Message from the County Executive

 

Dear Friends,

I am spending this week in Asia on an economic mission in Japan and China. I’ve also been to India, South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam to highlight Montgomery County for businesses in those countries eager to find a hub in the United States to conduct business. These trips help show them that we are an excellent place to do business and access the U.S. market.

Fittingly, it is Economic Development Week in Maryland, which I acknowledge in this recent video. We have a lot to be proud of in Montgomery County, including four incubators now open to help small businesses grow their big ideas. In addition to innovation centers in Germantown focused on life sciences, Rockville catering to high-tech and medical startups, and Silver Spring for all industries, the AI Innovation Center is now as well. It provides office space, coworking and meeting space for businesses incorporating AI technology into their products and services. 

Our Business Center team collaborates with our Regional Service Centers to help companies find the right solutions when they need help expanding, complying with new regulations, or opening their doors.

We are also home to major companies that do business on a global scale. A good example is the University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing, which has continued to grow with more than 100 employees and many partnerships already underway. The graduate-level research institution has been a significant topic of conversation among business prospects since before it launched. It is another way we stand out as a premier area for life sciences companies looking for a foothold in the U.S.

Montgomery County is fortunate to have a highly educated workforce, and a talent pipeline supporting the world's highest-growth industries like quantum computing, precision medicine, AI, and more. With the support of our State leadership and alongside partner organizations, we continue to invest in our future. We’ve seen many great projects come to fruition this year, including the Viva White Oak announcement in East County.

When I am on these economic development missions, I tout the diversity of our population, access to major institutions like NIH, and the breadth and depth of our businesses, all of which are of great interest to international companies. We will continue the work to strengthen our support for existing businesses and help those who want to come here.

Rep. Raskin Visit Highlights Forthcoming Increase in Health Exchange Premiums

I want to thank U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin for visiting our Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services office in Silver Spring this week. He was there to learn more about the assistance that navigators provide to residents looking for health coverage through the Maryland Health Connection and to discuss the impact of the continuing shutdown of the federal government. He held a roundtable discussion to talk about the impact residents will absorb if tax credits do not remain available for eligible people who buy coverage on Maryland’s health insurance exchange. You can watch this week’s County media briefing conducted by Chief Administrative Officer Rich Madaleno and featuring Rep. Raskin on our YouTube channel. You can also watch the roundtable discussion regarding health care coverage, featuring the Congressman; Vinny Demarco, president of Maryland Health Care for All; DHHS leaders, and an impacted County resident.

Unfortunately, health care will change dramatically in light of actions by the Trump administration and Republican Congressional leaders. They do not want to support the federal health care system that has helped Montgomery County lower its percentage of residents without medical insurance to just 6% in 2021, down from a high of 13%. This progress began with Obamacare and continued with the expansion of Medicaid. The current administration wants to end those benefits, and that is at the crux of this shutdown. So, we are bracing for the impact of tens of thousands of people suddenly facing higher medical premiums, which will likely push them out of affordable health care coverage. Not having health coverage means that uninsured individuals may put off preventative care and only get medical attention when it’s an emergency. Relying on hospitals and emergency rooms to carry the burden of health care by necessity will cost all taxpayers.

Gov. Wes Moore sounded the alarm earlier this month when he visited one of our enrollment sites, saying as many as 190,000 Marylanders could see their monthly premiums increase by an average of 68%. He heard from health and human services staff about the human costs of the shutdown and what hardship the health coverage changes will bring for some.

This is important because open enrollment for health care coverage through the Maryland Health Connection begins Nov. 1. People have already received notices of the monthly premium increases.

Remember, 2025 plans are still active through the end of the year, including plans purchased through the Maryland Health Connection. Now is a great time to schedule free annual wellness checkups or catch up on any delayed care. Maryland’s Advance Premium Tax Credits can help offset the higher premiums in 2026.

Gov. Moore Visits the Federal Workforce Career Center

On Thursday, Governor Wes Moore visited Wheaton to tour the new Federal Workforce Career Center we opened. He participated in a roundtable conversation with the team to learn how they are engaging with County residents who have lost their jobs due to the Trump Administration’s ongoing federal government shutdown and workforce reduction.

Since opening the Federal Workforce Career Center, hundreds of residents have signed up for assistance through mobilize-montgomery.com.

I would like to thank the governor for this site visit and for paying attention to the nation’s first center operated by a jurisdiction like ours, which supports displaced federal workers through personalized services and programs. Since the shutdown began, Gov. Moore has been working to help Marylanders who are impacted by providing loans and supporting social service programs, which the federal government usually funds. He’s right to point out that this shutdown has broken the trust many people put in this current federal administration to make their lives better.

We are witnessing an increase in demand for food assistance throughout Montgomery County. The federal government will more than likely remain shut down as we enter November, leaving SNAP benefit payments in limbo. We are looking to the State of Maryland for guidance on how to address that shortfall. Approximately 68,000 of our residents rely on this vital food assistance resource, and an average of $12 million is spent each month in our County’s grocery stores and farmers' markets through SNAP. Funds for the WIC program, which provides nutritious options for pregnant women, infants, and children, are also in jeopardy. Over 60 community organizations, with our support, continue to offer a variety of food assistance services to residents around the county each day. You can read more on the Office of Food Systems Resilience website about how the Trump cuts will affect important programs.

Our County Health Officer, Dr. Kisha Davis, pointed out this week that there are both financial and emotional struggles resulting from this shutdown. I encourage you to reach out for help if you need it. 988 is a resource for anyone nationwide struggling with thoughts of suicide. Help is available 24 hours/day through the County’s Crisis Center by calling 240-777-4000.

Gabe Albornoz Nominated to Once Again Lead Department of Recreation

On Monday, I announced the upcoming nomination of County Councilmember Gabe Albornoz to serve once again as the Director of our Recreation Department. If confirmed, he will return to the position he held before becoming a Councilmember.

He would succeed Robin Riley, who retired earlier this year.

Gabe is the best choice to lead Recreation for several reasons, including his previous tenure as director from 2007 to 2018. He has demonstrated experience, leadership, and dedication to the County. He helped to build, expand, and diversify our recreation programs even through the Great Recession of 2008. We anticipate similar burdens ahead with the changes initiated by the federal government, and I believe that Gabe will help us navigate those as best as possible.

As a Councilmember, Gabe is also well-suited to understand the financial considerations as we work on major improvements that benefit our residents. During his previous tenure as director, he oversaw 11 capital recreation projects totaling $280 million. He’s also committed to continuing the critical programming offered through our Recreation Department that promotes physical activity, mental health, and well-being.

The process of replacing Gabe’s position on the Council is already underway. The person who is selected by the Council will fill out the remaining year of Gabe’s term, which ends Dec. 1, 2026. The Council is providing details on how to apply and they are accepting applications through Wednesday, Nov. 5.

Park Montgomery Affordable Housing Opens in Silver Spring

Last week, I was excited to celebrate the grand opening of Park Montgomery West in Silver Spring's Long Branch neighborhood. This development is an excellent example of how we can simultaneously preserve and expand affordable housing. Our partner, Enterprise, renovated the existing 141 homes at Park Montgomery and added 76 brand-new affordable apartments right next door. That’s 217 homes where people can live, raise their families, and stay connected to this community.

