Message from the County Executive Marc Elrich

Dear Friends,

Happy 4th of July. I hope everyone has a festive holiday weekend and safe travels. This week in lieu of my weekly video, I wanted to share a video from last week’s opening of Allium Place – a new housing complex just off of Viers Mill and Randolph Road near Wheaton that is affordable to families at different income levels.

Allium Place is an exciting project for multiple reasons, especially because it is the first of the completed projects that I initiated to use public land in the public interest to create more affordable housing, especially for families, and including ownership opportunities. Allium Place is made up of 195 homes: apartments, condominiums, and single-family houses with a full range of sizes, including 64 three-bedroom and nine four-bedroom units, which are rarely produced but desperately needed by families. It includes 3 single-family homes for purchase and 24 homeownership condo units. These homes are affordable to people across a range of incomes, with 25 units priced for households earning less than 30% of the area median income – that is $46,400 for a family of four.

We are about to open more affordable housing complexes and plan to open others soon. To read more about our progress in creating more affordable housing, please read our most recent Affordable Housing Pipeline report.

“Big Beautiful Bill” is Bad for Our County and Nation

President Trump’s "Big Beautiful Bill" that was passed by Congress this week will have devastating effects on our residents. As someone who’s worked on many budgets, I believe I can say I’ve rarely seen a proposal so short-sighted and damaging. It is a moral and fiscal disaster.

This bill proposes more than a trillion dollars in cuts nationwide to Medicaid. Here in Montgomery County, tens of thousands of residents are on Medicaid. They are low-income families, seniors and people with disabilities who would lose access to basic healthcare. Their coverage pays for doctor visits, mental health care and long-term services that allow them to live with dignity. If this bill passes, many of them won’t get the care they need.

SNAP – the nation’s most important anti-hunger program – would be slashed in this bill and would directly increase food insecurity in Montgomery County. Children would go to school hungry. Older adults would be forced to choose between meals and medicine, something that too many people already struggle with. Our nonprofits, schools and food banks would be overwhelmed.

Further cuts to the National Institutes of Health and other federal research programs would jeopardize thousands of jobs and destabilize the life sciences and biotech sectors we’ve spent years building. They are a core part of our local economy, a source of high-quality jobs for our residents and an invaluable pipeline for research for future discoveries and cures.

Rolling back support for clean energy, electric vehicles and climate innovation harms the planet and undercuts our efforts to fulfill our Climate Action Plan and reduce carbon emissions by 100% by 2035. It tells companies that their investments should be made elsewhere, eliminating jobs for generations to come.

Amazingly, this bill also increases the federal deficit by nearly $5 trillion. Why? To pay for even more tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest Americans.

I'm grateful for the work of our Congressional Delegation - Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, as well as Representatives Jamie Raskin, April McClain-Delaney, and Glenn Ivey - for standing up and speaking out against these efforts.

Importance of Independence Day

We can’t move forward as a community unless we understand where we’ve been. Here in Montgomery County, our history comes from the people who built this place, who fought for justice and who made progress possible. And if we’re serious about building a better, more inclusive future, we have to honor those stories and learn from them.

On this Independence Day holiday, as many of us come together to celebrate as a community, I hope you take a moment to reflect on the struggles that our nation has overcome, not just in its inception but in our lifetime.

You don’t have to look far to see it. Whether it’s the legacy of the Quince Orchard community, the resilience of Scotland, or the stories of our civil rights leaders who walked the same streets we do—their experiences shaped the County we live in today.

Our history includes painful chapters. Segregation. Displacement. Inequity. But we can’t ignore that. We have to face it, learn from it and commit to doing better. Our history also includes resilience and building community. History isn’t just behind us, it’s with us. It shows up in our schools, our neighborhoods and the choices we make as a government.

That’s why I’ve pushed for policies that focus on equity and inclusion. Whether it’s preserving historically Black communities, expanding affordable housing or making sure every child sees themselves in our classrooms, it’s all rooted in a simple idea: everyone deserves to belong here, and everyone deserves to be remembered.

So, when we talk about history, we’re not just looking back. We’re honoring those who came before us by carrying their work forward. Thanks for being a part of that.

Fireworks Safety Means No Fireworks

There is a simple rule to remember about fireworks in Montgomery County: even if you can buy them from a stand or a store near Montgomery County, you cannot set them off here. The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service lays out the law and what we typically see every year on its website.

Every year, it is important to remind everyone that personal fireworks are illegal in Montgomery County. They are outlawed for many reasons: they are dangerous and cause mild to severe injuries every year. Fireworks can also be a danger to our environment, carrying with them the risk of brush fires. Fireworks set off inside a home or garage could also put lives and property at risk.

You may hear fireworks going on somewhere nearby and think that it gives you permission to set them off too. That is not the case. Several neighborhood associations, private clubs and community groups get permits from the County to set up shows for their own audiences. The whole point of getting a permit is to ensure the right precautions are being taken to help keep everyone safe. Here is a list of this year’s permitted shows. If you want to report the use of fireworks in your neighborhood, don’t call 911. Instead, call the non-emergency police line at 301-279-8000 and someone will investigate the complaint.

Leave the fireworks show to the pros. Celebrate the 4th, ollow the law and don’t buy or set off fireworks within Montgomery County.

Start of the Fiscal Year Changes

The beginning of July is also the beginning of a new fiscal year which means the enaction of several new laws.

There’s good news for our young adults. Thanks to new state legislation now in effect as of July 1, the young adult health insurance subsidy program for monthly premiums (available for ages 18 to 37) is now permanent. That’s about $40 a month back in your pocket, and it’s helping more young people get covered, which keeps costs down for all of us.

