February 7, 2025

Message from the County Executive Marc Elrich

 

Dear Friends,

This week, we saw yet another example of how actions in Washington have consequences here in Montgomery County. The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that the White House is preparing an executive order to fire thousands of federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) employees.

That’s not just a bureaucratic shake-up—it is an attack on the people and institutions that protect public health and advance medical research.

HHS includes the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), two of the largest federal employers in our County. Their work impacts everything from drug approvals to cutting-edge medical research. Losing key personnel threatens not just the workers themselves, but the integrity of public health initiatives nationwide.

This is a difficult and uncertain time for federal workers, many of whom live and work in Montgomery County. A recent analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (below) shows 48,433 federal employees spread across 138 establishments within Montgomery County. That’s a significant financial impact.

An even larger number of federal employees live in the County – 77,550 according to the 2023 American Community Survey. And it is not just federal employees who are at risk. Contractors who support government operations, non-governmental organizations that rely on U.S. Agency for International Development funding, and the many small businesses—from restaurants to dry cleaners—that serve federal workers and their families are all caught in the ripple effect.

While we can’t predict what will happen for federal employees and other federal-related workers, we did want to share some resources. The State has a resource designed to help workers impacted by federal decisions. Resources for Maryland's Former Federal Workers and Other Workers Impacted by the Federal Government Transition can help answer questions about unemployment insurance and employment opportunities. Civil Service Strong, which brings together unions, non-profit groups, watchdog and legal organizations with ties to the federal government and Partnership for Public Service are two more options. I hope you share these links with anyone that needs it. are two more options. I hope you share these links with anyone that needs it.

I also urge you to stay informed by following our congressional delegation—Rep. Raskin, Rep. Ivey, Rep. McClain Delaney, Sen. Van Hollen and  Sen. Alsobrooks—who are actively working to oppose these harmful policies and provide information and resources to constituents as well.

Rep. Raskin said it well in response to this crisis: President Trump's election did not create a fourth branch of government called Elon Musk.

These are truly difficult times: we knew there would be challenges under this administration, but the scale of disruption we are seeing now is beyond what anyone anticipated. The economic damage could be severe, and we are closely monitoring the situation.

Beyond the financial impact, we continue to hear from residents who are living in fear—whether they are federal workers uncertain about their jobs or members of communities that have been actively targeted by this administration. Immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals and other vulnerable groups are feeling increased anxiety as policies are rolled out with little regard for their safety and well-being. We want you to know that Montgomery County stands with you. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please reach out—we have resources available to help.

Specifically, I want to remind you about our Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center, WorkSource Montgomery and the County job page. We will continue to do everything we can to support our workers, our businesses and our most vulnerable communities. We will not let Washington’s chaos define us.

Housing Proposals Need Careful Review  

Last week, County Councilmembers introduced a package of legislation and proposals that they titled More Housing N.O.W. Since then, my staff and I have received many questions and requests for comments about this package, particularly about the Zoning Text Amendments (ZTAs) that would extend the County’s Workforce Housing Program to corridors throughout the County. We have not yet had time to fully analyze either this proposal or the others in the package, but I want to give you my first impressions.

First, let me say that I appreciate that Councilmembers are trying to address some concerns that came up repeatedly around the Attainable Housing Strategies Initiative (AHS). As I have discussed previously, the AHS proposal from the Planning Board understandably generated enormous concern across the County. That proposal had extensive problems, many of which I have addressed previously, in person with community groups throughout the fall and in this video. 

Second, let me clarify that we all know that housing costs have gone up drastically – renters are facing high rents, and many would-be buyers are not able to find homes they can afford to purchase. The biggest challenge is for affordable housing for lower incomes and for people who make too much to qualify for Moderately Priced Dwelling Units (MPDU) but not enough to afford market-rate housing. That is the biggest problem. 

So, I think any proposed solutions must be clearly explained and they have to address the affordability issue. At this point, there is no evidence that these proposals address the lack of affordable housing for many people in the community – either for renters or homeowners. At least upon first review, the proposed zoning changes seem to be geared toward producing mostly market-rate housing, with only a small percentage of more affordable housing. The target of these proposals is workforce housing, and the County adopted a workforce housing program almost 20 years ago. Before expanding it, we really need to understand whether the existing program has produced the desired results. It is my understanding that the program has multiple unresolved issues; it is rarely used, it has design issues, and it is unclear who is benefitting.   

Separate from the ZTA is a proposal to increase funds available for downpayment assistance; that could expand homeownership opportunities, but that is a budget decision, unrelated to zoning. Such programs already exist but they are limited; they are a welcome resource for recipients. The Council may want to allocate additional funds for this worthwhile endeavor, but we need to be transparent that it is a budget item.

Our Department of Housing and Community Affairs has been analyzing what is working in our system and what needs to be changed. And that goes to a larger point about these proposals. They are confusing and they were developed and presented as a surprise to the executive branch and the housing, zoning and transportation experts we have and without community involvement, including our communities who had expressed concern about the Attainable Housing Solutions. The timing of the surprise announcement--before there was any public resolution of the AHS proposal—has created confusion as to whether the new package is a first step towards implementing AHS or is something different.  

Residents had reasonable expectations that they would be consulted after the public listening sessions this past fall. Now, they are trying to understand what the impact of these newest proposals would be on housing affordability and how these proposals will interface with their communities. Many of them are equally concerned that something will be rushed through before they understand what has happened. 

So, I certainly hope that any proposals will be carefully reviewed and explained with meaningful input from communities in all the affected areas. In fact, this countywide approach to rezoning that is in the Attainable Housing Strategies - and now is in these ZTAs - replaces the longtime approach of master plans that historically have engaged the affected communities. The combination of these two approaches has rendered master plans meaningless. The people who live here now – who work here, who are in our schools, who use our parks, our hospitals and our transportation system – they need to be part of the process and the decision-making. 

I would also note that some of the risks in the AHS proposal may also be present in this package. I’m concerned about the displacement of lower-income households along major roads. Currently, many of the homes along major roads are rented by lower-income families. One of the ZTAs could incentivize owners to sell their property for redevelopment. And very likely the replacement units would be smaller and more expensive than the existing housing. The impact of increased development on infrastructure also needs to be assessed. Primarily, this concerns schools, transportation and parking, but it also includes trees, stormwater management and flooding, emergency services, public safety and parks. Those are major issues for consideration that are central to maintaining our quality of life for diverse communities.  

