Category 1: Building a Customer-Focused Culture

OFFICE OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS

The Prince George's County Office of Community Relations' Common Ownership Communities (COC) Unit is being honored in Category 1: Building a Customer Focused Culture for transforming how residents of homeowners associations, condominiums, and cooperatives access information, resolve disputes, and engage with local government. Through a renewed focus on education, outreach, and collaboration, the Unit has empowered communities with the knowledge and resources needed to strengthen neighborhood governance while fostering greater trust in county services.
 

The COC Unit reimagined its approach to public engagement by reorganizing Commission meetings to emphasize education, increasing participation by 300%, and launching the COC Roadshow, which reached more than 17,000 residents through 170 outreach events. The team also introduced a comprehensive rebranding centered on engaging, educating, and empowering communities, expanded educational resources by distributing 5,000 informational materials, enhanced its website, revived the Alternative Dispute Resolution program, and created initiatives such as the "In the Spirit of Community" Awards Reception and HOA Agency Response Tours to strengthen communication between residents and government.

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The Unit's customer-focused approach has improved transparency, increased community participation, and provided residents with more effective tools to resolve conflicts and navigate community governance. Employees have also benefited from expanded opportunities in public engagement, education, and mediation, creating a more collaborative and responsive workforce. Recognized by Prince George's County for advancing Quality of Life through High Performance Government, the Common Ownership Communities Unit has established a lasting culture of service that strengthens both local government and the communities it serves.