March 28, 2025

Message from the County Executive Marc Elrich


Dear Friends,

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), based right here in Bethesda, is essential to our local economy and to the health and safety of people across the country. NIH employs about 18,000 people on its main campus. When you include the Food and Drug Administration and other parts of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services—also headquartered in Montgomery County—HHS is the largest employer in the County.

The people who work at NIH and HHS are doing work that saves lives. They conduct groundbreaking research, develop life-saving treatments and help us understand the causes behind diseases. That work is now under threat from the Trump administration and its allies, including Elon Musk and his so-called DOGE advisors.

On Thursday, HHS announced it will lay off 10,000 workers and close agencies. This major overhaul, directed by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., will reduce the department from 82,000 employees to 62,000 (another 10,000 agreed to resign earlier this year).

Let’s be clear—there’s no legitimate justification for what is happening. The federal administration is not improving efficiency; it is a mission of destruction that is undermining public health. And they are using the guise of attacking DEI—diversity, equity and inclusion—as if those goals would somehow weaken science. We know that is not true.

For decades, drugs were tested almost exclusively on white men. Perhaps people did not understand that the differences in our genetic make-up could affect a drug’s efficacy. Changes in the decades since that was common practice show the benefits of seeking diverse trial subjects because we know that genetics can impact how well a drug works on different populations. It is simply good science. People of different races, ethnicities and genders often respond differently to medications. If you ignore those differences, health outcomes get worse, and drugs become less effective.

The result of these cuts will be lives lost. It will deny over half the population (women plus non-white males) access to the most effective medications to treat them. Defunding critical research will mean more Americans get sick, suffer longer and lose trust in treatments that were not designed with them in mind and, therefore, are not as effective.

I think there is another more sinister layer to this attack on science. NIH (and anyone doing drug research) does not just work on finding cures; they also try to identify causes. Through that process, they are likely to be the ones who find the links between chemicals in our environment like PFAS or pesticides like Round-Up, along with micro-plastics, DDT and a myriad of other chemicals that have been introduced without adequate study that have been linked to cancer and other illnesses. And what follows is that when bad things are found, researchers will let us know that needs to be regulated. That is what industry leaders and Trump are trying to do—kill the research and kill the justification for regulation. They know exactly what they are doing and why they are doing it. So, what we are seeing is a deliberate effort to weaken the institutions that hold corporations accountable for the harm they cause.

This is not policy—it is a power play. It puts profits over people. And the people behind it know exactly what they’re doing. It’s malevolent. It’s harmful. And it has to be stopped.

I was very happy to have Dr. Francis Collins on my media briefing this week. He is one of the most accomplished scientists this country has produced. He led the Human Genome Project, identified genes tied to major diseases and served as NIH director under three presidents. After more than 30 years of service, he announced his retirement this month.

Dr. Collins discussed what these changes mean for NIH's mission, the thousands of people who work there and communities like ours that depend on strong public health institutions. He made a strong connection between medical innovation and the public sector work that is now in peril. I hope you can watch his presentation and listen to his brief ‘question and answer’ session with reporters on our YouTube page.

Launch of Mobilize Montgomery
This week the Montgomery County Government helped launch a new initiative called Mobilize Montgomery to strengthen the local economy, support local businesses and employees leaving Federal service.

The Mobilize Montgomery coalition includes the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, Maryland Department of Labor, WorkSource Montgomery, the Maryland Women’s Business Center and Rockville Economic Development. Several local chambers of commerce are also partners. Read more about the launch on thinkmoco.com.

Mobilize Montgomery is a centralized resource hub that ensures businesses, employees and residents have access to critical information and support during this challenging time. It is designed to be a one-stop shop for resources. The site offers connections to webinars, job posting websites and business incentives to the public.

Additionally, Mobilize Montgomery will allow local businesses to express their interest in participating in relevant events and enable interested employees to be notified of updated resources and upcoming events.   

The Mobilize Montgomery website can be found at mobile-montgomery.com. We hope this new resource is shared throughout our community and helps anyone impacted by federal actions and decisions.

Taiwan Trip

Last week, I was in Taipei to attend the Smart City Summit and Expo and meet with Taiwanese executives seeking to grow their businesses by entering the U.S. market.

Taiwan features a strong cluster of biohealth, cleantech and information technology companies. Some of these companies are looking to expand in the U.S. and trips like this give us the opportunity to pitch them as to why Montgomery County is a wonderful place to bring their U.S. operations.

Maryland Secretary of State Susan Lee, County Councilmember Andrew Friedson and business leaders from our community joined me on the trip. Those business leaders can make the strongest case for our community as a safe and welcoming place for foreign businesses.