So, at this point, there are many more questions than answers, and our residents deserve to have all their questions answered. We need to be very comfortable that these changes will actually bring us more affordable housing and that the County revenues that are proposed to be spent are the best use of those funds.

We will continue to review these proposals, and I intend to be an active participant in the conversations moving forward.

Please feel free to include me in correspondence – I can be contacted at marc.elrich@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Governor’s State of State Address


I was in Annapolis again this week to attend Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s third State of the State address. To me, it is clear that Gov. Moore is the right person at the right time to face the challenges upon us and lead us during this very challenging time.  

His administration is facing an unprecedented state budget deficit and the uncertainty of future federal funding support. Despite these obstacles, the Governor remains optimistic and has charted a path forward that, in his words, is “responding to the moment.”  

The plan focuses on boosting the economy, strengthening our workforce, modernizing government and creating a fair tax system. I am glad he backs tax reform that does not raise revenue through sales or property taxes on residents. 


A poll by the Washington Post and the University of Maryland (see above) shows how well-received some of these proposals are, with high marks for tax increases on high-income earners, sports betting and recreational cannabis.    

Montgomery County will benefit from a record investment in education. And at a time when federal investments are in question, some of the planned State spending would help create clean energy options, a critical focus when we desperately need to address climate change  

At the heart of this budget plan is growing the middle class, creating jobs and spurring economic development activity. We are doing our part. Montgomery County accounts for one-sixth of the state’s population but 25 percent of the state’s Gross Domestic Product.  

We will continue to focus on growing our life sciences, technology and hospitality industries while we also look for opportunities to create manufacturing jobs and invest in workforce training and our education system. We look forward to continuing partnerships and collaborations with the State on economic development efforts.

On Wednesday, Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller was my guest on my weekly media briefing. She discussed this strategy and gave some specifics on how to accomplish those goals. You can watch this discussion on the County’s YouTube channel.

Importance of Investing in Child Care


Last week, Gov. Moore visited the Wonders Early Learning Center at Leland in Chevy Chase to meet with parents and educators and discuss the State’s investment in education (pictures here). He noted that Maryland had jumped 20 states in fourth-grade reading level proficiency, going from 40th to 20th since the previous assessment. 

I want to thank the Moore-Miller administration for making child care a priority as we move forward despite a budget deficit. Here in Montgomery County, I have also made child care a top priority over the past six years by investing an additional $55.4 million over and above the base Department of Health and Human Services budget.  

In 2021, the Council unanimously passed, and I signed into law, the Early Childhood Education Initiative (ECE), which aligns efforts across Montgomery County Public Schools, Montgomery College and Montgomery County Government and creates a more equitable early care and education system for children from birth to age five. This collaboration maximizes public resources and strengthens system‐wide coordination to eliminate barriers and provide equitable experiences for all families. Its focus is on creating high-quality and affordable programs to help families. 

Our efforts helped establish a direct grant program for providers, create Family Involvement Centers throughout the County and grow the number of licensed family child care providers and scholarships for ECE educators at Montgomery College.   

We are specifically focused on the following:  
  • Aligning services for easier client and provider access. 
  • Sustaining high-quality early childhood programs throughout Montgomery County. 
  • Improving access and affordability to high-quality programs. 
  • Expanding the supply of child care facilities. 
We still have a lot to do. The County has 1,269 licensed child care programs, offering just over 43,000 seats for children up to five years old. With 57,000 children in that age range, a significant gap remains, even when you consider that some families will not choose child care, especially those who cannot afford it. 

As a former teacher, I know the value of early childhood education in a child’s development. Quality, licensed child care with proper teacher-to-student ratios is essential for working parents. More importantly, it is critical for their children. 


Of all the investments that we can make, early education is probably the most important and most effective program for ensuring that children start kindergarten with the language and social/emotional competence that creates a level playing field. I appreciate having a governor who gets it.

He understands that investing in early childhood education helps on multiple fronts. It is as much an educational priority as it is an economic one.  

I thank Gov. Moore and his staff for visiting Montgomery County and highlighting this critical issue for our families.

Black History Month and the Renaming of the Executive Office Building After Ike Leggett

This year marks 50 years since the very first Black History Month. Every year it allows us to look back at the contributions of Black Americans here in Montgomery County and beyond.  

It is significant to me because I do not think this country can heal and put itself on the right course until it deals with its own history. We have avoided real discussions about Black history for years.  

The Trump administration wants to prohibit federal employees from having those discussions. Anybody who has worked to address inequities in society and to help raise all people up is being targeted for removal from their jobs.


I am proud to say that Montgomery County will continue its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. In fact, I would rather use all three words than the acronym ‘DEI’ because it emphasizes how important each element is. This week I was proud to be part of the County’s Black History Month program. I appreciate the work being done by our Office of Racial Equity, Office of Human Rights and others to set up a wonderful program for our employees that was entertaining and educational. The picture above, from a celebration earlier in the week at the County Council, highlighted the importance of recognizing this month each year.

When lessons focusing on the inherent bias in many parts of our society were introduced under the term “critical race theory” - that effort was vilified. Critical race theory is just the telling of American history in the way that it actually occurred. That may be uncomfortable for some, but it’s reality. The end of the Civil War and the passage 100 years later of landmark civil rights legislation failed to create the necessary programs and changes to give full and equal rights to black Americans. Nor did it do anything to concretely address the consequences of three centuries of racism, bigotry and white supremacy. 

For too long, we denied that the aspiration of “liberty and justice for all” had no meaning for Black Americans. It is frightening to me that even today, there is a drive to pretend that enacting racist policies never happened and that its impact does not matter.  

In Montgomery County, we use this month to highlight educational opportunities through our libraries, recreation centers and even our Office of Agriculture. The Underground Railroad ran through our community, allowing slaves from the south to travel north to freedom.  This County was blanketed by plantations that used slaves, and when that ended, our predecessors found another way to block the benefits of freedom to the formerly enslaved people by placing racial covenants on much of the land. Those efforts to block renting and owning a home persisted into the 1960s. Understanding our complete history is absolutely essential.


