Darryl Barnes Announces Resignation as Chair of Maryland-National Park and Planning

May 18, 2026

Darryl Barnes resigned as chair of the Maryland-National Capitol Park and Planning Commission on May 17, one day after a Baltimore Banner investigation revealed allegations of ethics and procurement violations during his tenure. The commission's general counsel had filed an 11-page complaint in February accusing Barnes of overstepping his authority and inappropriate conduct, though Barnes and his legal counsel deny wrongdoing. Barnes, a former state delegate who was unanimously appointed by the Prince George's County Council in 2023, stepped down just days before a scheduled County Council hearing on his potential removal.

Who is affected

Darryl Barnes (resigned chair)
MNCPPC employees and staff
Debra Borden (general counsel on extended leave who filed the complaint)
Manuel Geraldo (removed vice chair)
Billy Okoye, Brittany Jenkins, and Lori Matthews (appointed members)
Prince George's County residents
County Executive Aisha Braveboy
Prince George's County Council members (including Wala Blegay, Krystal Oriadha, Sydney Harrison, and Jolene Ivey)
Greg Holmes and Sherman Hardy (political candidates commenting on the situation)

What action is being taken

Barnes has resigned from his position as chair
Debra Borden is on extended leave from her role as general counsel
Greg Holmes is running for county executive and supporting a ballot measure to create a local inspector general
Sherman Hardy is running for a seat on the County Council

Why it matters

This situation matters because it raises serious questions about ethics, accountability, and transparency in Prince George's County government oversight. The planning commission plays a critical role in community development and budget decisions affecting county residents, and allegations of ethics violations by its leadership undermine public trust. The resignation highlights broader patterns of leadership instability in the county, with critics pointing to frequent changes in key positions without public input. Additionally, the controversy emphasizes the need for stronger oversight mechanisms, such as an independent inspector general, to investigate potential misuse of taxpayer resources and ensure good governance in one of Maryland's largest counties.

What's next

The County Council was originally scheduled to hold a May 22 virtual hearing to discuss Barnes' potential removal, though his early resignation may have rendered this moot. There are currently two vacancies on the planning board that will need to be filled. Language added to the state budget has banned future transfers of MNCPPC funds to the county's general budget. Greg Holmes is pursuing a ballot measure to create a local inspector general position for the county.

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer