Dear Friends,
This week, I participated in some exciting openings and special celebrations. Even though there is plenty to worry about and prepare for due to the recently passed federal tax bill, there are still many good things happening in Montgomery County.
One highlight of the week was getting to catch up with my friend, Congressman Jamie Raskin, who joined me for my media briefing this week. It is a conversation you can watch on the County’s YouTube page.
We talked about how there is still a lot to unpack as we gauge the impact of the new federal spending bill. As you may know, the worst of these cuts won’t take place until 2027, but when they do, they will be devastating to millions of Americans. On the local level, nearly two out of three Montgomery County nursing home residents are supported by Medicaid funding. Without Medicaid funding, it is likely that some nursing homes won’t survive.
I’ve already been talking with the County’s public health leaders to prepare as best as we are able. Unfortunately, those cuts are only part of the problem. The federal tax bill cuts funding to fight hunger and instead funds ICE raids, prisons and cuts taxes for billionaires.
My office is getting questions from people impacted by federal job cuts, and they have many questions about their health benefits, unemployment support and what kind of jobs are available to transition to. That is why we helped set up mobilize-montgomery.com and work with our partners to bring together helpful i
I want to thank the County Council for its continued effort to be a reliable source for information. Its next United in Service and Support virtual meeting will be Wednesday, July 23, at 7 p.m. The meeting will focus on new opportunities and using workforce training and certification programs to find the next job. Residents can submit a question here at any time and make sure they are registered with a Zoom account in advance of the informational session. The webinar will also be broadcast on County Cable Montgomery and streamed on the Council's YouTube page if you miss it or aren’t able to get into the Zoom call.
I appreciated Congressman Raskin taking time to address some of these issues. I know he shares my disappointment and anger with the changes detailed in the bill and the ramifications it will have throughout our County and the rest of the nation.
AeroVironment Expansion Creates New High-Tech Jobs
I was pleased to see Maryland Governor Wes Moore visit Montgomery County on Wednesday to welcome AeroVironment, Inc.'s new manufacturing and development facility.
The County provided a $100,000 conditional grant through our Economic Development Fund to support their hiring of 200 high-tech jobs here. The Maryland Department of Commerce contributed a $1 million conditional loan and a $50,000 grant through the Partnership for Workforce Quality program to support this job growth and keep 400 other jobs in Maryland.
The new cutting-edge research, development and manufacturing facility in Germantown represents a major investment in the State’s thriving innovation economy. Inside, advanced engineering labs and production spaces will accelerate critical technologies, especially in satellite and other space and AI solutions.
The new facility is already busy with talented employees working in high-tech, high-paying jobs. Congratulations to AeroVironment and to our workforce skilled in innovation and advanced technologies.
Innovation Helps Energize County Employees
Earlier this week, I heard from dozens of our Montgomery County employees involved in our Innovation Accelerator, a program that empowers County workers to get involved in improving services to residents. There were 75 county employees in this “graduating class”, looking for ways to improve their departments from within. They are advancing new ways to make the government more efficient and more friendly for the customers we serve and the workers who deliver the services.
I started this Accelerator program when I became County Executive. It is great to see the enthusiasm and pride shown by our employees who have completed projects to improve the government from the inside out. In many instances, they know best what works and what doesn’t, and we are leaning on their experience and passion to make a better product for our residents. You can read about some of the projects in the Bright Spots section at montgomerycountymd.gov/innovation.
Honoring County Employee Ryan Jesien as National Animal Control Officer of the Year
Speaking of County employees, I’m pleased to tell you that Montgomery County Animal Services Officer Ryan Jesien has been recognized by the National Animal Care & Control Association with the 2025 Animal Control Officer of the Year Award. This week, we recognized his work with a presentation at the County Council that you can watch here.
Ryan’s dedication is clear in his work. He shows up for the tough calls, including rescuing orphaned kittens late at night or helping remove a dangerous animal from a neighborhood. He does it with compassion, professionalism and a deep sense of responsibility to the people and animals in our community. His coworkers say he’s the kind of person you always want on your team: someone who is steady, thoughtful and committed to doing the right thing.
