I am in Taiwan on an economic mission this week. Next week, I will fill you in more about the trip.
This is my third visit to the Smart City Summit and Expo, Asia’s largest smart city tradeshow. With 170,000 visitors and more than 500 matchmaking sessions, it is an incredible opportunity to connect with industry leaders and explore partnerships that can benefit Montgomery County.
Trips like these help us attract international businesses to our region. Foreign companies are investing in our local economy, but building these relationships is key to making Montgomery County the go-to destination for entrepreneurs expanding into the U.S. It is also an advantage to continue to have a presence at large trade shows to show that we are a premier place in the nation for life sciences and technology companies.
Back home, we are working to strengthen our life sciences industry. We recently closed applications for two major grant programs:
The $7 million Technology Innovation Fund, which provides up to $200,000 for small businesses developing proprietary tech.
The $3 million Founders Fund, which awards up to $100,000 for entrepreneurs from historically underrepresented communities.
The application process closed in January with 144 early-stage companies interested in commercialization grants to help them hire, grow and create jobs.
Our goal is to grow and diversify our economy, creating opportunities for our highly skilled workforce and reducing reliance on the Federal sector. By fostering innovation and supporting local businesses, we are building a stronger, more equitable economy for Montgomery County.
I look forward to sharing more about this trip to Taiwan when I return next week.
FY 26 Operating Budget Released
As I reported last week, I sent my proposed operating budget to the County Council last Friday. You can review it on your own using interactive tools on the County’s budget website (seen above).
The budget process was particularly complicated this year because the General Assembly had not made final decisions yet on the State budget. They just announced an agreement on the budget, and we are still awaiting further details. We may still bear more financial responsibility than we have in previous years; we will know more once the State budget is completed.
The $7.7 billion operating budget proposal devotes a record amount to education. The $6.6 million of tax-supported funding devotes 51% or ($3.4 billion) to public schools. This recommended budget exceeds the amount required by the State's Maintenance of Effort (MOE) law by over $256 million. MOE says that each county must spend no less per pupil than was spent per pupil the prior year. If approved, this would be the largest-ever year-over-year budget increase for Montgomery County Public Schools.
The education budget funds negotiated compensation agreements for all school staff. It also funds nearly 700 new MCSPS staff members, including 188 teachers and 500 paraeducators (134 new and 366 converted from part-time to full-time), to address an urgent need in educating our youth in special education programs. It also would pay for increased school safety personnel.
Beginning with the Great Recession and continuing, our per-pupil funding has not kept up with inflation as you can see from the above graph. This budget goes a long way toward raising those levels and getting our spending back to pre-recession levels. We are making the largest local investment ever in our schools because strong schools mean a strong workforce and economy. It is also important to fully fund Montgomery College and expand early childhood education initiatives.
This balanced budget is focused on protecting our core services such as education, public safety and housing. This budget increases police pay and makes the starting pay for a police officer $70,000, which will help us recruit for our police force, which is understaffed – like most police forces across the U.S. We also invest in new technology like the Drone as First Responder program, which has improved emergency response capabilities and provides critical support to law enforcement. Affordable housing is still a critical need in Montgomery County, which is why my recommended budget invests a record amount for strategic investments to preserve, protect and produce more affordable units to help our residents.
As the first step in the Council’s review of my recommended budget, they have scheduled public hearings on Monday, April 7, and Tuesday, April 8. Sign up to testify on the County Council website or call (240) 777-7803.
Montgomery County: One of the Healthiest Places in Maryland and the U.S.
The latest County Health Rankings report from the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation shows Montgomery County continues to be one of the healthiest places to live in Maryland and in the U.S.
This study evaluated over 30 factors that impact health—everything from access to care and community support to lifestyle and economic conditions.
The results found that Montgomery County outperforms the state average for population health and well-being. And when compared nationally, we are also better than the typical county in the U.S.
The highlights include:
Lower rates of premature death
Higher life expectancy
Strong community partnerships
There is a more in-depth story later in the newsletter, but it’s important to know that one of the attributes of our community is the strong partnerships we have with hospitals, nonprofit providers and community organizations.
The rankings remain high because this government invests in programs and services in many areas, not just health. We know that a person’s health has a lot more to do with factors other than their physical and mental health. It takes a commitment on the part of many.
Help for High Water Utility Bills
WSSC Water has relaunched its Get Current 2.0 program to help income-eligible customers struggling with overdue water and sewer bills.
This initiative offers residential customers below 150% of the area median income (AMI) bill credits and waived fees upon full or partial payment and potential payment plan completion.
The following information will help you understand what 150% AMI looks like for area families.
Household of 1:
$158,250
Household of 2:
$180,900
Household of 3:
$203,550
Household of 4:
$226,050
Household of 5:
$244,200
Household of 6:
$262,350
Families that exceed these income thresholds and commercial accounts can also receive waivers for late payment charges and turn-on fees. The program aims to address the significant number of past-due accounts, currently totaling over $47 million.
Interested residents can find more information here. The Get Current 2.0 program will run through June 30.
World Water Day 2025
World Water Day on Saturday, March 22, will be a day of fun, learning and activities focused on water conservation and responsibly enjoying one of the globe's most important natural resources. It is the County’s first one ever, and it will be held at Wheaton Regional Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
You can participate in guided nature walks and environmental exhibits, a piñata exhibit for the family and a trout fishing activity for kids 15 and younger at the park’s Pine Lake. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Mobile First Catch Fishing Center will provide fishing gear and lessons.
