Monica Casañas for Mayor — Colmar Manor, MD

About Monica

A Leader Rooted in
Our Community

Serving as Mayor of Colmar Manor has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Together, we have worked to make our town more welcoming, more connected, and more responsive to the needs of every resident. But our work is not finished.

I am running for re-election because I believe in a Colmar Manor that works for everyone — a town that is accessible to all, where every neighbor feels seen, heard, and included. Over the past term, we have strengthened community connections, improved communication with residents, and laid the groundwork for smart, sustainable growth.

In my next term, I am focused on advancing economic development, implementing a comprehensive parking overhaul, modernizing and streamlining our permitting processes, and increasing avenues for responsible new revenue to keep our town financially strong. I will continue to strongly support our seniors, families, and youth by expanding programs and services that help every generation thrive.

Colmar Manor is strongest when we work together. I'm ready to keep building a town where neighbors are connected, families can succeed, and our future is bright.

"I respectfully ask for your support and your vote so we can continue moving Colmar Manor forward — together."

— Monica Casañas

Why Monica?

Proven Record — strengthened community connections and laid the groundwork for sustainable growth
Inclusive Leadership — committed to a Colmar Manor where every neighbor feels seen, heard, and included
Forward-Focused — clear second-term agenda: economic development, parking, permitting, and new revenue
Champion for All Generations — expanding programs and services for seniors, families, and youth
Stronger Together — believes Colmar Manor is strongest when the community works as one

Platform & Priorities

What Monica Will Fight For

These priorities will help ensure that Colmar Manor continues to grow as a safe, inclusive, and thriving community for residents of every generation.

Advance Economic Development

›Activate and develop the Lariscy Lot to support mixed-use development that benefits residents and strengthens the local economy
›Attract small businesses and neighborhood-serving retail that adds vibrancy and convenience for residents
›Explore opportunities for farmers markets, arts programming, and community-centered commercial activity
›Strengthen partnerships with county and regional economic development leaders to bring investment into town

Implement a Comprehensive Parking Overhaul

›Conduct a full review of current parking policies and infrastructure
›Develop a clearer, more equitable residential parking system
›Improve signage, enforcement consistency, and resident understanding of parking rules
›Identify solutions that balance resident needs, safety, and accessibility

Modernize and Streamline Permitting

›Improve the town's permitting processes to make them clearer, faster, and more transparent
›Introduce better digital tools and systems for permit applications and tracking
›Provide education and guidance to residents and contractors navigating permits and town code
›Ensure permitting processes support responsible development while protecting neighborhood character

Expand Responsible Revenue Opportunities

›Identify new revenue streams that strengthen the town's financial stability without overburdening residents
›Continue aggressive pursuit of county, state, and federal grants
›Explore strategic partnerships that bring resources and services into town
›Ensure long-term fiscal sustainability while maintaining high-quality services

Support Seniors, Families, and Youth

›Expand recreation and wellness programming for seniors
›Grow youth programs, summer activities, and mentorship opportunities
›Continue partnerships that provide health, financial literacy, and educational resources
›Increase opportunities for families to gather through community events, outdoor activities, and cultural programming

First Term Highlights

What We've Accomplished Together

Hired a full-time Town Administrator to strengthen daily operations and ensure efficient management of town government

Hired a full-time Recreation Coordinator to expand community programming and outreach

Convened a Charter Review Committee to modernize town governance

Developed and launched the town's Strategic Plan

Produced annual reports to increase transparency and accountability

Modernized the town's website to improve access to information and services

Fortified relationships with county and state elected officials to better advocate for town priorities

Initiated a Code Enforcement Workshop to educate residents on town code and advance equitable compliance

Property Tax Rate Reductions

Fiscal Year	Residential	Commercial
2023	.8767	.8259
2024	.8368	.7913
2025	.81	.84
2026	.7532	.8077

Key Results

Reduced both residential and commercial tax rates

Maintained the Constant Yield Tax Rate in 3 of the 4 years

Total real estate taxes from FY2023–FY2026 increased by only $37,487

New Revenue Sources

Speed Cameras

$272,990

Stop Sign Cameras

$92,666

Grant Funding Secured

Grant	Amount
Public Safety Grants	$87,500
Chesapeake Bay Trust	$81,450
Police Incentive Grant	$5,000
CEEJH Grant	$20,000
PACT Grant	$35,000
CDBG	$222,668
Bond Bill – Lariscy Park	$500,000
Pepco Sustainability Grant	$10,000
Community Legacy	$50,000
MNCPPC Grants	$108,000
Community Health & Safety	$81,500
Total Grant Funding	$1,021,568

These investments helped the town maintain current service levels while expanding programs and infrastructure improvements.