To mark another historic event, we announced in December that the Executive Office Building in Rockville will be renamed to honor former County Executive Ike Leggett, the first person of color to be County Executive and a trail blazer in numerous ways. This renaming ceremony will take place on Monday, February 24 at 3 p.m. with speeches honoring County Executive Leggett and an official unveiling of the Executive Office Building’s new name.   

We expect a packed house to honor this great man and are asking people to RSVP. Please email us at leggettevent@montogomerycountymd.gov to reserve your spot at this historic event.
 
As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich
County Executive

February 6, 2025

Inaugural Super Bowl SoberRide® Campaign Launched to Prevent DUI in the DMV

Inaugural Super Bowl SoberRide® Campaign Launched to Prevent DUI in the DMV


This year for the first time, the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) will offer free safe rides on Super Bowl Sunday. On Sunday, Feb. 9 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 10, WRAP will provide rides to help keep local roads safe from impaired drivers during this traditionally high-risk period. More than one-third of U.S. traffic deaths during the Super Bowl involve drunk drivers.

Area residents ages 21 and older celebrating with alcohol may download the Lyft app to their phones and then enter the SoberRide® code in the app’s ‘payment’ tab (under the ‘add Lyft Pass’ option) to receive their no-cost (up to $15) safe transportation home. WRAP’s 2025 Super Bowl SoberRide® promo code will be posted at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9th on www.SoberRide.com.

More than one-third of U.S. traffic deaths during the Super Bowl involve drunk drivers.

For more information about WRAP and their work to prevent drunk driving and underage drinking in the metropolitan area, their website at https://wrap.org/.

Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s Decorated LoveFlash Buses Return for the Month of February 

 Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s Decorated LoveFlash Buses Return for the Month of February

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is celebrating love during the month of February with its Flash Bus Rapid Transit service. Five Flash BRT buses servicing Colesville Road/Columbia Pike (US 29) are decorated with neon heart lights and heart decals. In addition, starting next week, on Monday, Feb 10, riders who visit the Four Corners, Burnt Mills, White Oak and Briggs-Chaney Flash bus stations can snap selfies with special Valentine installations. 

Montgomery County residents are encouraged to take pictures of the buses or selfies at the decorated stations and post them to social media to be entered into a weekly drawing for a $25 gift card. To enter, snap a picture of a decorated LoveFlash bus or take a selfie or picture at one of the decorated Flash stations, and post it on X,  Bluesky,  Instagram,  Threads or Facebook and tag @MCDOTNow for a chance to win a $25 gift card in a weekly, random draw. Be sure to follow the @MCDOTNow account to ensure your post will be seen. The contest will run until Friday, Feb. 28.   

Avian Flu Update for Montgomery County Residents

Avian Flu Update for Montgomery County Residents

Montgomery County residents are encouraged to stay informed about the ongoing spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which is affecting wild bird, poultry and dairy herd populations throughout the U.S. While the risk to humans remains low, it is important to take precautions when encountering sick or dead birds.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture recently confirmed a case of HPAI, caused by the H5N1 strain, in a Montgomery County backyard chicken flock. The infected chickens have been euthanized to prevent further spread, and all exposed individuals are being closely monitored for any signs of illness.

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a contagious viral infection that has affected more than 149.9 million birds in the U.S., including commercial and backyard poultry. The USDA has also reported H5N1 infection in more than 950 dairy cow herds across the U.S.

As of Feb. 4, 67 human cases of avian influenza have been reported in the U.S., with one death. Forty of these human cases were associated with exposure to sick dairy herds, and 23 were associated with exposure to infected poultry. No person-to-person transmissions have been detected.

The virus spreads easily through nasal and eye secretions, as well as bird droppings. Wild birds, particularly waterfowl like ducks and geese, play a key role in spreading the virus from one flock to another. Backyard poultry owners should be especially vigilant, as the virus can also spread via contaminated equipment, clothing and footwear.

Backyard flock owners are required to register their birds with the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Registration helps protect both Maryland’s poultry industry and your flock from diseases like HPAI.

Though the risk of transmission to humans is low, residents should follow these necessary precautions to protect themselves. If you find a dead bird:
  • Personal Backyard Flock of Poultry​
    Call the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) Animal Health Program at 410-841-5810 (410-841-5971 after hours) or email md.birdflu@maryland.gov.​
  • Waterfowl (duck, goose, swan, gull) or Bird of Prey (hawk, falcon, vulture)​
    Call the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) Animal Health Program at 410-841-5810 or toll-free in Maryland at 1-877-463-6497 from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on state holidays.​
  • Songbird (cardinals, bluejays, etc.) ​
    Safe to dispose of on your own. The risk that a songbird has avian flu is extremely low.​
Wear disposable gloves to pick up a sick or dead bird. If you don’t have gloves, turn a plastic bag inside out and use it to pick up the dead bird. Place the bird in two plastic bags, throw it away in your regular trash, then thoroughly wash your hands.

Ensure that your pets, especially dogs, do not come in contact with sick or dead birds.

Residents can help prevent the spread of avian flu by avoiding areas with sick or dead birds and following the guidelines set by state and local authorities. Poultry owners should continue to practice proper biosecurity measures to protect their flocks.

For the latest updates and additional information about avian flu, visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s website.

Germantown Visioning Workshop Planned for Wednesday, Feb. 12

Germantown Visioning Workshop Planned for Wednesday, Feb. 12

Mark your calendar for the Germantown Visioning Workshop from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at the BlackRock Center for the Arts.

The Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce has grant funding to determine the feasibility of a Business Improvement District or Urban District in Germantown and they need the public’s help to craft the vision, mission and core values that will guide the future of the town center in Germantown.

Montgomery County Park and Planning will also be on hand to share information on the upcoming Germantown Sector Plan Amendment study, which will kick off soon. Visit Montgomery will share information on the Brand Rural Montgomery Initiative.

Register today!

In-Person Public Forum on Proposed Changes to Montgomery County Department of Transportation Ride On Bus Routes on Tuesday, Feb. 18

In-Person Public Forum on Proposed Changes to Montgomery County Department of Transportation Ride On Bus Routes on Tuesday, Feb. 18

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is hosting an in-person public forum at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18 at the Mid-County Regional Services Center, located at 2425 Reedie Drive in Wheaton. The meeting will be held in the 2nd floor conference room.

