Message from the County Executive Marc Elrich

Dear Friends,

Before I left on my economic development trip, I had the honor of attending and co-hosting the 51st Annual Public Safety Awards. These awards honor men and women who lead with compassion, excel at collaboration, and are committed to creating a safer community. This week, in lieu of my regular video, I share excerpts of the ceremony.

Nonprofit Security Grant Supplemental

Even though the conflict in the Middle East is 1000s of miles away, it provokes consternation and concern here in our community. We know that when tensions rise globally, we may feel the impact right here.

Recently, we have heard directly from our faith communities and nonprofit partners. They are worried. They are seeing increased fear and concern among their congregants and staff following escalating hostilities in the Middle East and the recent, horrific terror attack at a synagogue in Michigan.

Hate has no home in Montgomery County. However, we are not immune to the fear and intimidation that some seek to spread. That is why Council President Natali Fani-González and I have announced $500,000 in supplemental funding for our Nonprofit Security Grant Program.

Since 2019, our County has committed more than $6.5 million to protect our nonprofit and faith-based institutions, making our program one of the few locally funded initiatives of its kind in the nation. This new supplemental funding is a rapid response to current needs and will focus specifically on security staffing over the next 90 days.

Here are a few key details regarding this support:

• Targeted Aid: Funding is directed toward current grant recipients experiencing increased staffing needs.
• Grant Caps: Supplemental awards will be capped at $10,000 per facility.
• Administration: The program is managed by our Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, which provides vital training and coordination with public safety partners.

In addition to this funding, the Montgomery County Department of Police has already increased patrols at faith institutions, schools, and community gatherings. We are monitoring local conditions closely and coordinating with our federal and regional partners to ensure everyone stays safe. We want every resident to feel secure where they worship, where they gather, and where they serve others. I ask you to remain vigilant and look out for one another.

If you see something suspicious, please report it:

• For immediate threats: Call 911.
• For non-emergency suspicious activity: Call 301-279-8000.
• To report hate/bias incidents: Use the Montgomery County Hate/Bias Incident Complaint Portal.

We stand with our communities of faith and our nonprofits as they provide critical services to our most vulnerable residents. Together, we will ensure that Montgomery County remains a welcoming and inclusive home for all.

Greetings from Taiwan

Right now, I am in Taiwan; I was invited to speak here at the global Net Zero Conference held in conjunction with the Taipei Computer Association’s annual Smart Cities Summit and Expo (SCSE). At SCSE, other meetings in Taipei and Taichung, Council Vice President Marilyn Balcombe and I have met with dozens of business prospects across industry sectors. These include biotech, medtech, diagnostic, and bio manufacturing companies, as well as companies in other advanced technology fields, including space communications, robotics, energy, security, education, transportation, health IT, and waste management.

While in Taiwan, I signed a MOU with the City of Taichung related to bilateral trade support, and we participated in the Taipei International Cities Forum hosted by Taipei’s Mayor Chiang Wan-an with whom we signed a similar MOU last year. We also met with representatives from Galaverse, and we are excited to partner with them to create a high-impact innovation hub connecting industry, academia, and government. Galaverse is a semiconductor company specializing in satellite systems, space-based infrastructure, and semiconductor integration, and this partnership positions Montgomery County as a critical hub for high-tech industries, including space communications, and international collaboration. 

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council Vice President Marilyn Balcombe are joined by Galaverse CEO Joseph Chueh (center) and other Taipei business leaders meeting with the County delegation in Taiwan.

This potentially could bring to Montgomery County their semiconductor research, design, and manufacturing they're already doing worldwide. Our agreement strengthens supply chain resilience in the U.S. and supports technology exchange with other companies doing business here.

Working with international businesses looking for entry into the U.S. strengthens our economy, attracts investment, and positions Montgomery County as a critical hub for high-tech industries. Our State and region play a key role in enabling small or expanding companies to accelerate next-generation technology development. I expect the meetings we have had and the agreements we have signed with our international partners will lead to more highly skilled jobs in Montgomery County.

Updated Health Advisory for Recreation Activities in Potomac and DC Water Community Meetings

With the collapse of the Potomac Interceptor, we’ve been monitoring E. coli levels in the nearby Potomac River and have asked our residents to stay away from the water. On Monday, the County’s Department of Health and Human Services partially lifted the advisory against recreational activity in the Potomac River.

While remediation efforts continue, our health leaders continue to advise everyone to avoid the water and shoreline around Swainson Island and along the shore between this island and Lock 8, shown by the areas in purple on the map above. This is the advisory from Health Officer Dr. Kisha Davis regarding areas affected by the Potomac Interceptor collapse and sewage leak.

This decision was made after discussions with state health leaders in both Maryland and Virginia and environmental leaders in Maryland and careful review of the information. There are still sections of the Potomac River closest to the Potomac Interceptor overflow site registering higher-than-normal levels of contamination. As a reminder, swimming, boating, and fishing in natural bodies of water always carry some level of risk to your health. Young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of falling ill.

DC Water said they’ve finished their work repairing that pipe and will now begin remediating the area. It is not work that is done quickly, so please understand that this health guidance may change as we see more activity around the spill site, more rain, or other factors that can impact E. coli levels moving forward.

For additional information, please see the Montgomery County Potomac Interceptor webpage.

I want to thank DC Water for honoring its commitment to our area and returning to Walt Whitman High School this week for a question-and-answer forum with our residents and other concerned neighbors. You can watch that forum on our Facebook page. As the weather warms up, I hope we see activity return to the Potomac River in areas where it is safe to enjoy the water.

FY27 Recommended Budget Supports Our Schools

Last Friday afternoon, I released my recommended FY27 operating budget, which fully funds the request from the Board of Education and provides $3.8 billion in operating funds for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), an increase of $189.9 million over the prior year and more than half of the County’s total tax-supported budget. The County contribution increases by $179.6 million.

Montgomery County Public Schools remains one of the most important investments we make as a community. Strong schools support working families, strengthen neighborhoods, and help sustain Montgomery County’s long-term economic vitality. And our per-pupil spending, when adjusted for inflation, is still not as high as it was in fiscal year 2010, even with the greater needs for our students.

The budget for MCPS includes:

• Full funding of the negotiated compensation agreements for teachers and MCPS staff.
• Additional support for special education.
• Continued support for mental health, and Blueprint for Maryland’s Future implementation.
• Funds 28 security officers at elementary schools.
• A funding level that exceeds the State’s Maintenance of Effort requirement by nearly $202.8 million.
• Restores and exceeds per-pupil spending from previous inflation-adjusted peak in FY10.

I appreciate the support from MCPS Superintendent Thomas Taylor and from the unions representing the teachers and staff. Dr. Taylor said, “Montgomery County Public Schools thanks the County Executive for his budget recommendation, which significantly increases operational funding for our school system and recognizes the essential needs of our students and staff. MCPS’ proposed budget focuses on the fundamentals—academic excellence, student well-being, and long-term financial sustainability. These investments are vital to ensuring every student has the tools to succeed in a modern learning environment. We remain committed to full transparency and will continue working closely with county officials to demonstrate the direct impact of these funds in our classrooms and school communities.”

“Once again, County Executive Elrich has demonstrated real leadership and a deep commitment to students, educators, and strong public schools; it is easy to make these commitments when times are good, it takes real courage in tough times like these,” said Montgomery County Educators Association President David Stein. “This budget makes critical investments in educator recruitment and retention, special education, and school safety. The County Council needs to follow the County Executive’s leadership and fully fund this budget.”

