Greetings,
As we approach the upcoming holidays and new year, I encourage all of us to reflect on those in our community who are less fortunate – the poor, the hungry and those without stable housing. This time of year is also an opportunity to remember and support those who are incarcerated and their families.
My administration prioritizes reducing recidivism in Montgomery County because it is essential for building safer and more equitable communities. Facilities and support like our Pre-Release Center help the rehabilitation and reentry of individuals who have committed crimes and served their time in jail.
"I’m learning a lot here, not just about baking but about discipline and teamwork. This program is helping me see a future where I can do something productive."
Mr. Grimes’ words illustrate why I was determined to resurrect this program at our Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation after it was shuttered a number of years ago. I hope that we can continue to expand this program while creating other similar job training programs at the facility. Here is a video of my visit to this program earlier this year.
But we cannot do this work alone. For these programs to be successful, we need the support of our community. It is often challenging for someone who has been incarcerated to be given a second, or even a third chance.
Yet, we know that forgiveness and second chances can transform lives. That’s why we are asking businesses and organizations to partner with us in offering opportunities to these individuals. We are committed to working with any company or organization willing to hire these folks to provide them with opportunities to earn a living without having to run afoul of the law.
This Saturday, I will join the National Coalition of Prison Ministries for their annual gift-giving event at our Pre-Release Center in Rockville. This program reminds us that investing in family support, reform and rehabilitation helps build stronger communities. Our goal for everyone in our correctional system is the same: to prepare them for success and, hopefully, to never see them return.
This holiday season, I encourage you to think about how you and your organization might help provide a pathway forward for those working to turn their lives around.
For more information about all our re-entry services please click here.
13th Human Rights Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Last weekend, we held the 13th induction ceremony for the Montgomery County Human Rights Hall of Fame at the Blackrock Center for the Performing Arts.
Our Human Rights Hall of Fame is more than a celebration of individual achievements. It’s a testament to the values that make Montgomery County what it is: a place where diversity is celebrated, inclusivity is central to our culture and human rights are a priority.
This year, we welcomed six individuals into the Hall of Fame:
- Douglas M. Duncan served three consecutive terms as Montgomery County Executive starting in 1994, where he led transformative initiatives that improved the lives of residents, particularly those facing economic hardship. Under his leadership, Montgomery County became the first in the nation to implement a local Earned Income Tax Credit, offering targeted tax relief to working families. His administration expanded access to health care, provided a discount prescription drug card to all residents, increased transit subsidies and doubled spending on affordable housing. He also signed a living wage bill into law, demonstrating his deep commitment to economic justice and social equity.
- Catherine S. Leggett, a distinguished human resources attorney and wife of former Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, has made lasting contributions to human rights through her community leadership. She served as campaign chair for the Josiah Henson Museum, raising awareness of his historic role in Montgomery County and American history. Ms. Leggett also co-chaired the Scotland Community’s 2nd Century Project, working to address historical injustices and uplift the church and community, furthering her legacy of equality and historic preservation.
- Sherlene Lucas is a dedicated leader. She serves as State chair and is an active member of several NAACP committees, including Women in the NAACP, ACT-SO and the Youth Committee. Her tireless work with the Montgomery County NAACP and organizations like Gap Busters, Black Women of Distinction and the Lincoln Park Historical Foundation demonstrates her commitment to advancing civil rights, empowering the community and supporting marginalized voices.
- Constance A. Morella has dedicated over six decades to public service, including her time as a teacher in Montgomery County Public Schools and Montgomery College. She served eight terms in the U.S. Congress and was a founding member and president of the Montgomery County Commission for Women. She also served as U.S. Ambassador to the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development in Paris. She championed civil rights, supported domestic violence victims, advocated for same-sex marriage and played a pivotal role in establishing the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. In 2018, Montgomery County honored her by naming the Bethesda Library after her.
- Rev. Dr. Gareth E. Murray has dedicated his life to advancing human and civil rights through transformative leadership and a commitment to his community. As one of the first African Americans elected to the Maryland General Assembly representing Montgomery County, he championed legislation addressing health disparities, supported minority-owned businesses and promoted cultural competence. He founded the People’s Wellness Clinic and strongly advocated for justice and unity while breaking barriers in the faith and entrepreneurial sectors.
- Carl A. Prather, Sr., born in historic Prathertown, a community in the Montgomery Village area founded by enslaved individuals in 1883, has steadfastly advocated for human and civil rights. His efforts to combat food insecurity, promote accessible transportation and support career development and living wages have significantly impacted the community. He served as a commissioner on the Montgomery County Commission on People with Disabilities, advocating for accessibility in local parks. In his community, he leads efforts to provide high-speed internet, free tech support and a private rideshare service to address transportation gaps.
