Dear Friends,
Montgomery County this week hosted an international life science and biotech conference presented by Bisnow. I welcomed conference attendees during the opening session and took the opportunity to talk about our commitment to supporting and growing the life sciences industry in Montgomery County.
Bisnow is a leading business-to-business platforms serving the commercial real estate industry. The company reaches more than 11 million readers and hosts more than 350 events each year. It operates in dozens of markets across the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The conference was held here because we are the heart of the life sciences and technology industries.
Many of the professionals attending the conference already know that we are the heart of the No. 3 biopharma clusters in the nation and also rank third nationally when it comes to life sciences research talent. I wanted to reinforce to them that Montgomery County provides a unique opportunity for investment and growth.
We are also committed to making Montgomery County an easier place to do business—life sciences and beyond. We have the advantage of being home to several Federal agencies like the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health, but we also have the flexibility and desire to meet the needs of start-ups and world leaders in the industry.
We are not just a hub of scientific discovery; we are also one of the most diverse communities in the nation. Our diversity is one of our strengths, bringing together people from a variety of races, ethnicities and belief systems. One reason you find so many people from different nationalities represented in the scientific fields in Montgomery County is because people feel comfortable coming here. We are one of the most inclusive communities anywhere.
I also mentioned our partnership with the University of Maryland to create the UM-Institute for Health Computing (UM-IHC). We are now on track to provide graduate level research on AI, quantum computing and virtual reality to support and attract business who want access and proximity to these cutting-edge technologies.
When we meet with life science and biotech leaders, they are very intrigued and interested in the potential of UM-IHC. The co-director of UM-IHC, Dr. Brad Maron, joined this week’s media briefing to give a progress update on the work being done there. You can watch that here.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore was one of the featured guests at the Bisnow conference and this week’s weekly media briefing also featured Ulyana Desiderio, the Maryland Department of Commerce’s senior director of strategic industries. You can watch her remarks here.
It was an exciting week, but even with the conference over, our quest to develop new opportunities does not end. Montgomery County will continue to seek out partnerships to help develop new ideas so that medical and scientific innovations can make it to market and save lives.
Launch of Great Seneca Transit Network
The Great Seneca Transit Network includes the “Pink” and “Lime” lines with regular, reliable service for this growing area that needs more public transit. These lines connect the Shady Grove Metro to the Life Sciences center, the Universities at Shady Grove and communities in between. Buses will arrive every 15 minutes during the weekday and every 30 minutes on the weekends. The zero-emission buses on this line are designed to be comfortable, easy to board and include amenities such as free wi-fi and charging ports.
I want to thank our State and Federal delegations, which helped secure more than half of the $26 million funding for this project. This is just Phase 1 of our plan, and I am happy to say it came in on budget and on time.
Protecting Reproductive Freedom
This resolution urges voters to vote yes on “Question 1” that would enshrine reproductive freedom in the State Constitution. Question 1 will be on the ballot in November.
We have already seen reproductive rights taken away or significantly scaled back in more than 20 states, including our neighbors in West Virginia. Even in nearby Pennsylvania, a woman faces restrictive policies. Nationwide, there are more than 25 million women between 15 and 44 dealing with some form of abortion restrictions that were not in place a few years ago.
When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, we acted. We provided $1 million in Abortion Access Grants to help providers account for a greater demand for their services, aid in security costs and help women coming from other areas.
I visited one of the centers last month and got to hear how our funds are being used. It feels good to know that our money is at work and helping preserve and expand access to abortion.
One of the first things Governor Moore did in office was to release $3.5 million in expanded abortion training that had been held up by the previous governor. State lawmakers appropriated those funds, but the previous governor had refused to release them. I am glad we now have a State administration that understands the importance of reproductive freedom.
Health Report
COVID-19 cases are declining across Maryland and in Montgomery County this week, including a decrease in hospitalizations and ICU patients.
However, we still need to take this illness seriously.