While we were in Taiwan, I met with business prospects and signed an economic partnership agreement with the mayor of Taipei. I also met with the mayors of New Taipei City (seen above) and the City of Taichung.

The agreement was historic and Taipei's first of its kind in 26 years. Like our other G2G meeting, it focused on expanding bilateral trade and economic development opportunities to benefit both residents of Montgomery County and Taiwan.

It was a whirlwind trip, but I think we made progress in developing the kind of connections that will pay off for both of us. We met with industry leaders in biotech and AI and companies at the forefront of clean energy innovations that align with our County’s Climate Action Plan goals.

Working with Taiwanese business, government and academic leaders will help our County and the State create jobs and diversify our economy. Increased trade benefits all local businesses and consumers. Targeted international travel has many positive aspects, and I hope to share more updates with you soon.

FY26 Proposed Operating Budget


The public will get opportunities to weigh in on my proposed operating budget for the next fiscal year on Monday, April 7, and Tuesday, April 8. Residents are already signing up through the County Council website or by calling 240-777-2800. Four sessions are available, starting at 1:30 and 7 p.m. each day. The deadline to sign up is Friday, April 4.

As indicated in the picture above you can watch my budget presentation on Facebook and YouTube.

Last week, the General Assembly and the Governor agreed to a budget framework that provided greater clarity on the potential impacts of our proposed FY26 budget. However, many costs and benefits are still unknown, which made it impossible to have a final budget when we released it on March 14th.

We are still unsure about some large dollar figures. The State will likely shift more of the teacher pensions from the State to the County. That could be close to $20 million shifted to the County. Blueprint for Maryland’s Future costs that are shifted from the State to the County could add up to another $20 million. On the bright side, the County could see some new revenue through income tax changes.

Our budget considered the worst-case scenario, which is reflected in the 3.5-cent property increase. If the budget impacts are reduced, which we hope for, then our revised budget proposal will lower the proposed increase accordingly. I am proposing this property tax increase for MCPS to ensure that per-pupil funding in Montgomery County rises. It is also a way to plan for losses in State funding. Importantly for the schools, this proposed budget improves the ratio of teachers to students with special needs. There are specific legal requirements we need to meet, and MCPS is at the point where they and the County could be held legally liable for not providing proper support for these students and their families.

Our budget also proposed an increased tax credit for homeowners. The additional $168 credit would offset the tax increase for homes assessed at $495,000 or less. Houses assessed at $1 million would see their taxes increase by $350 but the credit would reduce that to $182. We tried to introduce some progressivity into the tax, and this is the only way we can do it.

I would like to share some FAQs on this year’s proposal to help address some of the common questions my office gets about the budget.

Why is the budget process different this year than in previous years?

While the process remains largely the same, this year’s budget has been developed in the context of heightened economic and political uncertainty at both the federal and state levels. My proposal reflects a proactive approach to maintaining core services and financial stability despite inflation, reduced federal funding and anticipated changes from the Maryland General Assembly. The County has also built in additional reserves to safeguard against unanticipated disruptions.

How will the County respond if the General Assembly passes additional funding mandates or changes?

I will submit amendments to the budget after the State finalizes its budget. This ensures Montgomery County’s final FY26 budget accounts for any new State funding obligations or revenue adjustments.

How will this proposed budget be implemented moving forward, and how can I give feedback on these proposals?

I presented the recommended budget on March 14th. Next, the County Council will hold public hearings and work sessions before adopting the final budget in late May. Residents can participate in the following ways:
Why is the County Executive proposing a 3.5-cent property tax increase?

The proposed 3.5-cent increase on the education supplemental property tax is necessary to fund 99.1% of the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) requested budget and protect core services such as public safety, affordable housing and social services. Without this increase, significant reductions to critical programs would have been required. The increase will generate $56.3 million toward MCPS and will help maintain financial stability amid revenue challenges and rising service costs.

What are the property tax credits, and how do they work?

To reduce the burden on homeowners, the recommended budget expands tax relief:
  • Property Tax Credit increased by 25% (to $860), fully offsetting any tax increases for homes assessed at $495,000 or less.
  • The Property Tax Credit is automatically applied to your tax bill, no application or sign-up is necessary.
  • Other programs, such as the Homestead Tax Credit and Senior Tax Credit, also remain available to eligible homeowners.
Residents can learn more at the Montgomery County Department of Finance website.

Why did MCPS request an unprecedented increase in its budget?

MCPS requested a $284 million increase to address:
  • Rising enrollment.
  • Compensation for educators under new labor agreements.
  • Additional investments in special education staffing.
  • Enhanced school security.
  • State-mandated Blueprint for Maryland’s Future requirements.
The County’s proposed $250 million increase is the largest-ever local contribution and exceeds the State's Maintenance of Effort requirement by over $256 million.