Our Hall of Fame inductees inspire us to continue the hard work of creating a better future for everyone. As I said at the event, our work to ensure human and civil rights for all is never done. We have flaws to address, and there’s more progress to be made. Together we’ll keep doing the work to build a more equitable and inclusive Montgomery County.
For more information about this year’s as well as past nominees, please click here.
Governor Moore Actions to Improve Maryland’s Economy
Last week at the Maryland Association of Counties conference, Governor Moore outlined two significant challenges: a $2.7 billion state budget shortfall and uncertainty about federal support with the upcoming change in administration.
He made it clear that economic growth is essential to addressing these challenges while protecting critical priorities like education, health care, child care, transportation, public safetyand housing.
The Governor highlighted Maryland’s economic growth of only 3 percent from 2017 to 2022, compared to 11 percent nationally. To address these challenges, the Governor made news this week focused on the State’s economic competitiveness.
He announced $129.5 million in Fiscal Year 2025 awards to support revitalization programs administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. These funds will go to 304 projects and activities that directly support local revitalization goals in Maryland’s disinvested communities.
Montgomery County is receiving $8.2 million from these funds to support 16 projects across the County. We were also included in the National Capital Strategic Economic Development Fund which provided $20.8 million in funding for 31 projects in communities in and around the Capital Beltway, which included:
- Construction of streetscaping and multi-modal improvements along a 1.3 mile segment of Russell Ave., between East Diamond Ave. and Montgomery Village Ave., converting an auto-centric road to shared-use.
- Rehabilitate Parkview Towers in Takoma Park, updating an aging 125-unit property to support the restoration of the structural integrity of the envelope of the building.
To view all the projects receiving these funds, please click here.
This week, Governor Moore also signed an executive order to deliver process improvements and efficiencies to Maryland’s procurement system, promote accountability and transparency, and strengthen the State’s commitment to its socioeconomic procurement programs.
In calendar year 2024, the Board of Public Works reviewed and approved more than $14.4 billion in new contract awards, renewal options, modifications and extensions. However, only $1.6 billion went to minority and disadvantaged firms. I believe Governor Moore’s Executive Order will greatly improve these figures, and these actions will help County minority businesses gain more access to State procurement dollars.
I am grateful to Governor Moore and state leaders for these needed investments and reforms. Montgomery County is well-positioned to help the Governor lead on these economic issues. Governor Moore knows this; he has been here, and it's been a world of difference working with him compared to his predecessor.
I look forward to supporting his efforts to improve the state’s economy.
Federal Funding Needed for American Legion Bridge Construction to Begin
“They’re not going to say this publicly, but I think they believe that if people can't get across the two bridges, they'll stop coming to Virginia to work. And ultimately, they'll take jobs in Maryland, and that will help their economic development. To me that is the most absurd economic development vision of all time."
I have a great deal of respect for Supervisor McKay. I have enjoyed working with him at the Council of Governments and talking to him about how Northern Virginia’s tax policies helped drive development. I am often the only Maryland elected official in the room at various economic development events and meetings in Northern Virginia to learn how they operate.
While Supervisor McKay’s suggestion that Maryland intentionally doesn’t want to fix Beltway traffic is inaccurate, I do understand his frustration—because I’m frustrated too.
When former Gov. Hogan announced his plan for the Beltway and 270 in 2018 at the annual Committee for Montgomery breakfast, I spoke right after him and said, “If you’re serious about unclogging the Beltway, you need to start at the bridge.”
I said this because Governor Hogan wasn't talking about it at the time. I’ve repeatedly said that to both Governor Hogan and Governor Moore. When dealing with the American Legion Bridge, whatever we do on either side of the current structure is just speeding people to a chokepoint.
This bridge is essential to Montgomery County, Fairfax County and, frankly, a very large portion of the commercial traffic moving up and down the East coast. We know the work Virginia is completing on their side of the Beltway will soon reach the bridge.
With more federal employees returning to work and increasing traffic on our roads, we need a coordinated effort to address the bridge itself.
While the bridge is Maryland’s responsibility—as it has been since King Charles I’s decree that our state owns the Potomac River all the way to the Virginia shore—the impact of this structure extends far beyond state lines. It is a shared problem that we should address together.