And this month, Maryland is launching a new Office of Disability Employment Advancement and Policy. This office will focus on making sure people with disabilities have better access to jobs, training, and career growth. It’s part of the broader effort to make Maryland a model employer, something I know we in Montgomery County strongly support.

Maryland’s Budget Reconciliation and Finance Act of 2025 will raise $2 billion through new taxes to address the State’s budget deficit.

The State also created the Public Health Abortion Grant Program to help cover the cost of abortion for uninsured Marylanders or Marylanders who have been denied services through their health insurance coverage. The money comes from a $1-a-month fee that insurers pay. That pot has been growing by about $3 million per year.

Also starting this month, landlords must attach a copy of the current Maryland Tenants’ Bill of Rights to every lease, which is available in 18 different languages. The State’s Department of Housing and Community Development will update and release a new Tenants’ Bill of Rights by September 1 of each year moving forward, with an effective date of October 1. This annual release will include major changes to federal or state renter laws in addition to updates based on feedback from tenants and housing partners. For any local questions about tenant rights visit montgomerycountymd.gov/dhca.

This week on my weekly media briefing the County’s Chief Administrative Officer Rich Madaleno was joined by Del. Bonnie Cullison to discuss some of these topics and more. You can watch that discussion here.

These steps move us closer to a healthier, fairer and more inclusive Maryland community. Also, on that note, you can now use Ride On extra, Flex and Flash buses for free. We started waving all fares this past weekend, and it will be that way moving forward. Spread the word and get familiar with how our route system has changed as part of the Ride On Reimagined plan. I hope these changes help make it easier to take the bus.

Animal Services and Adoption Center Thankful for Emergency Foster Help

What an amazing community we have! In the last couple of weeks, you showed up for animals in need of a home and then relief from the heatwave.

As I mentioned briefly in last week's newsletter, the air conditioning system at the Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center failed, putting the health and safety of shelter animals at risk. In response, the Center quickly took steps to protect the animals by setting up fans, reducing outdoor time, and putting out an emergency call for foster homes.

The response from residents was overwhelming. So many of you agreed to temporarily care for dogs and cats that the Center had to fast-track the foster process just to keep up. These volunteers opened their homes and their hearts. Some even decided to make their foster pets permanent family members.

Thank you to everyone who volunteered, fostered, donated or shared the call for help. You showed how Montgomery County is a place where compassion leads the way.

The need for foster families and forever families for our animals is still high, even with the AC working again. If you are considering expanding your family by adding a pet, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices.

Montgomery County's Office of Emergency Management, Fire Rescue Service Offer Advice on Summer Heat Safety

It is easy to get used to your routines and not realize the danger you could be putting your children and pets in by leaving them in a hot car, even just for a few minutes.

The Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security is reminding parents to check the back before getting out of car. They suggest placing a bag or something valuable in the backseat so that your first step upon getting out of the car is opening the door to the backseat. Placing a child's toy, like a stuffed animal, may also help remind you to check for backseat passengers.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service are sharing other tips to help keep you and your family safe. They encourage you to drink 3-4 cups of water every hour that you are outside. Preventing dehydration begins before you go outside by drinking before you are thirsty and avoiding drinks with caffeine, like energy drinks. Recognize signs of illness like confusion, nausea and headaches. Take breaks in the shade that last 5 minutes or more. Be aware of factors that can make the heat more intense like humidity and plan accordingly.

Heat may impact older adults, kids, outside workers and people with disabilities more than anyone else. During these hot stretches, remember to wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothes that are light colored. Not every home has air conditioning, so check on your neighbors and take advantage of community buildings and public spaces nearby that can help cool you down, like libraries, malls and movie theaters.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich

County Executive

Message from the County Executive Marc Elrich

 

Dear Friends,

Earlier today, the Supreme Court made rulings on several key cases both of which are extremely troubling. You can read my statements on them here: Mahmoud v. Taylor and Trump v. CASA, INC.

Celebrating 195 New Affordable Housing Units at Allium Place

This week, we marked a major milestone in our efforts to tackle the affordable housing crisis with the opening of Allium Place which is located just off Viers Mill and Randolph Roads near Wheaton.

When I became County Executive, I set out to put unused and underused public land to better use—and housing was at the top of the list. This six-acre County-owned site has now been transformed into one of the most impactful affordable housing communities Montgomery County has ever built. Here are photos from the ceremony and video of my comments.


Allium Place includes 195 homes: apartments, condominiums, and single-family houses with a full range of sizes—including 64 three-bedroom and nine four-bedroom units, which are rarely produced but deeply needed by families. These homes are affordable to people across a range of incomes, with 25 units priced for households earning less than 30% of the area median income. This is what housing looks like when it’s shaped by community needs.

By partnering with AHC and Habitat for Humanity the County invested $25 million from our Housing Initiative Fund, along with the public land. The project includes on-site childcare, a public park, and free high-speed internet for low-income residents. This project embodies the kind of housing work we need more of—deeply affordable, family-friendly, and rooted in community.

Allium Place is part of a growing pipeline of impactful projects in the County that we have been working on: The Chimes in North Bethesda, Hillandale Gateway in East County, and preservation projects in Bethesda and Wheaton. This project demonstrates how local government can lead with purpose and produce the kind of housing that markets alone are not delivering.

This kind of work doesn’t happen by accident. It requires vision, leadership, and persistence. We’ve committed over $180 million in this year’s budget to support housing production, preservation, and homeownership. These policies and projects represent years of effort and a commitment to treat housing as a human right.

