Members warn big agencies could crowd out small businesses for reinvestment funds

Board members told the meeting they had received reports that larger agencies, including some county departments, were already asking when the application would be available and may pursue large awards once the process opens.

"She shared with me that she was actually getting calls, from other agencies, other larger agencies, asking when the application would be available, because they wanted to apply," James McDowell said, describing concerns raised by the county council chair. He added that one health department had reportedly discussed applying for an award in the range of $1.1 million, which raised concerns about small, local businesses being pushed out of consideration.

Members proposed prioritizing Prince George's County businesses in the scoring methodology and considering application-size parameters to ensure the fund serves smaller community businesses and organizations. Speakers emphasized the need for clear eligibility criteria that would weigh in-county economic benefit and demonstrated need so that larger outside entities would not automatically receive priority.