Legislation Details

Reference No. CB-105-2026    Draft No. 1
Type: Council Bill Status: Presentation and referral
Meeting Body County Council
Meeting Date 9/1/2026
Introduced Date Public Hearing Date
Effective date:    
Title: AN ACT CONCERNING HIGH-WAGE EMPLOYER FAST TRACK PROGRAM for the purpose of creating an expedited, coordinated development review pathway for employers that meet defined wage, investment, apprenticeship, and job-quality standards; establishing a dedicated project-management structure; and integrating permitting, inspections, for workforce recruitment; providing incentives into a single accelerated approval process; and generally regarding workforce development.
Proposers/Sponsors: Krystal Oriadha
Attachments: 1. B2026105, 2. CB-105-2026 Summary
Contact: Kathy Canning

Title

AN ACT CONCERNING HIGH-WAGE EMPLOYER FAST TRACK PROGRAM for the purpose of creating an expedited, coordinated development review pathway for employers that meet defined wage, investment, apprenticeship, and job‑quality standards; establishing a dedicated project‑management structure; and integrating permitting, inspections, for workforce recruitment; providing incentives into a single accelerated approval process; and generally regarding workforce development.

 

Body

FOR USE BY COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION:

 

Confidential:   Yes / No

 

Requested by: Krystal Oriadha

 

Assigned to: Kathy Canning

 

Legislation Type: Bill

 

Need by Date: ASAP

 

Background Necessitating Legislation:

High‑wage employers often prioritize speed, predictability, and coordinated permitting when determining where to invest. The County currently provides workforce and economic‑development services, but lacks a formalized accelerated approval track for high‑quality job creators. Research identifies that jurisdictions such as Texas (JETI Act) and Montgomery County’s Job Creation Project ZTA have implemented expedited pathways for large job‑creating employers, improving competitiveness and encouraging targeted industry growth.

The proposed legislation would authorize the County to create a High‑Wage Employer Fast Track for qualifying projects that provide above‑benchmark wages, create net‑new County jobs, establish apprenticeships, and meet defined investment thresholds. Participating employers would receive:

• Expedited permitting and inspections

• Dedicated project‑management support

• Site‑selection and infrastructure coordination

• Workforce recruitment and training support through PGCC or other providers

• Navigation assistance for state/federal incentives and procurement

This approach positions Prince George’s County to compete for advanced manufacturing, life sciences, technology, aerospace suppliers, and other high‑growth industries.

 

Special Instructions/Concerns/Time Critical Information:

Please assign to Karen Zavakos or Kathleen Canning

 

Agencies or Individuals to Contact:

County Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE)

Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (EDC)

Employ Prince George’s

Prince George’s Community College (PGCC)

 

Comments/Notes:

 

Title

AN ACT concerning High-Wage Employer Fast Track Program for the purpose of creating an expedited, coordinated development review pathway for employers that meet defined wage, investment, apprenticeship, and job‑quality standards; establishing a dedicated project‑management structure; and integrating permitting, inspections, for workforce recruitment; providing incentives into a single accelerated approval process; and generally regarding workforce development .

 

DRAFTER PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:

 

Proposer(s): Chair Oriadha

 

Background

(Official Legislative Background Information for Agenda Item Summary)

 

This bill establishes the High-Wage Employer Fast Track Program for the purpose of creating an expedited, coordinated development review pathway for employers that meet defined wage, investment, apprenticeship, and job‑quality standards; establishing a dedicated project‑management structure; and integrating permitting, inspections, for workforce recruitment; and providing incentives into a single accelerated approval process.

 

REMINDER: Attach the Legislative file document