On Monday, August 14, near the conclusion of the city’s regular council meeting, Councilmember Colin Byrd announced his resignation. He is in his third term on the council. He was first elected in 2017 and was elected mayor in 2019. The City of Greenbelt elects a new council every two years, with the next election approaching in November.
During his announcement, Byrd thanked God and numerous people including his family, various Greenbelters mentioned by name as well as residents more generally, members of the Greenbelt Reparations Committee and each of the current councilmembers. Byrd drew an analogy between himself and the American football player Gale Sayers, who retired from football at the age of 30. “Gale retired from the game because the game had worn him a little earlier than he initially anticipated,” said Byrd. “And he felt like he could no longer play the game like he used to. He had dropped the ball one too many times. He retired because he knew it was time.” “Truth be told, among other reasons, the work of Greenbelt politics has to some extent worn on me.”
Byrd told the News Review he plans to begin a master’s program in school psychology at Bowie State University in late August. He hopes to help children fulfill their dreams and develop their strengths, “even if they have at some point lost their way.” He was particularly pleased to be attending an Historically Black College and University, just as two of his grandparents did.
Speaking with the News Review on Tuesday, Interim City Manager Tim George said the council has not yet addressed how to deal with the vacant seat because they were still processing the announcement Monday night. They will now review the city charter and speak with the city solicitor as they work with staff to consider options, said George. He noted that there are only two-and-a-half months until the election and that will likely be a consideration in how to proceed.
Section 32 of the city charter states: “If a seat in the council becomes vacant, the remaining members of council by a majority vote shall, as soon as possible, elect a person to fill the unexpired term.”
At the meeting, Byrd said he would be resigning effective August 25, making his last regular voting council meeting that night, August 14.