Allium Place is not just a building—it is a reflection of our values, our vision, and our commitment to the families who make Montgomery County strong.

We will keep building on this progress. Together.

Zoning Text Amendment that Changes Single-Family Communities Being Considered by County Council

While the opening of Allium Place is great news, I want to draw attention to something that is very concerning Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 25-02, part of what’s been called the “More Housing NOW” package.

The stated goal of the “More Housing NOW” package is to create more homes that are affordable to middle-income workers, teachers, police officers, healthcare workers and others. That would be a great thing, but there is no guarantee that this ZTA does that. ZTA 25-02 would allow multi-family buildings—duplexes, triplexes, townhouses, even small apartment buildings—in more than 25 corridors currently zoned for single-family homes. That’s a major change to neighborhoods across the County. 

These plans contradict what the council promised when it passed Thrive 2050, the General Plan. Thrive was supposed to be a guide, not a way to implement widescale zoning changes through ZTAs. Residents were told that Thrive was an overview, not a prescription, for what and where changes should be made.

The Council and the Planning Board told residents that actual changes would still follow the master plan process that has existed for decades. It requires community involvement and analysis of impacts on schools, traffic and the environment. In the master plan process, residents, businesses and staff all sit on master plan committees, discuss these complex issues and vote on recommendations that would go to the Council.

Now, major changes are being proposed via ZTA, where the only input residents are allowed are a few minutes of public comment. Our residents have basically been cut out of the decision making that directly impacts the communities they live in. This rezoning process offers no meaningful input about the direction of our community; we are left with decisions based on Planning Board analysis that single-family homes are bad, and our County should become more urbanized.

Of all the master plans completed over many years, neither the Planning Board nor the Council ever undid the nature of County neighborhoods. Homeowners give a lot of thought to where they choose to live. They rely on master plans for certainty. It is as if your input in shaping your community is no longer welcome.

These proposed changes are unprecedented. Between this proposal and the two other pending zoning measures, the ability to rely on the integrity of master plans is gone, and residents are not assured a place at the table when Planning and Council decide that your neighborhood should change.

Thanks to our existing master plans, Montgomery County already has zoning capacity for over 85,000 housing units, on top of 34,000 already in the development pipeline. Those numbers come from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

So, if the zoning is already in place and there are so many approved but unbuilt units, why are they not being built? There is a direct correlation between the lack of employment growth and stalled housing. Jobs drive housing demand. People need work before they buy or rent, and that work typically shapes where people choose to live.

Review of the existing, unused zoned capacity should happen first so we can determine whether and what type of changes are needed. This review should be done master plan by master plan, beginning with the master plans that have the most unused capacity.

We don’t need more zoning changes to create more housing; we need more affordable housing rather than focusing on high-end housing that serves a smaller portion of the population.

This ZTA doesn’t guarantee affordability. In fact, it could make things worse by encouraging the demolition of more modestly priced homes and replacing them with expensive new units. Even Planning’s own study shows that replacement units will cost more than the ones they replace. And developers can evade any requirement to build affordable units by simply building two houses on an existing single-family lot, rather than three units. 

As I mentioned earlier, this ZTA sidesteps the master planning process. It throws out the idea of community engagement and planning for infrastructure like schools, roads, stormwater and sewer capacity. 

I’m also concerned about the Workforce Housing Program this ZTA relies on. It hasn’t worked well. Since it began years ago, only 110 for-sale units have been created, and almost half of them are no longer affordable. On the rental side, most Workforce Housing units end up renting at close to market rate.

Before we expand this program, it must be fixed. Our Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) is studying how to revamp Moderately Priced Dwelling Units (MPDU) program to address affordability limitations. I have asked the Council to delay any final consideration of ZTA 25-02 tied to Workforce Housing until after these changes have been reviewed.

The ZTA passed the Planning, Housing and Parks Committee earlier this week and is now before the full Council. Let your Councilmember know how you feel, and you can ask them to return to the master planning process rather than passing the ZTA. I know there’s frustration about housing costs. But that’s exactly why we need real solutions, not zoning changes that offer the mirage of progress. This is simply another giveaway to developers, particularly townhouse developers who see these neighborhoods as ideal locations to build townhouses by clearing out single-family homes. And Park and Planning explained in their market study that new “missing middle” units are more expensive than the single-family housing they replace.

This ZTA and the way it was done break our master plans and turn them into a charade while facing very little public scrutiny. Remember, we’re not just planning buildings—we’re planning for people, and that should always come first.

New Laws Take Effect July 1

July 1 marks the start of the new fiscal year and the implementation of several new County and State laws. 

Beginning next Tuesday, gas-powered leaf blowers will not be legal in Montgomery County. We banned their sale last year, and now this is the next step of the law. 

This ban is a step toward cleaner air and quieter neighborhoods. I do not support the amendment being considered by the Council to carve out an exemption for landscaping companies. Battery-powered alternatives are now reliable and affordable.

We have several reasons for enacting this ban. Gas-powered leaf blowers are noisy and create pollutants that contribute to the carbon emissions that heat our atmosphere and make it more difficult to breathe. By adopting electric leaf blowers, we are all playing an active role in reducing harmful air emissions, lessening our dependence on fossil fuels and getting away from a device that contributes to hearing loss, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

On my media briefing this week, I was joined by Mary Travaglini, a program manager overseeing landscape programs for the Department of Environmental Protection. She is currently conducting outreach training to landscapers by request.

In her update to the media, Mary said emissions created by one hour of gas-powered leaf blower use are equivalent to a car trip from Washington, D.C. to Miami. That’s harmful to everyone, including the more than 6,000 landscape workers in the County.

Visit montgomerycountymd.gov/leafblowers for information on how to apply for limited rebate funds to purchase an electric leaf blower and to report violations once the law is in effect.

In Montgomery County, the minimum wage will rise to: 

• $17.65/hour for businesses with 51+ employees 
• $16.00/hour for businesses with 11–50 employees 
• $15.50/hour for businesses with 10 or fewer employees 

This increase is part of a law I sponsored when I was a Councilmember. It ensures wages keep up with inflation—a basic need that the federal government continues to ignore, with the national minimum wage stuck at $7.25/hour. 

Also starting next week across Maryland: 

• Increase penalties for dangerous driving, including the Sgt. Patrick Kepp Act to address the reckless speeding that we’re seeing 
• Expand speed camera use in road work zones
• Allow expungement of some criminal records tied to minor drug possession 
• Require insurers to cover hearing aids for adults 
• Make telehealth coverage permanent 
• Protect gender-affirming healthcare 
• Offer the GED in Spanish 
• Increase certain sales taxes, including on vending snacks, IT services and tobacco/cannabis products 

These changes are important, and I encourage everyone to stay informed about how they may be impacted. Find a full list of State laws in effect July 1 here.

Impacts of Dangerous Weather

This week’s heat was intense and there is more on the way this weekend. Even the overnight temperatures did not bring much relief, so I hope you and all your friends and loved ones are doing well. I want to remind you that County buildings like libraries and senior centers are open during regular hours if you need to cool off. 

I want to thank our Department of Recreation for supporting both our summer camps and residents needing air conditioning. Our pools have been busy, and staff have done a great job under tough conditions. I also want to thank our Department of Transportation for handing out free water to bus riders.

And nearly 50 people stepped up within hours to help our Animal Services and Adoption Center during their A/C repairs—we found temporary homes for the animals that were most affected by the heat, especially those with medical issues. More people showed up the next day.

Even as we get a break from the extreme heat, please watch for signs of heat illness—cramps, dizziness, or headaches mean it’s time to take a break. If someone faints, breathes rapidly, or has a weak pulse, get medical help immediately. If you are worried about someone living outside in this heat, you can call (240) 907-2688 to get them some help.

Last year, 27 Marylanders died from heat-related illnesses, including a Baltimore City sanitation worker who died on the job.  Last fall, the Maryland Department of Labor issued new workplace safety regulations requiring employers to act when the heat index exceeds 90 or 100 degrees. That includes providing water, shade and breaks. 

We’re monitoring the health of our outdoor workers, and I want to thank all the County employees out there doing critical work, rain or shine. Just last Thursday, after wicked storms passed through, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation received more than 170 reports of downed trees and debris, and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service responded to trees falling on homes and cars. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported. 

As we move deeper into summer, I encourage you to sign up for Alert Montgomery to stay informed about severe weather and traffic impacts. It provides immediate emergency notifications about bad weather directly to your cell phone via text, email or voicemail. The service can even keep you updated on when inclement weather cancels swim lessons, closes a pool or impacts fields across the County. You can check on athletic fields maintained by Montgomery Parks through its rainout page.

Pride in the Plaza This Weekend

Before we end June, we will come together as a community to close out Pride Month with Pride in the Plaza. It is happening this Sunday, June 29, from noon to 8 p.m. in Downtown Silver Spring. 

At a time when the federal government is undermining LGBTQ+ rights and trying to erase history, we’re doing the opposite. We’re standing up, protecting our LGBTQ+ residents, and celebrating their role in our community.

I hope you can join the festivities and be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community.

Fourth of July Festivities

Many of us will have the opportunity to take a day or more off next weekend to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday, which marks our nation’s independence.

I want to remind everyone of the two County-sponsored shows that are free to the public. Germantown Glory will be on Friday, July 4, at the South Germantown Recreational Park, and Mid-County Sparkles will be Saturday, July 5, at Albert Einstein High School. Both events will feature live music ahead of fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

Our community will also have other opportunities to enjoy fireworks starting this Saturday, June 28. The Department of Permitting provides a full list of permitted displays.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich

County Executive

Holiday Schedule for Independence Day on Friday, July 4

The Montgomery County Government and programs that impact County residents will follow a holiday schedule with changes for the observance of Independence Day on Friday, July 4.

Schedule changes for the holiday include:

• County offices—Closed.
• MC 311—Closed.
• State offices and courts—Closed.
• State Motor Vehicle Administration offices and Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program stations—Closed.
• Libraries— Closed.
• Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS)—All stores open 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Department of Permitting Services—Closed.
• Ride On Bus Service—Will operate on a Saturday schedule. View route schedules here.
• Ride On extRa Pink and extRa Lime—Will operate on a Saturday schedule.
• Ride On Flash Bus Service—The Orange Route will operate on a Weekend/Holiday schedule. The Blue Route (typically, weekday only) will not be in service.
• Ride On extRa (Route 101) and Flex—Will not operate
• MARC Train—Will operate on Saturday schedule on the Penn Line only. No service on Brunswick or Camden lines.
• TRiPS Silver Spring commuter store—Closed.
• TRiPS mobile commuter store—Closed.
• Metrorail—Will operate on a Sunday Holiday schedule with trains running from 7 a.m.-midnight.
• Metrobus—Will operate on a Sunday schedule.
• Public parking garages, lots, curbside meters—Free.
• County-provided trash and recycling collections—No collections on Friday, July 4. Collections for the remainder of the week will slide one day, with the final collections on Saturday, July 5.
• Shady Grove Transfer Station and Recycling Center—Entire facility is closed.
• Outdoor Pools— Open from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. & 3-6 p.m.
• Recreation, Senior and Indoor Aquatic Centers—Closed.
• For Montgomery Parks information, visit www.MontgomeryParks.org.


