Message from the County Executive Marc Elrich

 

Dear Friends,

This was a difficult week for our nation. We were aware of the 24th anniversary of 9/11 and remembering the tremendous loss from that day, but we were shocked by yet another school shooting and the very public shooting death of Charlie Kirk.

I extend my condolences to Mr. Kirk’s family and friends. I did not share Mr. Kirk’s views. But in this country, people have the right to speak their minds without fear of violence. That principle is at the core of the First Amendment and our democracy.

We should be able to argue, organize, and debate without resorting to hate or violence. Civil discourse requires that, and I will always defend it.

University Boulevard Corridor Plan Concerns

This week, I joined many residents at the University Boulevard Corridor Plan (UBCP) public hearing in front of the County Council at Montgomery Blair High School to raise serious concerns about the proposed planning approach. It is the first time an issue has compelled me to testify at a public hearing as your County Executive.

This plan introduces a new approach called "Corridor Planning," a concept from Thrive Montgomery 2050, which was approved in 2022. Residents were previously assured that the corridors envisioned in Thrive would be worked out through the master plan process, but that has not happened. Instead, a new process has been created that ignores the master plan process and leaves out meaningful input from the community. The UBCP is the first of nine such corridors identified in Thrive that are coming around the County, as shown in the map below.

You can read the memo I sent to the County Council outlining the concerns. You can find that here. You can also listen to my weekly media briefing, where I discuss this and where I was joined by the President of Montgomery County Civic Federation, Cheryl Gannon. Watch and listen here. You can see the three-minute testimony I gave before the County Council here.

Below, I lay out the key concerns about this plan and about this approach in general.

1. Corridor Planning is a concept introduced in Thrive Montgomery 2050 without sufficient details for residents to understand what it would mean to their neighborhood. While the corridors concept was introduced in Thrive, there was no mention that corridor planning would replace the master plan process. In fact, the introduction to Thrive clearly lays out the importance of master plans. You can read what they say directly in Thrive on page 4.
• The community-based planning division has been eliminated from the Planning Department, and with it, we have lost the comprehensive approach to planning. Corridor planning does not consider community amenities like parks, community centers, and libraries, and it does not include the community advisory committee structure that included residents, local business representatives, and others. The area of study is so small that it is impossible to assess accurately school overcrowding, transportation adequacy, or park deficits. It is so irregular that it is impossible to envision a new, improved community that stimulates economic growth and fifteen-minute living, all goals of Thrive 2050. This is contrary to successful master plan processes – as Thrive correctly lays out, it is the master plan process that is designed to address comprehensive future growth for a specific part of the county.
2. False Premise on Housing Needs:
• The plan is based on the false premise that we need to zone for more housing. Our existing approved master plans already provide zoning capacity for approximately 120,000 housing units, enough for about 300,000 residents, which doesn't even account for 100% build-out. Our forecasted growth is approximately 200,000 residents over 25 years, meaning our current capacity already exceeds demand. The executive director of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) confirmed in a letter dated October 2019 that the region could accommodate significantly more housing than forecast within existing comprehensive plans and zoning. You can also read that quote on page 3 of the memo I sent to Council.
• This plan appears designed to let developers target existing neighborhoods, creating a false sense that there's no other land to develop. I believe this is a deliberate distortion from planning officials who are aware we have planned for future growth. They even fail to mention that the housing projection for 2030 dropped significantly in recent forecasts, which would disrupt their narrative.
• This approach will likely shift development away from planned areas like Wheaton and other activity centers, drawing density away from transit centers that were designated for smart growth.
• Unlike other jurisdictions like Minneapolis or Arlington that rezoned due to a lack of capacity, Montgomery County already possesses the necessary zoning and capacity.
3. This Effort Is Not About Creating More Affordable Housing:
• This plan incentivizes the redevelopment of existing, naturally occurring affordable housing, which will inflate land prices. Studies by Park and Planning confirm that new housing in existing neighborhoods will be the same or higher cost than existing housing, not to benefit homeowners or create affordable options.
• This existing area near University Boulevard is already affordable, and rezoning could lead to the displacement of renters and the loss of cherished neighborhood businesses.
• This plan does not include a "no net loss" policy for affordable housing.
• Rhetoric has even demonized single-family neighborhoods, wrongly blaming them for the County’s segregated past, which was rooted in land covenants.
• The goal of this plan seems to be to turn single-family neighborhoods into new "greenfields" for townhouse developers.
4. This Specific Plan is Based on a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Line That Is Not Even Planned:
• The plan relies on a BRT line that is not even in the planning stages. I am a strong advocate for BRT, and I proposed the original map in 2008; however, there is NO FUNDING in the six-year capital budget for planning or construction, or even in the outyears, so we don't know when it will be built.
• Encouraging immediate upzoning and increased density based on the idea of BRT is irresponsible; in the past, development was tied to infrastructure, a process called staging, which is no longer a concept in use.
5. No Real Traffic Analysis:
• There is a severe lack of real traffic analysis with this plan. The plan lays out “near-term” and “long-term” recommendations for the immediate area that could have significant impacts on residents and existing businesses in the surrounding area. Many of these impacts are not analyzed or addressed, not even in the appendix. And the appendix is not a part of the Planning Board draft; it is separate.
• Even if a good percentage of the increased population were to use public transit once the BRT is built in the unknown future, a majority will still be using cars. Plans must account for that increase.
• The proposed changes could drastically exacerbate existing congestion on roads like Colesville Road near the beltway. The plan’s narrow boundaries prevent a proper assessment of impacts on the broader road network.
• Proposed street realignments and connections could create new signaled intersections and cut-through traffic, with impacts that are not analyzed or addressed.
6. Conflicts with ZTA 25-02:
• The plan's proposed rezoning directly conflicts with the recently passed ZTA 25-02, causing confusion among residents.
• This plan proposes rezoning R-60, R-90, and R-200 neighborhoods to the Commercial Residential Neighborhood zone, extending beyond corridor-fronting properties and bifurcating established neighborhoods.
7. Environmental Damage:
• This plan will inevitably lead to reduced tree coverage and increased impervious surfaces, directly contradicting our climate change goals.
• This means an increased heat-island effect, reduced stormwater absorption, and greater flooding risks.
8. Rezoning Is Not the Answer to Addressing Safety Concerns:
• The planning staff’s presentation to the County Council emphasized pedestrian and biker safety, but they did not acknowledge that rezoning is the answer.
• In fact, improving safety on University Boulevard is a top priority, and the State is already addressing it through its Pedestrian Action Plan.
• There are ways to improve safety without linking it to a plan that will increase density and traffic.

I appreciated the many people who testified this week. The map above shows how many neighborhoods this one plan would touch. You can watch the hearing yourself, attend the next public hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at the Council Office Building, or read my memo to the Council to learn more. My testimony before the Council is available here.

There is a second public hearing next week on Tuesday, Sept. 16.

There is a better way to achieve our housing goals -- by revising master plans that were zoned for high densities but have not yet been built out. We must find solutions that increase housing affordability without exacerbating traffic, overcrowding schools, damaging our environment, or overtaxing County services. I urge the rejection of the University Boulevard Corridor Plan and a return to a more inclusive planning process that genuinely listens to our communities.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and Supporting Our Community

Monday, Sept. 15, marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month. Our Hispanic community, which makes up over 21% of Montgomery County and includes families from El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, and beyond, makes our County stronger.

This month is usually a joyous celebration, but this year, a cloud of fear and concern hangs over the community because of federal immigration policies, leading to increased ICE activity and over-policing of black and brown communities.

We've seen the impact in Montgomery County; events like the Salvadoran festival have been canceled, and some fear going to work or sending their kids to school. As a County, we are working closely with our schools and community partners to share vital information and help residents understand their rights.

I am angered by the targeted attacks against Hispanic communities based on their appearance or language; it is a disservice to our nation's values. The federal policy that equates looking brown and having a manual labor job with being illegal is a backward, racist viewpoint reminiscent of the segregated era I grew up in. We stand with our neighbors in their struggle to be treated fairly.

Our Hispanic communities have positively impacted our County for years: holding jobs, contributing tax revenue, and boosting spending power. We have the most diverse County in the United States, and we are not looking to change that. It is important to remember that immigrant workers pay state and federal taxes, and through property ownership or rent, they contribute to local taxes. And while they pay taxes, some are ineligible for many programs due to their immigration status.

We will continue our work to help them feel safe and valued. Anyone in need of information or immigrant resource services should utilize the Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center. It is available during the week at (240) 777-4940. If you don’t need services but can volunteer and help immigrant communities during this stressful time, it would be appreciated.

Remarkable Progress in Addressing Troubled Properties

Our latest Troubled Property report for Fiscal Year 2025 is out with some encouraging news. It shows a 69% decrease in the total number of units on the list, dropping from 7,269 units in Fiscal Year 2024 to just 2,264 units this past year. This means thousands more residents are living in safer conditions. We also saw a 57% decrease in units on the At-Risk list.

This progress is a direct result of our focused strategies, including stepped-up enforcement efforts by our Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) on housing code violations. New tools like our rent stabilization law, which limits rent increases for properties with violations, have incentivized landlords to fix problems faster.

Additionally, new tenant protections from Bill 6-25, passed in April, have strengthened consumer protections and given our enforcement efforts "more teeth." You can watch the bill signing and hear from me, the bill's lead sponsor, Councilmember Kristin Mink, Councilmember Will Jawando, and more on the County’s YouTube page.

Our DHCA Code Enforcement team completed more than 15,000 mandated inspections of multifamily rental units, correcting critical health and safety issues like pests, mold, and inadequate alarms. Property owners are now responding faster, leading to a more than halved rate of housing code citations for failure to comply. To reach Code Enforcement with a concern, call 311 within the County or (240) 777-0311 from outside the County.

The health and safety of Montgomery County residents remain my top priorities. While these results are encouraging, our commitment continues, and we will keep working diligently to protect the well-being of all residents.

National Preparedness Month: Be Ready Montgomery

September is National Preparedness Month, a time to highlight the importance of developing a prepared and resilient community. Even as FEMA this week announced the closure of its National Preparedness Toolkit feature, our County remains committed to helping every family prepare for any event, from floods and snowstorms to power outages and heatwaves.

We share key information through Alert Montgomery for weather changes and traffic alerts, and we encourage families to build emergency kits and develop family plans.

The Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security will host the free "Ready Montgomery: Emergency Preparedness and Public Safety Fair" on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Wheaton Local Park in Silver Spring. It will feature emergency preparedness talks, CPR and AED training, and bleeding control demonstrations. I encourage you to attend or share these important messages through our social media channels.

National Preparedness Month reminds us that individual awareness, community resources, and strong inter-agency collaboration are crucial for our collective resilience during emergencies.

Maryland Prioritizes Protecting Access to Vaccines

September is also the start of respiratory virus season. Despite federal uncertainty regarding vaccine policy, Maryland has taken steps to ensure continued vaccine access. Recently, Gov. Wes Moore emphasized that the health and safety of Marylanders are the State's "North Star," pledging to ensure access to life-saving medicines like vaccines.

Earlier this month, Gov. Moore signed a bill ensuring that insurance providers, including Medicaid and private insurers, will continue to cover the cost of all vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices as of Dec. 31, 2024. This legislation, now in effect, protects against the withdrawal of vaccine coverage for a range of illnesses. Last year, a law also expanded pharmacists' authority to administer flu and COVID-19 vaccines without a prescription to anyone three years and older, increasing statewide availability.

Here in Montgomery County, we are committed to careful, evidence-based decision-making for patient safety and disease prevention, even as federal guidance standards become uncertain. School immunization requirements for children remain unchanged, and families should consult their pediatrician about COVID-19 vaccines. Our free school vaccination program for uninsured children continues through September. You can check for scheduled clinics on govaxmoco.com.

Join Us for the Annual Friendship Picnic This Sunday

Montgomery County’s Office of Human Rights and the Committee Against Hate/Violence will host the annual Friendship Picnic at Wheaton Regional Park this Sunday, Sept. 14, from noon to 5 p.m. This is a truly special event that brings together people from every culture, background, and faith. By sharing food, spending time together, and building new relationships, we strengthen the bonds that make Montgomery County such a welcoming and inclusive place. You don’t need to bring anything, just an appetite.

Events like the Friendship Picnic remind us that we are stronger when we celebrate our diversity, learn from one another, and stand against hate.

I look forward to seeing you there as we continue building a community rooted in respect, compassion, and unity.

 
As always, my appreciation for all of you,

Marc Elrich
County Executive

Message from the County Executive Marc Elrich

Dear Friends,

In case you missed it, I encourage you to watch this week’s Senate hearing with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

I am outraged by the reckless words and actions of Secretary Kennedy and the Trump administration. Public health is on the line, and misinformation from the highest levels of government threatens lives.

During the pandemic, Montgomery County set the standard for what was possible when science guided our response. Among all large jurisdictions in this nation—those with more than a million residents—no county had a higher vaccination rate or a lower death rate. That did not happen by chance. It happened because our residents trusted science, trusted their neighbors who work in federal agencies and life sciences companies, and understood that vaccines save lives.

Let’s remember Operation Warp Speed was actually something that Donald Trump got right in his first term. That program produced COVID vaccines in record time, and it worked. The alternative was so-called “herd immunity,” which would have meant millions more deaths. That is not a matter of opinion. That is what science tells us.

When someone in charge of public health actively undermines vaccines, they are not only ignoring science but also endangering every American. Here in Montgomery County, we know better because we lived through it, and we saw what saved lives.

And let’s be clear: it is not just Democrats who are saying this. Even Republicans, like Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a physician, are alarmed at what is happening. Here is what was reported in Politico.

“But Cassidy said he saw a contradiction, pointing to Kennedy’s past work for anti-vaccine group Children’s Health Defense and his decision to cancel $500 million in federal mRNA vaccine research funding, as well as his past statement that “the Covid vaccine killed more people than Covid.”
Cassidy also raised alarms about Kennedy’s effort to overhaul the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine advisory panel, saying many of Kennedy’s appointees to the panel had served as paid witnesses in cases against vaccine makers.

“That actually seems like a conflict of interest,” Cassidy added. Kennedy pushed back, saying bias was acceptable “if that bias is disclosed.”

Cassidy also raised concerns about new restrictions on access to Covid vaccines that will make it more difficult for healthy, young people to get the shots.

“I would say effectively we’re denying people vaccine,” Cassidy said.

The evidence is overwhelming, and yet this administration continues to elevate denial over fact. Republicans need to convince Donald Trump that Secretary Kennedy must be removed before he causes more damage. Public health is not a partisan issue—it is a matter of life and death.

Honoring Workers Locally While the Federal Government Continues Its Reckless Actions

Every year, on Labor Day, I enjoy shining a spotlight on the important role of workers. Last week, I used this letter to provide a little history and discuss the hard work undertaken to ensure fair treatment for everyone who earns a paycheck.



This past Monday, I walked in the Kensington Labor Day Parade. It was really nice to see so many people on a beautiful day. It gave me another opportunity to express my thanks and appreciation for our County’s workers, while I also have foremost on my mind is the fate of thousands of federal workers, contractors, NGOs, and immigrant workers. All are caught in the turmoil caused by our federal government, having their lives (and the lives of their families) disrupted by the chaotic decisions made by President Trump. For the workers who keep their jobs, Trump is tossing out negotiated labor agreements — basic rights that came from hard-fought struggles to recognize the right of workers to form unions. You can read more about that here.

The clear direction here for the President is backwards, whether it’s racial justice, immigration, scientific integrity, investment in science, women’s rights, workers’ rights, environmental protections, or anything to do with dealing with historic injustices — progress is under attack.

We are seeing the impact of the federal government's cutbacks. I mentioned some of these examples a few weeks ago, but they bear repeating:

• Through July, while employment has grown in Montgomery County this year, the number of residents employed by the federal government has declined. Exact numbers are hard to find, but roughly 5,000 residents are no longer employed by the federal government, whether they worked in DC, Virginia, or in the County itself. However, I know this is not yet the full extent of federal job loses.
• Voluntary buyout offers for employees at dozens of agencies, a "deferred resignation" program, and deep budget cuts to non-defense agencies, could truly be felt starting in October. There are groups that speak up for the U.S. scientific enterprise, and I hope their efforts can soften the impact of these detrimental moves.

Last week, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that Montgomery County's unemployment rate for July was 3.6%. That’s up 1.1% from the 2.5% rate in January 2025 and is a reversal of the downward trend we saw coming out of the pandemic. The last time it was this high was October 2021. National unemployment, updated today, Friday, Sept. 5, sits at 4.3%.



The chart above, detailing Federal Reserve Economic Data, tracks the last decade of unemployment rates for Montgomery County. The most recent data may only show part of the picture. Potentially 20,000 jobs, and up to 40,000 jobs might still be lost when you factor in contractors, NGOs, and vendors who support federal operations that may not survive in the next federal budget.

From the County’s economic perspective, this situation reinforces what I have long argued - that we cannot afford to be so dependent on federal jobs. This is why we have focused many of our efforts over the last six years on diversifying our economy by capitalizing on our strengths in life sciences and other tech industries.

In response to federal layoffs, we invested an additional $700,000 to expand WorkSource Montgomery's in-person operations, helping our residents adapt and find new opportunities. With more than $3 million in funding now, WorkSource Montgomery is positioned to serve more clients than ever.

Talk to anyone who is looking for work and they will tell you how isolating it can feel to just be sitting on a computer applying for one job after another day after day. Our WorkSource Montgomery offices in Wheaton provide anyone looking for work with the opportunity to talk to someone.

There are additional resources in our community, like resume writing classes through our great Public Libraries. Montgomery College also has a host of training programs that displaced workers can utilize. Mobilize Montgomery is another important tool for former federal workers. I have been very impressed at the speed at which the Moore-Miller Administration has accomplished - working in partnership with Montgomery College and other higher education institutions - to transition former federal workers into teaching positions through Teach Maryland.

We are also deeply concerned about the impact of potential federal actions on our immigrant workforce, particularly regarding construction, service, and restaurant workers. This could cause major disruptions to our economy once the Trump administration has the billions of dollars that will be devoted to building what I call his “ICE Army.” This will be an economic disaster that impacts not just the County but our entire nation.

There are millions of immigrants in our country without legal status (even after having been here for decades) who are likely to get caught in this roundup simply because the Trump administration wants to deport 11 million people. There aren’t 11 million undocumented violent criminals. Federal efforts are now expanding and will take people from businesses that rely on this labor.

Contrary to common conservative-driven tropes, our immigrant workers are NOT freeloaders. Immigrants pay taxes, even if they are not allowed to utilize the services those taxes fund. If they work for most employers, they pay payroll taxes, including social security and Medicare. And if they buy a home, they pay property taxes. If they rent, the property tax is built into the rent payment. Without these workers, tax revenues from these individuals may be reduced.

On Wednesday, Maryland’s Department of Labor Deputy Secretary Jason Perkins-Cohen joined my weekly media briefing. He said that as of 2023, more than 74,000 federal civilian workers lived in Montgomery County, and 48,500 federal civilian jobs were based in Montgomery County. The National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration accounted for most of those jobs. The most recent data through August 23 shows that Montgomery County led the State in unemployment applicants and beneficiaries.

Because both Montgomery County and Maryland are resilient, we also have some better news from the Department of Labor. From the start of the Moore-Miller Administration in January of 2023 until July of this year, Maryland has added more than 101,000 non-farm jobs. That’s a rate of growth of 3.7% and ranks 9th in the nation. Montgomery County accounts for roughly 23% of the State’s Gross Domestic Product, thanks in part to groundbreaking innovations tied to our life sciences industry. The formation of the University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing will draw more entrepreneurs and companies to our area for decades to come and help us continue to grow our economy.

I encourage you to visit labor.maryland.gov/federalworkers if you need help finding a job, getting unemployment benefits, or finding reemployment support. I’m glad we have a State administration focused on continued economic growth in Maryland.

Community FY27 Operating Budget Forums Begin Next Week



We are in the early stages of formulating the FY 27 Operating Budget, and input from the public is important. That's why I, along with our regional services offices and community partners, will be hosting 12 Community Conversations through November. These conversations are an opportunity for the public to tell us how they think their tax dollars should be spent.

I urge residents to participate in these discussions because the feedback we receive helps shape our future. We gain valuable insights from these conversations that help guide our decisions and priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget ultimately reflects our community's goals and values. We think it is important that people see in our budget the things we are trying to accomplish, how we’re trying to address problems in the community and take advantage of opportunities to move the County forward. There are still many question marks, particularly without knowing how more federal cuts will hurt the workforce and families that call Montgomery County home.

Our first meeting is Monday, Sept. 8, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. It will be held in the East-West Room at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Office. We understand that not everyone can attend in person. That's why this, like most of our forums, will be a hybrid event, giving residents the option to participate virtually.

Each of the County's five regions will host a meeting, and outreach to different audiences will be conducted. Two non-English-language forums will be held, one in Spanish and a multi-lingual forum conducted in English with interpretation services provided in Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.

Every year, we seek new ways to better connect with our community. We’ve initiated conversations aimed at educators and groups like the African diaspora and seniors. I look forward to hearing from the first community conversation participants beginning next week and over the next few months. Learn more about these meetings right now on our home page at montgomerycountymd.gov.

Habitat for Humanity Offers Affordable Homeownership Opportunities



For many people, the American Dream still includes a home they own and a recent project we introduced to the media last week will help make that a reality for some Montgomery County families.

Homeownership provides families with stability and a chance to build equity. I have pushed to make homeownership a priority when the County invests in affordable housing because it is the key to building wealth. Our investment will help more County families remain in our community and contribute to our tax base.

Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland purchased the 20 townhomes, originally constructed in the 1970s, from the Housing Opportunities Commission in 2024. Our Department of Housing and Community Affairs supported the acquisition of the properties through loans made using approximately $2 million in federal Community Development Block Grant funds, which will be paid back to the County upon the sale of the homes to the new homeowners. That money will be recycled, so to speak, and used to facilitate other affordable housing projects.

Every family deserves to live in a community where they can breathe clean air and where their children can play safely outdoors. This project prioritizes environmental protection, economic opportunity, public health, and building the kind of community where families want to put down roots and thrive.

MoCo Pride Center Opens



I want to recognize an important opening for our community. Last weekend, I attended the ribbon-cutting for the MoCo Pride Center, which is now open seven days a week at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center. It took a lot of work over the years to create a place to support our LGBTQ+ community. This center will feature workshops, wellness activities, and a library. It will be a refuge and beacon of hope for anyone struggling or searching for a supportive community. Learn more about the help it can offer by visiting mocopridefamily.org.

The LGBTQ+ community needs a place like this now more than ever. Trump and the federal government are trying to make discrimination and racism great again and here in Montgomery County, we say no. Opening this center now is a clear sign that Montgomery County will continue to be an ally and proud supporter of all of our diverse communities.

Silver Spring Jazz Festival



The Silver Spring Jazz Fest will be held at Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring from 3 to 10 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 6.

I am excited to introduce the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band, who are headlining the festival this year. It’s a band I’ve traveled to New Orleans to see, and now they’re playing here in Silver Spring. The Grammy winners are nationally recognized for preserving and promoting traditional New Orleans jazz. They are one of several artists sharing two stages for the event, covering a wide array of jazz genres. Every time I attend Jazz Fest, I’m introduced to new music and artists.

While the music is the focus, the festival brings thousands of visitors to Downtown Silver Spring. Veterans Plaza is surrounded by wonderful restaurants, several with an international flavor. If you need suggestions, check out silverspringdowntown.com.



I was in Downtown Silver Spring last weekend for the Ethiopian Day Festival. We are lucky to have so many community organizations and supporters who can take the lead on large events like this and allow many people throughout our community to enjoy the arts and connect with each other.

As many people are aware, Purple Line construction has been hard for many of the local businesses. Events like the Ethiopian Day Festival and Jazz Fest help draw people to the area and hopefully, help these businesses sustain themselves during challenging times.

Checking In at the Start of the School Year



Earlier this week I visited several MCPS schools with fellow County leaders and I spoke with many teachers and students about the start of the new school year. Photos from those visits to John F. Kennedy and Albert Einstein High Schools can be found on the County’s Flickr page.

Land Use and Housing Conversations Resume with the University Boulevard Corridor Plan

As part of the ongoing discussions and proposals regarding land use and housing, the Council’s first public hearing on the University Boulevard Corridor Plan will be next Wednesday, Sept. 10 at Blair High School. In advance of the Council’s consideration of the Plan, I have sent a memo to the Council where I outline some of my major concerns about the planning process in general and the University Boulevard Corridor Plan in particular. You can read my memo here: Transmittal of Comments on the University Boulevard Corridor Plan.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,

Marc Elrich
County Executive

Message from County Executive Marc Elrich

 

Dear Friends,

This week, I am sharing two different videos with important conversations that I had this week.

First, I am sharing the panel discussion about Viva White Oak – the largest private sector investment ever in East County - that took place during Bisnow’s annual “Future of Montgomery County” gathering in Gaithersburg this week. I joined Viva White Oak’s new developer, MCB Real Estate Co-Founder & Managing Partner, P. David Bramble, in a thoughtful conversation about the scope and importance of this investment in East County.

Second, I am sharing a timely and educational engagement with former NOAA Deputy Administrator for Research, Craig McLean from this week’s media briefing. Craig is a Montgomery County resident and an expert on climate and earth science research and policy. His “insider” and informed commentary on what is happening at NOAA and throughout our federal government to research, science, and all the talented individuals who do this work is very alarming.

I hope you find these conversations interesting and informative. And we will be back next week with our standard weekly update video.

Remembering the History of Labor Movements and the Importance of Workers this Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day is Monday. While it is day off for many and the signal of the end of summer, the meaning of the holiday should not be overlooked.

Labor Day was established to recognize the contributions of American workers to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of the country. It shines a spotlight on the labor movement and its achievements, including securing better working conditions, fair wages, and labor rights. It also recalls the ugly history of the treatment of workers in this country. Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894, following the Pullman strike, a nationwide railroad strike that resulted in President Grover Cleveland sending in federal troops who fired into a crowd, killing as many as 30 people and wounding many others. In an interesting parallel to today, the national troops were sent over the objections of Illnois’ Governor. The Pullman strike did lead to the establishment of Labor Day and highlighted the disadvantaged status of workers against unjust actions by employers. At least for now, you can read about the strike on the National Park Service website: The Strike of 1894 - Pullman National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service).

Here in the county, we work with our union partners to make government work better. Unions have also been key to efforts to raise the minimum wage and deliver basic benefits for workers and all residents.

Labor Day should be a day to celebrate our workers who keep our community running, from bus drivers to school nurses to teachers to public servants and to remember the history of workers and the labor movement. They are the backbone of progress and help build a more just, inclusive, and prosperous Montgomery County.

I will be walking in the Labor Day parade in Kensington on Monday (there’s also a parade in Gaithersburg at the same time, but, unfortunately, I can’t be in two places at the same time). You are more than welcome to walk with me in support of workers. The parade begins at 10 a.m.; look for us by 9:45 a.m. near St. Paul Park on St. Paul Street if you want to join me.

NOAA in the Crosshairs

It has been 20 years since the heartbreaking tragedy that unfolded with Hurricane Katrina. It remains one of the most devastating and costliest natural disasters in the history of this nation, killing 1,883 people. The federal response to this disaster under the George W. Bush administration was among the most incompetent and ill-prepared of all time.   

Since then, because of research, technology, and innovative practices by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and partners like NASA, our nation is better positioned to predict, forecast, and prepare areas and residents in the path of severe weather events.  

However, for all the advancements that have been made since Katrina, President Trump wants to reverse this progress and deliberately threaten the safety of Americans, just as we are about to enter the most dangerous period of hurricane season.  

A couple of weeks ago, I read a news story that didn’t get nearly the attention it deserved, which detailed the Trump administration’s plan to crash and burn NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory satellites — instruments that are still working, fully paid for, and capable of gathering climate data for at least another decade. 

This decision would literally destroy tens of millions of dollars of taxpayer investment and wipe out years of research that helps us understand greenhouse gas emissions, plant health, and the forces driving climate change. 

It also represents something much larger — another attack on science. Whether it’s NASA, NOAA, NIH, FDA, USDA, or EPA, we continue to see this administration undermine the work of scientists and researchers whose only mission is to inform, protect, and serve the public. As I have mentioned before, this attack is not about reducing the size of the federal government but rather about dismantling science to reverse current protections and prevent future ones.

We also depend on NOAA’s research to guide national policies on fossil fuels, automobiles, and industrial activity. When that science is gutted, it weakens our ability to hold polluters accountable and build a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren. Instead of building our ability to be leaders in putting science into the service of our citizens, we are crippling our ability to protect people and the environment. 

Federal policy seeks to build an economy around fossil fuels, while our County and the rest of the world are working to develop clean energy technologies that will create more sustainable products. This is an enormous market, and America is going to be left on the outside looking in if we are refusing to compete. 

Our current course of action combines bad climate policy, with bad health policy and creates bad industrial policy that closes rather than opens doors for American ingenuity and production around the world – it's an economic dead end. 

NOAA, a major employer in Silver Spring, has purged hundreds of workers. Thousands more NOAA workers across the country have been forced out, taking with them decades of knowledge and expertise. These are the people who provide the weather forecasts we rely on, track wildfires and storms, and deliver the data that governments use to prepare for extreme heat, flooding, and drought. 

