Councilmember Urbina's Statement on the Expulsion of Mayor Phelecia Nembhard (Sept. 9, 2026)
Councilmember Urbina's Statement on the Expulsion of Mayor Phelecia Nembhard (Sept. 9, 2026)
For Press Inquiries:
Kony Serrano-Portillo
contact@brianaurbina.com | 240-241-0283
NEW CARROLLTON, September 9, 2026 -- Today, the City Council for the City of New Carrollton voted 4–1 to expel Mayor Phelecia Nembhard from office pursuant to Charter Section C-20(E)(2) and (5). This was one of the most difficult votes I have cast as a Councilmember. Mayor Nembhard was duly elected by our residents, and removing an elected official demands objective evidence of wrongdoing.
On October 22, 2025, the Council instituted a hiring freeze via Resolution 26-03. This Resolution required the administration to request permission before filling any vacancies. During the ten months to follow, the Mayor requested numerous exceptions to the hiring freeze with the most recent requests being made on August 19, 2026. All but one of the requests made were granted by the Council. The position of “Director of Public Works” was expressly denied. I strenuously argued for and voted in favor of all of the requested exceptions.
On August 24, 2026, Mayor Nembhard hired two individuals who were previously employed by the City for the roles of Code Enforcement Manager (which was never presented to the Council) and Director of Public Works (which was previously denied by the Council and required the advice and consent of the Council). She illegally executed and countersigned a contract with the candidate for Director of Public Works, which affirmed his reinstatement. On August 25, 2026, the Mayor directly emailed the Council confirming that she reinstated two former employees.
In a closed session meeting, the Council also reviewed additional evidence consisting of emails between the City Manager, the HR Director, and the Mayor concerning the hiring of these individuals. In the final correspondence between the Mayor and the City Manager, the Mayor intimidated two subordinate staff with threats of insubordination for failing to follow her direction despite their protests that the directive violated the law. This prompted the City Manager to submit resignation in protest citing this event as one of her many reasons for her departure. Other reasons included a toxic work environment brought on by the Mayor’s conduct.
As a Councilmember, I take my oath to uphold the law and our City Charter seriously. Respecting the will of the voters also means respecting the Charter under which every elected official serves. No elected official—including myself—should be permitted to exercise powers beyond those granted by law.
I believe my vote was necessary to protect the interests of New Carrollton, uphold the integrity of our Charter, and reaffirm the basic principle of public service – that no one is above the law.