“The thousands of support staff represented by SEIU Local 500 are the backbone of Montgomery County Public Schools. Every day they keep our schools running and ensure students have the support and environment they need to succeed,” said SEIU Local 500 President Pia Morrison. “We are grateful to County Executive Marc Elrich for recognizing their importance by putting forward a budget that not only fully funds MCPS today but also advances thoughtful proposals to ensure stable funding for the future. That is the kind of leadership our students, families, and school staff deserve. We urge the County Council to stand with our school communities, support this proposal, and fully fund this budget.”

Early childhood education is a key determinant for a person’s success

My recommended budget also continues our commitment to early care and education with a 4% increase to the Early Care and Education Non-Departmental Account, including $500,000 to move children from the State child care scholarship waitlist into the County’s Working Parents Assistance Program, helping ensure that more families have access to reliable and affordable child care.

Access to high-quality child care is one of the most important determinants of a child’s academic success. It is also essential to Montgomery County’s economic health because reliable early care allows parents to participate fully in the workforce while ensuring that young children enter school ready to succeed.

Since the launch of the Early Care and Education Initiative in 2019, as a County we have:

• Invested more than $71 million in early care and education initiatives.
• Created more than 1,265 child care seats.
• Supported more than 450 current and future early childhood educators through a Montgomery College credentialing pipeline.

Early childhood care is central to the success of our students and our workforce. My recommended budget is now before the County Council for their review. They will be holding five public hearings. You can get more information here.

Enjoy MoComCon Event This Weekend

The County’s 10th annual MoComCon, a celebration of fandom and all forms of engaging storytelling, gets underway Friday evening. BlackRock Center for the Arts is hosting opening ceremonies tonight, March 20, while the center and the Germantown Library will split hosting duties on Saturday, March 21.

Programming for children and families at the library includes storytelling, drawing stations, and interactive comic creation activities. BlackRock will host special programming and events for teens and adults, including the popular cosplay contest.

Our libraries have created a space where young people, families, artists, and lifelong fans can come together to celebrate creativity and imagination. This event gives aspiring writers and artists a place to share their work. They connect teens and families with positive, inclusive, and welcoming creative outlets. And they remind us that literacy takes many forms, including comics, graphic novels, and visual art.

For a full schedule of events, contest entry forms, and more click the link to the MCPL website.

I want to thank Montgomery County Public Libraries, the Friends of the Library, BlackRock Center for the Arts, and all the community partners that make this free event possible.

Eid Mumbarak and Happy Persian New Year

Finally, I want to wish a joyful and peaceful Eid to all who celebrate. May this special day bring you happiness, reflection, and time with loved ones. Eid al-Adha Mubarak.

I also want to acknowledge that Nowruz begins today, marking the Persian New Year and the first day of spring. It’s a time of renewal, reflection, prayer, and joy for many Iranian and Central Asian communities.

Montgomery County is one of the most diverse jurisdictions in this nation, if not the world. We embrace our diversity-- socio-economic, racial, ethnic, as well as religious. Our Muslim community is an important part of our County’s rich tapestry. We respect, honor, and are grateful for the contributions they provide to every community in our County.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich
County Executive

Message from County Executive Marc Elrich

 

Dear Friends,

I start my newsletter with national news that has shaken us here in Montgomery County. A man drove a truck loaded with explosives into a synagogue in Detroit. Thankfully and incredibly, only the driver was killed. I know our Jewish community – and all our religious communities – are worried. Please know – especially with the war in the Middle East - our police have maintained their increased patrols and officer visibility around religious institutions and other community gathering places. At Virginia’s Old Dominion University, a former National Guard member began shooting people on campus. He was killed by ROTC students, limiting the casualties to one person dead and two wounded.

These brazen attacks are heartbreaking for the communities in which they happen and spark fear, anxiety, and uncertainty elsewhere throughout the nation.

No one should ever feel unsafe because of their faith, heritage, or identity. Our County remains committed to protecting our diverse communities. That commitment extends to strengthening support for local nonprofits and faith institutions that work to enhance safety and security, which we have funded for the last three years, and it is in my recommended budget again this year.

Hate has no place in Montgomery County. We remain united in our work to confront antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of hate. Moments like these test us, but they also remind us of our shared responsibility to care for one another. We are strongest when we stand together: protecting, respecting, and lifting everyone in our community.

My FY27 Recommended Operating Budget

Today, I sent my FY27 Recommended Operating Budget to the County Council. This week’s video is the press conference that we held this afternoon at Richard Montgomery High School where I discuss the budget. You can also read about these budget recommendations in our press release and the recommendation memo I sent to the Council.

A budget is a statement of priorities. It reflects what we choose to invest in and who we choose to support. We are operating in an environment shaped by rising costs, increasing needs, workforce pressures, and continued uncertainty surrounding federal funding and economic conditions. Inflation continues to affect the cost of delivering services across public safety, education, and health and human services.

The graphic below demonstrates the amounts and percentages of recommended operating expenditures, with our education investments -MCPS and Montgomery College - making up 54% of the recommended budget.

My FY27 Recommended Operating Budget focuses on protecting the services residents rely on while maintaining Montgomery County’s long-term fiscal stability. To avoid harmful service reductions, this proposal includes several targeted tax and fee adjustments. The proposal includes:

• An increase in the local income tax rate, moving from 3.2% to 3.3%.
• 6.3-cent increase in the education supplemental property tax.
• Increases in permitting fees—25% for commercial projects and 10% for residential projects.
• Increases in the 911 fee to support emergency communications operations.
• Increases for several service-related charges, including the Water Quality Protection Charge, Recycling and Resource Management fees, and Community Use of Public Facilities fees.

This budget proposes the largest County allocation to Montgomery County Public Schools to date and provides full funding for Montgomery College's $6.3 million request. Pending approval by the County Council, the four most significant increases in County support for MCPS will have taken place within the past four fiscal years, reflecting ongoing efforts to restore per-pupil funding to its inflation-adjusted FY10 level.

We are also continuing to prioritize residents who need support the most. The recommended budget allocates:

• $152.7 million to expand affordable housing production and preservation
• $3.9 million in additional services for unhoused individuals—including the SHaRP Housing Program and emergency shelters—and replaces critical state and federal funding that has been reduced or eliminated.

In transportation, we are continuing the zero-fare Ride On bus system and expanding Flash and Flex services to improve accessibility across the County.

The budget also strengthens public safety through additional operational support for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service and improvements within the Montgomery County Department of Police.

At the same time, the County is exercising fiscal discipline. This budget includes $18.96 million in targeted program reductions. These were difficult decisions, but they allow us to protect core services without deeper reductions to education, public safety, or the programs residents depend on.

And we must generate more revenue as the economy grows. We plan investments in the University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing, the Montgomery County Business Center, Henry Jackson Foundation Innovation Labs and BioHub Maryland. The Maryland Economic Development Corporation will continue to be a key partner in attracting specialized industries and work will continue on the development North Bethesda Metro and Viva White Oak.

We are also maintaining strong financial reserves. Keeping reserves above policy requirements of 10% ensures that Montgomery County remains prepared for additional economic volatility and preserves the County’s strong financial standing.

You can review the full FY27 Recommended Operating Budget and explore the details of this proposal by visiting the Office of Management and Budget’s website. I want to thank the County Council for their consideration and look forward to the public discussions that will take place as we work together to adopt a responsible budget for the year ahead.