The COVID-19 vaccine is the best protection from severe disease, becoming hospitalized and dying. Updated vaccines are now available at pharmacies and healthcare providers across our area. It is especially important for anyone 65 and older or at high risk for severe COVID-19 to get an updated shot as soon as possible. Those who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine should also be among the first to make an appointment. Visit vaccines.gov for help finding a nearby pharmacy or physician carrying the vaccine.
‘Community Conversations’ on FY26 Operating Budget Continue Sept. 16 and Sept. 18
2024 Community Survey Now Underway
I encourage all residents to take a few moments to take Montgomery County’s 2024 Community Survey. This is an opportunity to share your opinions anonymously. Questions are designed to get your views on County services and your quality of life. It will also gauge how well the County communicates with residents on various household practices such as recycling, transportation and public safety.
The survey will remain on the County website until Sept. 30, and is available in eight languages.
Your voice is an important part of shaping the future of Montgomery County. I am looking forward to sharing the results with you.
Hispanic Heritage Month Begins
The start of Hispanic Heritage Month is Sunday, Sept. 15. Throughout the month, the County will acknowledge the contributions of the Hispanic and Latino community to the cultural diversity and economic vitality of the County.
The first day of Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated by several Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. In Mexico, the day also marks its Independence Day.
I invite you to circle Sunday, Oct. 6, on your calendar. The “Ama Tu Vida, Ama Tu Herencia Festival and Health Fair” will take place from noon-5 p.m. at the Marian Fryer Plaza in Wheaton. This is a free event that will feature live music and performances, along with culturally relevant food, art and jewelry for sale. It is a family friendly event.
There are more than a dozen activities honoring Hispanic heritage that you will find on the County’s calendar of celebrations. Information also is available at LHIinfo.org on the Latino Health Initiative website. The calendar details events hosted by Montgomery College, at our local libraries and other locations.
As always, my appreciation for all of you,
Marc Elrich
County Executive
The conference was held here because we are the heart of the life sciences and technology industries.
Many of the professionals attending the conference already know that we are the heart of the No. 3 biopharma clusters in the nation and also rank third nationally when it comes to life sciences research talent. I wanted to reinforce to them that Montgomery County provides a unique opportunity for investment and growth.
We are also committed to making Montgomery County an easier place to do business—life sciences and beyond. We have the advantage of being home to several Federal agencies like the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health, but we also have the flexibility and desire to meet the needs of start-ups and world leaders in the industry.
We are not just a hub of scientific discovery; we are also one of the most diverse communities in the nation. Our diversity is one of our strengths, bringing together people from a variety of races, ethnicities and belief systems. One reason you find so many people from different nationalities represented in the scientific fields in Montgomery County is because people feel comfortable coming here. We are one of the most inclusive communities anywhere.
I also mentioned our partnership with the University of Maryland to create the UM-Institute for Health Computing (UM-IHC). We are now on track to provide graduate level research on AI, quantum computing and virtual reality to support and attract business who want access and proximity to these cutting-edge technologies.
When we meet with life science and biotech leaders, they are very intrigued and interested in the potential of UM-IHC. The co-director of UM-IHC, Dr. Brad Maron, joined this week’s media briefing to give a progress update on the work being done there. You can watch that here.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore was one of the featured guests at the Bisnow conference and this week’s weekly media briefing also featured Ulyana Desiderio, the Maryland Department of Commerce’s senior director of strategic industries. You can watch her remarks here.
It was an exciting week, but even with the conference over, our quest to develop new opportunities does not end. Montgomery County will continue to seek out partnerships to help develop new ideas so that medical and scientific innovations can make it to market and save lives.
Launch of Great Seneca Transit Network
The Great Seneca Transit Network includes the “Pink” and “Lime” lines with regular, reliable service for this growing area that needs more public transit. These lines connect the Shady Grove Metro to the Life Sciences center, the Universities at Shady Grove and communities in between. Buses will arrive every 15 minutes during the weekday and every 30 minutes on the weekends. The zero-emission buses on this line are designed to be comfortable, easy to board and include amenities such as free wi-fi and charging ports.
