“We’ve done a lot of work since we spoke last about getting the city in a position where it can quickly move on critical infrastructure projects,” Street reports. “For the first time last year, we put together a five-year paving plan and are getting ready to leverage some AI assessment tools to keep basically every 30-day track on the status of the built environment, from roads to wayfinding signage to trees.” Environmental sustainability intertwines with economic development goals. “One of the largest pushes over the last year or two, three really, is to increase our tree canopy,” Gomez explains. “We’ve been doing tree planting the last three summers on our main thoroughfares to really increase our air quality and decrease the temperature. When temperatures are high, tensions can be higher as well. We’re really focused on making our community as safe and healthy holistically as possible.” The District Heights Fiesta Garden adds another dimension to sustainability efforts. “We’re teaching all ages how to plant and raise your own food,” Mayor Miller says.“I think right now it’s very important how you can grow your own food.” Annexation plans leverage the city’s proximity to Andrews Air Force Base and the Census Bureau. Swain sees opportunity in the city’s history: “Prince George’s County has taken a transformation from that very important origin to now a very diverse and cosmopolitan place where the citizenry gives us opportunity to really expand on the foundation that was brought in the early days.” THE NEXT 24 MONTHS: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WITHOUT TAX INCREASES District Heights faces a critical challenge shared by many small municipalities: expanding services while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The city’s strategy centers on revenue generation through development rather than taxation, a particularly pressing concern as federal funding constraints tighten municipal budgets. Celebrating District Heights Day: Mayor Cynthia Miller, Delegate Karen Toles, Delegate Denise Roberts, and Former Fire Chief Tiffany Green. 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
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