It is not a project that resembles what was initially envisioned for this area. That plan would have allowed developers to replace existing high-rise buildings, leaving us with the minimum percentage of affordable housing units required by law and displacing many current residents. I am pleased the end result worked out better for existing and future residents.

Montgomery County invested $10.6 million, and we’re proud to see those dollars at work. The money creates long-term affordability for families earning at or below 60% of the area median income.

This location also shows the importance of protecting affordability near major transit investments. With the Purple Line coming to Long Branch, with a planned station on Piney Branch Road, we know development pressure will increase. We are making sure that working families aren’t pushed out of the very neighborhoods that are becoming more connected and vibrant.

Across the County, we’re seeing progress. Since the start of Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, we’ve created or preserved more than 2,200 affordable homes, with 18 more projects already in the FY26 pipeline and 26 others in planning. Each one represents a step toward meeting the need for housing that people can truly afford. You can read more about the County’s efforts to develop and preserve affordable housing in this press release focused on the latest Affordable Housing Pipeline Report.

This project embodies what we’re striving for: sustainable, equitable growth that gives everyone a chance to stay and thrive in Montgomery County. Investments like these strengthen our community. It also wouldn’t be possible without the work of our Department of Housing and Community Affairs and partners like Bank of America and the Housing Opportunities Commission. I want to again thank Enterprise for their remarkable work with this project and for being an invaluable partner in preserving the affordable housing still available in Montgomery County.

Let’s keep working together to ensure that affordability and opportunity go hand-in-hand in every part of our County.

AWS Outage and National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Computer networks keep our world moving. On Monday, we all saw what can happen when disruptions grind everything to a halt.

The nation’s leading authority on cybersecurity is the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, an arm of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, is headquartered in Gaithersburg. The County is proud to partner with the Maryland Department of Commerce and the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation on quarterly cybersecurity events, though the one scheduled for this month had to be canceled due to the shutdown. I would like to thank the program leaders at NIST for organizing a networking opportunity in May during National Small Business Week to strengthen security within our small business community. These are a few ways we are seeing leadership and cooperation extend computer safety beyond company contractors.

Everyone has a part to play in cybersecurity. One of the most important steps is simply reporting unusual activity. Look for signs of trouble, such as phishing emails and attempts to obtain information without permission. Attacks can compromise critical information, leave your entire company vulnerable to further attacks, or put your family at risk of identity theft.

Thieves are smart, sometimes posing as authorities or cybersecurity experts to gain your trust. Never give anyone remote access to your computer unless you’ve initiated the help request through a verified and trusted source.

Consider the sensitive information you share online or over the phone, as caller ID can be easily spoofed. The Federal Trade Commission at consumer.ftc.gov is a good source for information on protecting yourself and responding to a scam. Victims of fraud involving a Social Security number should call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-269-0271. Online crimes can be reported to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov.

No Kings Day Rallies

No Kings Day rallies throughout Montgomery County and nationwide showed plenty of opposition to the draconian policies of the Trump administration and Republican Congressional leaders that would deny nutrition support to newborn mothers, aid to older adults, and support for many more people struggling with nowhere else to turn but our community partners.

I’m proud of our community for coming out (in 22 locations according to Rep. Raskin) to rallies in Silver Spring, Rockville, Olney, Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Kensington, Takoma Park, and Leisure World. We heard you speak out and vow to fight the injustice that is putting so many people out of work, creating fear within our immigrant community, and continues to make life difficult for many more residents.

Halloween Ahead

Finally, I would like to wish everyone a Happy Halloween. Although it may be another week away, many activities are happening this weekend, which you can read about later in this newsletter.

Please keep a few things in mind:

• Early sunsets at this time of year reduce visibility.
• Use extra caution when traveling during evening hours.
• Go slowly and be prepared to stop suddenly.
• Drivers should consider staying off neighborhood roads altogether during trick-or-treat hours.
• Children should carry glowsticks, flashlights, or some reflective material on dark costumes to ensure they are seen.
• If you see an impaired driver, dial 911 to report it.

Follow the County on our social media channels (Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X) to learn about many community activities planned for your entire family. Stay safe and have fun.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,

Marc Elrich
County Executive

Message from the County Executive

Dear Friends,

This week, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor announced plans to request $2.7 billion, $949 million more than the last approved Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budget, to address needs the school district has put on the back burner for far too long. The request is 54% larger than the last approved CIP budget, translating to almost $160 million a year over six years. And, he reports that even that increase does not cover the entire backlog.

MCPS has been dealing with years of the school system not clearly outlining its needs, which has been complicated by the lack of funding for capital projects at the County level, potentially hindering their progress and preventing them from falling further behind. Not requesting money when it was needed was not a good policy, but I’m glad that we are finally getting real numbers from the school system.

As a teacher for 17 years, I am well aware of the importance of maintaining our schools and for too long, there has not been enough attention paid to regular maintenance, and now we’re facing a tremendous backlog.



The path forward involves increasing our capital spending caps, which have shrunk dramatically in purchasing power over the years because of inflation. The actual numbers have also shrunk – there used to be as much as $340 million in capital funding per year, but that amount was reduced to $280 million even as costs were rising. The chart above shows how the funding should have been increased each year just to keep up with inflation. Specifically, you can see that in FY2009 the capital spending/year was $300 million, which in inflation adjusted dollars would be $555 million today.

Over my seven years as County Executive, that’s more than $300 million that otherwise would have been available for needed capital projects like schools, recreation facilities, transportation, libraries, public safety improvements, and transportation projects. As a result, we’ve had to delay some of what we planned to do.

Earlier this month, the County Council approved $300 million of borrowing, which is $40 million less than I requested, or $240 million over the next six years. While the Council stated they are willing to revisit this limit early next year, it makes it more difficult now as we finalize our capital budget.

This is a problem that we must all work together to solve. I look forward to discussing these issues with Councilmembers, school leaders, and the public to find the best solution. Public feedback can be shared before the school board finalizes its proposed CIP budget on Nov. 20. What we cannot do is simply kick the can down the road and allow our situation to worsen.

Federal Government Shutdown Continues

We passed mid-October with little progress made on ending the federal government shutdown. What’s happening in Washington defies common sense. The Trump administration and congressional Republicans are refusing to negotiate with Democrats even though they don’t have the votes to reopen the government without them. That refusal has real consequences for families and communities nationwide, including in Montgomery County.

Federal workers at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the National Institutes of Health, and other agencies are being told they will be out of a job during a shutdown. That action is both illegal and irrational. These are the same public servants who protect our health, monitor disease outbreaks, and conduct research that saves lives. Firing them weakens our national security and undermines public health. 

Last weekend, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent out approximately 1,300 termination notices, only to rehire about half of those employees after realizing the error. That kind of whiplash reflects deep managerial failure and leaves the nation less prepared for the next public health emergency.

The Trump administration also engaged in a mass firing of the data workers at HHS – further crippling that agency. Trump understands perfectly well that killing the collection of data makes it hard to explain what problems exist and what is needed to address them. It is consistent with his attacks on research at NIH, the FDA, the National Weather Service, and climate change offices in the federal government.