Additional information for Montgomery Parks facilities:

• Montgomery Parks headquarters and permits offices—Closed.
• Montgomery Parks customer service office—Closed.
• BMX Pump Track at South Germantown Recreational Park—Closed.
• Cabin John Ice Rink and Wheaton Ice Arena—Closed.
• Wheaton Indoor Tennis and Pauline Betz Addie Tennis Center—Closed.
• Indoor nature facilities—Closed. (Trails and nature play areas for all nature centers remain open from sunrise to sunset).
• Open Parkways will operate on a normal schedule for the July Fourth holiday weekend, except on the portion affected by the Purple Line construction. During this time, parkways are open to pedestrians and bicyclists and closed to motor vehicles.
• Sligo Creek Parkway between Old Carroll Avenue and Piney Branch Road will be on an amended schedule due to Purple Line construction. Click here to learn more about this change.
• Beach Drive between Knowles Avenue and Cedar Lane (2.2 miles) and Sligo Creek Parkway between Forest Glen Road and University Boulevard West Friday, July 4 at 9 a.m. until Sunday, July 6 at 6 p.m.
• Sligo Creek Parkway between Old Carroll Avenue and Piney Branch Road Saturday, July 5 at 7 a.m. until Sunday, July 6 at 6 p.m.

Montgomery Parks Presents Shakespeare Beyond at Four Locations in June and July

 

Join Montgomery Parks for their Shakespeare Beyond performances, featuring Chesapeake Shakespeare Company. They’ll be bringing a fresh twist to a timeless Shakespearean classic, The Comedy of Errors, Hon!

The Comedy of Errors is a lively and entertaining Shakespearean comedy, filled with mistaken identities and humorous misunderstandings. With its fast-paced action and playful chaos, the performance promises to be fun, engaging, and full of laughter for audiences.

These family-friendly events are free and open to all ages. Performances will take place throughout the summer at various park locations, so be sure to check the calendar below for the full lineup.

Concessions will be available for purchase on-site, and rain dates can be found below.

• Tuesday, July 8
  Lake Needwood Mansion. 6700 Needwood Rd, Rockville, MD.6:30-8:30 p.m.
  Rain date is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 9.
• Tuesday, July 15
  Black Hill Regional Park. 20930 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds. 6:30-8:30 p.m.
  Rain date is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 16.

Treats are available for purchase from Lavish Ice Cream.

Learn More About African American Living Legends Award Winners

During the County’s annual Juneteenth celebration last weekend, six people were honored with the “Living Legend Awards” at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown.

The 2025 award recipients were honored for their lifelong dedication in the areas of justice and advocacy, the arts, education, sports, entertainment, public service and other selfless acts of kindness. They are:

James Baker. A lifelong resident of Montgomery County and pillar of the Rockville community, James Baker has devoted nearly a century to service, mentorship and civic engagement. Born and raised in the historic African American neighborhood of Lincoln Park, he graduated from Lincoln High School in 1945 and soon after earned a World War II Victory Medal for his service in the U.S. Army. A dedicated NIH lab technician for over 40 years, Mr. Baker contributed to groundbreaking research, including the development of the polio vaccine. In the postwar years, he was a cab driver for the Black-owned Hitman’s Cab Company and a baseball player with the Legionnaires, a local Negro League team. Alongside his beloved wife Lillian, he became a surrogate parent to many, warmly known as “Uncle Son” and “Aunt Lillian.” Mr. Baker co-founded the Black Angels Boys Club, volunteered with numerous homeless shelters and social service organizations and served on the Montgomery County Community Development Citizens Advisory Committee. A faithful church member and longtime trustee of Mt. Pleasant Methodist Church, he remained committed to youth and education, even working as a bus companion for students with disabilities well into his 90s. Now 98, James Baker’s life of quiet leadership and unwavering generosity embodies the spirit of a true Living Legend.

Judi Moore Latta. A trailblazer in communications, academia and public media, Dr. Judi Moore Latta has dedicated her life to education, advocacy and storytelling. An award-winning journalist, Dr. Latta helped shape national conversations through her work with WETA-TV/FM, WUSA-TV and WRC-TV. At NPR, she pioneered coverage as its first education reporter, created the network’s first Hispanic daily news program Latin File and produced the Peabody Award-winning series Wade in the Water: African American Sacred Music Traditions. A longtime faculty member at Howard University, she served as professor, department chair and executive director of communications, becoming the first woman to lead WHUT-TV as interim general manager. A resident of Silver Spring, Dr. Latta volunteers locally and nationally in partnership with private and public organizations focused on marginalized communities. She is a co-founder of the two-decades old Girls Rites of Passage Program, a program of the Potomac Valley Section of the National Council of Negro Women based in Silver Spring. She continues as a member of the Council of Elders. A member of the Olive Branch Community Church in Olney Sandy Spring, Dr. Latta serves on several ministries and co-chairs the African American History and Culture ministry.

Catherine Matthews. A lifelong Montgomery County resident and devoted public servant, Catherine “Cathy” Matthews has spent nearly 50 years shaping local government and building stronger, more inclusive communities. Beginning her career in 1973 with the Department of Recreation, she rose through the ranks to become director of the Upper County Regional Office, where for two decades she championed community-centered service and regional development. Her leadership helped shape the growth of Germantown and Clarksburg through initiatives like the Germantown town center development, the Destination Germantown Initiative and the Germantown Youth Collaboratory. Beyond government, Cathy served on the board of the BlackRock Center for the Arts for 20 years and held leadership roles in the private sector, co-founding a firm supporting minority-owned businesses. Even in retirement, she continues to serve with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club, Leadership Montgomery and the Montgomery Parks Foundation.

Jo Ann Owens. A lifelong Montgomery County resident and multigenerational community leader, Jo Ann Owens has spent her life uplifting others through faith, education and compassionate service. Raised in the historic Quince Orchard and KenGar neighborhoods, she devoted over 27 years to Montgomery County Public Schools, earning multiple commendations—including the Superintendent’s Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award—for her exceptional leadership and commitment. In 2013, the City of Gaithersburg honored her legacy with a proclamation of “Jo Ann Owens Day.” Deeply rooted in her faith, she has served the First Baptist Church of KenGar for decades through roles on the Ushers Board, Hospitality Committee and as lead decorator for major services. Her tireless volunteerism includes mentoring students through the Everybody Wins! literacy program, delivering food with Germantown HELP, and supporting at-risk youth through Lead4Life, Inc. Her joyful presence has graced local cultural events like BlackRock’s performances and Gaithersburg’s Jubilation Day Gospel Concert.

Betty Holston Smith. A fierce advocate for natural living and lifelong fitness, Dr. Betty Smith has redefined what it means to age with strength, grace and vitality. At 84, she continues to run 60 to 100 miles per week, powered by a plant-based, junk food–free lifestyle and a deep connection to nature. A longtime Montgomery County resident, Dr. Smith is an organic vegan, marathoner, ultra-marathoner, deep-water running instructor and Tai Chi martial artist with more than four decades of practice. She has completed more than 93 marathons across all seven continents and over 30 ultra-marathons since 2007. A coach with the Montgomery County Road Runners Club and an advocate for youth fitness, she volunteers at children’s runs and continues to inspire runners of all ages. From breaking U.S. Track & Field age group records to celebrating her 81st birthday by running 81 miles through the night, Dr. Smith is a living testament to the power of discipline, nature and movement. Her book “Lifestyle by Nature” captures her philosophy and the transformative impact of her six-step lifestyle formula.

Delegate W. Gregory Wims. A sixth-generation Montgomery County native, Delegate Greg Wims has spent more than five decades advancing civil rights, public service and community empowerment. Raised in the historic Stewart Town community, his early experiences shaped a life dedicated to lifting others. He broke barriers as the first male Head Start teacher in Montgomery County and the county's first African American legislative assistant to serve in Congress. A lifelong advocate, he founded the Victims’ Rights Foundation, which has raised over $1 million for survivors of violent crime, including families affected by the 2002 sniper attacks. Delegate Wims has served on more than 40 nonprofit boards and held leadership roles in the NAACP at the county and state levels. His government work has focused on youth development, minority business advancement and civic engagement. Now representing District 39 in the Maryland House of Delegates, he continues to be a powerful voice for justice, equity and opportunity. His legacy is one of unwavering service and an enduring commitment to the people of Montgomery County.

 
James Stowe, director of the County’s Office of Human Rights, hosted the awards ceremony, which you can watch here. You can find pictures from the ceremony on the County's Flickr page.

Ongoing Purple Line Construction Will Bring Road Closures and Detours to Downtown Silver Spring Through August 21

Purple Line construction impacting downtown Silver Spring has begun. Crews will install light rail tracks, reconstruct sidewalks and complete stormwater drainage and utility crossings across the intersection of Wayne Avenue and Fenton Street over the next two months. This work will require a temporary full closure of the Wayne Avenue and Fenton Street intersection to vehicular traffic. To minimize disruption, construction has been scheduled to coincide with the local school summer break. However, some WMATA and Ride-On bus routes may be affected. Please check directly with your transit service provider for any updates or detour information. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times. Please follow posted signage and directions from on-site personnel. View detour map here.

Temporary Closure of the Eastbound Direction of East Wayne Avenue

Light rail track installation along East Wayne Avenue from Manchester Road to the Manchester Place Station is also underway. This work will require the temporary closure of the eastbound lane of East Wayne Avenue, temporarily making East Wayne Avenue a one-way street. East Wayne Avenue will remain open for vehicles traveling west from Flower Avenue. To minimize disruption, construction has been scheduled to coincide with the local school summer break. However, some WMATA and Ride-On bus routes may be affected. Please check directly with your transit service provider for any updates or detour information. Access to local apartments and for pedestrians will be maintained at all times. Please follow posted signage and directions from on-site personnel. View detour map here.

More information about additional construction updates is at https://www.purplelinemd.com/updates.

Tips for Dangerously Hot Weather

Since Monday, Montgomery County and the entire Washington metropolitan region have felt the blistering heat of the summer’s first heat wave. Afternoon air temperatures climbed close to 100 degrees and overnight low temperatures remained in the upper 70s to near 80.

Extreme heat affects the body's ability to regulate temperature, which can create dangerous conditions if appropriate safety measures are not taken. Heat may affect air quality, especially in urban areas, and may have a stronger impact on the elderly, children and sick persons.

Symptoms of heat-related illnesses may include painful muscle spasms or cramps, pale or flushed skin that may be damp or cool, dizziness, nausea, headache and weakness in the early stages. In extreme cases, red, hot, dry skin, weak pulse, rapid breathing and changes in consciousness can occur, in which case residents should seek medical attention immediately by calling 911.

County facilities, including libraries, swimming pools, recreation centers and senior centers are places to cool off during normal operating hours. Note that hours are more limited on Sundays, so check the department’s websites for more information. Public locations such as indoor malls and movie theaters could also be utilized. Before attending outdoor events, check with organizers as some may be cancelled or changed due to the extreme heat.