In addition to the concern about the continued loss of federal jobs, we are also losing the accurate, reliable science that our County and the entire country rely on to keep us safe from severe weather events. That is outrageous and indefensible.    

I am not the only one outraged by the continued attacks on our scientific community and the data it generates to help protect us all. I hope you have time to watch my conversation with Craig McLean, a Montgomery County resident and the former Assistant Administrator for Research at NOAA. He has spent a career advancing public science, and he has seen firsthand the consequences of these cuts. I want to thank him for joining me for my media briefing on Tuesday, which you can watch on the County’s YouTube page. It is also at the top of this letter as one of two videos I am sharing with you this week.

Call to Action - Have Your Voice Heard

I am often asked by residents what can be done to respond to the outrageous acts by Trump. Below are two websites where you can submit objections to federal rollbacks: 

• Repeal of EPA’s Endangerment Finding: EPA’s 2009 Endangerment Finding shows greenhouse gas emissions and climate change pollutants are bad for public health; these findings are based on decades of scientific evidence. Since it was enacted, it has provided legal and scientific support for rules that limit pollution under the 1970 Clean Air Act. Now, the EPA proposes finding that greenhouse gas emissions are not a danger to public health, which is simply untrue and would allow the fossil fuel industry to increase pollution. EPA has a comment period on this proposal open until September 22, 2025. Public comments can be submitted here: regulations.gov/document/EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-0194-0093. 
• DOE Report: The Department of Energy (DOE) released a report disputing the long-standing scientific consensus that greenhouse gas emissions are changing the climate and triggering extreme weather conditions. DOE has a comment period on this draft report open until September 2, 2025, at regulations.gov/document/DOE-HQ-2025-0207-0001.

Bisnow Panel Focuses on Viva White Oak Development

 

This week, I was focused on the future of Montgomery County at the Bisnow conference. I shared a panel with Dave Bramble of MCB Real Estate to discuss Viva White Oak, the largest real estate investment ever in east Montgomery County. As I mentioned earlier, a good portion of my video this week is from that conversation.

The redevelopment of VIVA White Oak has been talked about for years, but not a shovel has gone into the ground. But that is changing. And that is because we finally have the right partner. MCB development will bring the jobs, housing, and amenities that residents of East County have been asking for. Dave and the MCB team bring the experience and commitment to make this project a reality. 

The County is stepping up as well. We are proposing our first-ever Tax Increment Financing tool — a TIF — to support the roads and utilities that are essential for development. A TIF uses a portion of the new tax revenues generated by the project itself to finance the public infrastructure that makes it possible. It is a tool that has been used successfully in many other places, and one that will help us deliver the infrastructure needed to drive long-term growth without burdening taxpayers. 

When built out, Viva White Oak will create nearly 9,000 permanent jobs and over $60 million a year in new tax revenue. It is also a chance to show that East County deserves — and will receive — the same level of investment and opportunity as other parts of Montgomery County.

I want to thank Bisnow for giving us the opportunity to highlight how this project can transform East County’s future, and I look forward to seeing the TIF go before the County Council in September so we can move forward with this important project.

MCPD Launches Innovative Partnership with University of Maryland Global Campus

This week, we announced a groundbreaking educational partnership between the Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) and the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC.) It is an investment in our police employees, their families, and the future of Montgomery County.

This program allows MCPD to allow individuals who currently do not have college credits to apply to be a police officer. Before this agreement, individuals could not begin the police academy without already having completed 60 college credits (which is equivalent to an associate degree). Going forward, those who graduate from our police academy, complete field training, and become certified Maryland police officers will receive 60 college credits. For entrants who already have 60 college credits, they can earn 30 additional college for completing the entire training.

In addition, officers can earn up to 30 credits for prior learning and workplace experiences, which can include military training, industry certifications, vocational education, and Google certificates. This is a path that recognizes alternative forms of learning.

For an individual receiving 120 credits (equivalent to a college degree) through this program, this benefit is worth up to $60,000 (calculated based on out-of-state tuition) per officer.

I expect that this will help us attract a more diverse pool of applicants.

In addition, all MCPD employees, along with their spouses and dependents, are eligible to receive discounted tuition rates for both undergraduate and graduate programs through UMGC. And to make it even easier to start, UMGC will waive application fees for MCPD employees.

I want to thank Chief Marc Yamada for leading this initiative. I see this as a powerful recruitment tool that will help us attract talented individuals to Montgomery County. By allowing applicants to fulfill our 60-credit requirement through their police training, we are opening the door to a wider, more diverse pool of qualified talent right here in Montgomery County. It also supports our veteran police personnel by enhancing their educational opportunities.

We currently have 178 sworn vacancies we need to fill, and this is the latest measure to improve our recruitment efforts. We are proud to lead the way in recognizing multiple paths to education and supporting those who protect and serve us every day. To learn more about becoming a police officer in Montgomery County visit joinmcp.com.

Thinking About an Electric Vehicle? Now’s the Time to Learn More

An important note: federal EV tax credits will expire September 30. I want to highlight an opportunity for you to learn more about electric vehicles (EV).

On Wednesday, Sept. 3, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., the Department of Environmental Protection will host the virtual event “Ask an EV Owner.” This is a great chance to hear directly from EV owners and experts about what it’s like to drive electric, how to take advantage of tax incentives, and what to expect when it comes to charging and maintenance.

"Ask an EV Owner" will occur just before the start of National Drive Electric Month, starting Sept. 12, a nationwide celebration to raise awareness of the many benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more. Encouraging more people to learn about the benefits of electric vehicles and ultimately converting adds to our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable transportation in Montgomery County. Since I’ve been County Executive, we have focused on expanding EV charging accessibility and making it easier for residents to adopt electric vehicles to reduce their carbon footprint.

This virtual forum is a timely opportunity to get your questions answered. Whether you’re just curious or seriously considering making the switch, I encourage you to sign up for the event.

RSVP: surveymonkey.com/r/75dhzy2

Let’s keep moving Montgomery County toward a cleaner, greener future together. Learn more about focusing on the health and sustainability of our environment at mygreenmontgomery.org.

“Clean Water Montgomery Grant” Applications Now Open  

This week brought another exciting announcement focused on our water supply. Our Department of Environmental Protection has opened the application process for $900,000 in Clean Water Montgomery grants available to our local nonprofits and community organizations. These awards will range from $40,000 to $100,000 and will support projects that improve water quality and stream health across the County. 

Now in its 11th year, this program is made possible through money collected from the Water Quality Protection Charge, a partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Trust. 

Last year, we invested about $750,000 in these grants, and this year we are raising it to $900,000. We are doing that because protecting our waterways requires real partnerships — and because we recognize that many environmental nonprofits are struggling with fewer resources from the federal level.

These local investments matter. They empower watershed groups, civic associations, faith-based organizations, and community leaders to design and carry out projects that reduce stormwater runoff, install rain gardens, create permeable pavements, and reduce litter in our rivers. They also fund environmental workshops and community water-quality monitoring — hands-on projects that make a visible difference in our neighborhoods. 

Eligible projects located throughout Montgomery County will be considered, except those in Rockville, Gaithersburg, and Takoma Park, since those municipalities manage their own stormwater systems. 

Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13. Local nonprofits can visit cbtrust.org/grants/cleanwatermontgomery to learn more, register for the upcoming pre-application workshop on September 10, or review the request for proposals.

Supporting these groups helps improve our local streams and Chesapeake Bay. Sharing grant money also gets more people involved and brings diverse groups into the conservation conversation. This is how we keep moving forward on environmental protection: by working together at the community level, even when Washington refuses to lead.