What other fee and revenue increases are in this proposed budget?

The budget includes:
  • A Water Quality Protection charge adjustment for stormwater and clean water initiatives.
  • Solid waste fee increases to support solid waste processing, recycling and diversion programs.
  • Additional WSSC water rate increases of 9.8% (as requested by WSSC).
  • 911 fee increase for emergency communications costs.
  • Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) fees.
What cuts or reductions are proposed for County government operations in this budget?

The County identified savings and reductions through:
  • $16.8 million in targeted program reductions.
  • $28.5 million in vacancy savings from unfilled positions.
  • Slowing spending growth in certain non-core areas to preserve essential services.
How does this proposed budget assist in making progress in the following categories?
  • Affordable Housing:
    • Record high funding proposed.
    • $168.7 million to expand the preservation and production of affordable housing.
    • Housing Initiative Fund: $59.8 million
    • $25.4 million for Rental Assistance program.
    • $12.4 million for multifamily housing production and preservation.
    • $9.7 million for Housing First.
    • $5.5 million for homeowner down payment assistance.
    • $2.0 million for Building Neighborhoods to Call Home.
    • $4.8 million for other expenses.
  • Capital Funding ($108.9 million):
    • $107 million for Affordable Housing Acquisition and Preservation Project (including $75 million in new funding).
    • $1.9 million for Troubled and Distressed Common Ownership Communities.
  • Montgomery County Department of Police:
    • Expansion of the Drone as a First Responder program to Germantown.
    • 15 new security guards for Progress Place.
    • Funding to strengthen crime analysis, traffic safety (including a “Speed on Green” pilot), and public safety technology.
  • Montgomery County Fire Rescue Service:
    • New Basic Life Support Unit for emergency response.
    • Adds position to enhance public education and outreach.
    • Supports two civilian EMS educators for the high school cadet program returning uniform personnel to frontline response.
  • Corrections and Rehabilitation:
    • Addresses necessary cost increases for overtime and food and pharmacy needs.
  • Emergency Management and Homeland Security:
    • Replaces reduced Federal support with County funds for critical emergency response programs.
    • Continues $300,000 in one-time funds provided in FY25 to support nonprofit organizations at high risk of experiencing hate crimes ($1.2 million total program).
  • Health, Family Support and Youth Services
    • $2.2 million addition for School Health Services.
    • $1.5 million for Blueprint-required nurses in new community schools.
    • $414,000 for new Linkages to Learning at Burnt Mills Elementary, Greencastle Elementary and Silver Spring International Middle schools.
    • $290,000 to support sustainable nurse staffing and improve recruitment and retention of bilingual therapists.
    • $688,000 to expand Excel Beyond the Bell to East Silver Spring and Waters Landing Elementary schools.
    • $4 million for Early Care and Education Initiative to continue ongoing services and programs
    • Expands School-Based Food Assistance Grant Program to 20 additional schools using a combination of existing funding and a $300,000 enhancement.
  • Combating Climate Change:
    • $379.2 million in climate-related investments across operating and capital budgets.
    • Advancing closure plans for the Resource Recovery Facility (incinerator).
    • Expanding electric bus fleet to 112 vehicles by the end of FY26.
    • Continued investment in solar and microgrid infrastructure.
  • Economic Development and Job Creation:
    • Fully Funds Montgomery College’s request without additional County dollars ($11.0 million or 3.3% increase).
    • $2.5 million for WorkSource Montgomery for job training and workforce programs.
    • $580,000 to support BioHub Maryland’s life sciences efforts.
    • $5.3 million for the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation.
    • $4.6 million for business incubators and entrepreneurial support programs.
  • Support and Assistance to Nonprofit Partners, Municipalities and Government-Funded Agencies:
    • 3% inflationary adjustment for nonprofit partners receiving County contracts and grants.
    • $10.8 million in multi-year community grants.
    • $1 million each for nonprofit technical assistance and nonprofit incubation programs.
    • Increased payments to municipalities.
Why are Ride On bus services proposed as fare-free in this budget?

Eliminating fares on Ride On:
  • Supports equity by removing a cost barrier to transit.
  • Avoids replacing outdated fareboxes and eliminates fare enforcement costs.
  • Supports climate goals by encouraging greater transit ridership.
How does the County’s budget prepare for potential economic uncertainty?

The County has added $87.2 million in reserves above policy requirements, leaving a total of $791 million (11.2% of revenue) in reserves. This provides fiscal flexibility in case of revenue shortfalls or unexpected state/federal funding cuts.
 