The theme of World Water Day is “Save Our Glaciers,” highlighting climate change’s impact on water sources worldwide. Only three percent of Earth’s water is fresh and drinkable, and 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water. We must help everyone understand how important it is to protect our waterways for future generations.
World Water Day is brought to you by Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection, Montgomery Parks, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Impact Silver Spring, Defensores De La Cuenca, the Latino Health Initiative and Montgomery Housing Partnership.
Making a difference for generations to come begins by acting today. World Water Day is a wonderful way to learn how to be better stewards of our water system.
MoComCon Returns This Weekend
MoComCon is back and bigger than ever. It is now a two-day event happening this Saturday and Sunday, March 22 – 23, in Germantown.
Montgomery County Public Libraries’ most popular annual event celebrates comics, storytelling and art with activities for all ages. This expansion means more opportunities for people to participate with tailored experiences across a variety of demographics.
On Saturday, BlackRock Center for the Arts will host its portion of the event from 1 to 5 p.m. These activities are geared toward youth ages 13 and up and adults. Panels, workshops and a cosplay contest will be some of the highlights.
On Sunday, the fun moves to the Germantown Library starting at 10 a.m. Activities will be more family-focused for kids of all ages. A costume parade and interactive displays will continue until 2 p.m.
More information on this popular event can be found later in the newsletter.
Employers and Employees Benefit from FareShare Program
A program meant to help more people choose public transportation to and from work is becoming more beneficial.
Montgomery County employees can now receive up to $325 per month for public transit costs through the Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s FareShare program, up from $300 last year. Employers must contribute $25 per month per employee. The upside is a tax-free contribution from both employees and employers.
Here's another upside--commuters using public transportation can save up to four times the costs associated with using a personal car.
The money set aside by employees and employers can be used for Ride On buses, Metro bus, Metro rail or MARC train. Rail passes, vanpool fares and other transportation expenses are also allowed. (As a note, my recommended budget would make Ride-On free, but FareShare would still be important for other transit.)
As the federal government returns to in-person work, we need more commuters to consider public transit options. We encourage more businesses to take advantage of this opportunity and make transit an easier choice for their workers. Employers who participate give their employees a financial break while they’re supporting a healthier, more sustainable transportation system for everyone.
For more information and to request free support to implement or increase a transportation reimbursement program in the County, email FareShare at commuter.services@montgomerycountymd.gov.
A number of you have asked the County to join Bluesky, the newest social media platform. We have joined and we hope you will follow us there at @montgomerycountymd.bsky.social.
Spring officially started this week. Happy Spring! In the weeks to come, look out for information on many upcoming community events.
Join Silver Spring Town Center, Inc. for the Eighth Annual Women in the Arts Panel at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 28 at the Silver Spring Civic Building, located at 1 Veteran Place in Silver Spring. The event is free. The panel will feature women of many talents and will be hosted by Silver Spring-based chef Beth Yohannes from Lemon Slice Cafe. The event will feature actor and playwright Jeanne M. Adams, artist Nadya Babich, artist Liliane Blom, author Chana Brissett-Shinegba, dancer and choreographer Nilimma Devi, musical artist Anisha Moon Newbill, author Jody Olsen and actor Mita Paul.
Improbable Comedy, the small but mighty Silver Spring-based comedy production company, continues its mission to present quality local comedy shows and bring people together. "SPRUNG! Comedy Festival "returns Wednesday, March 26 to Saturday, March 29, to the Black Box Theatre, located at 8641 Colesville Road in Downtown Silver Spring.
The “SPRUNG! Comedy Festival” offers a diverse group of shows and performers and is a celebration of community and comedy, with national touring comics and local talent. Ticket prices are $25 for general admission tickets, and $40 VIP tickets are available for each show. VIP tickets include reserved, premium seating and giveaways. All-access passes are also available and include entry to all ticketed shows, VIP seating and specialty perks.
The “SPRUNG! Comedy Festival” lineups deliver on all fronts, staging both national touring comedians and local DMV favorites. All shows take place in the Silver Spring Black Box, an ADA accessible venue. Improbable Comedy will offer ASL interpretation for all shows. The shows include:
Wednesday, March 26. 7 p.m. “MOTHER of All Comedy Shows."
Thursday, March 27. 7 p.m. “Funnier Than Fiction” presented with Story District.
Friday, March 28. 5 p.m. “The Originals: All Native Comedy.”
Friday, March 28. 7 p.m. “Desi Comedy Night” presented with Comedy Bonfyre.
Friday, March 28. 9 p.m. “Law & Order Comedy” presented with Seven Black Minutes.
Saturday, March 29. 5 p.m. “DC Science Comedy Night” presented with DC Science Comedy.
Saturday, March 29. 7 p.m. “Comedy as a Second Language.”
Saturday, March 29. 9 p.m. “Joke Sistas” presented with Black Women in Comedy "Laff Fest.”
Two classes are also offered on Saturday, March 29:
Storytelling Workshop. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. with Story District.
Stand Up Comedy Workshop. 2–4 p.m. with Robert Mac.
Today I sent the County Council my recommended operating budget for the next fiscal year (2026). I sent this budget over now – as required by the County Charter, but there are some major unknowns regarding decisions that will be made by the Maryland General Assembly, which will not finish its deliberations until April 7.
I have explained to the County Council, and our education partners, that, if necessary, we will submit budget revisions soon after we get the final State numbers.