 
The following precautions may help residents remain safe and comfortable during excessive heat days:

• Stay indoors, whenever possible. Keep blinds or curtains closed to keep the inside cooler.
• Keep in mind: Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, they may not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a better way to cool off. Use the stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature.
• Avoid strenuous activities that can result in overexposure to the sun, such as sports and gardening. If you must do a strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning before 9 a.m.
• If you’re spending time outdoors, take frequent breaks in a cool, shaded location.
• Drink plenty of water. Dehydration, cramps, exhaustion or heat stroke can result from not drinking enough fluids. Water is the safest liquid to drink.
• Avoid alcohol or caffeine.
• When outdoors, wear proper protection from the sun. Light-colored clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are strongly recommended.

Sign up for the County's Alert Montgomery notification system to receive emergency alerts regarding weather and other emergency information. The Alert Montgomery System provides accurate and immediate emergency notifications from Montgomery County to your cell, work, or home phones via text, email, or voice message to receive notifications about emergencies that may affect your home, workplace, child's school, or any other locations within the County.

For general information about County programs and services, call 311. Information on hot weather safety tips is available on the Heat Emergency webpage.

Message from the County Executive Marc Elrich

Dear Friends,

This weekend marks the official start of summer, and for me, this time of year has always meant music—listening to it, watching it live or picking up my guitar and playing a little myself.

Music has always played an important role in my life, especially during times like these, when stress, anxiety, and uncertainty seem to be part of daily life. Music has a way of helping us breathe, reflect, and reconnect with ourselves and each other. It doesn’t fix everything, but it helps. And that matters.

This week, I’m sharing a special video from a conversation I had with my longtime friend Mark Wenner, the founder of The Nighthawks. I want to thank Silver Spring Town Center, Inc., for organizing the interview as part of Blues Week and the Silver Spring Blues Festival, which was held this past Saturday. Mark and I talked about musical influences, favorite venues, and how music has shaped our lives.

We have a thriving music scene here. We’re lucky to have so many talented musicians across every genre—jazz, blues, classical, Latin, go-go, folk, rock, and more—and there are plenty of opportunities to hear them live. Please check out the Visit Montgomery summer concert blog for where to see some free live music throughout the County.

I’d also like to hear from you. Who’s your favorite musician or band? What’s your favorite concert venue or summer music festival in the County—or anywhere, really? Do you have an all-time favorite concert? Send me an email at marc.elrich@montgomerycountymd.gov and share it with me. We’ll randomly select two entries and give them free tickets to an upcoming show at Strathmore.

I hope you enjoy the conversation with Mark, and I’ll be back next week with my usual video update.

Juneteenth Ceremonies



I want to thank and commend the Scotland community for putting their heart and soul into another wonderful Juneteenth celebration.

We gathered for more than the holiday. We honored the enduring spirit of a community that has weathered injustice, disinvestment, and even disaster, and still stands strong today.

A little over a month ago, we celebrated the reopening of the Scotland AME Zion Church — a 100-year-old institution that was nearly lost in a devastating flood back in 2019. You can watch a livestream of that historic reopening here.

Thanks to the relentless work of the Scotland community, the support of private partners and a strong commitment from the County government, that church has been beautifully restored and elevated, literally, to prevent future flooding.

This church is not just a building. It is the heart of this historic community, a place of strength and tradition, and it stands today as a symbol of what we can accomplish together when we are determined to preserve what matters.

Scotland was one of the first Black communities in Montgomery County, founded by newly freed African Americans after the Civil War. It was populated by people who, for the first time, could own land and start to build a future. Last year, Lesli Foster from Channel 9 did in-depth reporting about the Scotland community and its history; here’s a 30-minute video that tells its story. You can watch it here.

But over the years, policies like redlining and restrictive covenants stripped Black families of wealth and land.

The story of Scotland is a story of perseverance in the face of injustice. Rebuilding this church is one small part of righting that history.

We must keep telling these stories, not to dwell in the past but to learn from it, to ensure it informs the future we build together.

The Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival is now the largest Juneteenth celebration in the region. But more than its size, what makes it powerful is its meaning.

This festival is a celebration of freedom, yes, but also of culture, of resilience and the long and unfinished road to racial justice.

Juneteenth is a time to elevate Black voices and stories, especially those that have been ignored or pushed aside for too long. It is also a time to come together across communities and differences to celebrate what unites us.



I want to remind everyone that there are more opportunities to learn and celebrate. On Friday night, we honor African American Living Legends in our community, and then on Saturday, June 21, BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown will host the County’s Juneteenth celebration, Pushing Back: The Fight for Freedom is Not Over, from noon to 10 p.m. The celebration will include concerts and performances, cultural conversations, a vinyl record fair and more from local vendors. Parking near BlackRock is limited, so shuttles will be set up at the Montgomery College Germantown campus and Seneca Valley High School.

Juneteenth is not just a history lesson. It is a reminder that the work of building equity and justice continues, and it belongs to all of us. Every chance we get to honor Juneteenth reflects our commitment to lifting communities that have been left out for too long. This helps us all understand that when one community thrives, we all do.

BIO International Convention in Boston



I attended the BIO International Convention in Boston this week. It is the largest biotech industry gathering in the world, bringing together more than 37,000 people from over 20,000 organizations and 67 countries. I represented Montgomery County and promoted it as one of the best locations for biotech investment and expansion in the U.S. It is not on enough radars because most people understand that Boston and San Francisco are industry hot spots, but not necessarily Montgomery County.