Right now, we are hoping that the Federal Highway Administration approves the funding from Maryland’s Department of Transportation so we can begin work on this project with the assistance of Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and their congressional delegation. It would be wonderful if Fairfax County Supervisor McKay would be willing to help us in these efforts.
It’s time for everyone to come together and ensure this vital piece of infrastructure receives the attention and resources it deserves.
I hope the Federal Highway Administration will act urgently and approve Maryland’s application for these funds. Delays will only make the problem worse for everyone who depends on this bridge.
Hate Has No Home in MCPS
The recent racist incident at Wootton High School troubled me. The delay in acknowledging what happened and notifying parents was unacceptable. I appreciate Superintendent Taylor’s response and the actions taken, which have real consequences, but the initial response fell short of what was needed.
This incident follows similar situations at Lakelands Park and Ridgeview Middle Schools, where communication with parents was handled more promptly and with greater urgency. It’s disheartening that we continue to see incidents of hate speech targeting race, religion or identity in our schools and community. Let me be clear: hate speech is unacceptable anywhere in Montgomery County. It must be taken seriously, and there must be clear, swift consequences.
Earlier this month, we launched a new hate-bias complaint portal and telephone hotline to make it easier for residents to report hate-bias incidents to the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD). If you need to report an incident, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/report-hate or call the County’s 311 Call Center from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Even if an incident doesn’t rise to the level of a crime, reporting it helps us track trends and take action to address hate in our community. You can also report incidents anonymously, although anonymous reports won’t receive follow-up from MCPD. Let’s work together to ensure that Montgomery County remains a place where everyone feels safe, valued and respected.
WorkSource Montgomery Provides Training
One common New Year’s resolution is to improve professional skills, obtain a new job or increase income. WorkSource Montgomery may be able with those goals.
We don’t talk enough about WorkSource Montgomery, which provides employment and training services to local job seekers. They are “unsung heroes” in their work to change lives.
Last weekend, I attended the American Muslim Senior Society’s Certified Nursing Assistant Achievement Recognition and Networking Event. We recognized the achievements of Certified Nursing Assistants—often referred to as “CNAs,” Certified Medication Technicians and Geriatric Nursing Assistants—who have completed the CNA Scholarship and Employment Program.
Workforce training programs like this one, especially in high-demand industries, are critical for both our economy and for equity. They create pathways to good jobs.
According to WorkSource Montgomery, Registered Nurses and Nursing Assistants are the top two jobs in the health care industry, accounting for over 16 percent of industry jobs combined. These roles are projected to add more jobs than almost any other occupation in the coming years. That means these careers are a path to long-term economic stability for many individuals and families in our County.
It’s why programs like the CNA Scholarship and Employment Program are so important – they connect people to the training and opportunities they need to succeed. You can learn more about this program and more of WorkSource Montgomery’s job and career training opportunities at worksourcemontgomery.com.
County Nonprofits Need Your Support
The nonprofit organizations that serve and provide support to County residents need your support. The County budget is tight, the State is facing its own budget challenges and we don’t know what might happen at the federal level.
Private-sector and individual donor support for our nonprofit community is more important now than ever.
We know that the end of the year is a critical time for nonprofits. End-of-year giving represents a significant portion of annual fundraising for many organizations. A large percentage of donations often come in December, as people choose to give to charity and benefit from tax deductions.
If a person, business or organization is in a position to give, I encourage them to do so. Supporting our nonprofits helps strengthen the safety net for our neighbors and families.
Our nonprofits serve many of our community's most vulnerable members—they are doing work that is an extension of government, and we need to support them.
For more information on how to volunteer, assist, donate and support Montgomery County nonprofits, please visit https://www.nonprofitmoco.org/.
Happy Holidays! (but please celebrate responsibly)
Over the next week and a half, many of you will be celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season filled with joy, peace and time with loved ones.
The Montgomery County government offices will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 25th and Wednesday, Jan. 1st.
This is a special time of year, and we want everyone to enjoy it responsibly. Over the last month, the Montgomery County Police Department’s “Alcohol Holiday Task Force” arrested 137 people for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. That number is just for the task force—DUI arrests overall are even higher.
The message is simple: if you’re going to drink or use cannabis to celebrate, don’t get behind the wheel. Make a plan to get home safely.
I also want to remind everyone that COVID-19, RSV and the flu are still circulating in our community. If you’re feeling unwell or planning to gather with immunocompromised people, please consider wearing a mask or staying home.
We hope you have a wonderful holiday season. Let’s all do our part to make it safe and healthy for everyone.
Happy Holidays!
Marc Elrich
County Executive