July 25, 2025

Message from the County Executive Marc Elrich


Dear Friends,

Last weekend’s flash floods were shocking. I have lived by Sligo Creek for decades and have not seen so much rain fall in such a short time. I want to thank all the first responders and impacted residents for their quick responses and collected efforts to avoid any fatalities.


Montgomery County Fire and Rescue received more than a dozen calls for water rescues, but in some cases, people got help from those nearby before firefighters could arrive.

In the last 60 days, we've seen the most flood watches issued over a two-month span in the program's history. Those records go back nearly 20 years. Over that same span, we’ve received up to 15 inches of rain, which is five to seven inches above normal.

This week, at my media briefing, I was joined by our Chief Climate Change Officer, Sarah Kogel-Smucker, to highlight the correlation between these weather events and our efforts to combat climate change through our Climate Action Plan, which calls for climate adaptation actions, many of which we’ve already put in motion.

As shocked as I was by the severity of last weekend’s flooding, I was not as surprised to read this headline from NPR this week: “Trump's EPA now says greenhouse gases don't endanger people.”




I am appalled and outraged that the Trump Administration’s EPA is planning to repeal the agency finding that Greenhouse Gas emissions - climate change pollution - is deadly. EPA’s 2009 declaration, known as the “endangerment finding,” scientifically established that greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane endanger human lives.

Stopping federal regulation of climate change pollution just as we’re facing such real climate threats is irresponsible, cynical and deadly. This is another attack of the Trump Administration's “war on science,” and in this case, it would unleash dangerous levels of pollutants into our environment. We must oppose this effort and double down on our own climate change solutions.

Preparing for More Severe Summer Weather:

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, we are thankful to have flood sensors in key places throughout the County to help us gauge water levels. We’ll be adding five new sensors throughout the Upcounty by the end of the month, all of them in high-risk locations with a history of flooding. It is also important to monitor soil moisture and ambient humidity through the new Mesonet system so we understand when conditions could make us more vulnerable to flash flooding.

Some of the work we are doing includes:
  • Looking for ways to reuse water on-site.
  • Limiting runoff.
  • Expanding community gardens to make better use of our open spaces.
  • Planting over 18,000 shade trees to help reduce stormwater runoff.
We also want all residents to be prepared. During bad weather, Alert Montgomery can keep you up to date on storm warnings, government facilities that are impacted, and, in some cases, street closures due to flooding or downed trees. It is important to learn the difference between an alert and a warning and heed the warnings when you receive them.



Be aware of how to protect yourself, like remembering ‘Turn around, don’t drown’ while driving. Develop an emergency plan for your family that everyone is familiar with, so it is easy to react to situations that keep you away from home or keep you at home. Determining a meeting place is part of that emergency plan, which you can help form by visiting montgomerycountymd.gov/oemhs/plan/. There is also good advice about making an emergency kit.

Reaction to Council’s Passage of ZTA 25-02



This week, the Council passed ZTA 25-02, which could have some serious consequences in neighborhoods around the County. I tried to lay out the concerns in this memo that I sent to the County Council last month, but unfortunately, most of the issues in the memo were not adequately addressed. So, at this point, I want to echo the frustration and disappointment of many residents around the County. I appreciate that three Councilmembers voted against the ZTA: Council Vice President Will Jawando, Councilmember Kristin Mink, and Councilmember Sidney Katz, and I agree with Councilmember Katz's assessment that this will not increase affordable housing.

While I have multiple concerns about the ZTA, I want to highlight three points. First, this ZTA assumes that zoning changes to single-family neighborhoods are needed to increase housing supply, which is not accurate. Second, it is assumed that by passing this ZTA, if supply increases, then housing will become more affordable to the “middle income” – firefighters, police, teachers and others. This is also not true. Third, this process was a departure from the planning process of Montgomery County.

Now to explain.