It is Trump’s way of cutting Americans off from the truth, enabling him to lie at will while making it impossible to generate data that would undermine his arguments. He is deliberately blinding government agencies, and that extends to local governments that rely on some of this data, so that they can’t inform the public and policymakers about the repercussions of their actions. I guess his theory is that if you can’t see it, then the problem doesn’t exist. This is no way to govern.

This past Friday, every federal worker outside of the military missed a paycheck. We encourage those in need to access
the County’s network of food distribution sites and community resources which are available to help anyone. I also want to thank our residents who continue to donate food, money, and their time to help their neighbors get through this challenging time. Montgomery County’s strength has always come from the way our community takes care of one another.

Last week, we opened the Mobilize Montgomery Federal Workforce Career Center, the first of its kind in the country, to help displaced federal employees find new opportunities and navigate this uncertainty. Since last week’s press event, nearly 200 federal workers have signed up for services. You can learn more by visiting mobilize-montgomery.com and following the prompts to schedule an appointment for support.

Harmful Decisions at HUD Impact Montgomery County

The focus of my media briefing this week was on the drastic cuts the U.S. Department of Housing of Urban Development could make once the government shutdown is over. I have written letters to each member of our federal delegation, detailing some of the impacts of cuts in order to help them advocate for protecting HUD funding.

This loss of funding could jeopardize HUD-funded housing for nearly 800 people in our community, most of whom are people with disabilities, who live with children, or are over age 65. Without financial support through HUD, these essential services would suddenly stop for hundreds of people with disabilities and families with children in our County.

HUD Continuum of Care grants support numerous programs administered by our Services to End and Prevent Homelessness, part of the County’s Department of Health and Human Services. Those funds help community partners and landlords. Our County has done extraordinary work in planning and initiating a strategic response to homelessness, but without HUD funding, it remains more of an aspiration than an actionable plan.

The President is threatening to condition grants on passing legislation to outlaw camping outside or sleeping on the streets. We would love to provide decent shelter space to people who need it, but cutting off funding makes it even more difficult to address homelessness. It makes it harder to get people off the street.

In addition, Politico reported that HUD is considering cutting 70% of Continuum of Care funding for permanent housing, which provides stable housing for people with disabilities. As a County, we work every day to ensure that all people, including the most vulnerable, have a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home, which is why the threat of losing federal housing funds from HUD is so concerning. Hundreds of the most vulnerable people in Montgomery County could be forced back into homelessness if these funds were cut.

Also under attack is an arm of HUD, the Office of. Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. That office has been under attack since this administration took over. Work on behalf of single mothers, the disabled, and minority tenants denied housing has been severely impacted by the many firings and reassignments of lawyers within the department who worked on fair housing complaints.

A whistleblower's report focused on the Office of Fair Housing. A whistleblower’s report shed light on how the staff within the Office of Fair Housing was reduced from 31 to 11, and the number of staff attorneys was slashed from 22 to six. Over the last five years, HUD has collected between $4 million and $8 million in legal settlements for Americans who accused housing providers of discrimination. From January to July 2025, less than $200,000 was collected.

Trump appointees running HUD have ignored historic legal findings that helped end redlining practices, and they have dismissed landmark housing discrimination cases as artificial, arbitrary, and unnecessary. As they wrote in one of their memos reported by the New York Times, the cases are not a priority for this administration.

In fact, Trump’s grudge can be traced back to the 1970s, when he and his father were sued by the government for violations of the Fair Housing Act. Black people were told there were no units available for rent in Trump-owned buildings, while white tenants got those apartments. It gives you an idea of where his policies come from: he doesn’t believe in fair housing personally, and he’s using this opportunity now to change federal policy.

We all deserve better. Millions of Americans nationwide already face barriers to housing, so legitimizing these actions from the top will embolden bad actors. Enforcement of the Fair Housing Act is going extinct, and that breeds discrimination and allows intimidation to be used against families in vulnerable positions. It is yet another battle we must fight to keep this a free and fair nation.

The Montgomery County Office of Human Rights conducts investigations into complaints of discrimination and harassment impacting customers and tenants. If you feel you have been a victim of housing discrimination and would like to file a complaint, visit the Office of Human Rights website. You can find a tab labeled Claim and Intake Inquiry Form halfway down the page, or call 240-777-8450 for help.

October is National Fire Prevention Month

I joined the Montgomery County Council this week in recognizing October as Fire Prevention Month. Preventing fires from starting is the best way to keep our community safe and avoid property damage.

Our Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service works to protect over one million residents. Under the leadership of Chief Corey Smedley, it is committed to encouraging a prevention-first approach. Educating the public and encouraging preventive actions are two key components of that approach.



This year’s focus is on lithium batteries because, if not handled properly, they pose a serious fire risk. Lithium battery fires are much hotter and more difficult to extinguish. It’s essential to verify that the batteries are functioning properly without overheating. We are trying to increase awareness because of the extraordinary fire hazard that exists.

This month, we are also asking every family to ensure they have current, up-to-date, and working smoke alarms. If a smoke alarm is over ten years old, replace it. That's not just advice; it’s the law.

Family escape plans should also be made and practiced. This flyer explains escape planning. MCFRS offers complimentary home safety visits to residents who need assistance in developing an escape plan. Residents can call 311 to schedule an appointment or visit the Home Fire Safety Visit Request page.

The Park Goes Pink Highlights Breast Cancer Awareness Month



October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this Saturday, October 18th, Wheaton Regional Park will host the second annual The Park Goes Pink event.

Education is crucial for identifying cancer early and increasing the chances of survival. It is important to know how to screen and monitor yourself for breast cancer, which can be done through clinical breast examinations by a health care provider, annual mammograms, and self-examination.

Every year, breast cancer accounts for about 30% of all new cancer cases in the United States. African American women in our County face a 40% higher mortality rate from breast cancer and frequently receive diagnoses at later stages. That is why our African American Health Program works to eliminate health disparities through key efforts, including cancer prevention education and outreach, as well as providing free screenings and referrals.

I urge everyone to show their solidarity with Black women and everyone impacted by this disease. The Park Goes Pink runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Let’s continue to advocate for equitable care and improved health outcomes for every resident. Wear pink and participate.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month



October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The County continues to operate the Crisis Center hotline, which is available 24/7 for victims or to report abuse. The number is 240-777-4000.

We are committed to helping those in need. Our Family Justice Center, located near the courthouse in Rockville, is available free of charge, and information is provided in any language. Services include counseling, legal advice, career assistance, and help with basic needs. It is also a safe place to meet with police detectives or staff from the State’s Attorney’s Office to help anyone, including those seeking to file criminal charges.

Italian American Heritage Month 

I would like to take a moment to honor the valuable contributions and achievements of Italian immigrants and their descendants during Italian American Heritage Month, a yearly designation observed across our nation. It allows us to acknowledge the journey of millions of Italian immigrants who reached our shores in search of a better life, often facing discrimination and hardship there and here as well.  They are essential to our social fabric, producing politicians, artists, and leaders within our broader community. The Italian Cultural Society of Washington D.C., based in Bethesda since 1953, helps recent immigrants with language classes and provides a sense of home. The Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America predates World War I and helped fight for the inclusion of Italians in our public school system.  

