College Park State of the City highlights growth, parks and housing plans

College Park’s State of the City address for 2026 outlined continued economic growth, upcoming public-space investments and housing initiatives while stressing the city will maintain services without raising property taxes.

The presenter opened by describing 2025 as a year that “kept that momentum going,” saying residents can “feel it across our city” as new businesses opened and parks and recreation spaces moved from planning into construction. The address named 12 recent business arrivals that the city said created more than 150 new jobs and cited openings including Honey Pig, Raising Cane’s, A Rêve Salon, Peter Chang’s and Samosas and Spirits.

The city highlighted community events and partnerships: College Park Day saw record turnout, the Spring Street Fair was introduced, and partnerships with the University of Maryland’s RecWell and athletics departments will expand subsidized social sports leagues, summer pool memberships and discounted football tickets.

On housing and neighborhood stabilization, the presenter said the city used down payment assistance to help new families buy homes and that the Community Preservation Trust sold three permanently affordable homes in Lakeland while acquiring additional properties in Hollywood and College Park Estates. The address previewed several housing projects on the horizon, including The Capstone House, Aviation Landing, Discovery Point and The Rambler.

Financially, the presenter stated the city’s budget is balanced and that taxes will not increase: “For the second year in a row, the city of College Park is able to maintain and expand services to our community without raising taxes.” The address said property tax rates are being maintained at the same level as the last two years and described the city as keeping one of the lowest tax rates in Prince George’s County.

The city reported grant and assistance activity. The presenter said ARPA funding has ended, that the city awarded grants (noting 40 businesses and five nonprofits shared more than $1 million in grant funding), and described emergency assistance grants made to households. The transcript’s phrasing about the number of households and exact dollar totals for emergency assistance is unclear; the city’s statement on these points is reported here as presented in the address and is noted in clarifying details.

On sustainability, College Park emphasized progress toward waste diversion and tree canopy expansion: the curbside food scrap collection program now includes roughly 500 participating homes, diverting about 330 tons of food waste since the program began in 2021, and the city reported planting nearly 150 additional trees on private property and city right-of-way last year. The city also received a silver certification as a Certified Sustainable Maryland Community and a bronze bicycle-friendly community designation.

Transportation updates included a Purple Line construction update: the presenter said Purple Line construction is about 87% complete and that “all track work in College Park and within the county is 100% complete,” with passenger service scheduled to begin late next year. The address also mentioned continued work on sidewalks, ADA-compliant curb ramps and road-safety projects, including River Road protected bike lanes and a North College Park street light retrofit.

Looking ahead to 2026, the presenter previewed capital projects and programs: renovations at Duvall Field (including an amphitheater, multi-functional field, basketball and pickleball courts, improved walking trail and a playground) expected to open in the summer; the recently renovated Calvert Hills playground; forthcoming Roanoke Place Pocket Park and Pierce Avenue Park; a public safety study; and proposed new city positions to expand services.

The presenter closed by thanking partners, emphasizing inclusivity and community input in planning and budgeting, and inviting residents to upcoming events such as the Spring Street Fair and College Park Day.