In addition, the commission provides services and educational programs relating to conservation and nature, local history, and the arts, and offers recreation classes.

Within the Maryland-Washington Metropolitan District, the commission is empowered to acquire, develop, maintain, and operate parks systems.

In all areas except Laurel, the Commission may spend public funds to acquire park land.

Subject to county government approval, it also may sell general obligation bonds to fund park acquisition and development.

To enact zoning ordinances and change the zoning map, the planning boards have exclusive responsibility for subdivision approval, location and grades of streets, location of public buildings and utilities, and street naming and house numbering.

[7] The Commission's ten members include five residents of Montgomery County and five of Prince George's who serve four-year terms.