Their history in America parallels the experiences of most other immigrants who didn’t come from England – they faced discrimination, prejudice, segregation, and obstacles to employment. America is a country of immigrants, and the reality is that the experience of many immigrants from many countries is not unlike the discrimination faced by more recent immigrants. We would do well to remember that while we see ourselves as Americans today, there was a time when we were seen as outsiders and different than those who considered themselves Americans at that time.

This country has a long history of absorbing immigrants and seeing them become Americans. In a time when we’re seeing the demonization of people who are following the path that our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents took, we should remember that we’ve successfully integrated many cultures into this country before.

As we’ve grown into the most diverse jurisdiction in the nation, Italian Americans have been part of that evolution. The Montgomery College library is a good resource for those interested in materials documenting the immigrant experience. Their ‘Celebrate and Connect’ section highlights nearby resources to help you delve deeper into Italian American history and culture. I hope younger people see this as an opportunity to connect with their roots and for the wider society to appreciate Italian American traditions, art, and food this month and throughout the year. 

Hispanic Heritage Month Ends

This week marks the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, something the County is proud to acknowledge and celebrate. This year, we redirected funds that would normally be used for a community celebration into school-based cultural programs and events. This was not meant as a slight against families who wanted to attend or businesses that benefit from large gatherings. There is a lot of fear within the Hispanic community at the moment because of federal immigration activity.

We are proud to be home to multiple generations of immigrants from across Latin America. Hispanics are a critical and vibrant part of every neighborhood. They are also an important part of our workforce and economy; however, since President Trump took office, we've seen a decrease in participation in community events among Hispanic residents.



That was one of the things on my mind last week as I toured Hispanic-owned businesses. My first stop was at Peak Personal Training, owned and operated by Kevin Munoz. Kevin transitioned from playing soccer on our local high school fields to competing at Montgomery College, before launching his online business and subsequently establishing a gym in Gaithersburg. There are six trainers on staff and a good client list, but he admits his business has been impacted by federal job losses.



I stayed in Gaithersburg and met Ada Pineda, owner of Minuteman Press. Screen printing has continued to evolve since the business first opened, and even since she acquired the business seven years ago. She reminded me that this is also Women’s Small Business Month. The County has resources available for small, minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses. There are also opportunities to do business with the County through the Minority, Female, and Disabled-Owned Business Program. Initiatives and community partnerships help provide access to resources, counseling, specialized workshops, and loan programs to support women entrepreneurs in starting, growing, and scaling their businesses.



Finally, I went down the road to La Casita Pupuseria and met with the managing partner, Iris Veronica Jimenez. I told her how I remember the location as a local favorite for sandwiches, and I also found their rebranding impressive. A significant amount of work has been invested in meeting the community's needs, establishing a strong brand that resonates with its customers, and expanding from its origins in Silver Spring, which date back more than 20 years.

I would like to thank everyone for taking the time to meet with me and my staff during our visits. It is wonderful to see businesses thrive in our community. The best way to do that is to serve their needs and make doing business in Montgomery County as easy as possible. That's the feedback I got during my first days on the job as County Executive, and I haven't forgotten it.

I also want to recognize and thank the men and women honored by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce during the Leadership Awards Gala I attended Thursday night.

• Juvenal Hernandez – CEO, Rocksolid General Contractors
• Sergio Polanco – State Public Engagement Officer, Comptroller of Maryland
• Luisa Cardona – Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, Montgomery County Government
• Nelson Ortiz-Cruz – Master Firefighter, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service
• Alicia Morales – Principal, Richard Montgomery High School

These are leaders who make Montgomery County stronger every day through their contributions and service to our community.

Diwali Celebrated on Monday, Oct. 20



We are approaching a very important day for the South Asian community that calls Montgomery County home. Monday, Oct. 20, is Diwali, one of the most popular holidays in India.

Diwali signifies the beginning of a new year and symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Many people marking the holiday will be dressed in colorful, traditional clothing. They may light lamps outside their homes, gather to enjoy large feasts, and exchange gifts.

I would like to thank the South Asian community for inviting me to the opening of their beautiful temple last year in Potomac. It demonstrates the community's comfort here, and we are grateful for the numerous contributions to Montgomery County. I’m also looking forward to the County’s Diwali celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 5, here at the Leggett Executive Office Building in Rockville. To register for the event, please visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSewbLUH3k3s4i7HoUIrWbF4Us5ZhdbLGL5_fLGu2LH2zauYnA/viewform.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich

County Executive

Message from the County Executive Marc Elrich

Dear Friends,

I want to start off by expressing my sincere condolences to the family and friends of 11-year-old Summer Lin, who died Thursday after she was struck by a school bus while bicycling. This incident, and the pedestrian death last month of James Anderson, a 16-year-old Wheaton High School student, are a parent’s worst nightmare.

Federal Government Shutdown

We are now more than a week into the federal shutdown, a completely avoidable situation that Republicans continue to be disingenuous about. Dread, concern, and angst are apparent in the lives of many Montgomery County residents because of the lies being told by many of our federal leaders and the stress this shutdown brings.

Not only is there an effort on the Republican side to deny workers back pay, but there has also been no effort made to negotiate toward a solution that would save jobs or keep health care costs down for many Americans. I had the opportunity to discuss this issue and many more this week with Harold Fisher on The Daily Drum, hosted on WHUR radio. I always enjoy these long-form interviews because they allow me to discuss each topic in depth, rather than in soundbites. I encourage you to listen to our full conversation and provide your feedback directly to me. You can reach me through montgomerycountymd.gov/exec.

Federal Workforce Career Center Opens



This week, we opened the Mobilize Montgomery Federal Workforce Career Center (FWCC) to support workers affected by the shutdown and cuts to federal programs and departments. This new facility will serve displaced or former federal workers as well as those who may have worked for contractors, non-governmental organizations, nonprofits, or vendors who served the federal government.

To our knowledge, this is the first center in the nation operated by a jurisdiction like ours to support displaced federal workers through personalized services and programs. 

Setting up a center like this does not happen overnight. Earlier in the spring, we recognized the need to support our residents who were struggling under this Federal administration. I asked the County Council to allocate $700,000 to this project, and I would like to thank them for their support.  

Mobilize Montgomery was also launched to coordinate help for job seekers. It brings together an array of organizations, including the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, the Maryland Department of Labor, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, and the Maryland Women’s Business Center, to name a few, for this collaboration. Montgomery County is home to a substantial number of federal employees, more than 70,000 at the start of the year. This instability has significant repercussions for our community. 

The FWCC, located at 11510 Georgia Ave. in Wheaton, is operated by WorkSource Montgomery at its American Jobs Center. The center will support transitioning executives, senior managers, and highly skilled professionals. It offers tailored services, including executive career coaching, advanced resume and LinkedIn support, and programs like Federal-to-Private Sector Transition Support. Job seekers can also access guidance on launching into self-employment through our entrepreneurship support. 

This center symbolizes Montgomery County’s ongoing commitment to stand with federal workers and contractors, ensuring you don’t have to navigate these changes alone. 

This is all being necessitated because the President has decided to decimate access to health care and raise the cost at the same time, which will negatively impact millions of Americans. The sole reason to do this is to use the savings created by hurting Americans to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. Of course, this attack only pays part of the bill. Other savings come from dumping FEMA’s responsibilities on the states. NIH, NIST, and the FDA are targeted for more cuts that will severely curtail their research into causes of and cures for illnesses that take a tremendous toll each year on millions of Americans. Federal leaders want to pretend climate change doesn’t exist, that emissions aren’t harmful, and they’re stifling efforts to move towards wind and solar power and increasing our reliance on coal – a true destroyer of the environment.

