Local Leaders Support Plans to Move Sphere Project Ahead
The Prince George’s County Council has authorized a new development district and established the financial framework for the 14-acre, 6,000-seat Sphere in an 8-0 vote, bringing the proposed project one step closer to fruition.
County Executive Aisha Braveboy (D) said she is proud of the cohesion among the council to advance this administrative priority, which could bring major investment and entertainment value to the National Harbor corridor for years to come.
“I think today’s unanimous vote shows that we’re all aligned in bringing this very important project to the county,” Braveboy said.
The county will invest $200 million into the project, a smaller-scale version of an existing venue in Las Vegas. The project is estimated to bring over 1,200 long-term jobs and more than $1.3 billion in annual revenue once completed.
Braveboy, who led the Legislative Black Caucus during her time in Annapolis from 2012-2014, pledged during the hearing to support the economic goals of multiple groups simultaneously.
“I’ve always put labor at the table,” Braveboy said. “It’s also important to have our minority business community at the table as well and the community that’s going to be impacted.”
Baltimore-DC Metro Building Trades Council president Greg Akerman wants to ensure that local residents have a fair shot at these high-paying jobs.
“At the end of the day, project labor agreements are the only real way to ensure that local Prince George’s County residents don’t just get good, one-time jobs on this project,” Akerman told NBC Washington, “but get long-lasting careers that can start with a good union apprenticeship.”
Brentwood Mayor Rocio Treminio-Lopez, who also serves as the Latino Business Development Manager for the Economic Development Corporation (EDC), is excited to see the new investment coming to Prince George’s.
“As Mayor of Brentwood, I welcome transformative investments like the Sphere project coming to Prince George’s County. This is more than a world-class entertainment venue—it is an opportunity to create jobs, attract visitors from around the globe, support our local businesses, and strengthen our regional economy,” Treminio-Lopez told The Informer. “When Prince George’s County grows, our municipalities grow with it. I look forward to seeing this project drive innovation, tourism, and economic prosperity for generations to come.”
Kevin Anderson Appointed to Lead MNPPC Board, Former Chair Sues County Leadership
Kevin Anderson, Maryland’s former secretary of commerce, stepped into a new leadership role on July 27 as board chair for the Maryland-National Park and Planning Commission (MNPPC), and he is bringing an enthusiastic vision for the future of Prince George’s County.
“It’s about who benefits from what we build. It’s about the shaping of future communities,” said Anderson during the press conference following his nomination. “It’s about ensuring that children growing up in the neighborhoods throughout Prince George’s have access to safe parks, thriving business districts, quality housing, reliable transportation, excellent schools, and pathways to opportunity. It’s about making sure that no one feels forgotten.”
County Executive Aisha Braveboy expressed pride and optimism in Anderson’s readiness for the new role.
“Today, I’m proud to nominate Kevin A. Anderson as the next chair of the Prince George’s County Planning Board. When I took office, I promised our residents leadership rooted in transparency, integrity, and real progress; and Kevin embodies all of that. Kevin’s career has prepared him for this moment,” said Braveboy on July 22. “As Maryland’s former secretary of commerce, he understands economic strategy at the highest levels. With more than three decades of experience in housing, real estate, and sustainable development, including his leadership at City First Homes, he knows how to build communities that last.”
The appointment comes as Darryl Barnes, former Park and Planning chair, is suing the offices of Braveboy and Council Chair Krystal Oriadha (D-District 7) for allegedly forcing his resignation, which he submitted on May 17.
Barnes, who was appointed to lead Park and Planning last July, is claiming reputation damage after he opposed efforts to transfer funds from the Park and Planning Commission to “recipients of its choosing without guidelines, competitive process, or documented need.”
His lawsuit, announced on July 28, alleges that no investigatory or governmental body has found him guilty of any wrongdoing. He is seeking compensation that his four-year term would have granted, in excess of $800,000, alongside punitive damages.
“When I was asked to resign, we tried to work out a settlement early on with Aisha Braveboy and her team,” Barnes said in an interview with the Banner. “They rejected any type of settlement. This is something we did not want to do, but to be forced to resign and humiliated the way that I was, we had no choice but to do what we’re doing now.”
Braveboy reassured constituents that Anderson will work diligently to build the public trust following his appointment.
“At a time when the Planning Board must restore public trust and strengthen oversight, Kevin brings the steady hand, sound judgment, and ethical leadership our residents deserve,” Braveboy said. “He sees land use not as lines on a map, but as the neighborhoods and families who call Prince George’s home.”
