Tonya Sweat, Esq.

Q: Your Vision for Housing for People with Disabilities: Tell us what you have done and
would do to make housing for people with disabilities more accessible and more affordable
in Prince Georges County?

A: In January 2021, I added Maryland as the third jurisdiction in which I am licensed to practice
law. Soon after, I began representing clients facing eviction on the heels of the pandemic. Many
of my clients had applied for emergency rental assistance through their landlords but had not
received the benefit of the program. After being unsuccessful at getting assistance through the
County Housing Authority, I worked with the Maryland Department of Human Services to get
assistance for several clients. I was able to help them relocate to new rental housing despite
being wrongfully evicted.

I also represented an independent living community for the elderly and disabled that was being
managed by a “slum load.” When I learned the rental community was constructed with State and
local funds that had not yet been repaid, I fought to ensure the property owner completed needed
maintenance, repairs, and renovations on the property.

Additionally, I represent a local cooperative established with a HUD/FHA guarantee in 1969.
The County currently intends to raze the cooperative community that was paid for by its resident
member/owners. Despite the award of a federal Community Development Block Grant and State
financial provisions, the cooperative community has not received the funding promised to
maintain and upgrade the housing devoted to low-income and elderly families. I am still working
with a director and two resident member/owners to save the cooperative.

Q: Mainstream Housing Vouchers: Prince George’s County has faced challenges in securing
HUD mainstream vouchers to support individuals with disabilities. What steps would you
take to address these issues, and how would you ensure the county submits competitive
applications in the future?

A: I have seen multiple press releases from HUD describing millions awarded to Prince George’s
County directly for housing assistance. As County Executive, my first step will be to conduct an
audit of County funds to determine revenue received and payments made. I would also complete
Human Resource audits to determine whether the personnel assigned to the County Housing
Authority have adequate training and skills to serve the County’s residents. HUD will provide
technical assistance to local communities when necessary to ensure timely and effective services,
and I will consult with HUD to obtain that assistance if necessary.

Q: Settlement Agreement Compliance: As you may know, the county remains under a
settlement agreement with Disability Rights Maryland due to past discrimination against
individuals with disabilities in public housing. While some progress has been made, there
are ongoing obligations, such as creating accessible units. How would you prioritize
meeting these commitments?

A: Satisfying and complying with the Settlement Agreement will be a high priority for my
administration. Not just because of the legal implications but because of the severity of the need.
I get calls weekly from Prince Georgians in need of affordable or accessible housing. I have
personally searched the local housing inventory and know there is none. Prince George’s County
is undergoing significant home construction, and it appears there have been no requirements to
include affordable or accessible housing. I will direct the Department of Permitting, Inspections,
and Enforcement to review all plans for accessible housing units before approving permits. I will
also advocate with the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission and the
District Council to include requirements for affordable and accessible housing in all applications
for new housing development under my administration.

Additionally, I would like to see income-based housing in the County. I believe this can be
accomplished through block grants to revitalize or renovate older homes for low-income families
and persons with disabilities.