HHS Outreach  

With the summer ending and kids returning to school this week. I want to take a moment to recognize the important work they are doing across our County every single day. 

This summer, HHS completed another successful Summer of Peace initiative — youth engagement programs that give young people constructive outlets, positive mentorship, and safe spaces to connect. These programs are building relationships that help prevent violence and keep our neighborhoods safer. 

HHS is also expanding access to care through its Mobile Health and Dental Health vehicles. These clinics on wheels bring medical and dental services directly to communities where healthcare options are limited, ensuring residents don’t have to choose between long travel times or going without care. Within the next few weeks, the van will be in Poolesville, Wheaton, and Olney.

 

Another priority right now is vaccination outreach. With the start of the school year, it is critical that students are up to date on their shots. Our HHS team has been out in communities, at schools, and at events to ensure families have access to accurate information and convenient opportunities to get vaccinated. We offer free back-to-school vaccines through the end of September. Follow this link for dates and locations through September 27. 

Substance misuse continues to be one of the most difficult challenges we face, and HHS is working on several fronts — reaching out to those struggling with addiction, helping families navigate treatment options, and supporting those who have lost loved ones.

If you witness or experience a medical emergency, call 911. HHS can help you find services and resources provided by County programs and help provided by community-based organizations. The Crisis Center is also available 24/7 at 240-777-4000. Call the ACCESS Team at 240-777-1770 if you need help finding a treatment program. You can learn more about the dangers surrounding opioids and fentanyl by visiting knowtherisksmc.org.

Our work is saving lives and leading to fewer overdose deaths compared to last year. On Thursday, the County held its annual International Overdose Awareness Day ceremony at the Leggett Executive Office Building in Rockville. At this event, I was joined by County Council President Kate Stewart and Councilmember Gabe Albornoz, chair of the Health and Human Services Commission, as we honored those who have passed.

The departed were remembered with dignity through a remembrance ceremony and candlelight vigil, which gave families and friends an opportunity to heal together. Some of the victims are memorialized with pictures that will line the walkway to Veterans Plaza for the next few weeks.

I want to thank Montgomery Goes Purple for its work planning this event and launching the Celebrating Recovery effort going on through September.

HHS is also on the frontline supporting our unhoused residents. We are closely monitoring the impact of President Trump’s actions to criminalize homelessness in the District of Columbia. While we have seen a small increase in our unhoused population over the past week, many of those who were moved off the streets in D.C. have been connected to emergency shelters there, as well as to facilities in Arlington County and the City of Alexandria.

Here in Montgomery County, HHS continues to help individuals find shelter and stability with compassion and care. You can find help by calling 311, emailing HHS@montgomerycountymd.gov, or visiting the Services to End and Prevent Homelessness website.

What ties all this work together is a commitment to prevention, education, and equity. HHS doesn’t wait for problems to grow into crises — they work proactively to serve every community in our County. Their outreach and engagement make Montgomery County a healthier, more compassionate place to live.

 
As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich

County Executive

Message from County Executive Marc Elrich

Dear Friends,

We have reached the final weekend of the summer. Next week, students will be back in school.

I was a schoolteacher for 17 years before I joined the County Council, and I remember how much work and preparation go into the start of a new school year. Teachers get to know new students, and principals and administrators orient new teachers and parents to their schools. Bus drivers learn new routes. It involves a lot of logistics and coordination, and it takes an entire summer of planning to start the year smoothly.

With that in mind, let me share some great news about Montgomery County Public Schools. A recent survey conducted by U.S. News and World Report, which ranked the top 50 public high schools in Maryland, showed that six of the top 10 schools were in Montgomery County. In fact, more than half of our high schools landed on the list. Taking a wider view, four of our schools were ranked among the top 500 nationally. Our schools stand out for graduating a high percentage of students and creating college-ready young adults.

This week, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor joined me for my media briefing. This is his second year as MCPS Superintendent, and I have enjoyed working with him. I have been impressed by his leadership and the direction he is taking the school district in.



One change that I am very happy to see is that MCPS has updated its cell phone policy (seen in the chart above) to ensure a more focused and productive learning environment. I have advocated for in-school cell phone policy changes for several years, and I am pleased to see these new policies enacted. I was stunned in some of my school visits to see students playing on their phones during lessons – I could not believe that this was allowed.

Elementary and middle school students will now be required to turn off and put away their phones during classes, lunchtime and transitions. Some middle schoolers will be part of a pilot program that will keep their phones locked away for the day but protected from theft. High school students will still have the flexibility to use their phones during lunch and between classes, but not when they are supposed to be learning. These efforts will help students focus on classwork, not their devices.

MCPS will host their Back-to-School Fair at Westfield Wheaton Mall tomorrow, Saturday, Aug. 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will feature free music, entertainment, health screenings and information about resources in our school system. Parents whose children are not up to date on required immunizations can get the necessary vaccinations at the Fair.

Free transportation from five high schools will be available starting at 9 a.m. This is an important event for MCPS students and their families, and I encourage everyone to attend.

Additionally, Dr. Kisha Davis, the County’s Health Officer, reminds everyone to help kids get emotionally ready by setting good sleep habits ahead of the school year and talking about things that may make them anxious.



Monday will be a special day for students attending class at a new campus. MCPS’s first Transition Day will help those students get up to speed on how things work in Kindergarten, 6th and 9th grades.

MCPS has made progress in filling special education vacancies. This is part of our commitment to meeting the needs of all of Montgomery County's families. Nothing is more important than providing the right kind of education for our residents and families.

Maryland Association of County Officials Meeting Recap



The chaos, confusion and fear across our State from the federal takeover of police in the District of Columbia were hot topics of discussion at last week’s Maryland Association of Counties Conference (MACo). Large or small, urban or rural, every part of Maryland is being negatively impacted.

Some examples include:

• Baltimore City is experiencing a 50-year low in homicides, and yet Trump is demonizing the residents there. He’s spreading the same mistruths about violent crime as he is doing with the residents of the District of Columbia.
• Residents of Western Maryland--areas that are majority Republican and pro-Trump--were denied FEMA reimbursements for their recent catastrophic flooding.
• Comptroller Brooke Lierman shared a report that said 6% of all jobs in our state are federal jobs and $150 billion is tied to annual federal spending.
• Since January, the State has lost 13,000 federal jobs.

Montgomery County has been impacted the most, but every jurisdiction will feel the economic ripple effects of these cuts. During MACo, I was on a panel about the federal impacts with Attorney General Anthony Brown, Commerce Secretary Harry Coker and Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano. The discussion covered the lawsuits and legal defense led by the Attorney General’s Office, the Commerce Department’s goals to diversify and improve our state’s economy and the impacts we are seeing across local jurisdictions.

I shared what we have seen so far and what we expect to get worse.

• Maryland employment numbers from June 2025 compiled for the Monthly Labor Review show a decrease of 8,868 jobs compared to last year—a reduction of 1.5%.
• These figures do not include all the federal workers who took buyouts or early retirement because they will remain employed until October.
• Out of the approximately $300 million in federal grant funds that Montgomery County receives, we are projecting a reduction of 10%, or $30 million. Federal and State cuts could also add to these losses.

By the end of the year, we believe at least 20,000 and up to 40,000 County jobs could be lost. The estimated tally accounts for contractors, nonprofits and vendors that rely on the federal government. Deportations can also negatively impact job losses, with immigrants skipping work out of fear.