In just a few days, I held more than 40 scheduled meetings with biotech companies and international delegations, meeting with company leaders from Japan, India, Taiwan, Korea, China, Ireland and Australia. Many of these companies are exploring new U.S. locations, and Montgomery County is high on their list because of our talent, infrastructure and commitment to innovation.



I also participated in regional meetings with leaders from Maryland, D.C. and Virginia, and signed multiple memoranda of understanding to build long-term partnerships. These include new agreements with the Mayor of Daejeon, South Korea—one of our Sister Cities—and with the Biomedical Translational Research Center in Taipei (photo above).

These meetings open real doors for future growth. They help bring jobs, research facilities and business partnerships to the County. I want to thank Maryland’s Lt. Governor Aruna Miller and Secretary of Commerce Harry Coker for leading Maryland’s presence here and helping to coordinate this effort to bring investment back home. Governor Moore and his administration have been valuable partners and leaders in this effort in a way we had not seen previously. After several international trips to Korea, India, Taiwan and China, and with the support of State leaders who get what we’re trying to do, our efforts go a lot further.

We know how to support life sciences companies through targeted tax credits, grants and the right partnerships. Montgomery County is more affordable than several other top-ranked bio health hubs and is home to one of the most diverse and educated populations in the country. We are also developing cutting-edge solutions to medical challenges through the new University of Maryland – Institute for Health Computing, based in North Bethesda.

We’re not trying to be Boston; we are doing something different. We’re building a future that is sustainable, inclusive and driven by real partnerships. I’m not the only one excited by all this. I found many company leaders very interested in joining us here to help build on their own success.

There’s No Place for Political Violence

Last weekend’s political violence in Minnesota was chilling. The killing of a state lawmaker and her husband reflects a growing level of political hostility in this country. The suspected shooter also injured another lawmaker and his wife the same morning and targeted at least two other elected leaders. These tragedies have undoubtedly added fear and anxiety to those just trying to participate in public life.

Yet, when asked about the attack and if he intended to reach out to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, President Trump, who was shot during a political rally leading up to the 2024 election, said, “Well, it's a terrible thing. I think he's a terrible governor. I think he's a grossly incompetent person. But I may, I may call him."

This is a typical Trump response. It is not morally grounded, and it fails to offer comfort or leadership, just insults. At a time of crisis, people look for empathy and support, not Don Rickles.

But this isn’t new; it’s the same disgusting vitriol that empowers individuals who think they can take violent actions into their own hands. We saw this type of response to Charlottesville, Jan. 6, the California wildfires and the air disaster at Reagan National Airport, and sadly, I think we will get a similar response the next time a tragedy happens.

That style of leadership, focused on personal attacks and political grudges, runs counter to the values that define a healthy democracy.

‘No Kings’ Protests

Millions of people across the country took to the streets last weekend as part of the “No Kings Day” protests. I was at the protest on New Hampshire Ave. in the Takoma/Langley Park area last Saturday, and the turnout was encouraging. People are organizing, and the movement for accountability and decency is growing.

In 1776, Thomas Paine wrote, “In America, the law is king.” His Common Sense pamphlet helped sway the public to the need to break away from British rule and form the country’s independence. Today, Americans still reject dictators, autocrats and monarchs.

The national mood is shifting, and it’s starting to show in polling numbers, including on issues like immigration. The reason why so many people are rejecting these policies isn’t political; it’s existential.

This country has a long history of treating immigrants horribly, sticking them in ghettos and forcing them into menial labor. I remember visiting relatives in New York as a child, and you could see the segregation and the danger it created.

The president does our nation a disservice when he calls all immigrants criminals. We know better than most that they seek opportunities. Last week, it almost seemed like he understood the impact his policies were having when he said the farming and hospitality industries would not be included in ICE raids moving forward. That was a short-lived reprieve: going from saying maybe he had made a mistake to doubling down on previous efforts.

Things can get worse. There is no reserve workforce to fill in for the work immigrants do. If meat-packing plants lose enough employees to force an industry shutdown, that would lead to major economic loss, impacting our grocery stores and restaurants.

This would be a crisis of our own making, but something that can still be avoided. I hope the will of the people prevails and that we see a more reasonable solution to what everyone agrees is a flawed immigration system.

Retirement Announcement of CASA’s Gustavo Torres



Gustavo Torres, the executive director of CASA, announced that he will retire later this year. Gustavo has played a major role in shaping immigrant advocacy in this region and social justice causes.

He helped build CASA from a small operation in Takoma Park into an influential organization throughout our region. I’ve worked with him since my days on the Takoma Park City Council, and I’ve seen the results of his passion and determination.

He’s been a real champion of the community, and his retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in our County’s history. CASA and others have been the voice of a growing minority in our County. They fight for workers, tenants, those facing injustice and those in need of a voice at all levels of government. I look forward to the opportunities we’ll have to honor him properly over the upcoming months and wish him well in retirement.

Return of Summer, Return of Severe Weather



This week’s severe thunderstorms knocked out power to more than 27,000 homes across the County. I want to thank our emergency responders, utility workers and County crews who worked quickly to restore power and respond to downed trees and other hazards. As we head into next week, we’re expecting extreme heat, with temperatures forecasted to reach the upper 90s.

This kind of weather can be dangerous, especially for older residents, young children and people with health conditions. Please make sure to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day and check in on your neighbors—especially seniors or anyone who lives alone. Remember that it is never okay to leave pets or kids in the car alone, even with the window open. For more safety tips, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/heat.

Now is also a good time to sign up for County text and email alerts at montgomerycountymd.gov/oemhs/alertmontgomery so you can stay updated on weather and emergency info.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich

County Executive