MCDOT is seeking public feedback on proposed changes to MCDOT Ride On bus routes 10, 34, 42 and a new route 40, as well as weekend service changes to Metrobus routes L8 and T2. These changes are planned to take effect on Sunday, June 29. Public feedback has the potential to impact these changes.

The following changes are related to the Year 1 implementation phase of the County’s Ride On Reimagined study recommendations and WMATA’s Better Bus network redesign: 
  • Ride On Route 10 (Twinbrook Station-Hillandale):  Discontinue and replace with new Metrobus Routes M42, M44 and M60. 
  • Ride On Route 34 (Aspen Hill-Friendship Heights):  Realign to Connecticut Avenue between University Boulevard and Veirs Mill Road, to serve portions of Connecticut Avenue that Metro Bus Route M22 will not serve. Discontinue service to Wheaton and Friendship Heights Metro Stations and move the southern endpoint to Bethesda Metro Station. 
  • Ride On Route 40 (new):  This new bus route will replace portions of Metrobus Routes Q2, Q4 and Q6 between the Wheaton Metro Station and Montgomery College-Rockville campus. 
  • Ride On Route 42 (North Bethesda/White Flint-Montgomery Mall):  Move the northern endpoint to Twinbrook Metro Station. Discontinue low-ridership service to Boiling Brook Parkway and to the William F. Bolger Center/U.S. Postal Service training facility. 
  • Metrobus Route L8 (Aspen Hill-Friendship Heights):  WMATA will replace Route L8 with Metrobus Route M22 and provide service on weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Ride On will no longer provide weekend service on this route. 
  • Metrobus Route T2 (Rockville-Friendship Heights):  WMATA will replace Route T2 with Metrobus Route M82 and provide service on weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Ride On will no longer provide weekend service on this route. 
Additional information on the proposed Ride On changes, including maps, is available on the MCDOT website.  

Individuals and representatives of organizations who would like to speak at the public forum are asked to submit testimony in writing by mail or email on or before Sunday, Feb. 16. The testimony should include the participant's full name, home address, telephone number, e-mail address and organization, if applicable.

Testimony can be submitted to the MCDOT Division of Transit Services, Ride On Public Forum at mcdot.rideonpublicforums@montgomerycountymd.gov. Individuals who have signed up to speak in person must provide a printed copy of their testimony for the record by Monday, Feb. 17. 

Written testimony will carry the same weight as spoken testimony. Comments may be written, faxed or e-mailed on the proposed service changes to the Division of Transit Services by 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28. Send comments to: 

MCDOT Division of Transit Services 
Ride On Public Forum 
101 Monroe Street, 5th Floor 
Rockville, Maryland 20850 
240-777-5800 (phone) 
240-777-5801 (fax) 
mcdot.rideonpublicforums@montgomerycountymd.gov

Interpreter services, including sign language, will be provided upon request with notice as far in advance as possible but not less than five (5) business days prior to the date of the forum. Large print format is available upon request. All comments will be considered before any changes are finalized. Public feedback and information provided will become a matter of public record.  

Montgomery County Seeking Nominations for Unsung Sports Hero Award

Montgomery County Seeking Nominations for Unsung Sports Hero Award

Do you know an individual or organization who goes above and beyond to increase sports opportunities for underserved communities in Montgomery County?

The Montgomery County Sports Advisory Committee wants to celebrate their good work with the Unsung Sports Hero Award. Nominees can be individuals or groups involved in coaching, officiating, team management, field maintenance, player transportation, training, equipment donations or any other efforts that promote equitable sports participation in the community.

Winners will be honored at the Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Celebration on Sunday, May 4. Nominations are being accepted now through Friday, Feb. 28. For more information and to nominate someone, visit Recreation’s website.

Montgomery Parks Offers an Inspiring Lineup of Special Events to Celebrate Black History Month


Montgomery Parks will offer special events during February to celebrate Black History Month and honor history, culture and community. 
  • Black History Month Family Day at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park. Saturday, Feb. 8, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, 16501 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring. Families are invited to drop in to enjoy hands-on activities, including compass making, mapping your family tree, sharing what freedom means to you and more. There will be story times at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Recommended for ages six to 17. Free. No advance registration required.
  • History Hour at Josiah Henson Museum and Park. Thursday, Feb. 20, 6-7 p.m. Josiah Henson Museum, 11401 Old Georgetown Road, North Bethesda. Historian Ralph Buglass presents an illustrated talk on how civil rights attorney Thurgood Marshall delivered an early blow to segregation in Montgomery County. The little-known case is often seen as the first step in Marshall’s drive to have segregated schools outlawed. Recommended for ages 12+. $5 per person. Tickets are available online and onsite. Guests may arrive early and tour the Josiah Henson Museum. Doors open at 5 p.m. Parking is available 1.5 blocks from the museum at Wall Park, 5900 Executive Blvd, North Bethesda.
  • Black History Month Family Day at Josiah Henson Museum and Park. Saturday, Feb. 22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Josiah Henson Museum, 11401 Old Georgetown Road, North Bethesda. Visit the Josiah Henson Museum and Park for educational, hands-on activities that demonstrate what a child’s life was like in Dawn, the settlement Rev. Josiah Henson created after self-emancipating to Canada via the Underground Railroad. Henson was a lifelong fighter for freedom and education. All ages. Free with paid admission to the museum. $5 for adults. $4 for children and seniors. Tickets are available for purchase onsite. Parking is available 1.5 blocks away from the museum at Wall Park, 5900 Executive Blvd., North Bethesda.
  • Oakley Cabin African American Museum and Park. 3610 Brookeville Road, Olney. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Free Tax Help Available for Eligible Montgomery County Residents


Montgomery County residents with combined household incomes of $67,000 or less can receive free tax preparation services through the Community Action Agency’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Virtual and in-person appointments are available now through April 10. In-person appointments are offered at several locations, including the Community Action Agency in Rockville, Casey Community Center in Gaithersburg and WorkSource Montgomery in Wheaton. All VITA programs serve residents filing with an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) and Community Action’s VITA program assists with ITIN applications on Wednesdays.