The new budget, which is supposed to be passed sometime in September or October, will not include the positions that DOGE was trying to cut this year, and the jobs will be gone. So, the courts will not have a basis for challenging the job losses as they did this spring, and the possibility of a complete government shutdown looms because the Republicans themselves are not united on the budget.

These numbers are sobering, and they do not account for the fear and chaos rippling through our communities, especially among our immigrant residents. We have not seen mass raids of neighborhoods or worksites yet, but once the Trump administration staffs up ICE with the billions of dollars it now has budgeted for the department, what I call an ICE army, I expect more expansive deportation efforts.

Gov. Moore’s address at the conclusion of the MACo conference on Saturday focused on unity, diversity, hope and support. His message was simple--in these challenging times, act with urgency and keep delivering for our residents.

We can’t stop the madness being led by Trump, but we will keep speaking out and doing what we can to provide information and safeguards.

Second Week of Federal Government Takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department and Its Impacts on Our Community

This was the second week of the federal government’s takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department. More National Guard troops are being sent from states with Republican Governors. By Labor Day, up to 2,000 military troops could be in the District. They aren’t trained in policing; they are trained for warfare.

These actions are horrifying and deeply concerning. Trump’s takeover of the D.C. police is clearly more focused on deporting immigrants than on reducing crime. According to the White House, as of last Sunday, more than 40% of the roughly 300 arrests targeted undocumented immigrants.

If this effort was truly about public safety in the District, the White House would have restored the $1 billion it removed from the District’s budget that would have supported police, firefighters and city services. But they are not doing that.

I want to thank Congressman Jamie Raskin for his joint resolution to end the President’s control of D.C.’s police force. He rightly called it part of a “broader plan to militarize and federalize the streets of cities around America whose citizens voted against him.” You can watch one of his recent interviews on the subject here.

The language Trump uses with heavily Democratic cities and the people who live in them is nothing new. These are the same racist stereotypes and tactics on display in 1989 when he took out a full-page ad in the New York Times calling for the Central Park Five to be executed for crimes they did not commit and for which they were eventually exonerated.

Unfortunately, he is not simply a New York City real estate developer anymore. He is now the President of the United States, and he is causing tremendous harm around the country and in the nation’s capital.

Restaurant Week: Providing Support for Local Businesses



This federal takeover is terrible and disturbing for numerous reasons, including its negative implications for our regional economy. Business leaders have reported a significant decline in dining over the past week in the city. This downturn has had a ripple effect, impacting not only the city's restaurants but also potentially affecting dining in surrounding counties like ours.

Restaurants, much like the construction and agriculture sectors, are highly susceptible to federal immigration policies and the resulting loss of workers. These policies can create a challenging environment for restaurant owners and their staff, making it difficult to maintain operations and provide quality service.

Considering these challenges, it's more important than ever to support our local dining industry and Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week offers a good opportunity to do just that. By dining out and supporting our local workforce, you can enjoy delicious meals at special prices while also helping to sustain the businesses that contribute so much to our community's vibrancy and economy.

Let's come together to support our local restaurants during this critical time. Your support can make a significant difference in helping these businesses thrive despite the current challenges. Nearly two dozen Montgomery County eateries from Gaithersburg to Silver Spring are participating in this year’s promotion, which runs through Sunday. You can learn more at ramw.org/restaurantweek.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich

County Executive

Message form the County Executive Marc Elrich

 

Dear Friends,

I spent the last few days in Ocean City for the Maryland Association of Counties Summer Conference, which I will discuss later in this newsletter. I have not seen the National Guard on the streets of the District, the checkpoints set up in the streets or the vitriol growing for these kinds of fascist tactics so close to home. One person was so frustrated that he threw a sandwich at the extra police presence. That person is now charged with a felony.

While I was gone, President Trump announced he'd like to extend this unnecessary show of force past the allotted 30 days of his supposed public safety emergency. You can see from the dashboard above, compiled by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), that crime is down. President Trump alluded to this federal action as potentially the basis for a federal crime bill and a special unit that can be deployed to cities with crime issues. This is not a plan that any lawmaker should get behind. Senator Chris Van Hollen, when he wasn't standing up for the rights of immigrants being illegally detained, accused President Trump of a "raw authoritarian power grab" for federalizing the District of Columbia's police department.

I encourage you to use your voice and follow Senator Van Hollen's suggestion of sharing your stories about how the Trump administration's decisions impact your life. You can share that on the Senator's website.

President Trump is taking advantage of the fact that the District of Columbia is not a State and claiming emergency powers to federalize a local police department, despite an apparent lack of emergency conditions. The District is our neighbor, and we must consider how this will impact us here in Montgomery County. The idea of using the National Guard for everyday policing brings up many concerns that we have never considered. It has never been the practice or policy of the Federal government to deploy troops for policing purposes. I want to thank Maryland Governor Wes Moore for showing leadership by calling out the President and vowing not to authorize the National Guard in Maryland to police the District.

The National Guard, people with regular civilian jobs, are not trained to be police officers. They don’t know the laws or rules of policing. They’re trained in combat, not police work.  If this weren’t enough, Trump’s plans would extend to overhauling cash-bail policies and replacing D.C.-area judges he dislikes – all of which may impact us.   

He even appears to be creating new criminal statutes on the fly, declaring that those who "even think about destroying a statue or monument" will be jailed for years. It’s especially alarming because one of the statues he’s restoring to the District is that of a Confederate General, an actual traitor and supporter of slavery. I find that disgusting. Would people go to jail for thinking about committing a crime? How is that legal? He doesn't know. And yet, this is the same person who pardoned criminals for attacking our Capitol building and attacking police officers on January 6th.

Part of the President’s plan is to move everyone experiencing homelessness out of the city. He said they should be relocated far from the Capitol, but his plan does not seem to include providing housing for the homeless. From our perspective, we’re concerned that more people experiencing homelessness will be pushed across the border into the County, putting stress on our existing resources without providing needed funding.  

Montgomery County leads our region in offering supportive services and long-term solutions to those experiencing homelessness. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we built a large shelter to give men and women more options for temporary shelter while we helped them find a long-term fix. We are doing a lot, but our resources aren’t unlimited, and they won’t be able to address a large influx of vulnerable people into the County.

The annual homeless count, which took place in January, found that we have seen the number of homeless families jump. This pressure from the federal government to make homelessness a crime won't help. Because we anticipate an increase in unsheltered individuals in Montgomery County, we have met with our service providers, outreach teams, emergency shelter and drop-in center leaders, and asked them to track the number of people coming from the District in need of services.

I hope COG can coordinate help now that homelessness is in this administration's crosshairs. Between Maryland and Virginia, there is an opportunity to offer humanity and dignity in the absence of such empathy in the District of Columbia.  

Montgomery County’s Continuum of Care is a coordinated system to reduce homelessness. Our Services to End and Prevent Homelessness, part of the County’s Department of Health and Human Services, has a shared vision: access by all people to safe, affordable housing and opportunities to improve quality of life. We want to make homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring and have been making good progress throughout most of the year through our Short-Term Housing Assistance Resolution Program (SHARP). SHARP reduces barriers to housing for families experiencing homelessness by providing rental assistance and supportive services. 

Our Department of Health and Human Services is central, providing integrated programs like behavioral health and child and family services. Its ongoing focus is improving access, identifying gaps and enhancing coordination for individuals with complex needs. This comprehensive, compassionate and strategic framework is a world away from simply moving people out of sight.  

