Did you know that on Friday, September 6, Montgomery County turned 248 years old? That means that we are starting to gear up for a big celebration for our 250th year in 2026, the same year the nation turns 250. If you would like to see the state’s timeline of our area that goes all the way back to 10,000 B.C. follow this link.
School Safety is Always A Priority
It is devastating to learn that just a few weeks into a new school year and our nation has already seen a school shooting. A 14-year-old suspect and his father have been arrested following an attack at a high school in Winder, Georgia that killed four people. It is especially distressing that someone so young had access to weapons and chose to kill classmates and teachers.
Here in Montgomery County, we are supporting efforts to help our students and educators feel safe and supported. I want to thank Montgomery County Chief Administrative Officer Rich Madaleno for leading a discussion this week about school safety during the County’s weekly media briefing. He was joined by Montgomery County Police Department Acting Assistant Chief David McBain and Montgomery County Public Schools Chief of Security and Compliance Marcus Jones. You can watch their discussion here.
Important Partnerships Forged in Korea
I spent two days this week in Daejeon, Korea connecting with leaders from cities all over the world for economic partnerships through the Global Innopolis Network Initiative (GINI). I am honored that I was invited to participate in multiple discussions where I shared the benefits of locating U.S. operations in Montgomery County, and that I also was elected to serve as the first vice president of GINI.
The purpose of GINI is to “enhance the well-being and prosperity of local communities and the common prosperity of humanity by addressing current global challenges and fostering sustainable economic development through inter-regional cooperation in science and technology based on the principle of shared governance.” The charter has four major goals:
- Virtuous Shared Economic Growth
- Collaborative Urban Challenge Solutions
- Scientific and Technological Capabilities Enhancement
- Global Open Cooperation
This photo shows me with Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo and Judy Costello from my staff making the “we love Daejeon” symbol. We took this photo just after signing the agreement with Daejon, our sister city.
While we were there Judy Costello from my staff also spoke to two different groups of Korean startups and investors about the advantages of locating in Montgomery County. We both met with a Maryland Global Gateway recipient, Medigrass, who committed to opening their U.S. headquarters in our Germantown Innovation Center later this year.
I also announced a joint project with the city of Daejeon that will focus on economic development and shared solutions to address urban challenges. A senior Daejeon official will visit Montgomery County and will have an opportunity to “shadow” County staff and take advantage of learning opportunities. This was another great opportunity to promote the benefits of Montgomery County and further important connections. In a little over a year, I have traveled to Taiwan twice, and to Vietnam, China, India and South Korea. I have also been to biotech conferences in San Diego and Boston. Everywhere we go we find companies interested in locating in Montgomery County. Many of these company leaders talk about the advantage of locating so close to the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration to help get their products into the U.S. market, and they also talk about the diversity of our County and how it makes them feel more welcome here.
Montgomery County Ready for Smart Development
Last week, I had the opportunity to deliver a keynote address at Bisnow's Future of Montgomery County event (which you can watch here), where I spoke to business leaders from across the region. I began by addressing a common misconception that Montgomery County is opposed to development. That's not true. What we've always said is that development must come with infrastructure. You can’t build dense housing without schools or transportation in place. We need a holistic approach where growth is coupled with the services that support it.
During the address, I shared insight into how Northern Virginia made key decisions to raise commercial taxes over a decade ago to invest in its transportation infrastructure. This has led to the Commonwealth becoming the best state in the nation for business and the third best in the nation for infrastructure, according to CNBC, whereas Maryland ranks far behind at 31st and 34th in those respective categories. You can read that report here.
I’ve visited Northern Virginia, talked to planners, and learned from Fairfax County’s approach. As I mentioned in the speech, "They tax smarter than we do and deliver the infrastructure that developers need to make projects successful. We need to do the same."
Since taking office, I’ve focused on making Montgomery County more competitive. We've made big strides in areas like North Bethesda, where the Institute for Health Computing will combine AI development with life sciences research. It is part of our effort to drive growth in the life sciences sector, with the potential to bring in the same square footage of development as Amazon’s HQ2 over the next decade.
I also highlighted other ongoing projects, such as United Therapeutics in Silver Spring, where they’re expanding to manufacture organs right here in the County. It’s incredible work that speaks to Montgomery County’s growing reputation in biotech.
We’re not just focused on life sciences. Our work in economic development is bringing new industries to the County, and our outreach to international companies, particularly in biotech, has been successful. Montgomery County is open for business, and we're making the necessary investments to remain a leader in innovation.
Ultimately, our County’s success relies on smart, thoughtful development that improves the quality of life for everyone. As I said in my speech, "Good decisions are made by people who borrow ideas that work. We’re learning from the best and putting Montgomery County on a path to sustainable growth."
You can read more about the speech including reaction to it on MoCo360.media and Bisnow.com
Last week we celebrated an important new chapter for our County to ensure that fewer families experience hunger. We launched the MC Groceries program with a special event at the Sprouts grocery store in Burtonsville. Sprouts is one of more than 20 grocery stores in Montgomery County that are part of the Instacart Health Fresh Funds network, which will make it easier for participating families to get the food they need.
The program offers critical support to households at risk of experiencing food insecurity by offering a new option for virtual grocery shopping. Participants receive a monthly Fresh Funds stipend to shop for groceries online from local stores available on Instacart. Participating families receive $100/month per child (0-18), up to a maximum monthly stipend of $400/month for households—for a full year. Families will have the option of picking up their groceries in person or having them delivered. Approximately 600 Montgomery County families-- with collectively nearly 1,500 children--- are part of the MC Groceries program. The program was funded through a special appropriation approved in December of 2023 by the Montgomery County Council.