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 recommended budget is balanced through a combination of strategic reductions, vacancy savings and a modest property tax rate increase to sustain critical investments, particularly in education. We made $16.8 million in targeted program reductions and $28.5 million in vacancy savings from unfilled positions.
The FY26 recommended budget provides a total of $3.62 billion for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). If approved, the County's contribution increases by $250 million—the largest-ever year-over-year increase—which funds negotiated compensation agreements for all school staff, increases the number of special education teachers and paraeducators and enhances school security.
We are making the largest local investment ever in our schools because we know the stakes. Strong schools mean a strong workforce and economy.
If adopted by the County Council, MCPS per pupil funding will grow by $1,659, and the budget will exceed the State’s Maintenance of Effort requirement by over $256 million.
The budget also fully funds Montgomery College and expands early childhood education initiatives, providing $4 million in additional funding for childcare subsidies and support programs.
To ensure full funding for MCPS and other essential services, the budget includes a 3.5 cent increase in the education supplemental property tax, generating $56.3 million for Montgomery County Public Schools. This would bring the total property tax rate to $1.0605 per $100 of assessed value while maintaining a lower weighted real property tax rate than neighboring counties.
Recognizing the need to minimize the impact on homeowners, the proposed budget also expands some tax relief measures:
Property Tax Credit increased by 25 percent to $860.
Fully offsets any tax increases for homes assessed at $495,000 or less.
Balancing this budget meant making difficult choices, but our focus remains on protecting our core services—education, public safety and housing. We are using the tools we have available to apply a degree of progressivity to the property tax: by raising the Property Tax Credit by 25 percent to $850, we eliminate the entire rate increase for homeowners whose homes are assessed at $495,000. Residents whose homes are assessed at less than $495,000 would see a slight decrease in county property tax and all homeowners would have the 3.5 cent increase at least partly mitigated. Without this revenue, significant reductions to critical County programs would have been required. This approach allows the County to maintain financial stability while continuing key investments.
Even with the education supplemental property tax increase, Montgomery County has a lower tax rate than all our neighboring counties and communities, except Washington DC, which has a lower residential rate and a much higher commercial rate. The chart below shows the rates in neighboring Maryland counties, Fairfax, Virginia and Washington, DC.
Beyond record-level funding for MCPS, our recommended budget includes many other important investments. The following is a list of some important highlights from this proposal, which we will continue to discuss.
Record funding to build and provide more affordable housing units.
New public safety measures such as increasing police salaries and benefits to assist in recruitment efforts and expanding our popular Drone as First Responder program to Germantown.
Free Fares on Ride On – Zero fares on our buses support both the County’s equity, and climate and sustainability goals, and they allow us to reallocate funds that we had to set aside to purchase new fare meters (the current ones will soon no longer be operational).
Expanding our business incubator program that will provide increased resources for entrepreneurs, mentoring and ecosystem support.
Fiscally responsible and prepared for future funding challenges - leaves $791 million or 11.2 percent in reserve ($87.2 million above the policy requirement).
The budget process is one of the most important responsibilities we have as County leaders, so I urge you to follow and engage in this process closely. You deserve a clear understanding of the proposals and decisions that lie ahead. Additionally, the County Council has announced their schedule for the public hearings on the budget on Monday, April 7 and Tuesday, April 8, at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. More information on their hearings is here.
Between the impacts of the state budget deficit and the unprecedented but necessary funding request from MCPS, this has been a budget preparation process with many tough decisions. This may be one of the most difficult budgets I have ever worked on.
We conducted 11 budget forums last fall and received robust communications and engagement from our residents and community organizations. Our forums were held around the County geographically, and we had targeted forums with Black/African American, Asian and Latino communities, one dedicated to schools, another to non-profits and another for older adults.
Needs throughout the County are increasing while the cost of providing services continues to increase; the County government, like all residents and private sector businesses, feels the impacts of inflation and high interest rates.
We realize that potential mass federal layoffs and other changes at the federal level could impact our tax receipts for the next budget. Therefore, this budget was prepared without any major new initiatives in County government, to reduce potential pressures next year.
We will be in regular conversation with the County Council and the public regarding how we may have to adjust. No one should assume that this is the final shape of the budget.
You can watch the presentation I gave where I talk through my recommendations. As always, feel free to contact me through the County Executive office and contact the County Council with your thoughts and feedback on this proposed budget. You can do a deep dive into this proposal and look at our current and previous budgets on the County’s Operating Expenditures page.
Working Together to Help Those Who Need Work
Later this month, Montgomery College’s Germantown campus will host a networking and job fair for recently displaced federal research and associate scientists at the Bioscience Education Center on Monday, March 31. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Leading employers like ATCC (American Type Culture Collection), Charles River Laboratories and MilliporeSigma will attend. In addition to meeting potential employers, attendees will be able to access services like resume reviews, professional headshots and employer presentations to assist job seekers in their career transitions.
County leaders across Maryland have started working together to raise awareness of employment opportunities and job fairs like this. The Maryland Department of Labor’s website now has a special section that includes information about job fairs with several counties and municipalities updating the public about opportunities like this. Visit labor.maryland.gov/federalworkers to learn more.
Work in the life sciences industry is critical to our economy. For decades, health companies have been bolstered by the amazing work done at federal agencies that call Montgomery County home, like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). To see so many jobs in these critical organizations threatened for no good reason should anger all Americans.