None of this has anything to do with efficiency. No one announced how we’d have better ways of doing things that are faster and more efficient.  We are crippling scientific research and creating a free pass for industries that want to go back to pre-World War I America, where the environment, people’s lives, and workers’ rights counted for nothing and only the interests of millionaires and billionaires mattered. The only thought the President and his henchmen consider is whether a decision serves the interests of the wealthy and powerful. 

We remain committed to supporting our residents and workforce and ensuring Montgomery County’s economy remains strong and resilient. Interested job seekers should register on the Maryland Workforce Exchange and complete the FWCC intake form to begin the process. For help or general questions, call 240-283-1509 or email fwcc@worksourcemontgomery.com.

Affordable Housing Pipeline Report



A poll released several weeks ago by The Banner Montgomery found that the most pressing issue among our residents is the cost of housing, ahead of the economy and crime. More than 80% of those surveyed stated that the County’s lack of affordable housing is a problem.

Housing has been a long-standing challenge, and when I became County Executive, I knew that addressing the housing crisis was a pressing need for our community. That is why we have continued to spend record amounts on affordable housing in my operating budgets. The Affordable Housing Pipeline Report helps us track our progress.

The latest report, which revises Fiscal Year 2025 figures and covers the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26), shows that the County has significantly increased the number of affordable housing units it supports through its financial investments. You can see the progress in the chart below. It demonstrates incredible progress, and I would like to acknowledge the work of our Department of Housing and Community Affairs in achieving this success. The director of the department, Dr. Scott Bruton, joined my media briefing this week to talk about what else you can learn from the Affordable Housing Pipeline reports.



In FY25, we invested $108.3 million in 25 projects that supported the creation or preservation of 1,827 affordable homes. The number of units created or preserved compared to 2024 increased by 61%. 

In the first three months of FY26, the County invested a total of $24.2 million across three projects to produce or preserve an additional 462 affordable housing units. The County has entered into or maintained existing Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreements for two of these projects, with an estimated total annual value of nearly half a million dollars.

 

When you combine all our projects from the last three fiscal years, 58 projects were created or preserved, accounting for 4,397 affordable homes.  

We have seen that we cannot rely on the market alone to produce enough affordable housing. It simply does not create enough to meet the needs of our community, or any community, frankly. This is why we’ve committed more than $316 million since FY23 to preserve, protect, or produce affordable housing throughout the County. In just the last 15 months alone, that's more than 2,200 units.

These projects support older adults, people in mental health recovery, working families, and first-time homebuyers. We also ensured that affordable units are being built and preserved to help larger families and create opportunities for home ownership. We need to make these investments if we want to be a community where people aren’t priced out by rising costs.

I encourage you to read the FY25 Affordable Housing Pipeline Report and the FY26 First Quarter Affordable Housing Pipeline Report for more details. You can access earlier pipeline reports dating back to September 2022 on the DHCA website.

Department of Energy Grants Canceled

Last week, the Trump Administration canceled 12 Department of Energy (DOE) grants totaling nearly $88 million in Maryland. Nationwide, the DOE canceled $7.5 billion in grants to Democratic-leaning blue states. I’d like to explain some of what these cuts mean here in Maryland.

These cuts hit home, including funds for Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) to enhance grid reliability and battery storage, research at the University of Maryland on cold-climate heat pumps and industrial emissions reductions, and a Maryland company working to improve building energy efficiency.

These cancellations ripple through our community. BGE investments in grid reliability, for instance, may be borne by our local BGE ratepayers in the form of higher electricity prices. In a time of rising electricity prices and economic uncertainty, local electric ratepayers cannot afford to subsidize partisan attacks on clean energy and innovation.

Our federal government should, instead, continue to support energy system upgrades and technological breakthroughs. You can read the reaction to these cuts from Maryland’s Congressional delegation here.

Active Aging Week



This week, we celebrated Active Aging Week, an opportunity to recognize and support older adults who continue to stay active, engaged, and connected in our community.

Our signature event, “Go, Grow, and Get Active,” took place on Monday, October 6, at the Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center. Photos from the event are shared on our Recreation Department’s Facebook page. It featured workshops, wellness activities, and a resource fair with local organizations that help older adults and caregivers stay healthy and connected.

I am proud to support these efforts because they reflect what Montgomery County stands for. We want to help people age in place. The cost of living, inflation, and other factors can make it difficult for older adults to remain in our community. Devoting resources to promoting inclusion, dignity, and opportunities for everyone at every age shows how much value we place in every resident. Find out more about services for older adults on our website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior.

We are committed to supporting older adults in Montgomery County by providing the resources they need to remain active, connected, and independent. Learn more about our activities through the Recreation Department and register for activities online through Active Montgomery.

I would like to thank everyone who participated, volunteered, and contributed to making Active Aging Week a success. You again showed the strength and vitality our older residents bring to this community every day.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day



Montgomery County is proud to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the second Monday of October. We join a growing number of communities across the country in choosing to honor the people who lived on this land long before European explorers arrived—and in doing so, we move away from celebrating Columbus Day.

By now, I hope more people realize Christopher Columbus was not a hero. His arrival marked the beginning of centuries of violence, exploitation, and displacement of Indigenous peoples. That’s not something we should celebrate because these lands were not “discovered,” they were already home to thriving, complex societies with deep histories and cultures.

The truth is that the mistreatment of Indigenous communities didn’t end centuries ago. It persists today in many forms, and we have a responsibility to acknowledge this and strive to do better moving forward.

Here in Montgomery County, we value our diversity. Among our many communities are more than 30,000 Marylanders and nearly seven million nationwide, with Indigenous roots. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a time to reflect, learn, and recommit to justice and equity for all.

We can’t change the past, but we can choose to tell the truth about it.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich

County Executive

Message from County Executive Marc Elrich

  

Dear Friends,

As discussions about the federal government shutdown continue, you will hear a lot about health care coverage. Democrats are attempting to include health care funding in the next budget, while Republicans aim to advance their plan that would reduce the number of Americans currently receiving benefits.

The State of Maryland is also focused on health care. As many as 190,000 Marylanders could see their monthly premiums go up by an average of 68%. Governor Wes Moore spoke to the media on Friday following his visit to Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Silver Spring Center. He highlighted the human cost this shutdown will have on people who rely on assistance with health and human services, income supports, and public health programs that run through the County and rely heavily on federal funding.

On the first day of the federal shutdown, I joined Rep. April McLain Delaney and several members of the Democratic Women's Caucus so they could see firsthand how these services are delivered to those who need them. I want to thank DHHS for accommodating these visits and the Congresswoman for arranging the event. I encourage you to watch the press conference held following the visit and the conversation I had with Rep. McLain Delaney during my weekly media briefing.

These visits matter because they show what is at stake for the families we serve. Our entire Montgomery County Congressional delegation has shown leadership through this shutdown. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Rep. April McLain Delaney, and Rep. Glenn Ivey, have all been vocal critics of how this has been handled. They stand up for residents relying on affordable health care and a functioning Federal government. People do not choose to get sick. The fact that they need lawmakers to fight for these fundamental rights is unconscionable.

