A debate over proposed legislation targeting panhandling in road medians sparked a spirited discussion among Stafford County Supervisors during their January 21 meeting. The proposed bill, sponsored by Delegate Paul Milde (R-64, Stafford County), seeks to impose fines on motorists and pedestrians who exchange items in roadway medians to improve safety and reduce traffic disruptions.
The legislation was also a topic of discussion on the Potomac Local News Podcast, where Milde elaborated on his rationale behind the bill in an interview with Publisher Uriah Kiser.
Safety and Traffic Flow Concerns
During the podcast, Milde emphasized the safety and traffic issues posed by panhandling in medians.
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In its October 15, 2024, meeting, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors announced a new initiative to improve community engagement and communication regarding panhandling. The board issued a directive to the county’s communications office, asking for a comprehensive plan to address the growing concerns about panhandling across the region.
Panhandling has been an ongoing topic in Prince William County, with residents expressing concerns over safety and the visibility of people asking for money at busy intersections. Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry raised the issue during the meeting, emphasizing the need for a clear communication strategy to educate the public about the county’s response to the problem.
“We are looking to engage the community in meaningful ways,” said Angry. “It’s not just about enforcement but understanding the root causes of why people panhandle and connecting them with services that can help.”
The directive instructs the communications office to work with local law enforcement, social services, and community organizations to develop a plan that includes public education on panhandling laws and available resources for needy individuals. The board is seeking a proactive approach that prioritizes outreach and support rather than solely punitive measures.
The new initiative comes after a controversial plan to pay panhandlers not to panhandle faced criticism from both the board and the public. The proposal, which aimed to offer jobs to panhandlers in exchange for no longer soliciting money on the streets, was deferred by the board in a meeting earlier this month after encountering roadblocks and skepticism over its potential effectiveness.
Deputy County Executive Elijah Johnson highlighted the importance of transparency and clarity in the new communications plan. “We want to ensure that residents know what the county is doing to address panhandling, but also how they can help in positive ways,” said Johnson. “This isn’t just about discouraging panhandling but offering real solutions for individuals struggling with homelessness or other challenges.”
The county’s new communication strategy will include social media campaigns, public service announcements, and partnerships with local nonprofits to provide information on available services such as shelters, food banks, and employment programs. The goal is to create a collaborative effort to reduce panhandling while also addressing its underlying causes.
“We’re trying to shift the narrative,” said Johnson. “We don’t want to treat panhandling as a criminal issue but as a social one. We hope to guide both the public and those in need toward solutions that benefit the entire community.”
As part of the directive, the communications office will provide the board with a detailed layout of its plan in the coming months. Supervisors are expected to review and provide feedback before implementing the initiative across the county.
Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin echoed the sentiment during the meeting, noting that the community wants to see action on the issue. “Our residents are concerned, and rightfully so, but they also want to know that their county is doing everything possible to offer help to those who need it most,” she said. “This plan is about making sure we have a coordinated response that balances public safety with compassion.”
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors met on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, to discuss a proposal to address the risks associated with street panhandling by offering employment opportunities to those begging on busy streets. The plan, spearheaded by the county's health, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability team, sought to provide panhandlers with jobs paying $13 an hour for two days a week, hoping this alternative would reduce their presence on streets and mitigate safety concerns.
Inspired by similar initiatives in cities like Albuquerque, New Mexico, the program aimed to address panhandling through a multi-faceted approach. This included coordinated community outreach, focused pedestrian violation enforcement, and public engagement efforts encouraging residents to give to local nonprofits instead of handing money directly to panhandlers. The idea was to transition panhandlers into employment while also addressing issues such as addiction and underemployment, which often drive individuals to beg for money.
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Prince William County is gearing up to address the increasing panhandling issue in its streets.
Coles District Supervisor has urged fellow Board of Supervisors members to pass a resolution to regulate panhandling as the county grapples with public safety concerns and the need for social services. The resolution, listed as item 8A on the agenda, will be discussed during the board’s meeting at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
The proposed resolution includes allocating $550,000 from the county’s contingency fund to implement a multifaceted strategy to curb panhandling through public safety, social services, and employment programs. This initiative follows the board’s directive earlier this year to explore legal options and policy recommendations to address panhandling.
A Comprehensive Approach
In response to the board’s directive issued in February 2024, the county’s Process Action Team (PAT) was formed to develop various strategies to reduce panhandling. The team, consisting of representatives from multiple county agencies, identified three critical areas of concern: public safety, the need for social services, and the impact on the community’s image.
According to the county’s staff report, these concerns will be tackled through the implementation of three specific strategies:
1. Coordinated Community Safety Response (CCSR) – This approach will address traffic safety issues, aggressive behavior, and loitering associated with panhandling. It also includes targeted outreach to panhandlers, offering housing and employment assistance services.
2. Public Engagement and Communication – A public awareness campaign called #GiveLocalPWC will encourage residents to donate to local homeless service providers rather than giving directly to panhandlers.
3. Pilot Employment Program—In partnership with Keep Prince William Beautiful, this program will offer panhandlers employment opportunities through litter control services, providing them with an alternative source of income.
Fiscal Impact
The initiative will cost $550,000, including $324,000 for the Coordinated Community Safety Response program, $16,000 for public engagement, and $210,000 for the pilot employment program. The employment program will offer panhandlers opportunities to work in litter control across the county, following a model similar to Fairfax County’s Operation Stream Shield.
The board is expected to vote on the resolution during the upcoming meeting. If approved, it will mark a significant step in the county’s efforts to address the complex issue of panhandling through a mix of enforcement, public education, and support services.
Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega emailed constituents to express concerns about the county’s approach, urging the board to prioritize a traffic safety ordinance alongside the financial allocation.
“Despite my proactive efforts, I have encountered substantial resistance in advancing this initiative, even after I proposed a draft ordinance in June to serve as a foundation for our discussions,” Vega stated. “In August, Supervisor (Bob) Weir shared a similar ordinance, with the hope of finding common ground, to facilitate dialogue with the board on this issue. Instead, the county has chosen to allocate $550,000 of your hard-earned tax dollars without making any progress on a county traffic safety ordinance.”
From a reader:
“Panhandlers are getting out of control in Manassas [area] intersection of Sudley Manor Drive and Sudley Road.”