Managed $1.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds

Created a resident assistance grant program for bills and home improvements

Distributed grant funding for nonprofit partnerships

ARPA Projects Included

Code of Ordinance revision

Community programs & nonprofit support

Direct financial assistance to residents

Dumpster program

Town Hall improvements & new furniture

Summer youth employment

Fire department support

Language access initiatives

Code enforcement software modernization

Community garden upgrades

Traffic safety study

Three new street lights

Street repairs

Website improvements

Electric vehicle for Public Works

Funding for Town Administrator position

Police equipment upgrades including tasers

Expanded voting access so more residents can participate in local democracy

Launched a monthly town newsletter

Created WhatsApp communication groups for real-time updates

Coordinated English language programs to increase access and opportunity

Community Committees Organized & Supported

Community Garden Committee Green Team Hispanic Outreach Committee Animal Welfare Committee Neighborhood Watch Senior Club Recreation Council

Installed new sidewalks and replaced aging pedestrian infrastructure

Improved accessible crosswalks

Installed new street signs

Improved street lighting

Implemented stop sign cameras to improve traffic safety

Helped get the Green Street Project back on track

Successfully stopped the development of a gas station that conflicted with community priorities

Planted 200+ trees across town and counting to strengthen the urban tree canopy

Launched a town compost program to reduce waste

Implemented an air quality monitoring program

Added a new electric vehicle to the town fleet

Commissioned a community street mural

Organized monthly community cleanups

Coordinated improvements at Robert Yost Park

Secured $500,000 in funding for the development of the Lariscy Lot

Partnered with Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreation to host summer camps for youth

Organized food drives and clothing drives to support families in need

Coordinated laptop distributions to help residents and students access technology

Created a resident assistance grant program for bills and home improvements

Senior hot meal program partnerships

Back-to-School Backpack and School Supply Giveaway

Thanksgiving Food Distribution

MedStar Health Community Wellness Fair

Community Health Worker program for residents

Hosted regular workshops focused on:

Financial literacy
Dinner with a Doctor with MedStar
Code enforcement literacy
Know your rights
Self defense

Mayor Casanas strengthened town programs by building partnerships with community organizations and institutions, including:

Art Works Now Alley Cat Rescue Joe's Movement Emporium CARECEN CASA Shabach Ministries End Time Harvest Ministries Community Native Planting Project PG County Family Justice Center Filipino Student Group at UMD DC Charms AWPLI El Poder de Ser Mujer CAF Good Intentions Foundation ATHA PG IRC

These partnerships expanded access to arts programming, immigrant services, environmental initiatives, youth activities, community safety, and social support services for residents.

Building Community Together

Town Celebrations

Community events are more than just gatherings—they are the threads that weave together the fabric of our town. During my time as mayor, I have worked intentionally to create opportunities for neighbors to connect, celebrate our diversity, support one another, and build a stronger sense of belonging in Colmar Manor. From cultural celebrations and youth programs to health workshops, markets, and family activities, these events bring residents together across generations and backgrounds. By investing in community programming, we are strengthening relationships, fostering pride in our town, and ensuring Colmar Manor remains a welcoming place where neighbors know and support each other.

Black History Month Celebration

Juneteenth Celebration

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

Filipino Heritage Month Celebration

Pride Flag Raising Ceremony

Halloween Celebration

Christmas / Winter Holiday Celebration & Toy Distribution

Cultural Food Celebration Night

National Night Out Community Safety Event

Yoga, Wellness & Sound-Healing Events

Mother's Day / Father's Day

Town Movie Nights