VITA helps connect residents with valuable tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit, potentially boosting your refund by thousands of dollars. To schedule an appointment, call 240-777-1123 or visit the CASHBACK website. Don’t wait—appointments fill up quickly. Download the VITA Partnership flyer, available in English, Spanish, French, Amharic, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese, to learn more about all VITA locations in the County.

January 31, 2025

Message from the County Executive Marc Elrich

Dear Friends,

It was a tragic week for our County, region and nation. On Wednesday evening, a commercial flight collided mid-air with a military helicopter at Reagan National Airport. There were sadly no survivors.

Our thoughts are with the families, friends and loved ones of all those who lost their lives. This is one of the worst air disasters in our region’s history, and the impact will be felt by communities across the Washington metropolitan area.

I want to acknowledge the incredible efforts of first responders, including those from Montgomery County, who worked through the night and continue to be involved in the response. While we provided some assistance at the crash site, many of our crews also covered D.C. fire stations while their members were responding to this incident.

All of our region’s first responders once again demonstrated how well we work together during disasters that impact us all. Their bravery, professionalism and dedication in the face of such devastation cannot be overstated.

We will continue to collaborate and support one another—not just in times of crisis, but in the ongoing work of protecting and serving our residents. Montgomery County stands ready to assist in any way necessary.

Federal Grant Money Threatened by New Administration

The Trump presidency continues to be marked by chaos and division—not just here in Montgomery County but throughout every community in this nation.

This week, President Trump made the unprecedented decision to pause all federal grants, loans and other financial assistance programs. After a federal judge intervened, granting a temporary injunction to keep funding in place, the White House’s Office of Management and Budget rescinded the memo ordering the freeze. However, the President’s press secretary stated the executive order that led to the memo on freezing funds was still in effect.

I found this to be a confusing series of actions both deeply troubling and potentially dangerous. Federal grants are not abstract line items—they are lifelines that fund essential services. The Montgomery County government alone receives hundreds of millions of dollars annually in federal funding, not to mention our school system and state programs that also rely on this money. Federal support is critical to supporting public health providers, housing assistance programs and services for the most vulnerable among us.



The graphic above categorizes some of the federal grant money Montgomery County received in 2022. The amount totaled more than $273 million across categories like health care, homeland security and FEMA reimbursements.

Public safety could also take a serious hit from a freeze on federal grants and loans. The money helps us equip and train first responders, support public health initiatives and maintain critical infrastructure. Without these funds, our ability to respond to emergencies, ensure public health and protect residents will be undermined at a time when our community cannot afford delays or disruptions.

What makes this situation even more damaging is the federal government's lack of clarity and coordination. The haphazard attempt to implement this policy creates chaos and uncertainty, leaving local governments and organizations in limbo.

I am thankful that our County’s congressional delegation is also actively and aggressively addressing these decisions. As we move forward, I encourage you to follow the information and updates provided by Rep. Raskin, Rep. Delaney, Rep. Ivey, Sen. Van Hollen and Sen. Alsobrooks’ offices. Please visit congress.gov for more information, resources and information on how to contact your members of Congress.

Federal Immigration Enforcement Actions

The President’s administration is carrying out a more aggressive approach to immigration enforcement than we saw during his first term. Reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents canceling leave and being given quotas suggest that enforcement actions will continue to escalate. 

These developments create fear and uncertainty for many of our neighbors, particularly in our immigrant communities. Montgomery County remains committed to being a welcoming and inclusive community. We will continue to support and protect the dignity and rights of all our residents, regardless of their immigration status.

Our local government does not enforce federal immigration laws—that responsibility lies with ICE. We continue to operate under Executive Order 135-19, which we issued in 2019 during the first Trump administration. This allows Montgomery County to focus on its role in addressing public safety while the federal government enforces immigration laws.


However, we recognize the critical importance of making sure all residents are informed about their rights and prepared for what may come. That is why we have partnered with community organizations, Montgomery County Public Schools and other agencies to provide resources and support. Our residents can find information on their rights, emergency planning and services on the Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center website or through this flyer, available in seven different languages.

MCPS has been a leader in this area, ensuring staff are trained on protocols that safeguard the privacy of students and their families. They do not share information with ICE.

It is also important to address how increased immigration enforcement can impact public safety. For years we have worked hard to gain the trust of immigrant communities that often come here fleeing oppressive governments.

Our federal government is eroding the trust we have built here, which can reduce cooperation and make it harder for our police department to keep everyone safe. Fear of deportation makes some residents reluctant to report crimes or cooperate with law enforcement. Our police officers are not tasked with enforcing immigration laws—they are here to protect and serve everyone in Montgomery County.

We will also hold the federal government responsible for following the rule of law. This week, we filed an amicus brief supporting Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown and other states and municipalities in their lawsuit challenging federal action to end birthright citizenship. This action was a clear violation of the 14th Amendment, and we expect that these lawsuits will prevail in a court of law. Montgomery County remains committed to ensuring that everyone feels safe and supported here.

So far, we have not seen anything that could be classified as a raid. People have been arrested but these are normal operations. We have not seen ICE lockdown neighborhoods or apartment buildings to conduct sweeps. They have not gone into restaurants or lined people up to check their status and make mass arrests. Yet. On the ground, things are as they have been— it’s just that these arrests are making headlines when they did not before.

The lack of clarity from the federal administration is to blame for making people scared. People are afraid because they think every time they see police, it is part of a mass deportation effort. Fear contributes to a climate of uncertainty, causing anxiety within our community.

‘Climate Smart’ Campaign Begins

The Trump administration could greatly impact the pace and scope of our progress on addressing climate change. Just this week, during a retreat for Republican members of Congress in Florida, President Donald Trump said this:

“They - referring to Democrats - have no idea what they are doing. They use the environment to stop progress, and we are not letting that happen.”

Clearly, we can no longer count on the federal government to support our efforts, but that will not stop us. In this day and age, it is crazy to try to halt the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and the construction of infrastructure like windmills and solar farms to decrease our reliance on fossil fuels. Burning coal and oil has created an unprecedented climate crisis that is unfolding in plain view; reversing course would make it worse.

Here in Montgomery County, we have set the bar high and charted a path to reduced greenhouse gases through a Climate Action Plan. We launched the initiative in 2021. By 2027, we would like to bring down emission levels by 80 percent from 2013 numbers, and we are working toward a 100 percent reduction in emission levels by 2035.

