Hello University Park residents, friends, and neighbors,

I'm pleased to announce that the Town of University Park has hired Mr. David Coleman as our new Police Chief. I am confident that residents, police officers, and other Town staff will be as impressed by Chief Coleman as the search committee was. He will start this position on May 5.

Chief Coleman brings more than two decades of law enforcement service to the University Park Police Department. Starting as a Patrol Officer with the Prince George's County Police Department in 2003, he steadily advanced through the ranks, gaining extensive experience in a variety of roles. A recognized expert in human trafficking, he has collaborated with nongovernmental organizations and presented to numerous community groups and government agencies. Chief Coleman has also served in media relations, policy development, and recruitment, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing community relations and modern policing practices. Chief Coleman holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Grove City College and recently completed the prestigious Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.

Your elected Councilmembers will continue to evaluate the proposed budget for FY2026 at the next two Council meetings (April 21 and May 5). The Town must submit our tax rate to Prince George's County by May 15. I encourage interested residents to join the meeting to watch those discussions.

Also, at the April 21 meeting, possible sources for financing a new town hall building will be considered by the Council. At the May 19 meeting, there will be a public hearing on the town hall project as a concept and Town expenditure. At that time, residents may ask questions of the Council, including the chair of the Committee on Public Facilities and Services, Town staff, and me. There will also be future public hearings about this project if it moves forward with Council approval.

We are fortunate to have received several generous grants from the State of Maryland for the design and construction of a new town hall building, including a new $300,000 grant that was recently secured by State Senator Alonzo Washington. These grants will not, however, cover all the costs associated with such a large endeavor, and we are ready to share and discuss these options with you. The Council and I are committed to using your tax dollars wisely. As many of you know, the Town needs a fully accessible and ADA compliant building to meet with the public for Council meetings and events, as well as a safe and comfortable workspace for Town staff. We look forward to sharing these details with you.

The Zoom link to join Council meetings is available on webpage https://upmd.org/agendacenter.

Warmly,
Laurie K. Morrissey
Mayor





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6724 Baltimore Avenue, University Park, MD 20782
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