Board pushes for clearer signage, shorter survey after town-hall outreach

The Prince George's County Cannabis Reinvestment and Restoration Board spent substantial time reviewing feedback from recent town-hall and tabling events, with members urging clearer on-site signage and simpler survey tools to increase outreach yield.

"When people arrived to our table, they first thought that we were promoting the sale of cannabis," said James McDowell, speaking in his role as vice chair of the board, describing conversations staff and members had with residents at multiple nights of outreach. Members said the misunderstanding led to missed opportunities to recruit applicants and gather feedback.

Natalie Doris urged the board to present clear numbers on how the fund will be populated and used, noting that county-level figures are available online: "So right now we're at $12,000,000 and that is with the conversion that had to go on with the medical to recreation," she said, arguing that showing dollars and jobs would attract more attention at public events.

Staff confirmed handouts had been distributed and said a request for a retractable banner had already been submitted; board members asked that staff expedite production so banners and flyers are ready for upcoming town halls. Members also proposed collecting qualitative data at events with sticky notes or boards and producing a short, event-friendly survey for on-site use while retaining a longer digital survey for in-depth responses.

Board members agreed to refine talking points as a group so outreach messaging stays consistent across tabling and town-hall events. Staff offered to coordinate distribution of materials and to post timelines and survey links on the council's webpage so residents know when to apply.