I want to thank our State and Federal delegations, which helped secure more than half of the $26 million funding for this project. This is just Phase 1 of our plan, and I am happy to say it came in on budget and on time.
The project, detailed in the chart above, includes improvements that make it easier to walk and bike in the area. Dedicated bus lanes provide greater separation from other vehicles and traffic signal priority will make these buses move faster through traffic than they normally would.
Great Seneca Ride On extRa expands mobility for bus riders and increases access to jobs, education and healthcare for the community. We will continue to focus on better connections for neighborhoods and businesses, while helping to boost economic development. Learn more about routes, schedules and using Ride On here.Protecting Reproductive Freedom
This resolution urges voters to vote yes on “Question 1” that would enshrine reproductive freedom in the State Constitution. Question 1 will be on the ballot in November.
We have already seen reproductive rights taken away or significantly scaled back in more than 20 states, including our neighbors in West Virginia. Even in nearby Pennsylvania, a woman faces restrictive policies. Nationwide, there are more than 25 million women between 15 and 44 dealing with some form of abortion restrictions that were not in place a few years ago.
When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, we acted. We provided $1 million in Abortion Access Grants to help providers account for a greater demand for their services, aid in security costs and help women coming from other areas.
I visited one of the centers last month and got to hear how our funds are being used. It feels good to know that our money is at work and helping preserve and expand access to abortion.
One of the first things Governor Moore did in office was to release $3.5 million in expanded abortion training that had been held up by the previous governor. State lawmakers appropriated those funds, but the previous governor had refused to release them. I am glad we now have a State administration that understands the importance of reproductive freedom.
Health Report
COVID-19 cases are declining across Maryland and in Montgomery County this week, including a decrease in hospitalizations and ICU patients.
However, we still need to take this illness seriously.
The COVID-19 vaccine is the best protection from severe disease, becoming hospitalized and dying. Updated vaccines are now available at pharmacies and healthcare providers across our area. It is especially important for anyone 65 and older or at high risk for severe COVID-19 to get an updated shot as soon as possible. Those who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine should also be among the first to make an appointment. Visit vaccines.gov for help finding a nearby pharmacy or physician carrying the vaccine.
‘Community Conversations’ on FY26 Operating Budget Continue Sept. 16 and Sept. 18
We are hosting more “community conversations” about next year’s operating budget in the coming week.
On Monday, Sept. 16, we will be at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center and on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. These forums begin at 7 p.m. The schedule for upcoming community conversations about the Fiscal Year 2026 budget can be found on our County website. Just look for “Community Conversations” on our homepage. You can also attend virtually, but we also like to see you in person.2024 Community Survey Now Underway
I encourage all residents to take a few moments to take Montgomery County’s 2024 Community Survey. This is an opportunity to share your opinions anonymously. Questions are designed to get your views on County services and your quality of life. It will also gauge how well the County communicates with residents on various household practices such as recycling, transportation and public safety.
The survey will remain on the County website until Sept. 30, and is available in eight languages.
Your voice is an important part of shaping the future of Montgomery County. I am looking forward to sharing the results with you.
Hispanic Heritage Month Begins
The start of Hispanic Heritage Month is Sunday, Sept. 15. Throughout the month, the County will acknowledge the contributions of the Hispanic and Latino community to the cultural diversity and economic vitality of the County.
The first day of Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated by several Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. In Mexico, the day also marks its Independence Day.
I invite you to circle Sunday, Oct. 6, on your calendar. The “Ama Tu Vida, Ama Tu Herencia Festival and Health Fair” will take place from noon-5 p.m. at the Marian Fryer Plaza in Wheaton. This is a free event that will feature live music and performances, along with culturally relevant food, art and jewelry for sale. It is a family friendly event.
There are more than a dozen activities honoring Hispanic heritage that you will find on the County’s calendar of celebrations. Information also is available at LHIinfo.org on the Latino Health Initiative website. The calendar details events hosted by Montgomery College, at our local libraries and other locations.
As always, my appreciation for all of you,
Marc Elrich
County Executive