Economic Mission Trip to Taiwan and India

I am looking forward to returning to Asia over the next two weeks, with my fourth trip to Taiwan and my second trip to India.

Traveling to Taiwan has become an annual trip to the Smart Cities conference in Taipei. The Taipei Computer Association has supported our travel there, where I will meet with business prospects and speak at their Net Zero Climate Summit and other events. In India, I was invited to speak at IndiaSoft, a large IT software conference, about business investment opportunities in Montgomery County.

Like them or not, the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration are affecting global business. It may be more important than ever for businesses to have a U.S. base of operations if they want to conduct business here. Expansion means having a U.S. footprint, and we offer one of the top landing spots in the nation.

In fact, Samsung Biologics of South Korea acquired a former GSK drug manufacturing facility in Rockville at the end of last year. This significant economic achievement benefited both the County and the State and was recognized in the Governor’s State of the State address last month.

The Samsung agreement will help retain 500 existing jobs and create new positions to support its expansion plans on the site. Our other international successes often come from smaller businesses or collaborations between local companies and foreign partners.

Montgomery County is recognized worldwide for its skilled workforce and abundant opportunities. I am surprised every time I travel internationally at how many people already have business ties, education ties, or even family ties to our communities.

Business leaders already know that our County's educated and diverse talent pool, along with its welcoming atmosphere, are top reasons for choosing to expand operations here. That’s what these trips are about. I look forward to sharing some positive updates on the other side of this trip.

Heroic Rescue of Construction Workers in Bethesda

I want to thank Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service crews for a busy week of responding to serious incidents, including in Bethesda, where two construction workers were rescued from a ditch. Chief Corey Smedley reported that one worker was buried up to his waist and the other nearly to his head; both were alert and communicating during the rescue.

The team, coincidentally, was training for such emergencies when they got the call for help. They used buckets, airbags, and cribbing to prevent further collapse, and parked vehicles away to avoid vibrations.

One worker was trapped for about an hour before he was rescued and transported by helicopter to a nearby hospital to receive medical attention. The other worker was trapped for about two hours and had just enough room to allow his chest to expand and continue breathing, according to first responders.

We are fortunate that none of the workers, the responders, or any neighbors were killed in this incident.

We also know of several damaging fires that the fire crews dealt with this week, as well as severe weather on Wednesday that knocked out power to some residents. Fire and Rescue professionals are always ready to answer the call, and we thank them for their dedication and service.

Two Events with the Governor

I want to focus on two events over the past week that put small businesses in the spotlight.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (MHCD) leaders celebrated the brand-new Richardson School of Music in Takoma Park two Fridays ago. In last week’s letter, I touched on the $150,000 grant from MHCD’s Project Restore 2.0 program that paved the way for the relocation.

On Monday, I joined the governor again, this time in Long Branch, to celebrate a new look for the neighborhood.

State funds helped restore the Flower Theater façade, preserving its classic modern architecture and community identity. Beyond that, the governor announced he has included $3 million in his proposed budget to help pay for improved storefronts and building rehabilitation along the Purple Line route. This will help businesses along the corridor to have fresh exterior upgrades, better lighting, and more inviting signage.

Last year, we revitalized Park Montgomery and opened the brand-new Park Montgomery West, which helped preserve more than 200 affordable housing units near the Purple Line.

In other parts of the County, we have seen how façade improvement helps unlock private investment and improve neighborhood safety, along with commercial appeal. This effort comes after dealing with Purple Line construction for the last several years. Enhancements like this help small business owners stay competitive and continue serving the community.

More projects are coming in 2026, thanks in part to Long Branch’s designation as a Main Street Maryland Community. I look forward to more grand openings and reasons to celebrate in Long Branch in the years to come.

I want to thank the governor and Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day for continuing to make Montgomery County improvements a priority in this administration.

Nurses Are Professionals

A federal proposal to reclassify graduate nursing degrees as “non-professional” is deeply troubling. It sends the wrong message about the value of the people who form the backbone of our health care system. Nurse practitioners, midwives, and clinical specialists are highly trained professionals who provide essential care in our communities every day. Reclassifying their degrees, as the Trump administration would like to do, diminishes their work and undermines a workforce that is nearly 90% women.

In Montgomery County and across the country, these professionals provide primary care, maternal health services, and mental health support for countless families. Reducing federal loan limits from $50,000 to $20,500 a year—while maintaining higher limits for fields like medicine and law—creates a clear financial barrier for people pursuing advanced nursing degrees. Eliminating access to Grad PLUS loans will make it even harder for first-generation students, working parents, and women of color to enter these programs.

At a time when our country is already facing a serious nursing shortage, this is the wrong move and moves us in the wrong direction. Schools are already turning away qualified applicants each year because they lack the faculty and resources to train them. Policies that make it harder to finance nursing education will only make the shortage worse and limit access to care in our communities.

If we are serious about strengthening our healthcare system, we should support the people who want to serve in these critical roles. The last thing they need is a new obstacle in their way. I urge the Department of Education to reconsider this proposal and recognize advanced nursing for what it is: a vital profession that our communities depend on every day.

Animal Shelter Has Too Many Big Dogs

Finally, I’d like to remind everyone that we are still in need of finding homes for big dogs at our County’s Animal Services and Adoption Center. They were overwhelmed last week with more surrenders than usual. That left the shelter with more than 100 dogs.

I want to thank the families that turned out this past weekend in response to the call for help. Nearly 20 dogs were adopted over the weekend, and six were placed in foster homes.

Adopting, or even temporarily fostering, can help relieve pressure on the facility by opening space for new arrivals and giving the animals more time to find a permanent home.

Our facility in Derwood is open from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The facility is closed on Mondays. Please spread the word that help is still needed and visit the shelter in person or online at montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich
County Executive

Message from the County Executive Marc Elrich

Dear Friends,

We live in one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse jurisdictions in the nation. So, sadly, upon news of war in the Middle East, our faith communities reached out to us with understandable concerns. While this conflict may be oceans away, many residents here are experiencing fear, loss, and anxiety.

We are thinking of our Muslim, Jewish, Zoroastrian, Baháʼí, and Christian neighbors who have loved ones abroad and who fear experiencing hate here in the County. We must remember that no one here in our communities is responsible for the war abroad, and that hate has no place in Montgomery County. If you need to report information about a hate crime or bias incident, call 311.



I want to thank MCPD for quickly addressing safety concerns in the community last weekend when combat actions began in Iran. MCPD has stepped up patrols around religious institutions in case this global conflict prompts domestic terror here. We have had no reports of any direct threats, but we’re doing it out of an abundance of caution. Everyone deserves to feel safe.

I also appreciate the efforts of Office of Community Partnerships and our interfaith liaison, Kate Chance, who connects our County government with local houses of worship. On Tuesday night, I attended the County-hosted Iftar in Rockville with Kate. The conflict was a major concern among attendees, as it was in synagogues and mosques throughout the County. There is a widespread fear of backlash from the conflict. It is undoubtedly a troubling time.

Montgomery County is home to Naval Support Activity Bethesda, and we have a significant active duty and military community – including many parents and family members of those serving. I am sure they are concerned and, like the rest of us, caught by surprise by this sudden decision.

