Danielle McKinney has dedicated her career and her public service to helping people, organizations and communities grow. Elected to the Greenbelt City Council in 2021, she has championed initiatives that strengthen communication, foster collaboration and expand opportunities for residents to shape the city’s future. McKinney moved to Prince George’s County more than 20 years ago where she earned a graduate degree in education leadership and policy at the University of Maryland. During that time, she managed the America Reads America Counts program, a tutoring program for Springhill Lake Elementary School students. A Greenbelt resident since 2018, McKinney lives with her husband and their miniature poodle. In her personal time, she enjoys gardening, outdoor activities, dancing, theater and cheering on her husband coaching the DuVal football team.
In her first term, McKinney championed several key initiatives. She helped allocate emergency rental assistance for residents impacted by federal job layoffs, sought grant funding for refrigerated storage to improve food distribution and advocated Beltway Plaza redevelopment with community input. She also launched Greenbelt Grows with CHEARS and Greenbelt Rotary, an initiative expanding community gardening, food access and sustainable living. She has also worked to strengthen council and advisory board processes to increase transparency and ensure resident input drives outcomes.
McKinney represents Greenbelt on the Washington Council of Governments’ Human Service Policy and the Food and Agriculture Regional Policy Committee. Nationally, she serves on the National League of Cities’ Human Development Committee, advocating for policies that support families, food security and community well-being. Locally, she serves as council liaison to the Advisory Planning Board and Youth Advisory Committee and contributes as a board member of the Greenbelt Station HOA, where she helped lead development of a Greenspace Master Plan.
Professionally, McKinney is senior director of learning development at Marriott International, leading a team that creates innovative learning experiences for associates worldwide. Her expertise in workforce development informs her council work, where she consistently seeks creative, forward-looking and inclusive solutions.
If reelected, McKinney will continue advancing Greenbelt Grows to help more neighbors grow, share and access healthy food. She will advocate for preserving BARC. She is committed to expanding recreational spaces, supporting smart and sustainable development, including Beltway Plaza and the Armory, while ensuring that growth strengthens Greenbelt’s unique character. Above all, McKinney is dedicated to building connections and strengthening community by promoting civic engagement and celebrating the city’s diversity so all residents feel safe, included and supported.