Research through the Yale Program on Climate Change shows that 77 percent of Montgomery County residents are worried about global warming. Unfortunately, the same survey found that only 47 percent of County residents discuss global warming occasionally or more. This shows that many people are worried about global warming but not aware of what to do about it. Taking it a step further, they do not know the impact they can have or that there are County resources in place to help.

This week, we launched a new initiative called Climate Smart to help us reach our goals. Later in this newsletter, we will discuss the campaign's details, including the pledge we are asking residents to make to be climate-smart at home. The pledge is an opportunity for all of us to come together and show how small actions can lead to big change. You can find the link to the pledge page through the Climate Action Portal.

Personally, I have been making these changes over the last several years by leasing and driving EVs, adapting my house to solar power, growing my own garden and reducing the waste my household creates. I hope that this campaign empowers all County residents to help make similar decisions in their households.

The Climate Smart campaign is built around a simple yet powerful idea: “Big Change starts small.” This slogan reflects a truth we all need to embrace—each of us has a role to play in addressing climate change and the small, everyday decisions we make, when multiplied across our community, can drive meaningful progress. To find out how many people are already making some of these changes visit mygreenmontgomery.org.

I also encourage you to watch the announcement of this program, which took place during my weekly media briefing. My guests were Sarah Kogel-Smucker, Montgomery County’s Chief Climate Officer, and Jon Monger, director of our Department of Environmental Protection.

Why We Need Differential Taxation

For our County to thrive, we need the right resources—and that requires smart revenue solutions. The Maryland General Assembly is exploring a key step forward by updating the state's outdated tax system and allowing counties to adopt differential taxation.

House Bill 23 would enable Montgomery County to set separate tax rates for residential and commercial properties, following a proven model that fueled success in Northern Virginia. The results speak for themselves— Virginia ranks first in the nation for business while Maryland trails at 31st. On infrastructure, Virginia is third nationally while Maryland is only 37th.

Businesses in Virginia willingly pay higher taxes than in Maryland. Why? Because they see value in what they get—better infrastructure, reduced congestion and improved transit access. Northern Virginia's use of special taxing districts directly funded projects like the Silver Line and major highway upgrades. They have created a business-friendly environment that continues to attract investment.

Meanwhile, Montgomery County remains constrained by outdated tax laws. Our current system was built for a time when we were primarily a bedroom community for Washington, D.C. It relies too heavily on residential property taxes. Back then, this was enough to support excellent schools and infrastructure. But Montgomery County now has more complex needs.

I want to thank three of the bill’s sponsors, Del. Lorig Charkoudian, Del. Julie Palakovich Carr and Del. Joe Vogel for putting this legislation forward. A committee hearing for the bill occurred on Tuesday, and the County’s Chief Administrative Officer, Rich Madaleno, testified on its behalf. You can watch that testimony through the Ways and Means Committee website with Rich’s testimony occurring around three hours in.

To move forward, we need the ability to raise new revenues and implement forward-thinking strategies—just as Northern Virginia did—to plan for growth, expand transportation options and boost regional accessibility.

We urge state lawmakers to give Montgomery County the tools to modernize our tax system, strengthen our economy and build a better future for everyone.

Black History Month Begins


Montgomery County will mark Transit Equity Day on Tuesday, Feb. 4 in honor of civil rights activist Rosa Parks. Her 1955 protest aboard a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, sparked a movement for civility and equal rights that would not be turned back. This upcoming Tuesday, all Ride On buses will be free of charge.

It is a fitting way to begin every February and Black History Month. I lived through times when racism, bigotry and hatred had an iron-clad clasp on society. It was marked by segregation and unequal justice, or more directly, it was the hallmark of injustice.

We are never going back to those days, and we will also not be satisfied with the status quo. We have made progress in Montgomery County as we have emphasized the equitable delivery of services for our community. We have made it a point to ensure that all our decisions are seen through a racial equity and social justice lens to ensure no groups are left out.

Unfortunately, policies that promote equity have been forbidden in the Trump government. Diversity, equity and inclusion language is being removed from government documents. You can’t speak of diversity, equity and inclusion. Workers are being asked to report other workers who may be favorable toward that to their agencies so they can be fired.

The struggle of the Black population in our country has persisted long past the end of slavery. It impacts access to education, the ability to build wealth and justice in our courts. These are things that have been tolerated for far too long, and they need to change.

To achieve equity, we must remain committed to breaking free from systemic and unconscious racism. We cannot roll back policies that bring disadvantages back into the fold. That would be a disservice to our history and ourselves.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

On Monday, we observed International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a solemn occasion marking the liberation of Auschwitz—a place where unimaginable atrocities were committed. Auschwitz stands today as a memorial to the more than six million Jewish men, women and children murdered during the Holocaust, along with countless others who were targeted by the Nazi regime. It serves as a reminder of the dangers of hate and the cost of silence.

Eighty years later, the horrors of the Holocaust remain a powerful and painful chapter in human history. Yet, despite the passage of time, we are witnessing a troubling resurgence of antisemitism. Holocaust denial, conspiracy theories and outright lies have spread with alarming speed, threatening to distort history and deny the suffering of millions.

This is why it is more important than ever to defend the truth. The stories of Holocaust victims and survivors must be heard, remembered and retold. Many Germans sat silent not believing that Hitler could be the monster that he was. He appealed to nationalism and demonized Jewish people and others as he broadened his attack on disparate communities. There are way too many parallels to our current situation to feel comfortable.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day is not just about reflecting on the past; it is a call to action. It is a reminder that we must reject bigotry, educate future generations and stand against all forms of hatred. Only by remembering the Holocaust can we honor its victims, ensure its lessons endure and work toward a world rooted in peace, justice and the unwavering defense of human dignity.

Lunar New Year Celebrations


One of the great traditions I participate in every year are the Lunar New Year celebrations. Over the past week, I have attended five celebrations (pictures are available on the County’s Flickr page) and joined the County Council in honoring this important holiday for our Asian communities.

I want to thank all the community groups, nonprofit organizations, businesses, volunteers and performers who organized and produced these festive events throughout the County.

This is the Year of the Snake, a year in which we are supposed to be wise and able to transform in a changing environment. I can’t think of a more appropriate sign to guide us in 2025.