I have seen some of the firing letters these workers received. They are boilerplate and indicate that no thought was put into who and why people are being fired. They are throwing people with sterling resumes out, including recently promoted managers, not for cause but because they can. No decisions are being made based on operational efficiency and opportunities to achieve the same outcomes through better organization. No one has studied the needs of organizations or the roles that people play.
Like many others, I am astounded by the attack on NIH, FDA and the research programs they fund with universities across the country. Who in their right mind would oppose research on health care advances that can deliver cures and be the factor between life and death? It is not logical.
But as I read through information about NIH’s work, it became pretty clear why these jobs are being targeted. Curing people involves doing research on a disease, which should have universal approval, but it often involves finding the cause of a disease – and this is what President Trump and large industries do not want.
Research into causes of health problems often creates a trail that leads to pollutants in our air, our water and our food – think about tobacco, asbestos, DDT, PFAs, micro-plastics and red-meat heavy diets to name just a few.
The work done to find cures often leads to proposals to limit or eliminate the things that cause disease, and those proposals lead to regulations. If there is something wanted by the Trump administration (and the corporate interests he serves), it is to eliminate regulations, and the knowledge gained through scientific research. Without the data, there is no basis for regulations. And while corporations will escape liability for the damage they do, it will be the people, you and me, who will be left to deal with the damage. Simply put, shutting down research will ultimately mean that more people will die, young and old, because the drugs they need will never be developed.
We should not allow federal leaders to “shoot the messengers.” We also should not forget that major corporations have a long history of fighting and sometimes hiding evidence that the public needs to know. Regulations protect consumers, employees and others from undue harm that some companies choose to blatantly ignore over profit.
Some companies have shown they are willing to risk human life for a better balance sheet. Some examples are smoking and lung cancer or the fact that climate change has been exacerbated by the production and use of fossil fuels. Some corporate decisions impact all of us whether they want to admit it or not. For many who stand to profit it is better to be unchecked and free of responsibility.
If not for the clinical trials and research work done by these civil servants year after year, we would still be in the stone age of medicine. I was reminded of that this past weekend when I saw that former NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins attended the rally for science in Washington, DC. I am pleased to announce that Dr. Collins will join me for my media briefing in two weeks on March 26 to discuss how these layoffs and funding cuts impact work done at NIH.
The rallies we have seen over the last few weeks in Silver Spring, Bethesda and elsewhere to support federal workers and programs indicate the Trump administration will face more resistance. Activism is needed to help fight for the rights of those being marginalized by the people in power.
This administration's actions are an affront on many levels and deeply concerning to many of our residents and neighbors.
Next Wednesday, March 19, the County Council is hosting its third webinar in their United in Service and Support series, County Council Vice President Will Jawando will be joined by Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown. Attorney General Brown has been on the legal frontlines on behalf of the residents and workers in Maryland being impacted by the federal decisions. Residents are encouraged to log in for the March 19 webinar starting at 6:50 p.m. For more information, click here.
I also want to thank our congressional delegation—Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, Representatives Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey and April McClain Delaney—and Governor Wes Moore and his administration for all their work and engagement in supporting our federal workers.
It has been 15 months since the first Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) drone began flying over Silver Spring to help police respond to emergency calls and relay critical information to responding police officers.
Since its inception, the Drone as First Responder (DFR) program has expanded to protect people living in Wheaton, Montgomery Village and parts of Gaithersburg. This week, the first drones flew over Bethesda and my proposed budget for FY26 expands the drone program to Germantown.
This program is a model recognized by the American Civil Liberties Union in balancing effective public safety with transparency and accountability. This balance is achieved through the structure of the program. For example, these drones are never on their own patrolling from above; rather, they are prompted by a resident’s call for service. While flying to respond to calls, the camera is pointed up and not in surveillance mode. Also, every call is mapped and maintained on a website for public scrutiny. You can access that dashboard by visiting remote.dronesense.com/dashboard/MCPDDFR .
So far, this program has flown over 2050 calls, and around 70 percent of the time, they arrive before the first responding officer is on-scene.
Once the drone arrives overhead, the pilot can begin to provide information to responding officers on the ground in real time. This allows the officers to respond more efficiently and safely for themselves and members of the public.
For example, a 911 caller recently told an operator that a man was waving a gun in a public space. When the drone arrived, it was clear that the man was holding a phone. That information changed the entire nature of the police response and deflated a potentially tense situation.
Drones are one of several tools we are using to improve public safety. We will continue to embrace new technology and use the techniques that work to prevent crime. Drones help us save time and resources, but they cannot replace an officer.
I want to thank Chief Marc Yamada and the MCPD leaders who have embraced this addition to the police department. We saw crime drop 7 percent in 2024. Property crime dipped 6 percent, motor vehicle thefts dropped 15 percent and carjackings plummeted 43 percent. There were also fewer homicides in 2024—19 down from 29 in 2023. Those trends have continued, or in some cases accelerated, downwards over the first few months of 2025.
We continue to signal to criminals that if they commit crimes in this County, we are going to after them.
For more information on our DFR program, please visit the MCPD website.
Climate Action Plan Update
On Tuesday, I took the opportunity to update the community on Montgomery County’s Climate Action Plan with the release of our annual report. We did that at Walt Whitman High School in front of students in the Leadership for Social Justice Academy. I enjoyed talking to these students and, specifically, the conversations I had with many following the event. It makes me feel good to know that we have so many young people in our County engaged and caring about climate issues.