Support from the federal level has helped reduce the percentage of uninsured residents in Maryland to just 6%, down from 13%. Even still, tens of thousands of people in every community across our nation stand to be hurt by rising health care costs or a loss of coverage. I join the governor and others like him in calling for a quick and fair resolution to this government shutdown.

Here are some important things to remember about health care right now:

• 2025 plans are still active through the end of the year, including plans purchased through the Maryland Health Connection.
• Now is a great time to schedule your free annual wellness checkup or catch up on any delayed care.
• Use your benefits before changes and higher costs take effect in 2026. Maryland’s Advance Premium Tax Credits can be used to help offset these increases. You can use the tax credit in two different ways:
• Save money now: Get the financial help in advance to lower your monthly premiums.
• Save money later: Wait until you file your taxes to get a premium tax credit added to your tax refund.

Visit marylandhealthconnection.gov to find out more about ways to save money on plans purchased on Maryland’s health exchange.

Read this analysis on health care expansion by the Maryland Healthcare For All coalition to understand more about the impact of uninsured patients on our health care system.

Remember, for plans that begin coverage on Jan. 1, open enrollment for health coverage through the Maryland Health Connection starts Nov.1. If you need help signing up or have questions, navigators are available in Montgomery County by calling 240-777-1815 or visiting marylandhealthconnection.gov.

As for our day-to-day operations, Montgomery County has managed its County budget and finances prudently. We ended last year with a surplus again, which has increased our reserves. We have not drawn from it because we anticipated this turbulence. If Federal support is withdrawn —Head Start, for example—we will look at whether we can backfill critical programs for young children. If funds to provide services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness are cut, we will act to prevent more people from ending up on the street. That likely means tapping reserves in the short term. However, reserves are finite, and if household incomes decline across this region, our revenues will also decline. That forces choices about curtailing things we need to do.

The Silver Spring Center and Upcounty Service Center are just two locations where we provide eligible residents with dental care, support for new parents, and more. Dozens of people daily, including immigrants and residents with disabilities, rely on these offices to get the help they need with dignity and professionalism. You will find these needs being met in every State—red and blue, Democrats and Republicans. Health care is not partisan. Dignity is not partisan.

In every shutdown we’ve endured, our community has shown up. Neighbors checked on neighbors, people donated to food pantries, and nonprofits rallied to support families connected to the Federal workforce. If this drags on, I expect Montgomery County will again demonstrate that culture of compassion. The County government will keep service counters open, share accurate information, and help people navigate a tough moment.

Resources to Assist Through the Federal Shutdown

Earlier this year, as federal spending cuts and the efforts of DOGE began putting our residents out of work, the County created the "Resources for Workers Impacted by Recent Federal Government Actions" page on our website. It helped connect people with important resources they were looking for, such as unemployment benefits (administered by the State) and job opportunities. During this shutdown, I would like to remind everyone of this site to help those with questions find the answers they need. We'll have it prominently on display on montgomerycountymd.gov, but let me share some of those links here as well.

• Maryland Unemployment Insurance
• Mobilize Montgomery
• Free Library Resources for Federal Employees
• WorkSource Montgomery
• Resources for Civil Servants
• Food Resources
• 24 Hour Crisis Center

The State of Maryland is also making special considerations and providing resources for impacted federal workers on its website or directly at response.maryland.gov/federalpublicservants/shutdown. This is in addition to an announcement by Governor Moore to continue to fund some federally funded programs and offer interest-free loans to essential federal workers.

Many families in our County rely on a federal government job or contract job to pay the bills. The stress this puts on those families is a lot to deal with. This shutdown introduces fear and uncertainty into an already tense situation where livelihoods are at stake. Please share these links and our County website with your friends and loved ones who may need the support.

Eric’s ID Law Now in Effect

With the start of October, many new state laws are in effect. One law is Eric’s ID Law—a landmark piece of legislation rooted in fairness, dignity, and public safety.

We know that disabilities are not always visible. Physical, mental, and neurological conditions can be hidden, yet the need for understanding and respect remains constant. For too long, people with invisible disabilities have faced misunderstandings and unsafe interactions with law enforcement.

Eric's ID Law gives Maryland residents with nonapparent disabilities the voluntary option to include a discreet notation on their driver’s license or ID card. I must stress that ‘voluntary’ is key. No one is required to disclose anything unless they choose to do so, because respecting individual privacy and autonomy must take precedence.

This law will provide first responders with the necessary information to approach these situations with greater care and empathy. For residents with intellectual or developmental disabilities, this notation is a butterfly. I hope it is widely adopted by those who are autistic.

This idea was born out of a desire to keep the innocent safe. Ultimately, it is about equity: making sure that people with disabilities are seen, heard, and treated with the dignity they deserve—just like everyone else.

In Montgomery County, we have worked to promote inclusion through parallel efforts, such as The Blue Envelope Initiative with Pathfinders for Autism and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower campaign. Eric’s ID Law reminds us that social justice means creating systems that work for everyone, especially those whose needs are too often overlooked.

I want to thank the legislative and community champions who helped pass this bill, including Maryland Sen. Will Smith and Delegates Jheanelle Wilkins, and Kym Taylor.

Most importantly, we recognize the leadership and advocacy of Eric Carpenter-Grantham and his mother, Linda Carpenter-Grantham. Their work ensures that many others will have safer, more respectful interactions in moments that matter most.

This initiative is vital, emphasizing our commitment to disability rights, community safety, and social equity. This is another step in making Maryland a fairer, safer, and more inclusive place for everyone.

Vision Zero Press Conference Focuses on New Speed Camera Laws

This past Tuesday in Wheaton, I joined Maryland Senator Jeff Waldstreicher, Delegate Jared Solomon, and members of the Montgomery County Department of Police to highlight new traffic safety laws that went into effect Oct. 1. You can watch the livestream on the County’s Facebook page.

Work on these bills goes back to 2023. That’s when we attempted to obtain the authority to install additional speed monitoring devices. Ultimately, it was decided that cameras would be used in areas designated as high-risk crash zones in our Vision Zero roadway safety plan. That means that before a camera is placed, a study is conducted to determine the percentage of cars that are speeding. When you see a new camera appear, be aware that its primary purpose is to slow down drivers.

In focusing on this issue, I was struck by a graphic that I’d like to share now. It illustrates how the faster a car is traveling when it hits someone, the higher the risk of death. If we can encourage more people to slow down in areas with high pedestrian traffic, then we can reduce the risk of someone being hit by a vehicle.

We average less than a dozen fatal pedestrian crashes per year, but in the last few weeks, several families have lost loved ones. We can do more to make pedestrians safer, such as examining the distance between bus stops and safe places to cross busy roads.

I’m glad that we have State lawmakers who didn’t give up on these safety priorities. Please obey all the laws of the road, whether you agree with them or not. People’s lives are at stake.

Washington Business Journal List of Developments to Watch

I was proud to see two Montgomery County projects featured on the Washington Business Journal’s list of the 10 major development projects in Greater Washington, published this week.

