District 4 Council Member Ingrid Watson resigns for economic development role

District 4 County Council Member Ingrid S. Watson announced she resigned from the Prince George's County Council and transitioned to become president and CEO of the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation. Her resignation took effect Friday, January 16, creating a vacancy that will be filled by an appointment from the remaining Council members under County Code.

Watson represented Bowie, Greenbelt, Westchester Park, Glenn Dale and parts of Lanham and Upper Marlboro. Her term was set to expire December 5, 2026, meaning the vacancy occurred during the final year of her term and triggers the Council appointment process rather than a special election. The Council has statutory procedures for evaluating and appointing a qualified successor to serve the remainder of the term.

In announcing her departure, Watson framed the move as a continuation of her work on economic development. “It has been the honor of a lifetime serving the residents of Prince George’s County and District 4 as a member of the County Council, and I am deeply grateful for the trust my constituents placed in me,” Watson said. “My expansive career in public service has equipped me with invaluable experience in the economic development sector, enabling me to collaborate with developers and landowners to drive impactful new projects and cultivate a business-friendly environment in Prince George’s County. Leaving the Council is bittersweet, but I’m excited to continue this vital work in my new role.”

The vacancy will alter immediate representation for District 4 neighborhoods on ongoing council business and standing committee assignments. Residents should expect the Council to follow the appointment procedures laid out in County Code, including public notices and candidate reviews, although timing for public meetings and candidate selection will be set by the Council. The appointee will assume constituent duties for Bowie, Greenbelt, Westchester Park, Glenn Dale and the affected Lanham and Upper Marlboro precincts until the end of the current term.

Watson’s move also shifts the relationship between county government and the Economic Development Corporation, placing a former council member at the helm of the agency responsible for job growth and commercial projects. That alignment may accelerate coordination on land use, business attraction and redevelopment priorities that affect District 4 corridors and countywide economic strategy.

For District 4 residents, the next weeks will be a time to monitor Council announcements, engage with the appointment process and raise priorities for the interim representative. The Council’s appointment will determine who carries constituent caseloads into the final year of the term and who will influence decisions on zoning, development agreements and local services that shape daily life across the district.