Montgomery County declared a climate emergency in 2017, laying the groundwork for its commitment to bold climate change solutions. Before we even developed a road map, we set nation-leading goals through extensive community input and then created an ambitious, actionable Climate Action Plan in 2021. Our goal remains reducing greenhouse gas emissions, or climate change pollution, by 80 percent by 2027 and 100 percent by 2035.
The plan charts the way to meet the County’s climate change goals, become resilient to a changing climate and address environmental injustices of the past. The County has started 78 of the 86 actions in the Climate Action Plan and made significant progress on or completed 55 actions. As always, money is the biggest limiter on progress – along with the commercialization of new cutting-edge tech that could bend the cost curve in a favorable direction.
As you can see above, the County has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 31 percent from 2005 to 2020, despite a 13 percent increase in population over that same time. We get our emissions data from the Metro Washington Council of Governments, and 2020 was the last year data was published, with an update expected later this year.
Just a couple of weeks ago we enacted our Building Energy Performance Standards—–or BEPS regulations. I thank the County Council for their unanimous approval of these regulations. BEPS is a major step forward in achieving our Climate Action Plan Goals. With BEPS, we are striking the right balance—reducing carbon pollution and supporting jobs while giving building owners a clear, flexible and fair path to compliance.
Over the long run, these regulations will reduce the greenhouse gas impact of building operations, addressing 15 percent of countywide greenhouse gas emissions. We are one of only 14 cities and counties in the nation with this sort of standard.
The Montgomery County Green Bank has deployed $37 million in clean energy and climate-resilient projects, leveraging an impressive $129.5 million in total investment, with a 2.5x return in private sector funding. This includes 60 projects across public, commercial, residential and nonprofit sectors.
The Capital Area Solar Switch Program successfully registered 1,843 households and small businesses to learn about solar and participate in a group buying program. And the County microgrid projects at key locations – the Equipment Maintenance Transit Operations Center, the 6th District Police Station and the Public Safety Communication Center as well as the Brookville Smart Energy Bus Depot. These microgrids will provide crucial emergency power in case of extended power outages.
To reduce our transportation emissions, last year, we completed our Zero Emission Bus Transition Plan, to transition its entire bus fleet to zero-emission vehicles by 2035.
This year we launched the Climate Smart campaign, asking the public to sign the pledge of taking small actions at home to reduce your carbon footprint. Changes like taking transit instead of driving when you can, recycling, switching to energy-efficient lightbulbs and installing solar panels on your roof.
As a County, we are leading by example, but it would make an even bigger impact if more residents helped. Together, let’s confront this challenge head-on and advance a healthier, more sustainable future for Montgomery County. Visit MontgomeryCountyMD.gov/ClimateSmart to take the pledge and commit to simple, actionable steps that make a difference. Remember, small actions can lead to big change.
Women Making History Award Nominees
Throughout the month of March, we are putting the spotlight on outstanding women in our community.
The awards honor 30 women in Montgomery County who are making a real difference—whether through their leadership, advocacy or dedication to their communities and professions. These women are driving change, breaking barriers and working toward a more equitable and inclusive future for all of us.
You can read more about them online and through their profiles posted to the Commission for Women's X, Facebook and Instagram feeds. These women are a diverse group who represent the best of Montgomery County. Their commitment to service is inspiring, and they remind us of the progress we've made—and the work we still must do.
Change doesn’t just happen—it is driven by people who are willing to stand up, speak out and do the work. The women being honored with this award have done exactly that. They are making Montgomery County stronger, more just and more inclusive, and their contributions deserve to be celebrated. But we also know that the fight for equity is ongoing. We need to keep pushing for policies and opportunities that ensure every woman in our community can thrive.
In April, these remarkable women will be recognized at the Women Making History Celebration.
Let’s celebrate their work and advocacy, share their stories on your social media and recommit to building a future where all women in Montgomery County have the opportunities and support, they deserve.
A Longtime Advocate for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness Retires
I want to take a moment to recognize and thank Susie Sinclair-Smith for her decades of dedicated service to our community. As the leader of the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless, Susie has been an unwavering advocate for some of our most vulnerable neighbors. Under her leadership, MCCH has been an essential partner in our work to combat homelessness, helping us achieve major milestones like ending veteran homelessness in 2015 and moving hundreds of chronically homeless individuals into permanent housing by 2017. You can hear her passion for helping our community in her remarks at the opening of the Nebel Street Shelter in 2022.
Her vision and leadership were instrumental in expanding critical services, including the opening of a new men’s shelter and increasing the resources available to those in need. She has always centered her work on the well-being and dignity of the people she served. Montgomery County is stronger because of her efforts.
While Susie’s retirement marks the end of an era, her impact will be felt for years to come. I want to personally thank her for her tireless commitment to making Montgomery County a place where everyone has a chance at stability and a home. I wish her all the best in this next chapter and believe that her legacy of compassion and action will continue to inspire us.
If you are planning to celebrate with alcohol on St. Patrick’s Day, Monday, March 17, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) and the Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) remind residents not to drink and drive. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that nearly half of all traffic deaths on St. Patrick’s Day involve drunk drivers.
MCDOT urges residents who choose to celebrate with alcohol to plan ahead for a safe ride home.
Residents are urged to make plans before heading out to celebrate and to consider using one of the following safe ride options:
SoberRide is a free ride home program offered by the Washington Regional Alcohol Program, in partnership with Lyft. A limited number of promotional codes for Lyft will be posted at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 15 on SoberRide.com. The codes are valid for up to $15 off one ride home taken in Lyft’s Washington, D.C. coverage area nightly from 4 p.m., Saturday, March 15 until 4 a.m. Tuesday, March 18. Participants must be 21 or older.
