The College Park Here & Now publishes an insert in our newspaper each month authored by the city’s communications department: that insert is the College Park Post, below! Scroll down to an html version of this month’s College Park Post. Escoge Spanish arriba para leer en Español abajo.
COLLEGE PARK POST
December 2025 – Edition 66
LIGHT UP COLLEGE PARK THIS DECEMBER
Deck the City Holiday Decorating Contest Opens December 1
College Park’s annual Deck the City Holiday Decorating Contest returns to celebrate bright lights, creative décor, and neighborhood holiday cheer.
How to Participate:
- Nominate your own home, a neighbor’s home, or any festive display within the City
- Nominations open December 1 at 6:00 a.m. through December 15 at 11:59 p.m.
- All entries must include photos
- Homes must be located within the City of College Park
Voting & Winners:
- All eligible submissions will be shared on the City’s Facebook page beginning December 16
- Online voting takes place December 16-18
- Winners determined by total number of likes and reactions
- Two forms of recognition: Online Voting Winners and Mayor’s Choice Award
- Winners notified by email on or after December 19
- Winners receive a festive yard sign to display throughout the holiday season
- Proof of residency required for winning homes
Submit nominations: www.collegeparkmd.gov/deckthecity
Questions: events@collegeparkmd.gov
HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS & REMINDERS
How to Report Incidents and Stay Safe This Season
In Case of Emergency:
- Always call 9-1-1 for emergencies
- Non-emergency incidents (fraud, traffic hazards, flooding, lost property, vandalism): Contact Prince George’s County Police at 301-352-1200 or report online
Report Non-Emergency City Issues:
- 24/7 Hotline: 240-487-3588
- Online: www.collegeparkmd.gov/tellus
General Safety Tips:
- Remain aware of your surroundings
- Avoid distractions such as phone use
- Walk with confidence, especially at night
- Travel with others when possible
- Stick to well-lit, well-traveled areas
- Keep electronics out of sight
- Limit displays of cash or jewelry
- Use ATMs in busy, public places
- Park in well-lit locations
- Lock your car and secure valuables
- Avoid leaving vehicles idling
Vacation Premise Checks: If you will be away from home, the City offers a police drive-by check of your residence. This service is especially valuable during the holiday season. Student rentals may also be more vulnerable during breaks.
Request a check: www.collegeparkmd.gov/living (under Vacation Premise Check Request tab)
Scam Alert: There have been reports of individuals impersonating City employees, including people posing as curbside leaf collection staff or fake event planners.
Official City employees:
- Wear City-issued uniforms
- Operate marked City vehicles and equipment
- Carry City identification
- Use @collegeparkmd.gov email addresses
If something seems suspicious, do not engage. Contact the appropriate City department to confirm. Report suspicious behavior to Prince George’s County Police at 301-352-1200.
LONGEVITY READY MARYLAND
Maryland Introduces Statewide Plan to Strengthen Support for Older Adults
Key Statistics:
- By 2030, one out of 4 Marylanders will be over age 60
- By 2034, people over age 65 will outnumber those under age 18 nationally (the “Graying of America”)
Governor Wes Moore signed Longevity Ready Maryland (LRM) on July 30—a groundbreaking multisector plan designed to ensure Marylanders can age with dignity, purpose, and independence.
Four Overarching Goals:
- Build inclusive communities that are friendly to senior residents and their needs
- Strengthen the caregiver workforce
- Invest in health programs so older people can stay healthier longer
- Create more affordable housing opportunities and promote financial planning for stable housing options
In College Park: The Department of Youth, Family and Senior Services is addressing the needs of the senior population. The Mayor and Council have appointed a Senior Advisory Committee, and the City has joined the AARP network of Age Friendly Communities.
Contact: 240-487-3614 or seniors@collegeparkmd.gov
CITY OF COLLEGE PARK INAUGURATION 2025
Swearing In of the 2025-2027 City Council
The City of College Park held its 2025 Inauguration Ceremony on Tuesday, December 2, marking the end of the 2023-2025 term and swearing in the newly elected City Councilmembers for 2025-2027.
New City Council:
- Mayor: Fazlul Kabir
- Mayor Pro Tem: Maria Mackie
- District 1: Jacob Hernandez & Alan Hew
- District 2: Kelly Jordan & Holly Simmons
- District 3: Daniel Oates & Ray Ranker
- District 4: Maria Mackie & Denise Mitchell
Mayor’s Priorities for the Term:
- Duvall Field renovation
- North College Park Community Center
- Lakeland restorative justice work
- Stormwater improvements
- Route 1 revitalization
- Continued Purple Line progress
Learn more: www.collegeparkmd.gov/mayorandcouncil
WINTER WEATHER INFORMATION
City Guidance for Snow, Ice, and Cold Weather Conditions
Public safety remains the City’s highest priority during winter storms. City crews work throughout the season to ensure safe travel and timely communication.