This national recognition reflects Ryan’s hard work, but it also speaks to the values we hold in Montgomery County. We believe in public service and community. Ryan does his job with integrity, fairness and respect while demonstrating great leadership. Thank you, Ryan, for representing our County so well. We're lucky to have him.
County Continues to Grow Agritourism
I want to invite you to experience the agricultural side of Montgomery County through the 2025 Annual Farm Tour and Harvest Sale, happening Saturday and Sunday, July 26 and 27.
We’ve got 27 farms, orchards, breweries and wineries across the County opening their gates for free, self-guided tours. It’s your chance to meet the people who grow our food, see how it’s done and experience the unique character of our agricultural reserve.
Activities include tractor rides, pony rides, handmade crafts and beverage tastings for beer, wine, spirits and cider. Most importantly, you’ll get real appreciation for the work our local farmers do every day.
Montgomery County's diverse agricultural industry includes 583 farms and employs more than 10,000 people. According to the latest agricultural census, produced in 2022, it accounts for more than 70 million dollars in market value products. Over 330 of those farms produce food for stores and restaurants in Montgomery County and elsewhere. More than 225 farms raise beef, poultry and other livestock.
Two summers ago, we opened Crossvines, a multipurpose facility in Poolesville that is available for dining and can host large gatherings like weddings or company retreats. It is also a wine crush facility to help local farms produce their own wine. It is a wonderful place to visit, and you can learn more about what’s on the menu or how to book a tee time at the golf course by visiting crossvines.com.
The Farm Tour and Harvest Sale will happen rain or shine, though some activities might shift if bad weather is an issue. Most places are free to visit, but a few activities and food items might have a small cost associated with them. If you visit, leave your pets at home unless they’re service animals.
Supporting local agriculture is good for our environment and economy. It is part of how we build a more sustainable, connected future. So, I hope many people will be able to join us, grab some local wine, fresh flowers or stock up on their garden favorites.
You can plan your route with the Visit Montgomery Adventure Planner app and get the Farm Tour Digital Passport while you’re at it.
If you don’t make it, you can still experience the best of the Ag Reserve at next month’s Agricultural Fair starting Friday, August 8, in Gaithersburg. You can learn more at mcagfair.com.
Let’s get outside, enjoy the land that makes this County extra special, and buy local. I hope to see you on the tour.
Significant Anniversaries for Montgomery County Health and Human Services and the American Disabilities Act
While actions at the federal level are disheartening, here in Montgomery County, we have a few milestones to celebrate, including the 30-year anniversary of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. It was born this week in 1995 as four separate departments were consolidated: the Department of Addiction, Victim and Mental Health Services; the Department of Family Resources; the Department of Health and the Department of Social Services. Together, they became an integrated full-service organization that is unique in the state of Maryland.
Our DHHS team has repeatedly shown its dedication to this County. It was especially apparent during the pandemic when we worked together to “follow the science”, engage with communities effectively and save lives. DHHS has expanded partnerships to engage faith leaders, volunteers and local nonprofits and now has a robust infrastructure to help vulnerable populations. That network will be tested as we face drastic changes in federal support. We will rely on our experience and structure to meet the needs as best as we are able.
We also celebrated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at the DHHS gathering. This is Disability Pride Month, and it has been 35 years since the nation saw the Americans with Disabilities Act signed into law. It helped change the lives of millions of Americans by helping them access places they couldn’t before and protect them from employment discrimination. Social service programs ramped up due to the new law as well. There was a shift to community-based care for developmental disabilities, and the focus became helping everyone under the ADA umbrella adapt to the world. Think about that the next time you are on your bike and the sidewalk slants down at each intersection; everyone benefits from these improvements.
You probably don’t even notice the changes like ADA accessible bathrooms and ramps in public areas, but they are there because 35 years ago the ADA was signed into law. Groups like the National Disability Rights Network still protect clients from discrimination. However, millions of people have benefited from the changes enacted through the ADA.