The families selected for MC Groceries do not qualify for federal nutrition benefits because their incomes fall into what is sometimes called the “SNAP Gap” or self-sufficiency gap. The self-sufficiency standard measures income adequacy in Montgomery County for working families. It found that a family of four living in the County needs to earn nearly $120,000 annually to pay for basic necessities such as food, childcare and housing. That is approximately 400 percent of the Federal poverty level. Many of these families have one or even two jobs yet they still struggle financially. At least 36,000 children in Montgomery County live in households that fall into this gap.
I want to thank Instacart for partnering with us on this initiative. Our program is its largest partnership and the first time the company has worked with a large County government on this kind of endeavor. I also want to acknowledge the work done by County Councilmember Gabe Albornoz in spearheading this effort on behalf of the Council. Additionally, our Office of Food Systems Resilience and Health and Human Services leaders provided great support in this partnership.
The option to shop at multiple retailers allows access to a wider variety of products, which accommodates the diverse food needs and preferences of our community, allowing them to access the foods that they choose: foods that are most familiar to them, that they prefer to eat and cook at home. Data collected from the program demonstrates how nearly every enrolled household is supported by adults who work full-time, with many working multiple jobs or seeking additional employment opportunities.
In its first month of operation, we have seen the MC Groceries program account for $76,000 in purchases from local stores, with 12,000 total items purchased.
I hope this program continues to be successful so that we can devote more money to making sure local families in need can supplement their purchasing power through MC Groceries.
Budget Community Conversations Begin This Monday
Monday is the first of our community conversations focused on next year’s budget.
The 11 scheduled budget forums include opportunities for the African-Caribbean diaspora, older adults, the Black community, Chinese speakers and Spanish speakers to provide their input.
The first community conversation is for East County residents at the White Oak Community Recreation Center on Monday, Sept. 9.
This is an opportunity to learn about the budget and talk about your priorities for County spending. We encourage local business owners, neighborhood leaders and all residents to participate.
Here is a link to the full list of those events along with addresses and start times.
Meetings will also be broadcast through County Cable Montgomery.
COVID-19 Vaccinations Now Available
Pharmacies in our area are starting to get the new COVID-19 vaccines.
Those at high risk of severe complications from COVID-19 are encouraged to book an appointment for a shot as soon as possible. For others, it is recommended that you wait two months after your last shot or the last time you had COVID-19 to get the new vaccine. You can also wait and get your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations at the same time later this year.
Vaccines still offer the best protection from Covid. It is still spreading throughout our region and driving people to the hospital. A vaccine significantly lowers the risk of getting very sick, being hospitalized or dying.
Our health professionals encourage everyone to stay home when they are sick. Stay away from people until respiratory symptoms fade.
Free COVID-19 test kits will be available through the mail again from the federal government at the end of September. Visit COVIDTests.gov to request them.
Recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day, Recovery Month
September is Recovery Month, a time for us to really focus on the critical importance of mental health and substance use disorders. It's not just about awareness—it's about breaking down the stigma that so often surrounds substance use disorders. Behavioral health is an essential part of overall health, and we need to emphasize that. Prevention works, treatment is effective, and most importantly, people do recover.
Here in Montgomery County, we're committed to helping families connect with community-based organizations that can offer the support they need. Just last Thursday, for International Overdose Awareness Day, we hosted a ceremony to honor those in the community who have died from drug overdoses.
Over the past year Maryland saw 1,982 overdose deaths, with nearly 80 percent linked to fentanyl. From August 2023 to July 2024, Montgomery County had 94 fatal overdoses. We have monthly data on recent suspected overdoses and overdoses, based on information provided by emergency responders, at knowtherisksmc.org.
It is heartbreaking to see families dealing with the impacts of substance use disorders. These issues can touch any one of us. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to the ACCESS Team at 240-777-1770 or call the Montgomery County Crisis Center at 240-777-4000 (24/7).
Silver Spring Jazz Fest
The 20th Annual Silver Spring Jazz Fest is happening this Saturday.
Concerts will be held on two stages from 3 to 10 p.m. on Veterans Plaza. Several different styles of jazz featuring Grammy-winning artists, will be featured. Cuban pianist and composer Chucho Valdés and his quartet are the headliners. Here is a link to a summary description for all of the artists.
The stages are located just a few blocks from the newly reopened Silver Spring Metro Station. Learn more about Metro options and find a schedule for the musicians at silverspringdowntown.com.
Friendship Picnic Next Weekend
The 2024 Friendship Picnic will be held in Wheaton next weekend. A video promoting the activity is available here.
Hosted by the Office of Human Rights and the Committee Against Hate/Violence, the annual get-together for any and all community groups and individuals will take place from noon to 5 p.m. at Wheaton Regional Park.
The event brings together people of all different cultures and faiths. The free food and the chance to gather helps everyone build stronger alliances.
It is important to celebrate diversity in our County when we are dealing with so many disruptions. We live in a challenging time with wars dividing people around the world, but we have worked hard in Montgomery County to keep that from dividing us. We must stand together to show unity and promote peace.
I want to also thank the Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships, the Faith Community Advisory Group and Montgomery Parks for their role in hosting the picnic. The Montgomery County Police Department, the County Fire and Rescue Service, the African American Health Program and the Black Physicians Network will also participate in this year’s picnic.
As always, my appreciation for all of you,
Marc Elrich
County Executive
Marc Elrich
County Executive