We are all in the same position-- uncertain about the future, which can lead to high anxiety. It is important for anyone struggling with this stress to reach out for mental health support. And I am also concerned about our kids and young adults and how they are interpreting what is unfolding here.

These are difficult and tense moments that are hard to deal with. Our Crisis Center provides free services 24 hours a day/ 365 days a year by phone or in person during normal business hours at 1301 Piccard Drive in Rockville. The hotline is 240-777-4000. Chat options are available by texting 301-738-2255, while our Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams are another way we can help in a crisis. There is also a full list of crisis services offered through the County on the Department of Health and Human Services website.

If you are feeling hopeless or experiencing overwhelming anxiety, please reach out for help. Don’t be afraid to contact a mental health professional. Telehealth options may allow you to seek help from home. Help is closer than you think.

Let’s hope peace in the Middle East prevails sooner rather than later.

ICE Detention Facilities in Montgomery County

President Trump finally removed DHS Secretary Kristi Noem from her position this week. Although I do not anticipate that this change will alter the overall objectives or operational methods of ICE or Customs and Border Patrol agents, I believe Kristi Noem's leadership was cruel and incompetent. It is difficult to imagine anyone who would perform worse in this role. If Oklahoma Senator Marwayne Mullin is confirmed as the new DHS Secretary, I hope he will bring some semblance of common sense and compassion to this department.

As far as the County’s continued response to ICE and in support of our immigrant residents, I appreciate the County Council proposing the ICE Out Bill this week. This legislation aims to prevent privately owned immigrant detention facilities in Montgomery County by blocking permit issuance for such facilities. I fully support this legislation and look forward to signing it into law.

The number of people in immigration detention reached a new high of more than 60,000 last summer, breaking a modern record set during the first Trump administration. That’s up from 39,000 people when Trump came into office in January of 2025.

This escalation will continue, with ICE's budget growing exponentially as new budgets are passed. Immigration arrests require extensive resources, and now at least $75 billion has been carved out over 4 years. That’s up from last year’s $11 billion spent. It means extensive recruiting efforts, and then more room will be needed for detainees.

When the President claims they’re focused on the worst offenders, it is untrue. Innocent lives are being ruined to meet federal quotas. I’ve heard people refer to undocumented people as felons, and that’s not true. It’s a civil violation, not a felony.

I commend groups like the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for speaking out about the conditions in detention facilities. Community and faith leaders are justly concerned about the humanitarian and moral implications of this ICE expansion. Their statement highlighted:

“The thought of holding thousands of families in massive warehouses should challenge the conscience of every American. Whatever their immigration status, these are human beings created in the image and likeness of God, and this is a moral inflection point for our country. We implore the Administration and Congress to lead with right reason, abandon this misuse of taxpayer funds, and to instead pursue a more just approach to immigration enforcement that truly respects human dignity, the sanctity of families, and religious liberty.”

That is a profound message they sent to approximately 62 million Catholics who live in this nation. As a local government, we must advocate for methods that ensure community safety while respecting everyone's fundamental rights. We will not support policies driven by fear or haste, nor will we allow an immigration detention center in Montgomery County.

Potomac Interceptor Work Continues

Many residents have seen news reports this week about the advisory related to the sewage spill in the Potomac River being lifted in parts of the District of Columbia and other nearby jurisdictions. I want to clarify that Montgomery County’s guidance has not changed.

Following the collapse of a section of the Potomac Interceptor pipeline near Clara Barton Parkway, a large sanitary sewer overflow entered the river. While repairs and environmental remediation are being led by DC Water, Montgomery County’s Departments of Health and Human Services and Environmental Protection continue to monitor the situation closely in coordination with the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Maryland Department of Health.

For more information and links to the various agencies, you can go here.

Delayed Grant Funding in New NIH Budget

Last week, I highlighted some good news for the National Institutes of Health, but now we’ve learned about new challenges from the Trump administration.

President Trump didn’t get his way in the budget that was passed, which restored funding to NIH (and received bipartisan support) and ended the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history. Now his administration, led by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), is slow to spend the money approved by Congress for the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and NASA.



The chart above shows that the number of new and recurring grants at NIH funded so far, this fiscal year is just 30% of the total in a typical year. That is a considerable amount of money being stalled. I’m concerned about scientific research being put in jeopardy, which could lead to cures for diseases or the innovations that are discovered with these research funds. This is also bad for our local biotech companies that should be receiving support through these research grants.

Committee leaders charged with developing government spending bills are outraged. They’ve demanded that OMB release the funds, but it's unclear when that will happen.

This is the last thing that’s needed after a 43-day shutdown that paused grant application review and agency work. It is beyond frustrating to see Trump and his allies thumb their nose at decisions made in the best interest of our Country. Whether it is Congress, the courts, or the people of this nation showing resistance, they seem to continuously try to find a way around being told no.

Let’s hope the stall tactics end soon so our federal workforce and contractors can return to the labs and offices that drive breakthroughs and jump-start innovation.

Community Trash Meetings Focus on the Future



I want to thank everyone who participated in our 3 community meetings this week about trash-related issues. Our Department of Environmental Protection provided information about our current system, our goals, and future options.

We are currently at a crossroads in Montgomery County. For over 30 years, we’ve relied on the incinerator in Dickerson to burn about 600,000 tons of trash every year, but that facility is nearing the end of its useful life. We need a new direction.

My goal is to develop a plan to shut down the incinerator and transition toward a “zero waste” future. This means expanding recycling, starting countywide food-scrap composting, and looking into advanced waste-processing technology that can pull out even more recyclables and monetize their value before we landfill what’s left.

Your voice on this issue is important. Please make sure to complete the survey about your trash use through the link provided or on our "Aiming for Zero Waste" website. The website also provides more information about our Zero Waste activities and plans. We need your help to make the right decision for our community and our planet. Thank you for being part of this conversation.

DPS Stakeholders Meeting/Permitting Improvements


It was wonderful to see such a great turnout in Wheaton for our annual Department of Permitting Stakeholders Forum.

The forum allows everyone to build a collaborative relationship centered on community safety and growth. Our permitting department is constantly improving customer service and making the permitting process more consistent, transparent, and predictable.

Some of the strides we've made include:

• Fast Track helps residents and small businesses get permits processed—sometimes on the same day.
• New GIS maps and online dashboards to provide real-time transparency into permit status and property information.
• The eSolar program, which is getting green energy onto residential rooftops faster than ever.
• Cutting-edge technology, like using drones for land development inspections, to streamline our work.

We have made great progress, but we aren't finished yet. By working together, we are setting a new standard for excellence and innovation right here in Montgomery County.

We want to hear from you. Your feedback is the key to our continuous improvement. The department has embraced continuous improvement, so if something doesn’t work well, let the department know. Visit montgomerycountymd.gov/dps and help us transform DPS into a world-class permitting department.

Costco at Viva White Oak



There’s more good news for the Viva White Oak project coming on the heels of last week’s Tax Increment Financing announcement.

The developer MCB Real Estate has named its first anchor tenant: Costco. This will be a brand-new Costco, their third location in Montgomery County, joining locations in Wheaton and Gaithersburg.

I am a fan of Costco. I like how they treat their employees and customers. They are also a corporation with principles. We welcome their newest store to our County.

I look forward to sharing new developments as the Viva White Oak project moves forward.

State Grant Money Helps a Takoma Park Small Business



This week, I joined Maryland Governor Wes Moore at the grand opening of the Richardson School of Music in Takoma Park.