MCDOT’s Ride On bus is available with a fare of $1 on all County buses. There are currently 80 routes throughout the County that operate daily. Download the free regional public transit app Ride On Trip Planner to plan your next trip.
This week, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown and a coalition of 21 other attorneys general secured a nationwide preliminary injunction that prevents the Trump administration, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from cutting billions of dollars in funds that support cutting-edge medical and public health research at universities and research institutions across the country. I want to thank Attorney General Brown for his steadfast work over the past month to legally protect and represent the best interests of the residents of this state.
This County is one of the nation’s epicenters for BioHealth sciences and research, and this injunction is important to our life sciences community. I hope that the courts will rule in favor of the coalition of the attorneys general.
Unfortunately, Trump administration decisions continue to negatively impact both our local and national economy. The stock market dropped this week on news of newly introduced tariffs, which will likely increase inflationary pressures and the cost of goods. We also continue to see mounting layoffs of federal workers, contractors and others who count on federal funding.
This week our Department of Health and Human Services joined the County Council on a webinar focused on mental health resources and support. The Council has more webinars planned. As I have mentioned over the past several weeks, this is a very stressful time for many Montgomery County families, and we want to reemphasize that anyone struggling with these changes should contact our Crisis Center. It provides free telephone and walk-in crisis services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Services are provided by telephone (240-777-4000) or in person at 1301 Piccard Drive in Rockville - no appointment is needed.
We also want to share information for those who have lost health coverage because of unemployment. The Maryland Health Connection is the state’s official health insurance marketplace. You have 60 days after losing insurance to apply for coverage if you have not enrolled in COBRA. You may find that coverage through Maryland Health Connection is a more affordable option.
Visit MarylandHealthConnection.gov to enroll or find free help near you. You can also call (240) 777-1815 or download the free app, EnrollMHC, for enrollment help.
More Housing NOW Legislation
On Tuesday, the Montgomery County Council will hold public
hearings on a package of zoning and housing proposals that have been introduced
called More Housing NOW.
The plan has some good ideas, including the need to change workforce housing
policies and expand homeownership opportunities. So, I appreciate that.
I believe those improvements are where we should start. For the significant
proposed changes to zoning (ZTA), I believe we need to understand better what
is happening now, what we are trying to achieve and the potential unintended
consequences.
We need to understand the impacts on parking, traffic, tree coverage,
stormwater management and environmental impact as well as on the schools.
And it is crucial that changes happen through a planning process that includes
meaningful input from the community.
Previous master plan processes involved substantive and meaningful consultation
with residents who served on Master Plan committees and voted on the proposed
plans. I know first-hand: when I was a community activist, I served on the
committee that created the Silver Spring Central Business District sector plan
in 2000. The committee included residents with differing opinions along with
business owners and developers. No one got everything they wanted, but they
produced plans where people knew they were involved.And while that process could be
improved, it provides a good model that values the input of the residents and
the community.
Many people chose neighborhoods to live in because of what
they liked; they found places where they wanted to raise their families. With the current proposals, residents have no
idea what will happen to their neighborhood. We need to put the community back
into the planning process and we need to do it through the master plan process
that involves residents.
A successful planning process requires input from the executive agencies that
have experience and knowledge. For example, our Department of Housing and
Community Affairs has knowledge of the serious problems with the current
workforce housing law, which is referenced in the ZTA. We need to fix that law
before we consider expanding it.
And there is the larger issue of what can be built right now – without changing
any zoning or uses. Planning’s Development Pipeline shows that approximately
30,000 housing units have already gone through the planning process and are
approved to be built. (You can see that here: “Pipeline by Master Plan” Development
Pipeline - Montgomery Planning). All the developers need to do is go and
pull their building permits and they are ready to go.
Additionally, there are another 80,000+ units that have been zoned into our
master plans and can be built as soon as developers decide to submit
applications. (You can see that here: Residential
Development Capacity 2020)
The first step is to understand the development pipeline and the
development capacity. If Planning believes we have zoned for the wrong type of
units, they could reopen the unbuilt master plans and rezone them to create
more desirable housing if this is what they think people want. Planning
decisions were made in the context of smart growth and focus on development in
activity centers, not scattered along roads.
I am also concerned about Bill
2-25E, which would automatically give a property tax abatement (known as a
Payment in Lieu of Taxes) for 25 years, for certain buildings with 50 percent
vacancy rates that convert or demolish from commercial to residential. There is
no demonstrated nexus between the giveaway of taxes and public benefit. In
short, the costs of lost revenue are detached from the benefits that might
occur. Most important to all of you, the taxes developers would not have to pay
would increase the burden on homeowners. Schools and infrastructure must
accompany growth, and, under this plan, what developers do not contribute winds
up on your back.
I would also note that the Council’s Office of Legislative Oversight issued
a racial
equity and social justice impact statement that said Bill 2-25E could
“widen disparities in housing by race and equity.”
My staff and I will have more specific comments and suggestions going forward,
and I want to encourage residents to engage on this issue. We are working hard
to increase housing affordability and choice, but we need to proceed carefully,
deliberatively and thoughtfully and be extremely careful of unanticipated
consequences especially in these uncertain times.
I urge you to participate in the Council public hearings and the discussions –
testify, attend and engage. Let’s make sure that residents are part of the
planning process for the benefit of our neighborhoods and our future.