Viva White Oak continues to build anticipation as we look forward to action from the County Council to finalize a tax increment financing, or TIF, arrangement. The developer told a packed crowd of business leaders this summer that no one can complete a project this size without a TIF-like deal because there are no roads, sewer lines, or power infrastructure at this site—it is a blank canvas.

The first phase would include 938 single-family homes, over 1,200 apartments, 504,000 square feet of retail, a hotel, and more than 79,000 square feet of medical office space. A second phase would add nearly 2,500 additional housing units, 1.7 million square feet of life sciences office, lab and manufacturing space, and another hotel.

Another big development in the County’s future is the redevelopment of the White Flint mall site. Going forward, we could see a revitalization of the plans that were first approved for the site in 2012.

These potential additions follow a successful year that saw the Hines Company selected as the master developer for the North Bethesda Metro Station site and continued growth throughout the County in expanding technology sectors—including not only life sciences but also clean technology, satellite manufacturing, and other advanced technologies. I look forward to sharing more positive news about how Montgomery County is going in the right direction, with equity, sustainability, and innovation in mind.

Taste of Bethesda and Germantown’s October Fest This Weekend

I hope you have time to have some fun this weekend, as two of our community’s most popular events of the year are taking place.

The Germantown October Fest starts with a parade at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. This free event will feature live music, a free carnival, and food specials from local restaurants. If you get to the BlackRock Center for the Arts by 11 a.m. and participate in the Spooky Dance Party, you have a chance to be a grand marshal in the parade.

The 33rd annual Taste of Bethesda happens this Saturday as well. It will be held along Norfolk Avenue in the Woodmont Triangle and feature four stages of live entertainment. Taste tickets for participating restaurants will be available for sale until 3:30 p.m. Visit the Bethesda Urban Partnership website at Bethesda.org for more information.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,

Marc Elrich

County Executive

Message from the County Executive Marc Elrich

 

Dear Friends,

We had a great announcement this week – the expansion of Head Start in Montgomery County to provide early childhood education and care for the youngest children – infants through 3-year-olds. This helps address one of the biggest challenges that families face, which is access to quality, affordable child care for the youngest children.

I was joined by child care providers, MCPS leadership, the Council President, parents, and community partners to announce $10 million in early childhood education investments. For the first time in 59 years, Montgomery County is expanding its Head Start program to include an Early Head Start component. This brings more than $6 million in federal funding and allows us—for the first time—to expand these services to include infants and toddlers ages 0 to 3 in community-based programs. Currently, Head Start is available for four- and five-year-olds. This change helps some families access the support they need from the very start of their child’s life.

We also announced a new $4 million facility loan program for child care providers. We know providers work on very thin margins and often struggle to expand or improve their facilities. This program offers forgivable and interest-free loans so providers can create more infant and toddler seats and better serve families who need them most.

And we launched a Shared Resources Collaborative that gives providers access to coaching, business management tools, and collective purchasing power. By lowering costs and strengthening operations, providers can focus on what matters most: teaching and nurturing our children.

All of this builds on the findings from our 2024 child care supply and demand study, which showed that only 19% of infants and toddlers in the County had access to quality, licensed care. That gap hurts families and our economy. Without access to affordable child care, many people, women in particular, are unable to return to work, which hurts our local economy. These initiatives are a direct response to that challenge, and they are designed with equity in mind.

As a former elementary school teacher in a high-poverty school, I know the importance of early education and the connection to learning and success in school. For years, we have talked about many children entering school two years behind. Two years behind is enormous: that means children begin school with the abilities of a three-year-old rather than a five-year-old. They are not prepared for work at their age level. It is no secret that those children start behind and often stay behind, effectively preventing them from being able to be successful at grade-level work, not just in kindergarten but beyond. Brain development in those early years is critically important and impacts future growth. Early childhood education can help ensure that children start school ready and prepared to learn academically, but also socially and emotionally – it's not only about the academics. If they don't get exposure and intervention early, it can become, and often does, a barrier to future learning. The return on investment in a young child is multiples of that return on money spent to remediate learning problems when they are older. Of all the efforts and proposals to address student achievement, early childhood education is the most effective and least costly over the long term than anything else we can do. Put simply, we can fix the problem now or pay for not fixing it later.

Each of these programs will benefit families, and most importantly, provide children with the opportunity to build a critical foundation of early learning that will help them throughout their lives.

Federal Health Care Decisions Creating Confusion and Increasing Costs

The Trump administration and officials have been sowing confusion and dubious claims about vaccines, and this week, Trump and his HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. asserted a link between Tylenol and autism. There is no solid, peer-reviewed science that supports the proposition that Tylenol causes autism. Yet it’s being presented in a way that blurs the line between speculation and fact. That causes fear, chaos, and mistrust. It puts doctors in an impossible position — how do you advise someone when federal leadership seems to be issuing statements that aren’t backed by science?

To bring clarity to vaccine guidance, Maryland and other states have joined the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, a multistate coalition to develop vaccine recommendations and other public health guidance to combat confusing messages coming from the Trump administration. The Collaborative aims to help people understand what is safe and provide information so that doctors can offer counsel based on knowledge and experience. Montgomery County stands with the Maryland Department of Health on the importance of vaccination to help reduce the burden of COVID, Flu, and RSV in the community.

This week, our County’s health officer, Dr. Kisha Davis, a family physician, joined me for my media briefing and talked about the importance of clearing up confusion caused by the Trump administration. You can watch it here: youtube.com/@montgomerycountymd.

In other bad health care news, health insurance costs are going up. Maryland announced that individual health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will increase by an average of 13.4% next year if Congress does not extend the “enhanced premium tax credits.” These credits help make these plans affordable for many, and they will end at the end of 2025 unless Congress acts. This will impact low-income earners nationally and some could see premiums double, according to an estimate by the Congressional Budget Office earlier this year.

If more people drop their coverage, they are more likely to use the most expensive health care—the emergency room—and that is a cost shared by many.

So put this all together:

• Unscientific claims about health risks (like Tylenol and autism) are being made with huge visibility.
• Mixed or contradictory guidance about vaccines is confusing people who just want to make safe choices.
• Insurance costs are skyrocketing, and many people depend on those exchange plans to get basic medical care.

The outcome is leading to people skipping care, delaying vaccinations or treatment, or being priced out of insurance entirely. It breaks trust. It undermines public health. And it contradicts the oath doctors swear — first, do no harm. Maybe RFK, Jr. doesn’t think that applies to him because he’s not a doctor.

We need policy based on science, transparent evidence, and responsible communication. We need leadership that doesn’t stoke fear but instead supports patients and clinicians with clarity. When the federal government issues statements, it must be accountable to science. And Congress needs to act so that people relying on health insurance marketplaces aren’t left completely exposed by disappearing subsidies.

Because without that, the confusion, cost, and harm will only grow — and the burden will fall on the most vulnerable among us.

Notable Economic Development News

I want to tell you about a few of my meetings this week that didn't make headlines but could be important for our continuing efforts to diversify our economy. First, there was the Bio Health Capital Region Forum held at US Pharmacopeia. I noticed a packed house as I gave welcoming remarks and talked about the reasons we are the heart of the nation's #3 hub for the life sciences industry. In the last year, we have seen AstraZeneca open its $300 million cell therapy center, a number of our smaller innovators advance their therapies, and the University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing (IHC) expand its staff here in the County to more than 100. We continue to welcome more collaboration and investment in the pursuit of medical innovations.