Free Tax Assistance for Eligible Taxpayers


Tax season is upon us. Every year, too many people do not claim all the tax credits they are eligible for.

Our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) provides free tax help to eligible residents and connects them with valuable tax credits.

Montgomery County is one of the few jurisdictions that offers a local supplement to the State Earned Income Tax Credit, ensuring even more support for our families. This program not only puts money back into residents’ pockets but also helps build a pathway to self-sufficiency.

Later in this newsletter, you can learn more about the program, including details on who qualifies. Reach our VITA program by calling 240-777-1123 or visiting montgomerycountymd.gov/cashback.

Winter Restaurant Week Ends Sunday

There is still time to take advantage of Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week, which goes through Sunday, Feb. 2. More than 100 restaurants are offering deals, including some in Silver Spring, Bethesda, Rockville and Gaithersburg. Supporting our local restaurants is a great way to keep your money local, helping our economy.

Visit Montgomery has a link to find participating restaurants. While you are there, learn about the Moco Eats Food and Beverage Showcase, which will take place March 30-31. This is the first year of the event. Day one will focus on something special for foodies and spirit enthusiasts. Day two will center around the hospitality industry to help professionals learn and network. If you are interested, you can sign up to be notified when tickets are available.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich
County Executive

Did You Get a Delinquent Property Tax Notice? MC311 Can Help!

If you’ve received a delinquent property tax notice in the mail, don’t worry—MC311 is here to guide you through the next steps.

Here’s what you can do if you think the notice was sent by mistake:
  • Check Your Account
    Visit the County’s website to confirm if there’s a balance due.
  • Provide Proof of Payment
    If you’ve already paid but it’s not reflected, submit the correct documents:
    • Paid by homeowner or title company: Include canceled check(s) (front and back).
    • Paid by lender: Send a copy of your 1099 form.
    • Paid in person: Attach a copy of the canceled check.
  • Submit Your Documents
    • Fax: 240-777-8947
    • By mail:
      Montgomery County Department of Finance
      27 Courthouse Square, Suite 200 Rockville, MD 20850
Once your documents are reviewed, corrections will be made, and a revised statement will be sent to you.

Deadlines to Know

  • Delinquent notices for annual billing are sent in October and January.
  • Notices for the tax lien sale go out in April, with payment deadlines in April, May and June. If unpaid, the property tax lien will be sold at the June tax lien sale.

Still Have Questions?

MC311 is here to make the process easier. Call 311 or visit MC311.com for assistance. You can also contact the State Ombudsman Office at 833-732-8411 or email sdat.taxsale@maryland.gov.

Reach out today for help.







January 30, 2025

Ramping Up the Flash Bus Rapid Transit Network


A recent video from the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) provides an update on Montgomery County's planned Bus Rapid Transit network, Flash.

Flash BRT is Montgomery County’s branded Bus Rapid Transit network. With more than 100 stops along a total of eight routes, Flash BRT will offer high-frequency service to get people to their destination faster and less expensively than by car. The first Flash corridor opened in 2020 and currently operates on U.S. 29 (Colesville Road/Old Columbia Pike). The US 29 Flash has 12 stops and operates between Downtown Silver Spring and Briggs Chaney and extends to Burtonsville during weekday rush hours. The US 29 Flash has been a popular option, ranking as one of the County's highest ridership routes.

Flash is easy to use since it travels up and down a single main street. It is designed to arrive every few minutes, has upgraded amenities, pre-boarding payment, priority traffic light signaling, and travels along dedicated bus lanes where possible. Flash also offers amenities such as level boarding for wheelchairs, strollers and bikes, easy-to-use bike racks, and free Wi-Fi and USB charging. Much like light rail, Flash buses stop at each of the state-of-the-art stations so there is no need to pull a chord.

Public transportation plays an important role in the daily lives of Montgomery County residents and visitors, providing access to work, schools, shopping, health care services and more. Flash service fosters equitable communities by providing reliable mobility. It also boosts the local economy, provides sustainable transportation options, and supports a healthier, hassle-free lifestyle.

The County plans to expand the Flash network throughout the community with seven additional corridors and an extension of the US 29 Flash to Howard County next year. The Veirs Mill Flash project will be the next full corridor to be built out with construction starting later this year. The 355 (Rockville Pike) and North Bethesda corridors will follow soon after. Please see the detailed updates on upcoming Flash BRT corridors below and keep an eye out for Flash project engagement opportunities.



Join InterAct Story Theater for ‘The Monsters of Seahorse Island’—A Play for Families and Children About Bias and Conflict


The “Monsters of Seahorse Island,” a play for kids and families about bias and conflict, will host performances on two weekends, Feb. 1-2 and  Feb. 8-9, at the Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center in Silver Spring. This thoughtful and funny play includes lots of audience participation and is best for ages five and older. The Cultural Arts Center is located at 7995 Georgia Ave. Tickets are $18.38 for adults, $15.18 for children and free for children three and under. Find out more and purchase tickets on the Cultural Arts Center website at https://mcblogs.montgomerycollege.edu/cac/event/the-monsters-of-seahorse-island/2025-02-01/3/. InterAct Story Theatre is a theatre for young audiences and a multidisciplinary arts-in-education organization based in Wheaton. 

 Learn more about them at https://www.interactstory.com.

January 24, 2025

Message from the County Executive Marc Elrich

 

Dear Friends,

This week we have been watching the first days of the Trump presidency with a particular eye on potential impacts to our County and community.

We are still reviewing most of his executive orders to understand how they would be implemented and their impact. However, there are a few that I want to mention here.

The President’s executive order that pardoned all of the Jan. 6 rioters (nearly 1,500) and halted further prosecutions is very troubling. This impacts us here in Montgomery County. We had police officers at the Capitol on Jan. 6, and we continue to have police officers dealing with the physical and emotional trauma of that day. Pardoning everyone involved in this attempted takeover of democracy is a chilling message to send to our law enforcement personnel and others. If you look at the video footage from that day, you can see some of the individuals attacking police officers; they were later convicted for their vicious acts but now those convictions are overturned – the message from those pardons are quite chilling. It is also a sign of our sad state of affairs that President Biden had to issue pardons to those on the January 6 Select Committee – including our own Congressman Jamie Raskin – to preemptively protect them from political persecution. You can hear Rep. Raskin’s reaction here. These lawmakers and aides were doing their jobs and investigating crimes that happened right in front of our eyes.  