The owners of this establishment received a $150,000 grant in fiscal year 2024 from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) Project Restore 2.0 program. The school was one of three Montgomery County recipients, totaling more than $780,000. The money allowed owners to purchase and renovate the space after years of operating in leased buildings.

Small businesses account for most of our business community. State leaders realize the value of growing our small business base and its role in strengthening our economy. I want to thank Gov. Moore, DHCD, and community partners for providing this opportunity to County businesses.

I enjoy playing the guitar, and I encourage more kids and adults to learn how to play music as well. If you or your child has ever considered wanting to learn an instrument, check out the Richardson School of Music in Takoma Park or any of our County’s incredible music stores, teachers, or classes.

Read Across America Week



This week, I visited Precious Moments Family Childcare in Rockville to read to children for Read Across America Week. This is something I’ve done for many years to highlight the importance of early education and reading for children’s development.

When I was on WBAL radio last week, the hosts asked about potential cuts to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, the State's 10-year education plan, passed by the General Assembly. I said that early childhood education needs to be prioritized. There is simply no other aspect of the Blueprint that would have as positive an impact on children's success as the widespread implementation of early childhood education. If anything is a game-changer, this is it.

We have talked for years about students entering kindergarten at the level of a three-year-old, not a five-year-old, and what it means for reading and comprehension. The studies on vocabulary deficits show the long-term impact: if those children leave kindergarten below grade level, they are at a disadvantage as they move forward.

We would save money on later intervention efforts by getting it right from the start. And it has a long-term cost benefit by reducing the need for interventions in the upper grades. Recent studies following elementary‑age students show that low-income children who have not had access to high-quality early education enter school with substantially smaller vocabularies, and that differences in word‑learning processes across the early grades help explain why these gaps in vocabulary and reading persist.

Being able to read is vital to building a child’s vocabulary and increasing their comprehension. Another study showed that school-age vocabulary and reading interventions improve targeted skills, especially when intensive and explicit. Still, they rarely erase the full poverty‑related gap established before or at school entry.

When kids can’t keep up because they are behind in reading, it's easier for them to give up and tune out. That’s something that sticks with kids for as long as they’re in school.

I remember when I was early in my teaching, and I did a read-aloud with 4 students. It stunned me to see the wide disparity in reading levels and comprehension – and none of it at grade level. Every kid was basically reading a different book and had no grasp of what they were reading.

Not addressing reading challenges early is detrimental because the long-term effects affect skill development and job access. And speaking of jobs, access to early childhood education options helps women reenter the workforce, which is good for business and great for family incomes. The cost of childcare is a real barrier for middle-class families as well.

Last September, the County announced a $10 million investment in early childhood education. The money has helped us launch three initiatives to get children into early education programs sooner. I hope we can all play a role in helping children be ready for kindergarten.

I want to thank the Children’s Opportunity Alliance for setting up this morning’s event. They are one of many partners in our community who help families in our area with not just daycare but high-quality early childhood education.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich
County Executive

Message from the County Executive Marc Elrich

  

Dear Friends,

We got some welcome news this week with the federal government's approval of District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser’s request for federal aid and resources to mitigate the impacts of the threat to the Potomac River.

On Thursday night, DC Water’s leadership and technical teams as well as representatives from the Maryland Department of the Environment and the County’s Department of Environmental Protection and our County Health Officer met with the community at Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda to discuss the repairs, the timeline, and hear concerns. Thank you to Rep. Jamie Raskin for attending the meeting to listen to the entire conversation. You can watch the County's livestream of the meeting here. I also talked about this spill on WBAL Radio C4 and Bryan Nehman on Thursday’s 2/26 show, starting around the 48-minute mark.

State and local agencies are meeting regularly to collaborate on ongoing efforts. We are committed to ensuring that the Potomac River and adjacent land are returned to conditions that are safe for recreational activity and the environment. Our Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Environmental Protection, and the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security are actively involved in response to the spill.

This week, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments met with DC Water executives to discuss the impact of the spill. Sean O’Donnell, deputy public health chief from our Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), presented on behalf of regional health officers. I want to thank him, Kisha Davis, the County’s health officer, Jennifer Macedonia, director of the Department of Environmental Protection, and the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security for their participation last evening.

In a statement today, Dr. Davis reminded people of the recommendations she has made:

• There is no risk to the County drinking water. 
• Avoid all contact with the water/shoreline (kayaking, wading). 
• Keep children and pets away from the water’s edge and ensure pets do not drink from the river.  
• If exposure occurs, wash skin and hands immediately with soap and clean water. Pet owners should thoroughly rinse their pet’s paws and fur. 
• Do not collect or eat fish, shellfish, or any other wildlife from the river. 
• Stop flushing wipes or disposing of grease down drains. 

Dr. Davis and health officials will update the advice when additional information and additional test results are provided.

I am encouraged by the consistent testing being done by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), in addition to what DC Water is doing. I encourage you to check out MDE’s webpage on this spill.

We’re committed to keeping you informed about the work to protect our community, our land, and our environment. Our priority is to share accurate information about what's going on. 

To follow the progress of the repairs, visit the DC Water website.

Viva White Oak Tax Increment Funding (TIF) Passes in the County Council

I want to thank the County Council for their support and passage of the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) package for Viva White Oak. I also want to recognize MCB Real Estate for its collaborative work with the County and the East County community to move this forward. Large projects only succeed when there is trust, patience, and a willingness to engage. MCB demonstrated that throughout this process.

Viva White Oak is a transformative project for East County's future. For too long, this part of Montgomery County has not seen the level of investment it deserves. 

This project will create an estimated 5,000 new homes, 9,000 permanent jobs, 17,000 construction jobs, long-awaited infrastructure improvements, and the kind of mixed-use development that creates real community — with parks, trails, retail, and space for future public facilities. 

The Viva White Oak development will expand our tax base and position the County to compete for jobs and investment in a competitive market. At full buildout, this project is expected to generate tens of millions of dollars in annual County revenue. 

Just as important, this financing structure protects existing County resources. Independent analysis confirmed that this TIF does not affect our general fund or bond rating. It allows future site growth to pay for the infrastructure needed to unlock it. 

East County has waited a long time for this moment. This week’s vote moves us from planning and discussion to action. I’m proud of the work we’ve done together, and I look forward to seeing shovels in the ground and this vision becoming reality. 

Grand Opening of Henry Jackson Foundation’s Innovation Labs

This week, we opened the new HJF Innovation Labs @Montgomery CountyMD. This is a Montgomery County-branded facility, seeded with $300,000 from Montgomery County, $900,000 from the state, and a $1.6 million investment from the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF). It brings biotech lab space to North Bethesda. HJF is a bridge between military medical researchers, academia, and private partners, managing over 800 research awards and 1,500 protocols focused on combat casualty care, infectious diseases, and rehabilitation for service members and civilians.

Many of you may not know that HJF is one of the County’s hidden jewels. It has been around for more than 40 years, supporting health-related research that benefits members of the armed forces, veterans, and civilians.

Through a memorandum of understanding with HJF, the County provided seed funding to collaborate on spotlighting the excellent research taking place at HJF every day. Another goal is to help our research community access this new lab, office space, tech transfer opportunities, and expertise within HJF. There’s also a beautiful auditorium facility that will be open for community events.  

When you think about it, military medicine helps not only those on the battlefield or our veterans but also members of our community like you and me. Our County entrepreneurs working on dual-use technologies for both military and civilian purposes can work with HJF, use their space in Montgomery County, and connect with other resources, such as their clinical trial sites around the world.   