Because of that conference, the County hosted several international companies looking at different places to expand their U.S. operations. Nine medical device and diagnostics companies looking to expand to the U.S. had the opportunity to meet with companies at the Germantown and Rockville Innovation Centers, faculty from the IHC, the Fischell School of Engineering, and local regulatory consultants to learn more about the process and why Montgomery County would be a great place to do business. Meetings like this one help us pitch our area as a way to meet specific needs. From our conference room at the Leggett Executive Office Building in Rockville, company leaders were able to walk to the Rockville Innovation Center for a tour of the facilities. Montgomery County now has four innovation centers to help small businesses work without costly overhead. Montgomery County now has four innovation centers to help small businesses work without costly overhead. The latest innovation center, which focuses on helping businesses incorporate artificial intelligence into their products and services, will open its doors next week.

Finally, I want to offer my congratulations to Harbor Bank, which celebrated the grand opening of its first branch in Silver Spring on Tuesday. The bank is committed to supporting historically underrepresented communities. These are communities where funding loans can be difficult. The partnerships already created by leaders with the Montgomery County Black Chamber of Commerce and the Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce are a sign that they are ready to flourish here and help provide the kinds of resources that our community needs.

New Laws Starting Oct. 1

There are some notable changes in the law that take effect on Wednesday, Oct. 1, which impact Montgomery County and all of Maryland, ranging from new consumer protections to public safety changes. I’d like to run through a few of them now.

The Lowering Prescription Drug Costs for All Marylanders Now Act helps boost the power of Maryland’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board. The board can set upper payment limits for drugs sold in the State and aims to lower the cost of some of the most expensive medications.

The Maryland Online Data Privacy Act will set new rules for personal data collected by companies we do business with. The new measure would give customers the right to opt out of data sales and targeted advertising. Consumers will be able to access, correct, and delete the personal information a company collects. Data protection assessments will also be required of companies for activities considered high-risk.

Other measures will strengthen the laws against secretly recording or watching someone through video surveillance without their permission, force companies that offer subscriptions with automatic renewal to provide consumers with a way to cancel easily without costly penalties, and make it illegal to add medical debt to someone’s credit rating.

Criminal investigations into theft rings should also get a boost. New laws will aid in the prosecution of organized retail theft by allowing police to combine multiple theft incidents committed across different counties into one criminal case in any county where one theft happened.

We have spent a lot of time over the last few years talking about the Sgt. Patrick Kepp Act, and part of that law will go on the books in October. There will be additional penalties and points assessed against a driver convicted of reckless, negligent, or aggressive driving. The criminal justice system adds more offenses to the distinctions of reckless and aggressive driving.

Also starting Oct. 1, there will be new safeguards to help vulnerable people in the adult protective services system. Confidentiality will no longer be a valid reason not to report abuse that is witnessed.

Hospitals will no longer be able to sue patients over medical debts totaling less than $500, and housing covenants won’t be able to restrict the operation of family child care businesses or put undue limits on them. Late rent charges would be capped at 5%.

We are preparing our list of legislative priorities now, and that will continue over the next few months ahead of the next General Assembly session in January.

Ninth Annual Wheaton Arts Parade Returns on Sunday

This Sunday is the Wheaton Arts Parade. We are always working to create a welcoming, inclusive, and safe community for everyone, and the annual arts parade is one way we do that by highlighting the depth of talent right here in our area.

Wheaton is the center of our diverse County. We are home to Maryland's largest Hispanic population, and more than 40% of our residents were born outside of the U.S. Wheaton is a designated Maryland Arts and Entertainment District, which helps produce many artists, creators, and restaurants whose talents are on display during the arts parade festival.

I enjoy how unusual this parade is. It allows people from many walks of life to enjoy music, readings, and dancing. This parade brings together residents, artists, businesses, and civic organizations, including one group that helps tie it all together — the Wheaton Yarn Bomb.

We’ve invested heavily in Wheaton—from the $180 million Wheaton Revitalization Project to securing state aid for a future arts center and affordable housing. This event gives us a chance to celebrate Wheaton's creative side and showcase what makes it a beautiful and fascinating place to live, work, and visit. So, come out for the parade starting at 10 a.m. or visit the Marian Fryer Town Plaza through 5 p.m. for the festival.

Animal Shelter Capacity

Last weekend, our Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center put out a call to help clear the shelter of big dogs because of capacity issues. More owners are surrendering their dogs, and fewer pets are leaving the building. Because of this situation, we are asking anyone considering surrendering a dog to try all reasonable outlets first, like asking friends and neighbors if they are willing to take in a pet.

During tough times like these, the animal services professionals in the County are committed to helping both individuals and their pets. That’s why we’ve partnered with Home To Home— a shelter intake diversion program. Home To Home is a direct-to-adopter tool for pet owners.

This program helps pets find a loving new home without ever seeing the inside of a shelter. Through this collaboration, we can provide free courtesy listings for pets in the community who are searching for new homes. To visit, list a pet, or search for a pet in our area, visit home-home.org.

New Oak Barrel & Vine Store Opens in Wheaton

On Thursday, we opened the County’s newest Oak Barrel & Vine location. It is inside the Westfield Wheaton mall and replaces the former store on Georgia Avenue. This is the sixth store to carry the Oak Barrel & Vine name. From now through Sunday, it will offer special wine and spirit tastings.

The openings of these upgraded stores across our County have been well-received. Montgomery County's Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) generates over $35 million in net profits annually to fund County services. By reinvesting in our communities through stores like this, we are supporting local products and ensuring that ABS continues to provide real value for Montgomery County residents.

ABS is the alcohol wholesaler of beer, wine, and spirits for Montgomery County and operates 27 retail stores throughout the County. In addition, ABS manages alcohol licensing, enforcement, and education for more than 1,000 businesses. The County uses ABS profits to pay down County debt, with a large portion deposited in the general fund to pay for resident services that otherwise would be funded by County tax dollars. ABS also plays another role in our County, helping to prevent underage drinking.

Travel + Leisure Singles Out Two Cities in Montgomery County

I want to recognize the accolades that two of our “cities” just earned from Travel + Leisure magazine. They asked real estate experts along the East Coast for the best places to live, and Bethesda and Silver Spring both made the top 10.

Bethesda ranked #6 for its mix of downtown and residential benefits. Trails and parks also helped it score high marks. Silver Spring was recently listed as the #1 place for families to live in the nation. On this list, it landed at #10. It was singled out as one of the best areas for first-time homeowners across the DMV.

Many people think Bethesda and Silver Spring are their own municipalities – but they are not. They rely on the County government and are supported by two of our five regional service areas. I want to thank the staff at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase and the Silver Spring Regional Services offices for their work and Visit Montgomery for raising up our communities.

Jewish High Holidays

Earlier this week was Rosh Hashanah, the start of the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur begins at sundown next Wednesday, Oct. 1, and continues until nightfall the following day, Oct. 2. For the Jewish community, this is an important time marked by reflection, repentance, and reverence.

It is also a time to hope that the coming year is filled with personal growth and brings peace to all. Shanah Tovah to all who observe.

 
As always, my appreciation for all of you,

Marc Elrich

County Executive