PLCC held its 2021 annual meeting on November 17. In case you missed it, the recording is now available. Over 100 attendees joined us to hear from peers working on the ground to ensure housing stability, economic vitality, and neighborhood livability in the communities along the transit line. Thanks to all who attended, and stay tuned for more ways to engage with us!
On May 13, 2021, developers from around the region participated in a discussion about one of PLCC’s most pressing issues: how to create and preserve affordable housing in the the face of rising property values along the Purple Line. The event brought together county officials, funders, developers, and housing experts for a comprehensive conversation about what’s needed to create new affordable units.
The even featured:
→ A tour of Purple Line stations by Ralph Bennett, board president of Purple Line NOW.
→Presentations by the directors Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties’ housing development agencies about resources for affordable housing development.
→A discussion of financing sources from Enterprise Community Partners and the National Housing Trust.
→Profiles of neighborhoods and sites in the corridor that are ideal candidates for affordable housing.
→A presentation of the Villas at Langley, the apartment complex in Langley Park recently acquired by Jair Lynch.
The event was facilitated by the Housing Accelerator Action Team, a collaboration between the region’s housing agencies, housing nonprofits, and community organizations working together to realize the recommendations in the PLCC Housing Action Plan.
PLCC held a successful annual meeting on November 17, 2020, with over 130 people in attendance. We heard from elected officials, local residents and business owners, nonprofit service providers and more about how we can continue working together to make the Purple Line a place of equity and opportunity after an incredibly challenging year.
We left the meeting energized and optimistic about what we can make happen in 2021.
00:00:12 – Welcome remarks from Maryland State Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins
00:03:15 — Welcome remarks from Prince George’s County Councilmember Deni Taveras
00:07:18 – Purple Line: Where are we? Where are we headed? Gerrit Knaap, Director, National Center for Smart Growth and Co-chair, PLCC Steering Committee; Sheila Somashekhar, PLCC Director
00:22:37 – Remarks from Isaías Portillo, Resident of the corridor and grassroots activist
00:26:52 – Panel: Forging ahead in challenging times: action along the corridor. Panelists included:
– Marla Bilonick, Executive Director and CEO, Latino Economic Development Corporation
– Jorge Benitez-Perez, Organizer, CASA
– Pat Parker, Executive Director, Central Kenilworth Revitalization Corporation
– Lisa Butler McDougal, President, Sowing Empowerment & Economic Development, Inc. (SEED)
– Moderator: David Bowers, Vice President and Mid-Atlantic Market Leader, Enterprise Community Partners
01:09:45 – Remarks, Lene Tsegaye, owner of Kefa Café
1:19 – Key Elements of National Center for Smart Growth’s FTA/MTA grant and breakout discussion takeaways
1:38 – Closing remarks from Prince George’s County Council Member Dannielle Glaros
In November of 2017, following an extensive stakeholder engagement process, the PLCC launched the Community Development Agreement for the Purple Line Corridor. Since then, dozens of organizations across the Corridor have been working collectively to support and grow local businesses, build a thriving labor market, ensure housing choices for all, and support vibrant communities.
2020 has brought new challenges. Between COVID-19 shutdowns, a renewed national and local focus on racial inequities, and the temporary halt of Purple Line construction, where do we stand? Join us on November 17 to hear from state and local leaders, nonprofits and community members about how PLCC is adapting and accelerating its commitment to an equitable Purple Line Corridor. We also invite you to network with PLCC’s partners — local and regional community groups, nonprofits, governments, businesses, anchor institutions, banks, philanthropy, faith and other organizations — and help chart next steps for the coalition.
The meeting will take place via Zoom. Registered participants will receive a link prior to the event.