.
Finally, 2015 concluded with an incredible honor that was given to me but was earned by every Prince George’s County employee and resident – the Governing Magazine 2015 Public Official of the Year award. The recognition and awards we received this year are a testament to how far we have come and
our limitless potential. That potential is personified in the smiling and hopeful faces of our youth (pictured below).
Happy New Year to you and yours and I look forward to working with you to make 2016 another
great year for Prince George’s County!
Rushern L. Baker, III
County Executive Rushern L. Baker with students and staff from Scotchtown Hills Elementary School in Laurel, during one of his weekly visits to county schools.
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