A Win for Prescription Drug Affordability


While the federal government has turned to protecting the profits of corporations (and specifically Big Pharma) over the health and welfare of people, it is good news that the Maryland General Assembly is looking out for consumers when it comes to prescription drug affordability.

House Bill 424, which aims to significantly expand the authority of the state's Prescription Drug Affordability Board, has passed and is now in the Senate. The bill was filed along with Senate Bill 357. Both would lower the amount consumers pay for prescription drugs across Maryland.

Delegates successfully fended off amendments that sought to protect parts of the pharmaceutical industry and we hope the same thing happens in the Senate.

Efforts to expand the Prescription Drug Affordability Board go back several years and Montgomery County Delegate Bonnie Cullison has been a leader in these efforts. She has said this legislation is not about controlling prices but essentially telling drug companies there is a limit to what we can afford.

We have seen the price of drugs rise, sometimes without explanation. At the same time, the companies producing these products have collected record profits and they push for more in the name of reinvestment. We cannot allow their greed to continue to drain our state financially or put our residents at risk by pricing their drugs above reasonable expectations. You can go to Europe, Canada or South America and buy the same name-brand drugs we buy here but at a much lower cost. There is no rational reason for this other than the lack of political will at the national level to put an end to ripping off Americans in need of affordable drugs.

I want to thank Maryland Health Care for All, a tireless advocacy group that worked to strengthen this legislation and rally support behind it. Delegates Cullison, Anne Kaiser, Lesley Lopez and Teresa Woorman,  and Senators Brian Feldman and Katie Fry Hester have been co-sponsors of this legislation. They have helped bring it this far. With this expanded power, Maryland’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board will be a national model and show other states how to end the era of out-of-control drug pricing.

Amazon Fresh Opening Signals Continued Progress in East County

This week I was happy to help welcome a new Amazon Fresh store to White Oak Town Center. White Oak is an area that has waited a long time to see some redevelopment, and in the last few years, we have seen some real progress on that front.

The new grocery store is located on Columbia Pike within the White Oak Science Gateway, which has recently seen residential and retail development added, with more expansion to come. The anchor tenant joins other recent additions to East County, like the Adventist White Oak Medical Center and the Montgomery College East County Education Center.

An opening like this highlights our continued efforts to focus and invest resources in East County. This need was identified when I first took office six years ago, long after the White Oak Science Gateway Master Plan was adopted in 2014. Too many of the projects tied to that plan were stuck, and we worked hard to ensure they did not remain dormant. These changes mean more opportunities for residents in East County to obtain postsecondary educational opportunities closer to home and to find employment that doesn't require as long a commute as they've become accustomed to. It also gives us the opportunity to better serve this corridor through public transportation.

More projects are on the horizon, and more growth will add to the progress we have made along U.S. 29 into Burtonsville, like extending our Flash Bus Rapid Transit route into Howard County. I look forward to more ribbon cuttings at Hillandale Gateway and VIVA White Oak down the road and sharing with you more of the exciting developments in East County.

Debut of MoCo Eats Food and Beverage Showcase


Food lovers and the industry behind those treats have something to look forward to this weekend.

The first-ever MoCo Eats Food and Beverage Showcase will feature some of the area’s favorite restaurants, breweries, distilleries and local food producers. It is an opportunity to try new things, meet the makers and sample delicious new favorites.

The event will be held at the Hilton Rockville on Sunday and Monday, March 30-31. Day One will focus on the public. Food enthusiasts can explore our area's diverse food and beverages all under one roof. Day two will be geared toward the hospitality industry, giving culinary professionals opportunities to learn, network and grow.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Foundation for Hospitality and Restaurant Management by providing scholarship support to MCPS students interested in careers in this industry.

I hope this inaugural event is the start of a new County tradition. The more we help our local food scene improve and grow, the better it will be for our restaurants and their employees.

Please consider attending this event. For more information, go to visitmontgomery.com.

Recognizing the Importance of the Scotland Community

To close out this week, I would like to highlight the work done by WUSA9 shining a spotlight on the Scotland Community. They have produced a 30-minute special that takes a deep dive into why this is such an important community.

Scotland was one of the first Montgomery County communities where newly freed African Americans were allowed to buy property. It once stretched across 500 acres. It is now just 11 acres due to oppressive red-lining practices that kept the area poor and underdeveloped late into the 20th century. Developers took advantage and scooped up valuable land at a time when residents were forced to use outhouses and carry water across Seven Locks Road so they could use it inside their homes.

In the report, you will hear from descendants of those first Scotland homeowners and learn about the work to keep this community alive through decades of struggle. Lesli Foster tells an enlightening, engaging and heartfelt story, and I want to thank her for putting so much effort into it.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich
County Executive
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