This is an example of a mutually beneficial partnership that is raising the County's innovation capacity while also expanding our profile as a center for new technologies.  

Investing in resources for early-stage companies is important – whether the technology comes from or is nourished at HJF or in other incubation facilities in the County. 

In fact, Arcellx, a biotechnology company, moved from our Germantown incubator to be a publicly listed company on the NASDAQ and just announced a $7.8 billion acquisition by Gilead. That’s huge because it means Arcellx treatments for incurable diseases may help patients sooner. Our incubators and support helped the company slowly advance its technology while expanding its research and development team in the County.     

Arcellx's success exemplifies the importance of fostering and investing in small businesses through our incubator programs. Not all attempts will succeed, and the incubators help mitigate the risk. Supporting entrepreneurs and innovative companies is akin to planting seeds; while some businesses sprout, and others grow, a select few—such as Arcellx—flourish.

We also received some good news about federal spending in this industry. The National Institutes of Health’s new $48.7 billion budget is larger than last year's. That's a sign of stability that was far from assured under the Trump administration, but even the leadership in this Congress would not allow deep cuts to NIH. Even they realize it is a significant funding source that plays a vital role in advancing human health and the discovery of life-saving treatments – treatments that benefit Democrats and Republicans. Human health should never have been turned into a partisan issue. 

NIH is the genesis of early-stage research from which to build upon. Investing in innovation is the next logical step in that journey. When entrepreneurs can focus on research and development, it can grow companies and unlock solutions that weren't possible before. 

I believe that's how we create a better future and grow our economy. Several large life sciences companies in Montgomery County have recently announced expansion, manufacturing, or reinvestment plans because they know the local workforce can accommodate these changes. 

I'm proud of the way the Universities at Shady Grove and Montgomery College have recognized these opportunities, expanded their programming to respond to them, and are producing graduates ready to contribute to the innovation economy. I'm excited to see what develops from these innovation labs, and I thank HJF for their partnership.

NIH to Fund University of Maryland’s Artificial Intelligence Research

The National Institutes of Health has awarded $12.5 million to support a major new artificial intelligence (AI) initiative focused on Alzheimer’s disease, and the University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing (UM-IHC) is right at the center of it.

This is a five-year, multi-institutional project led in part by University of Maryland researchers, working alongside partners at the University of Southern California, the University of Pennsylvania, and Indiana University. Together, they’re using AI and machine learning to analyze massive “biobank” datasets—genomic, biomarker, and cognitive data—to identify patterns that signal risk for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Alzheimer’s affects more than seven million older adults in the United States. The costs—financial and human—are staggering. And what makes this disease especially devastating is that changes in the brain can begin 15 to 20 years before symptoms appear. If we can identify risk earlier, we can intervene earlier. That’s the promise here.

What excites me about this announcement is twofold.

• First, it shows that Montgomery County remains a global hub for cutting-edge biomedical research. When NIH invests, and when UM-IHC leads, the work is happening here, creating high-skill jobs, attracting talent, and strengthening our innovation economy.
• Second, it reflects the innovative, responsible use of AI, helping doctors diagnose more accurately, improving clinical trials, and potentially accelerating drug discovery.

We have talked a lot about connecting the dots between economic development, research, health care, and technology. This is exactly what that looks like. World-class science, powered by AI, with the potential to change lives—happening right here in Montgomery County.

Establishing the University of Maryland-Institute for Health Computing in North Bethesda was a timely and strategic decision. Keep up with news and scheduled events on the institute’s website.

Congratulations to the UMD team on this opportunity to address a significant disease that affects many families.

Incinerator Exceeds Emission Standards and Community Conversations

I want to share with you that recent test results affirm that the County’s waste incinerator, also known as the Resource Recovery Facility (RRF) in Dickerson, is reaching the end of its useful life and requires significant investment if we were to continue using the facility for the long-term management of our waste stream. 

On Feb. 12, we learned that Unit 2's total dioxin and furan emissions were approximately three times higher than the permitted limit during recent testing. We know that Unit 2 has been offline since Jan. 4 while undergoing a major refurbishment. The contractor that runs the facility, ReWorld, plans to complete repairs and retest the unit by early March.

This is the second boiler to fail emissions tests, as Unit 3 failed tests this past fall and was taken offline for repairs. Unit 3 has since restarted and was found to be back in compliance Feb. 2.

I understand this news may be troubling, but ReWorld is addressing the underlying issues. Our Department of Environmental Protection is engaging a risk assessor to help us understand any possible public health impacts and has requested detailed information from ReWorld in conjunction with the Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority, which owns the RRF and contracts with ReWorld to operate the facility for the County’s benefit.

I hope you can join me for community discussions about waste management at the Upcounty Regional Services Center in Germantown on Monday, March 2, or the Leggett Executive Office Building in Rockville on Wednesday, March 4. Both events will start at 6 p.m. A virtual meeting will also be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 5.

I hope you will join the conversations to learn more about the choices involved in managing our waste.   

Car Rally Concerns Following MCPD Cruiser Attacked

Early Sunday morning, Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) and regional police agencies intervened to stop illegal car rallies. Video of participants throwing a smoke bomb and attacking MCPD cruisers made national news.

These incidents are highly concerning as they endanger numerous lives, including the police officers who respond. We are fortunate that none of our officers were harmed and appreciate their professional and safe response to this attack on their cruiser.

There are so many ways these car rallies can go wrong, so I am asking everyone who knows someone involved to report them. Even people who show up to watch are risking being run over by an out-of-control car. They should stay away.

People pulling these tricks often do so to get social media engagement, so social media companies should not be platforming these videos. They wouldn’t if it were any other crimes, so why are these allowed? All they’re doing is giving dangerous people the attention they crave and rewarding them for putting people’s lives at risk.

As for the incident caught on video, police were aware that multiple rallies were happening across our region and successfully stopped some, but we can’t be everywhere at once. You can see from the video that the responding police officers are far outnumbered by the participants. The people responsible will be held accountable.

This is not a new issue; in fact, MCPD participates in the Maryland Car Rally Task Force, which has been generally successful in preventing planned car rallies. They help us prepare for the so-called takeovers, so officers can block streets and keep traffic disruptions to a minimum.

We’re looking to State lawmakers to strengthen laws to help us prosecute serial offenders and the people who help them stage these events.

National Consumer Protection Week and Office of Consumer Protection Forum

Sunday, March 1, is the start of National Consumer Protection Week. The County is designating the entire month of March as Consumer Protection Month. We know that far too often, people don’t speak up about the challenges they face until they’ve already lost money or run into a wall trying to resolve a problem. Whether it’s scams, unfair contracts, housing issues, or deceptive business practices, these problems can impact any of us.

Here are some tips to help you avoid trouble:

• Secure Personal Info: Shred documents, use strong, unique passwords with two-factor authentication, and secure devices.
• Avoid Scams: Never click links in unsolicited emails or texts. Verify sender information and be cautious of "too good to be true" offers.
• Financial Safety: Regularly review bank statements, check your credit report for free at annualcreditreport.com, and be cautious of sharing financial info.
• Online Safety: Shop only on secure websites and avoid public Wi-Fi for financial transactions.
• Sports Betting: Use only Maryland-licensed sportsbooks to avoid illegal, risky sites.
• Report Fraud or Unfair Business Practices: Start by filing a complaint with the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP).