This is all unprecedented and unpredictable. Using the military for routine crime enforcement is a dangerous and slippery slope – particularly when we have a president, a convicted felon, who thinks he can invent crimes from his imagination. We can plan, but we won’t know how we will be impacted until we see more from federal authorities. I fear that forcing the people experiencing homelessness to leave the District will magnify the problems we have to deal with here, whether it is trying to house people or feed people. We will continue to do the humane thing to help those in need, as we always do in Montgomery County. 

MACO Panel on Federal Impacts

I want to thank Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman for her leadership and recognize her office's work in reporting the potential financial challenges our State faces due to the displacement of our federal workforce. In this report, you can read the Office’s analysis of the impact of the federal workforce on our economy.

The report shows the vast difference in salaries between private-sector and federal-sector employees. Jobs tied to the federal government earn 73% more than the average private-sector job in Maryland, as seen below. 

Not only are federal jobs higher paying, but there are many more federal jobs outside the D.C. borders than anywhere else in Maryland. Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties have more than 50,000 federal workers residing in each County, respectively, as of the end of Fiscal Year 2023. 

This week, I attended the Maryland Association of County Officials summer meeting. These policies, revenue and budget challenges were a big topic of discussion. I joined Attorney General Brown, Commerce Secretary Harry Coker and Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano to share how Montgomery County has been working collaboratively with the State to address job losses. We have leaned on Worksource Montgomery, our business community and Mobilize Montgomery to lead outreach programs and inform our residents about their options and resources. If you need help, visit mobilize-montgomery.com to learn about upcoming job fairs and ways to diversify your skills and stay tuned for more details about the Federal Workforce Career Center coming in the fall.

Our region has long relied heavily on the federal government. We used to be considered recession-proof because the government didn’t experience the ups and downs of the economy, like a recession. But that has changed over the last 15 years, and we’ve been working to diversify our economy and capitalize on our strengths in life sciences and related industries while broadening the types of companies we attract.   

A Devastating Cut: Secretary Kennedy Axes MRNA Funding

 Last week, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., dropped another bombshell, cancelling nearly half a billion dollars in federal funding for future vaccine development. The target here is vaccines developed through mRNA technology. Moderna is one of many companies that uses mRNA to produce a bird flu vaccine, which the Trump administration defunded last month.  

Secretary Kennedy supports this decision by claiming that "data shows these vaccines fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections like COVID and flu." In another claim, he says mRNA vaccines can help "encourage new mutations and can prolong pandemics as the virus constantly mutates to escape the vaccine's protective effects."

Health experts agree that this does not make sense. We have clear evidence that the mRNA-developed vaccines for COVID-19 remain effective at reducing the severity of infection and have saved tens of millions of lives. We also all know that influenza viruses mutate yearly, regardless of which type of vaccine technology is used. One of the significant advantages of mRNA vaccines is that they support faster identification of an effective treatment. It is also significantly faster to produce than other vaccine methods, which allows manufacturers to be more specific to the currently circulating virus strains. The speed of mRNA production meant that the COVID vaccine was available to the public three3to six months earlier than traditional production. 

Our research and medical communities are opposed to and deeply concerned about these cuts. They note that these kinds of advancements in medicine were always funded and encouraged, no matter which political party held office—until now. The sad truth is that it is not just a bad decision but also a somewhat dangerous one.  

Removing investments in mRNA technology will mean that the U.S. will no longer be the international leader in this crucial biotechnological field and will force us to depend on developments made in other countries that continue to invest heavily in mRNA research. It means a loss of skilled jobs within the U.S. biotechnology sector and strips us of the infrastructure, which is an important tool that helps us respond to emerging threats. And it leaves us reliant on life-saving treatments developed outside our borders. These cuts severely hamper the United States' ability to respond swiftly to future pandemics or emerging pathogens. 

Instead, we are reverting to an outdated system for vaccination, which puts lives at risk. It means the work already underway to stop cancer will have to stop. This is a steep price when the argument for cancelling is bogus.  

Secretary Kennedy criticized the COVID-19 vaccines that were developed because many people still got sick. The purpose of the vaccine was not to block the virus, but to ensure that it was not as lethal to those who contracted it. On that grading scale, it performed exceptionally well.  

Before the vaccines, our hospitals were overwhelmed by patients, many of whom were seriously ill. Hospitalization numbers went down once people started getting the vaccine. Imagine if we had relied on the old system of producing a vaccine. We may still be dealing with this as a national health crisis today.  

Don’t believe what you hear from the Secretary. He’s making up facts to fit his narrative and leaning into the growing skepticism of vaccines. Even President Trump’s former surgeon general, Dr. Jerome Adams, came out against this plan, crediting mRNA vaccines for saving more than two million lives. He also said, “People are going to die.” This is not a safe way forward for our nation.

Burnt Hill Winery Grand Opening

I want to note a opening that I was there to celebrate last week at Burnt Hill Farm in Clarksburg. Maryland’s Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks, Secretary of Commerce Harry Coker, Jr. and County Council President Kate Stewart joined me in congratulating the Baker family.

Montgomery County is fortunate to have some of Maryland's most beautiful and productive agricultural lands. More than four decades ago, we established the Agricultural Reserve, a decision that has become a national model for farmland preservation. It remains one of our most important assets. It represents a commitment to preserving our rural heritage, sustaining family farms and protecting our environment.

Agri-tourism plays a significant role in keeping that legacy alive. Whether it’s farm tours, pumpkin patches, wineries, orchards or farmers markets, these experiences connect people with the land, support local producers and show agriculture's real value to our community.

Burnt Hill Farm is the latest example of how preservation and innovation can go hand in hand. This is a pioneering model of animal-integrated regenerative agriculture, estate winemaking and sustainable gastronomy. I thank them for their approach to value-added agriculture. The farm is home to the grand cru vineyard, woodland pigs, long-wool sheep, honeybees, heritage grains and orchards. It all works together as a vibrant ecosystem, producing food and wine with integrity.

The farm will strengthen our economy, create jobs and attract visitors. We want to keep farming viable for future generations. Cheers to the team at Burnt Hill. I know they are working hard to share more of their work on the farm with the public soon.   

Ag Fair Open Through Saturday

I want to remind everyone that the Montgomery County Ag Fair ends on Saturday. On Friday and Saturday nights, the gates stay open until midnight.  

Kids 11 and under get in for free. Adult tickets are $18 at the gate, or you can save money and buy your ticket online for less than $15. Some free entertainment includes a comedy hypnotist, stilt walkers, chainsaw carving and live music.  

Parking onsite is $20, but we’re encouraging people to take advantage of the free parking and shuttle buses from the Montgomery College Rockville and Germantown campuses. Shuttles start running 30 minutes before the fair opens and until closing each night.  

Every summer, our County Fair is where people of all ages come together to have fun, celebrate our agricultural heritage and enjoy time with family and friends. I hope you can enjoy it before it is over.   

Tax-Free Week in Maryland Ends Saturday

Shop Maryland’s Tax-Free Week ends this Saturday, Aug. 16. The tax holiday allows families to stretch their dollars, especially as we near the start of the school year.

Here’s what’s eligible:

• Clothing and footwear — sweaters, shirts, slacks, jeans, dresses, robes, underwear, belts, shoes and boots — priced at $100 or less per item.
• Backpacks and bookbags — the first $40 of the purchase is tax-free.

Example: If your backpack costs $60, you’ll pay tax only on $20 of it.

See this FAQ for more information or call 1-800-MD-TAXES (638-2937).  

Under certain circumstances, online purchases can also qualify, but I see this as a good way to save on back-to-school essentials and support our local retailers.

 
As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich

County Executive