Water Main Breaks: Prompt reporting helps repairs occur quickly. If you observe water bubbling from the roadway or suspect a break, contact WSSC Water at 301-206-4002 with the exact address or nearest location.
Winter Weather Alerts: When snow, ice, or wintry mix is forecast, the City will post updates on the website and social media. Public Works crews are staffed around the clock during snow emergencies to maintain the City’s 55 miles of roads.
Snow Removal Activities: Snow and ice removal are treated as emergency operations and take priority over other Public Works tasks.
During a Snow Emergency:
- Equipment dispatched in preparation for incoming precipitation
- Salting operations begin at onset of snowfall or icing
- Plowing begins once snow or slush accumulates on roadways
- One travel lane cleared first, then expanded toward curb-to-curb
- Crews clear designated sidewalks, bus stops, RRFB crosswalks, and Trolley Trail sections
- Multiple passes may occur during extended storms
Resident Responsibilities:
- Move vehicles off the street when possible, or park close to curb
- Wait until plowing is complete to shovel driveways
- Place snow to the right side of driveway (facing the street)
- Never push snow back into the roadway
- Clear sidewalks, storm drains, and fire hydrants in front of your home
- Place refuse and recycling out on regular collection day (pickup may be delayed)
More information: www.collegeparkmd.gov/snow
Questions: 240-487-3590 or publicworks@collegeparkmd.gov
TASTE OF COLLEGE PARK 2026
Explore the Flavors of College Park: January 16-25
Taste of College Park returns for a weeklong celebration of the city’s diverse and vibrant food scene. Participating restaurants will feature special menus, pre-fixed dishes, and unique offerings created exclusively for the event.
Now in its second year, Taste of College Park continues to grow with support from College Park Life, highlighting the wide variety of dining experiences available throughout the city.
View participating restaurants and menus: CollegePark.life
CITY ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS
Christmas Day Holiday Closure
All City offices will be closed Thursday, December 25, 2025. All City offices will close at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24.
Trash & Recycling Schedule:
- Monday and Tuesday collections: Regular schedule
- Thursday collections: Moved to Friday, December 26
- Special collections: Saturday, December 27
Schedule special collection: 240-487-3590 or publicworks@collegeparkmd.gov
New Year’s Day Holiday Closure
All City offices will be closed Thursday, January 1, 2026.
Trash & Recycling Schedule:
- Monday and Tuesday collections: Regular schedule
- Thursday collections: Moved to Friday, January 2
- Special collections: Saturday, January 3
Schedule special collection: 240-487-3590 or publicworks@collegeparkmd.gov
Empower Maryland Piggyback Grant
The City is offering a $100 reimbursement to residents who complete a $100 Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Assessment from a participating contractor.
Benefits:
- Full home energy evaluation
- Customized report outlining ways to improve comfort and efficiency
- May qualify homeowners for additional rebates and tax credits worth up to $15,000
Eligibility:
- Homes must be located within the City of College Park
- Assessments must be completed between December 15, 2025 and June 30, 2026
- Submit online application and brief survey to receive reimbursement
Learn more and apply: www.collegeparkmd.gov/empowergrant
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
Poster Exhibition | January 2-31
Visit City Hall throughout January to explore a special exhibition showcasing the life, leadership, and lasting impact of Dr. King. Available for viewing on the first floor during regular business hours.
Youth Presentations | January 19
The City is supporting engaging presentations for young learners, highlighting Dr. King’s message of courage, equality, and service.
Citywide Food Drive | January 2-31
Honor Dr. King’s commitment to community care by contributing to the City’s month-long canned food drive. Collection box available in City Hall lobby (7401 Baltimore Avenue). Donations support the College Park Community Food Bank.
Day of Service Opportunities
More volunteer opportunities will be announced throughout the month.
Updates: www.collegeparkmd.gov/mlk
CONTACT INFORMATION
City Website: www.collegeparkmd.gov
Sign up for newsletters: collegeparkmd.gov/cpconnect
24/7 Non-Emergency Hotline: 240-487-3588
Report City Concerns: www.collegeparkmd.gov/tellus
Emergency: 9-1-1
Prince George’s County Police (Non-Emergency): 301-352-1200
Public Works: 240-487-3590 or publicworks@collegeparkmd.gov
Youth, Family & Senior Services: 240-487-3614 or seniors@collegeparkmd.gov
Events: events@collegeparkmd.gov