It is amazing how much can be packed into a year. When I was asked recently for one word to describe the year, I said, “Better.” We have had challenges this year, but we have also taken some important steps to improve Montgomery County for everyone. Below I share some of the highlights and noteworthy moments from the year.
The year started with the inauguration of Governor Wes Moore and Lt. Governor Aruna Miller. It has been great working with the new administration. The Governor and his team understand and support what we are trying to accomplish in Montgomery County on behalf of the State.
Throughout 2023, we have supported grants to help religious and community groups improve security from hate/bias attacks. In January, we awarded $800,000 to nonprofit and faith-based organizations. After the Hamas attack of Israel and increasing hate crimes, we expedited $300,000 to groups that were at increased security risk.
In March, I visited my alma mater, Albert Einstein High School in Kensington, for Career Day. I told the students a little about the different jobs I have had throughout my life, trying to illustrate that there are many paths for careers in a lifetime.
In March, I joined Maryland Secretary of Commerce Kevin Anderson and National Institute for Standards and Technology leaders in signing a new agreement committing the County to the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence.
In April, during the Montgomery County Public Schools’ spring break, I invited Black leaders from County departments to meet with young people from NAACP’s youth programs.
In April, Gov. Wes Moore was in Montgomery County again. This time, he was in Gaithersburg to join the unveiling of the largest rooftop solar project tied to an affordable, multi-family housing project in the County. This is one of several projects conducted by the Montgomery County Green Bank to promote solar and reduce carbon emissions.
In April, one of our affordable housing partners broke ground on its biggest project to date. It is a more than $100 million investment that will create and preserve 189 rentals, with all units affordable to people earning 60 percent of the area median income or less.
We will all miss U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, who announced in May his intention to retire from public service after his current term concludes.
In May, the County made a record investment in our schools with the passage of the Fiscal Year 2024 operating budget. I am thankful that more money will be going toward schools to improve teacher pay and that 98 percent of my recommended budget remained intact. Here is a video with more on my thoughts about the budget process.
June brought the Caribbean American Heritage Festival to Silver Spring. It is one of many cultural and musical festivals that bring people together throughout the year.
After years of planning from a concept that I charged the County Revenue Authority to take on, June saw the grand opening of The Crossvines, a grape-crush facility, winery, bistro and special event center in Poolesville.
During Juneteenth, we held our annual African American Living Legend Awards and recognized the achievements of six people from Montgomery County for their lifetimes of service to our community.
In June, I had the chance to thank a Good Samaritan, three Montgomery County police officers and a fire inspector for risking their lives to help someone who had jumped into Cabin John Creek near the Beltway. It was an important moment to acknowledge their brave acts.
In July, residents of Westchester West Apartments in Aspen Hill celebrated the preservation of long-term stability for their housing. This was a big win. We were able to use the “Right of First Refusal” law and work with our nonprofit partners to preserve 345 units and prevent displacement.
In July, we celebrated 15 years of good work of Mary’s Center in Montgomery County. It has been a great partner with the County on our Maternity Partnership Program and during the pandemic.
In September, we honored two legendary components of the music business that are both rooted in Montgomery County: The Nighthawks band and Chuck Levin’s Music Center. The celebration was part of the Downtown Wheaton Music Series that started in summer and was extended into October.
In November, the Montgomery County Police Department introduced a pilot program that will deploy drones to crime scenes to help identify suspects and provide responding police officers with critical updates.
The above photos are only some of the many events and happenings from this past year. We have had celebrations and challenges, and I look forward to an even better, more peaceful 2024.
As County Executive, I am going to continue to work to make this County stronger, better and a place where everyone can feel at home.