Decline in Overdose Deaths in Montgomery County
Montgomery County saw the number of overdose deaths fall in 2024 (chart above). Overdoses involving opioids were down 48 percent, while deadly interactions with fentanyl dropped 52 percent. There were 83 fatal overdoses in 2024 compared to 138 in 2023.
You can keep up with the latest reported numbers by visiting Maryland’s Overdose Data Dashboard.
The 83 overdose deaths in 2024 mark the lowest number of fatalities since 2015. For close to 10 years, deadly overdoses have been rising across Maryland and in Montgomery County. The County saw a 188 percent increase from 2012 to 2023.
One of the main culprits was opioids, which accounted for 90 percent of all intoxication deaths in 2020. In 2021, we saw the most with 142 overdose deaths reported. And in 2023, fentanyl-laced drugs ignited new concerns about overdoses among young adults and teenagers.
We can attribute this reversal to many things, including outreach, public awareness campaigns, education and harm reduction initiatives. Our Department of Health and Human Services was able to speak directly to parents through fentanyl awareness forums in our community, which helped increase awareness about the severity of the problem.
Additionally, programs like STEER and the launch of our Crisis Stabilization Room (which provides mental health and substance use assessments, stabilization, treatment and referrals for people in crisis as a community-based alternative to jail, emergency rooms, or inpatient admission) have helped us intervene and get hundreds of people on the path to care and treatment. In each of the last two years, we have distributed nearly 10,000 doses of the anti-overdose medication Narcan into our community to help prevent deaths from opioids.
There is another result of all this education, awareness and the proliferation of Narcan. We are excited that deaths are down, but we are also pleased that there are fewer 911 calls for overdoses and fewer visits to our emergency rooms because of drug use. In 2024, ER visits due to overdose were down 30 percent.
Health officials continue to collaborate with schools, the police department and the community on education and intervention. However, officials remain concerned about a rise in fentanyl use within specific populations such as Latino youth and African American men over 55 years old. That is one reason why groups like the Latino Health Initiative and African American Health Program exist, to help reach the people who desperately need to receive the message.
We have made significant strides in reducing drug overdoses in Montgomery County, but even one life lost is one too many. Every individual we lose leaves a profound ripple effect on their loved ones and our community—connections we often do not fully grasp until it is too late. Today, let’s honor our progress while allowing it to fuel our commitment to even more life-saving efforts. To learn more about the dangers of opioids and other substances, visit knowtherisksmc.org.
Department of Permitting Stakeholders Forum
This week, I had the chance to welcome many members of our business community to Montgomery County’s Stakeholders Forum, hosted by our Department of Permitting Services (DPS). (Photos)
DPS plays a vital role in keeping projects moving and supporting our local economy. Whether you are building a backyard shed or a high-rise, your projects matter, and DPS is here to help make the process smoother, faster and more transparent.
Today, innovations, technology improvements and customer service enhancements all work to help customers complete projects faster. From online permitting tools to in-person support in Wheaton, DPS is focused on serving you better.
They have launched new GIS maps to improve access to property information and the eSolar program to help streamline residential solar permitting. DPS has also updated guides to help restaurants open more quickly. The new Permitting Dashboard provides transparency around plan review timelines, so projects are no longer stuck in limbo.
These are changes that our business community asked for. I remember hearing from owners and operators directly during my first year as County Executive. The County has responded with tools that make it easier to do business in Montgomery County.
At this week’s forum, key partners like the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Affairs provided updates. Breakout sessions focused on zoning, fire code and land development changes were also held.
Under the leadership of Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan, DPS is becoming a world-class department dedicated to exceptional service. We have made progress, but there is more to do—and your input remains key.
I encourage you to visit montgomerycountymd.gov/dps and discover how we can help meet your needs. There, you will also find the DPS Customer Bill of Rights, which emphasizes our commitment to providing excellent customer service.
Fifth Year Anniversary of COVID-19
This week, five years ago, the Maryland Department of Health notified us that Montgomery County had the first confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the State when three residents tested positive.
I remember that day vividly. We knew this virus was coming, but the reality of it hitting our community changed everything. We mobilized immediately-- pulling together our public health team, emergency response and hospital systems to prepare for what was ahead. Because this was a new virus which no one had seen before, there were many unknowns. We made difficult decisions based on the latest science about this emerging threat. I worked closely with our health team and trusted them to help provide the best information so we could make the best decisions to protect our residents and lessen the impact.
We saw what happened at the start of the pandemic in New York City—hospitals were overwhelmed and people died at an alarming rate. We were determined to do everything in our power to prevent that from happening here. Our goal was simple: save as many lives as possible.
COVID-19 became one of the biggest challenges this County has ever faced. To date, we have lost more than 2,500 residents to COVID-19—96 percent of whom were over the age of 65. The totals can be found on the Maryland Health Department’s COVID-19 page.
While many have moved on from the urgency of those early years, for the families who lost loved ones, the pain and trauma do not just go away. Between 2020 and 2022, COVID-19 accounted for 9 percent of all deaths in the County trailing only heart disease and cancer. Many people did not have the chance to be with loved ones in the end. That kind of trauma lingers and can be haunting. Our thoughts remain with those who lost family members, friends and colleagues.
What stands out most from our response is how our County came together. Our employees, our residents and our health professionals—everyone played a role in keeping our community as safe as possible. One of my proudest accomplishments as County Executive is that Montgomery County led the nation with some of the lowest death rates and highest vaccination rates among large jurisdictions. I always tell people I am grateful for so many County residents who trust the science and believe in medical professionals.