Consumer protection works best when we listen to the issues` residents face. That is why I’m inviting you to join OCP for a free community forum on Thursday, March 5, at the Rockville Memorial Library. It will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon and feature an interactive discussion focused directly on the consumer concerns impacting you, your family, and your neighbors.

Your input will help us shape future policy and improve the services we provide across the County. Space is limited, so please remember that advance registration is required by Monday, March 2.

I encourage anyone who has concerns or ideas to join this conversation. Let’s work together to prevent harm before it spreads. I hope to see you there.

The OCP office is located at 100 Maryland Ave., Suite 3600, in Rockville. Walk-in hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. They can be reached by phone at 240-777-3636 or online at montgomerycountymd.gov/ocp.

 Women’s History Month Begins

There is no better way to start Women’s History Month in March than by congratulating the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team for a thrilling win at the Winter Olympics. 

Every year, we use March to honor the achievements, contributions, and resilience of women throughout history. What started as a week-long celebration in 1980 expanded to a month-long recognition in 1987, highlighting the impact of women in science, politics, art, activism, and beyond. We reflect on their struggles, celebrate their triumphs, and continue advocating for a more equitable future. 

It is sad to say, but those struggles continue because of the misogynistic leadership of the President and his cronies. They don’t even hide their disdain for women – they’re transparent in their view that women belong in the home, not the workplace. 

I recently saw an advertisement that explicitly encouraged white individuals, especially white men, to file lawsuits against anyone who they claim has "discriminated" against them. The ad’s focus on white men is deeply troubling, and it reflects a viewpoint that suggests minorities or women in influential roles are only there because of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies—not due to their skills or qualifications.

This aligns with the stance taken by Trump and his supporters, who argue that women and minorities are not truly capable and only benefit because of such policies. It’s appalling that such messages are being promoted, especially during Women’s History Month, when we should be celebrating the achievements and progress of women, not undermining them with divisive rhetoric about discrimination.

While Trump aims to re-create a 1950s patriarchal society, Montgomery County will celebrate Women's History Month by honoring remarkable women locally and nationally. Join us for events this month spotlighting our trailblazers and young women.

• “Women in STEM: Building Bridges” will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, at the Rockville Library. It will feature a lesson on Emily Warren Roebling, who took over as project manager for the Brooklyn Bridge after her husband became ill. Tickets are free and available at the Rockville Library front desk. Seating is limited.
• “Tea at Woodlawn Manor: Women’s History Month” is from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, at Woodland Manor Cultural Park in Sandy Spring.

For more events and happenings, go to the Visit Montgomery website. I’ll try to keep you updated on other events related to Women’s History Month as we go.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,

Marc Elrich
County Executive

Message from the County Executive Marc Elrich

 

Dear Friends,

Today, I signed the Trust Act. This law expands civil rights protections by prohibiting County employees from requesting or investigating a person’s immigration status unless required by law, barring intimidation and discrimination based on perceived status, and guaranteeing that County services and opportunities are not denied because of immigration status except as required by law. It also limits the use of County resources in federal civil immigration enforcement. 

I want to thank Council President Fani-González and the entire County Council for their unanimous support of this legislation. Please watch the bill signing that occurred in Wheaton this morning by clicking here. And please watch and share the following public service announcement that the Council President and I taped this week in both English and Spanish.

Since 2019, we have been operating off an Executive Order I signed that was almost identical to this new law. Now, with the codification of these practices, we can be assured that any future holder of this office cannot simply change the Executive Order on their own. They would have to convince the County Council to change the law. We did this because we believe that enforcing federal laws is the responsibility of the federal government, not Montgomery County.

Our focus is on local services and public safety. What does this mean for you:

• It means that we will prioritize your safety.
• You can call the police and report crimes without being asked about your immigration status.
• You can request emergency services without fear.
• You can cooperate with local police without immigration consequences.
• It means that County employees, including police, are not responsible for federal immigration enforcement.
• It means privacy is protected, and we don’t ask unnecessary questions about immigration status.
• It means that County services are available to everyone regardless of their immigration status.

We have seen a federal administration that has stoked a profound sense of fear among our immigrant neighbors. It started long before the sad and deadly incidents in Minnesota that killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

Our diversity and our compassion are everything this federal administration rejects, but we are not backing down. Protecting this community isn't just about what we say; it’s about what we do. It’s about supporting programs that uplift our community and create pathways for workforce training, citizenship preparation, and other assistance in culturally responsive settings. Please visit montgomerycountymd.gov/gilchrist or call 240-777-4940 if you have any questions.

Signing the Trust Act shows that we will not be intimidated into silence. Not now. Not ever. Enforcement must be lawful, restrained, and accountable. This law makes clear that the County government is here to serve residents, not to carry out federal civil immigration enforcement. We are here as a County showing our immigrant community that they can rely on us to be supportive no matter what.

Rent Stabilization is Creating Stability for County Families

In 2023, I advocated for and signed rent stabilization in Montgomery County into law because I knew our residents needed more affordable and stable housing. With the release of the first rent stabilization report, we have proof that it is working.

On Thursday, I was joined by County Council President Natali Fani-González and Scott Bruton, Director of the Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DCHA), to share the report and talk about its impact. You can watch that presentation and our answers to the questions we got afterwards on the County’s YouTube page.

We enacted the law to halt excessive rent hikes and junk fees that were pushing families out of their homes. See how we’re accomplishing that by reading the rent stabilization report, now available at montgomerycountymd.gov/DHCA. 

Many households are assured of predictable rent increases, allowing them to plan for the future without fear of sudden, unaffordable changes. This law also improves housing conditions. Properties with serious code violations can’t raise rents until those problems are fixed. 

As a reminder, the law applies to rental properties that are more than 23 years old. It was carefully designed to moderate year-over-year rent hikes while also protecting landlords’ ability to receive a fair return and make necessary repairs. Landlords can raise rents to match inflation levels plus 3% (capped at 6%), and they can apply for exemptions for a higher increase. DHCA also regulates the fees landlords can charge to tenants. That’s to ensure landlords can’t disguise rent hikes as mandatory fees. 

Rent stabilization regulations also allowed tenants to recoup $90,000 in refunds, and excessive proposed rent increases were reduced by an average of 56%, saving families up to hundreds of dollars each month.  

Because landlords can’t raise rents until housing code violations are fixed, we’ve seen conditions improve for tenants. Between 2024 and 2025, the number of units listed as Troubled Properties dropped by 69%. You can download the latest Troubled Properties report from the DHCA website.

This means safer, healthier homes for everyone, especially lower-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities, people who need stability the most. These are the people who are more likely to be renters than the general population. Children really benefit when their families don’t have to move frequently due to excessive rent increases: the predictability provides stability at school and in the community. As a former teacher, I see real value in helping families this way. I am pleased that this law, which is fair to tenants and property owners alike, is working so well.

DC Water Update on Sewage Spill in the Potomac River 

On Wednesday, County representatives joined DC Water, as well as state, regional, and federal officials, at the White House to discuss the impacts, repairs, remediation, and risk communications related to the sewage spill from the Potomac Interceptor. The same day, Washington, DC Mayor Bowser declared an emergency and requested assistance to remediate the effects of the spill, which are more pronounced downstream of Montgomery County.