Another executive order withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, the United Nations treaty on climate change.


Montgomery County has set ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2027 and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2035. We have charted our progress, illustrated above in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), and we are working to make a difference. Our goals reflect the urgent need for climate action and our commitment to building a sustainable future. We will remain a leader in climate resilience and sustainability, investing in clean energy, expanding public transit and adopting innovative programs to support our Climate Action Plan, even though this federal government's actions will now hamper our efforts instead of enhancing them. Communities across the nation are feeling the impacts of climate change—snow in Texas and Florida, wildfires in Southern California, hurricanes in the Southeast and flash flooding and mudslides on the East Coast—we cannot deny or ignore climate change—we need to do everything we can to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Additionally, the President’s actions to demonize immigrants are not simply mean-spirited; it is also counterproductive. Our immigrant neighbors are vital to the fabric of our community and economy. I support Attorney General Brown’s decision for Maryland to join other States in a lawsuit filed this week to challenge President Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship.

We are also hearing from our LGBTQ+ community, who are outraged and concerned about the Executive Order to dismantle the legal and social recognition of transgender people. Last year, I was proud to support Maryland’s Trans Shield Act, legislation that was co-sponsored by Del. David Moon and the majority of our House delegation, that ensured that those states that banned gender-affirming care cannot use private health records against transgender Marylanders and their physicians. It is sad and scary that this community, which already suffers from high suicide rates and is often alienated from their own families, is now being victimized by its own federal government.

New orders would also effectively shut down an array of programs and practices aimed at reversing decades of systemic inequities and discriminatory practices that have disproportionately affected Black Americans. As I mentioned to the audience at Strathmore during the County’s MLK Birthday Celebration, we will not waiver in our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. At the core, they want to pretend that slavery never happened.

We cannot know what will be coming next from the federal government, but we do want you to know that we will do everything we can to uphold the values of Montgomery County.

Honoring a Fallen Hero


This week, I joined leaders, friends and family of Lt. Christopher Higgins in paying tribute to a hero. Chris was a 23-year member of the Montgomery County Fire Rescue Service who died this month answering a call for help. 

Those lucky enough to know Chris had the utmost respect for him. He was a master firefighter in title and in the truest sense of mastering the skills. He loved his work, and he did it well. He was a mentor and a role model. Last week, he was posthumously elevated to the rank of lieutenant.

During the ceremony, I heard the last and final call for Chris, but our community will join his loved ones in continuing to mourn this loss.

45th Annual Women’s Legislative Briefing


On Saturday, I will be part of the 45th annual Women’s Legislative Briefing organized by Montgomery County’s Commission for Women. We will be joined by Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, Comptroller Brooke Lierman and County Council President Kate Stewart to talk to leaders from our County and State about the issues facing women and the legislative work ahead of us at the local, State and Federal levels.

Now more than ever, it is important to be informed and engaged in political matters. The Women’s Legislative Briefing is an excellent way to empower more women to advocate for themselves and others. Find out how to register later in this newsletter.

Maryland Commerce Secretary Anderson Visits Montgomery County

As I mentioned last week, Governor Wes Moore released his Fiscal Year 2026 state budget proposal. His key focus will be to turn around Maryland’s stagnant economy by fostering an environment for Maryland businesses to start, grow and succeed, attract new companies to our state and create good-paying jobs and careers for our residents.

This week, we were pleased to welcome Maryland Secretary of Commerce Kevin Anderson, who visited with the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation’s (MCEDC) Board of Directors to better align the State’s job creation efforts with our County’s efforts.

This type of engagement and partnership is exactly what we asked for from Gov. Moore. Montgomery County is only one-sixth of our State’s population, but we account for about one-quarter of Maryland’s gross domestic product (GDP). This chart shows how the County’s GDP has been rising since 2020, though it has yet to include 2024 totals.

A strong Maryland economy relies on a strong Montgomery County economy. By working more closely together, we can share resources, leads and strategies that will benefit the state and County.

To learn more about our efforts to attract good-paying jobs, please visit the MCEDC website at thinkmoco.com.

National Mentoring Month


This week, at Council, I helped recognize National Mentoring Month. We see the impact mentors have within our schools and classrooms. When I was a fourth-grade teacher at Rolling Terrace Elementary School, I was asked to pick just four students from my class to participate in the school’s Community Bridges program. I easily could have given most of my class that opportunity and so did other teachers who placed students into the program.

Mentoring in our schools is not limited to academics. Sometimes, a meaningful conversation with someone you admire can teach you a lot about life. It sparks curiosity, engagement and a desire to learn more. Not all kids can talk to their parents; not all kids have someone they can talk to and get guidance from. I saw it back then and it remains true today: the need for mentors far outweighs the supply.

Adults can also find mentors to help with things like job training. I have friends who have helped older immigrants learn English. This is a way to help others fully integrate into our community.



We saw outstanding participation at last weekend’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service events. I want to thank the hundreds of people who showed up to help our community partners. These photos show some of the projects they worked on.

The County partners with numerous groups that could use more volunteers in a mentorship role. We are grateful for these collaborations and encourage more of them. Please browse through all the opportunities to help on our Montgomery County Volunteer Center website at montgomeryserves.org.

Lunar New Year


During this time of year, many of our communities are preparing for the Lunar New Year on Wednesday, Jan. 29. The holiday gives us several opportunities to celebrate the vibrant heritage, culture and incredible contributions of our Asian American community. 

According to this study by WalletHub, Montgomery County is home to four of the nation's 10 most diverse cities. Our diversity is not just a statistic but a testament to our community's inclusivity and welcoming spirit. 

Census data shows more than 160,000 Asian residents in Montgomery County, comprising 16 percent of our population. On my trips to China, South Korea, Taiwan, India and Vietnam, I have consistently heard how welcoming and friendly Montgomery County is. We have built a reputation as a community where diversity thrives.

Lunar New Year celebrations are always a highlight of my year. One of the things I love about them is that the celebration lasts almost two months, giving people multiple opportunities to interact with friends in their communities and celebrate their hopes for the new year. I look forward to attending many of this year’s festivities.
  
As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich
County Executive