While every part of County government was involved in this response, I want to recognize our Department of Health and Human Services. Montgomery County is unique in Maryland—we are the only jurisdiction that runs its own health department. Every other county, and Baltimore City, relies on the State. But here, we created our own public health infrastructure, and during the pandemic, those investments saved lives.
The pandemic also forced us to confront long-standing inequities in healthcare. The lessons we learned—how we deliver health services, how we support our most vulnerable residents and even how we communicate with the public—have shaped the way we operate today. From treating patients during the pandemic, we learned that many people had other health issues that went unaddressed, which made recovering from COVID-19 difficult. That has prompted us to use clinics and our health care partners to help more people stay on top of their health.
What we experienced five years ago still holds true today: our public health system saves lives and builds a healthier, more resilient community. We will continue working to protect and support all our residents.
Read Across America Month
On Sunday, March 2, I got to revisit my teaching days as I shared some stories with children in Silver Spring for Read Across America Day. This is something I look forward to every year, and I want to thank the Jewish Council for the Aging for helping to make this event a success. Every year they pair children and volunteers together to share this day. There were also reading events in Gaithersburg and Wheaton. I know that the volunteers get just as much out of it as the children. (Photos)
On Tuesday, I also got a chance to read to children at the new CentroNía child care facility in Silver Spring. We launched this center for low-income working families last year to help provide quality early education for children before they are ready for kindergarten. The environment is bilingual and multicultural, which helps more of our families find a safe place for their children to learn and grow. (Photos)
Montgomery County Public Libraries is an incredible resource for people of all ages. We continue to invest in reading resources and Montgomery County Public Schools programs, like our County’s pre-K education infrastructure. Of all the critical investments we could make to improve educational outcomes, I strongly believe that universal pre-K would be the most effective and create the greatest benefits.
Both the Jewish Council for the Aging and CentroNía have a long history of helping families in our community. Spreading the joy of reading is just one way to contribute. I urge you to seek out ways to help these wonderful organizations or others helping people throughout Montgomery County.
Daylight Saving Time, observed in spring and summer months throughout most of the U.S. and much of the Northern Hemisphere, will begin at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 9. Clocks must be turned forward one hour on Sunday. The annual, twice-yearly time changes are also good reminders to check batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Replacing batteries comes with the responsibility of disposing of the old batteries properly.
The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) reminds residents of the importance of proper battery disposal for the protection of the environment and residential well-being. Improper battery disposal can cause fires in trash cans, on trash trucks, and at the processing and transfer stations.
It is important to transport batteries safely when they are headed for disposal. DEP guidelines for proper battery disposal:
Tape the ends of batteries with masking tape or another non-metallic tape.
Place loose batteries individually into a plastic bag.
Place taped bagged batteries into a study container labeled batteries.
Do not remove batteries from electronics.
Do not mix small batteries with coins and keys in your pocket.
The household hazardous waste drop-off area at the County’s Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station, located at 16101 Frederick Road in Derwood, accepts all batteries. Lead-acid and vehicle batteries can be dropped off for free.
The Maryland Department of Transportation is accepting grant applications from small businesses impacted by construction along the Purple Line route in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.
The Purple Line Small Business Grants Program will support business operations during construction closures or detours, as well as provide marketing support for businesses along the alignment during construction of the light rail project. The four-year program will invest $4 million in eligible businesses along the Purple Line corridor.
Grant award amounts of up to $50,000 will vary based on location of the business, construction impacts and whether the business is located in areas designated for community and economic development, revitalization and sustainability. Up to three application rounds will take place each year. The first round of applications is due by March 14, 2025.
For a full list of eligibility requirements and a downloadable application visit purplelinemd.com. All completed applications should be returned to business@purplelinemd.com.
Job seekers 50 and older could benefit from a free virtual job fair scheduled from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11. Age-friendly employers are also being sought to participate in the event, which is being co-sponsored by Montgomery County Government and the Jewish Council for the Aging of Greater Washington (JCA). Age 50+ Federal sector jobseekers are welcome to register. To learn more about the job fair or to participate, click here. Participants can join the expo, exit, and rejoin the expo as their schedule permits.
The event will start with two workshops created for people 50 and older seeking new positions. The first workshop will focus on “Tips, Tactics and Winning Strategies: Behavioral Questions and Virtual Interviews.” The second workshop will focus on “Bridging the Generation Gap: Communication Strategies for Experienced Professionals.”
From noon to 3:15 p.m., guest speakers will include area employers with openings. They will answer (live) questions in chat. When their allotted presentation and question and answer session is over, they will answer additional questions from participants. When they are in chat, they respond directly to the person who asked the question. The expo end time may be extended to accommodate additional employers.
Montgomery County Recreation is hosting six hiring fairs at recreation centers across the County in March and April. The Department is looking for lifeguards, camp counselors, camp directors and other staff to fill positions for this summer.
Applicants should bring their resumes, come dressed for success and be prepared to discuss their experience. The department is looking for dedicated, hardworking and motivated individuals.
These hiring fairs are not job or location-specific, and applicants may attend any job fair regardless of where they are seeking to work in the County.
The part-time/seasonal pay rate begins at $17.15 an hour and increases based on experience. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age at the start of camps (lifeguards must be at least 15). Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. As a condition of employment, applicants will be required to pass a criminal background check, including sex offender inquiries with the State and federal authorities.
If you plan to attend one of these hiring events you can register in advance.