Since the pipe broke, DC Water has made considerable progress in isolating the damaged section and facilitating repairs. Contamination of the Potomac River has been halted through a workaround, but repairs will continue over the next month before environmental remediation of the land and waterways can proceed.

Last night, DC Water was able to access the site of the broken pipe. This will allow for a more thorough analysis of the contributing factors that led to this break. DC Water must ensure that this scenario cannot occur at other sections of the 54-mile sewage pipeline.

Since this spill occurred last month, we have maintained constant contact with DC Water, WSSC, and the Maryland Department of the Environment. MDE has mapped out spots (below) where testing has been occurring regularly to ensure public safety.

Our DHHS team, along with the County Department of Environmental Protection, has been monitoring this situation for potential health and environmental impacts on residents in affected communities near the spill.  

Here are some useful facts: 

• The spill occurred on federal land. 
• DC Water owns the pipe. 
• The spill did not enter waters regulated by the County. 
• The spill flowed across federal land directly into the Potomac River. 
• DC Water will continue to monitor bacteria levels daily at six locations. 
• The District’s Department of Energy & Environment is monitoring weekly. 

And here are the key points and advice for residents: 

• There is no risk to the County drinking water. 
• Residents should avoid contact with water or shoreline in impacted areas.  
• Keep children and pets away from the water’s edge and ensure pets do not drink from the river.  
• If exposure occurs, wash skin and hands immediately with soap and clean water. Pet owners should thoroughly rinse their pet’s paws and fur. 
• No one should be collecting or eating fish, shellfish, or any other wildlife from the river. 
• Stop flushing wipes or disposing of grease down drains. 

Many questions remain, such as “How much will it cost to fix? and “How can we prevent this from happening again?” DC Water’s immediate priorities are to repair the break and mitigate the environmental impacts of the spill in our region and downstream into the Chesapeake Bay. To follow developments about this sewage spill, please visit dcwater.com.  We will also provide additional information as we have it.

As an aside, it is unhelpful for Donald Trump to intervene and blame Governor Moore for an incident that his EPA currently oversees. While we expect the federal government to fulfill its responsibilities regarding this incident, our residents deserve accurate information about the facts surrounding this spill.

It is contradictory and hypocritical for the President to comment on this matter shortly after deregulating critical environmental protections. 

Community Forums on Trash Will be Held in March

I'm inviting the public to join me for community discussions about waste management at the Sidney Kramer Upcounty Regional Services Center in Germantown on Monday, March 2, or the Leggett Executive Office Building in Rockville on Wednesday, March 4. Both events will start at 6 p.m.

A virtual meeting will also start at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 5. You can register in advance for the Zoom meeting.

I hope these meetings generate productive discussions on how to address our waste management challenges effectively.   

My goal for years, shared by many people, has been to shut down the incinerator that burns our trash. Burning our trash does not align with the County's Aiming for Zero Waste goals. And it is not clean. The problem is that hauling away trash is expensive. At the same time, the current incinerator needs major renovations. If we commit to the incinerator as a long-term solution, we will face enormous costs to upgrade or replace the incinerator with a modern facility.

No matter which path we choose, it will be costly. It is not like we can leave this alone and have no additional costs. If we decide to change our approach, then our costs will be high as well. One way to save on waste hauling costs is to reduce the volume of trash we must haul away. That's why we need to continue modernizing our solid waste management system through a robust, independent, and data-driven process. Shutting down the incinerator will give us a relatively quick path to countywide composting and enable the implementation of advanced waste processing that can help reduce our overall trash.

We’ve started programs to recycle durable medical equipment, textiles, some wood, bulk plastics, and more to remove them from the waste stream, but there’s much more that we need to do to keep the waste from growing.

Come to learn about our choices and help us make good choices. Whether you can attend an open house or not, please fill out a short survey to help us understand how to improve our solid waste services.

Visit the Aiming for Zero Waste page on our website for more information. 

Six-Year-Old Killed in Accidental Shooting

This week, a six-year-old boy tragically died from an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound. This is an unimaginable tragedy and every parent's worst nightmare. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of this young boy.

While the Montgomery County Police Department has determined that there was no foul play, questions understandably arise regarding how a six-year-old gained access to a loaded handgun.

Gun violence and the harm it causes are significant public health issues. A 2023 CDC report on firearm deaths among children found:

• Unintentional injury is the fourth leading cause of death among infants and the top cause of death among children and adolescents between one and 17 years old.
• Firearms involved in unintentional injury deaths were stored loaded 74% of the time and unlocked in 76% of the cases.
• Most guns found by children were discovered in nightstands or near a bed.

While adults have the right to own guns, it is crucial for every parent or person who owns firearms to ensure that young people do not have access to them. They must:

• Use a gun safe or lockbox.
• Utilize gun locks.
• Store ammunition separately.
• Control access to keys/combinations.
• Never leave a gun unattended.
• Talk to all family members, especially children, about gun safety.
• Ask about the presence of unlocked firearms in homes where your children play.
• If a household member is experiencing depression, suicidal thoughts, or substance use disorder, the safest option is to temporarily remove firearms from the home and store them elsewhere.
• Safe gun handling includes treating every gun as if it is loaded and keeping all fingers away from the trigger until it’s time to shoot. 

Black History Month Coming to an End

There is only a week left in February, but there are still some special ceremonies and activities tied to Black History Month throughout Montgomery County. 

Over the past few weeks, we have highlighted information about book clubs, concerts, and family days at places like Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park in Sandy Spring. Still to come are: 

• Scotland Annual Black History Event from 2 – 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Bette Carol Thompson Scotland Neighborhood Recreation Center. The event features a museum-style exhibit and activities focused on the history of one of Montgomery County’s surviving Black communities.
• Black History Month Family Day on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Josiah Henson Museum and Park in North Bethesda, featuring educational activities tied to the Underground Railroad. 
• Wood and Wine at Oakley Cabin is also on Saturday, Feb. 28, in Olney. Montgomery Parks is sponsoring the event for adults 21 and up who are inspired to create their own art with local artist Anna Fogg. 
• Families can still take advantage of the monthlong family-friendly celebration of Black innovation and change at the KID Museum in Bethesda.  
• In Germantown, the Blackrock Center for the Arts is hosting a documentary about the Washington Revels Jubilee Voices on Saturday, Feb. 28, starting at 7 p.m. 

Black history and culture are something we highlight in February, but not just something we talk about for just one month. I encourage you to watch the Black Coffee podcast for news and relevant community discussions. I hope everyone has the time to reflect on the importance of Black History Month and enjoy a community celebration.

Rev. Jesse Jackson Passed Away

Last week, I used my messaging to remember two local civil rights icons. This week, we lost a national figure in advancing equality. Rev. Jesse Jackson helped widen the doors of opportunity in America. 

Rev. Jackson’s work in the civil rights movement and his historic campaigns for President challenged a system that too often excluded people from power. By building the broad, multiracial Rainbow Coalition, he helped redefine who gets to participate and who gets heard. I am grateful for his leadership, which enabled so much good work.  

Rev. Jackson's life reminds us that real change requires courage and a consistent willingness to stand up, speak out, and bring people together, even when the costs are high and politics are complicated.  

We honor his legacy by continuing the work here in Montgomery County: protecting voting rights, fighting for economic fairness, and making sure every resident has a voice and a real opportunity to succeed. Rev. Jackson lived a life that changed this country in ways that continue to shape our communities today. Our thoughts are with his family and all who carry forward his legacy.

 
As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich
County Executive