First, as you may have heard from me before, we already have the zoning for housing to accommodate more people than are projected to come here by 2050. We are not like some cities that have been built out, and their sole option for accommodating future growth may require them to change zoning. In fact, according to the Washington Regional Council of Governments (COG), we can accommodate the housing we need “within existing comprehensive plans and zoning.”

We are not in the desperate situation that would force us to go into single-family zones to have housing built; we are not a County where all of the buildable zoning has already been built. We do need to look at existing master plans – not just the development pipeline – and review whether the high-rise zoning needs to be reduced in some places, perhaps to produce the type of housing that people want and can afford.

Second, studies by the Planning Department have shown that new housing is more expensive than existing housing. So, providing incentives to redevelop existing affordable housing, like single-family homes on corridors, will likely result in more expensive housing. That raises the question of displacement for people currently living in those homes, especially renters. The property owners now have a great incentive to redevelop and sell more expensive housing. We—the Council and I—received letters from residents who expressed that very concern.

Third, the current process cut residents out of a meaningful role in the planning process. When Thrive – the general plan, passed, Councilmembers assured the community that re-zoning would be done through the master plan process. People were told that Thrive was the “vision,” and the implementation would be through the master plan process. Instead, the Council is discarding the master plan process.

In recent times, residents get to talk to planning staff at a couple of presentations and write ideas on “post-it” notes, and then the ideas and votes happen without further comment from them. While it is being said that there was plenty of occasion for community comment, that is not the same as the planning process, which historically included a committee made up of residents and business representatives and with support provided by planning staff. Residents expressed concerns, opinions and suggestions, and while not all were accepted, they had a seat at the table and were an active part of the conversation. Then, reports were voted on and moved forward. I know this because I served on a sector plan committee in Downtown Silver Spring. There used to be a real role for residents who worked with developers to have real conversations and make decisions about the future of their communities.

The passage of this ZTA so quickly and affecting so many corridors and properties is deeply disappointing. Going forward, I hope that residents will demand to be active participants in the planning process. Right now, the residents of today are excluded from the hypothetical residents of the future. We need to plan for the future together with the people who live here now.

You can watch my comments on the media briefing here.

Bill Signed to Help Hire Former Federal Workers



Starting this past January, we have seen the struggle many Montgomery County families have gone through. Thousands of our friends and neighbors are facing job losses through no fault of their own. According to the State’s Bureau of Labor Statistics for June, Maryland lost 3,500 federal government jobs and 600 local government jobs that were likely tied to federal programs and funding. Overall, the decline in jobs totaled 8,500 while the State added 1,200 positions.

Budget cuts, downsizing and federal restructuring are creating real hardship for people who’ve dedicated their careers to public service. That’s why I was proud to sign Expedited Bill 10-25E into law.

This legislation gives displaced federal workers a fair shot at continuing to serve the public—this time right here in County government. It recognizes the value of their experience and helps ensure we don’t lose that talent. I want to thank Council Vice President Will Jawando for leading this bill and his cosponsors, Council President Kate Stewart, Councilmembers Marilyn Balcombe, Andrew Friedson, Kristin Mink and Laurie-Anne Sales. The bill passed unanimously.

The preferential treatment, unless still needed, will expire in 2027. Over the next two months, the County will develop regulations that address:
  • How to apply and verify displaced status.
  • How are they rated and placed in the highest rating category.
  • How to administer the preference.
This will apply to all Montgomery County residents who were federal employees, whether they were employed in Silver Spring or outside the County.

Despite policies developed by the federal government that create uncertainty and needless worry, we’re building a government that reflects the skills and strengths of our community, and this is a smart, compassionate step forward.

Maryland Governor Moore Part of Ribbon Cutting for Liatris, Inc.



The TwinLabs complex in Rockville is welcoming new clean-energy manufacturing jobs, and this week, I joined Maryland Governor Wes Moore for a ribbon cutting to celebrate those jobs

Liatris, Inc. is expanding its current operations to establish a Prototyping Center for Next-Generation Insulation. At this center, they will refine their technology and begin pilot manufacturing to demonstrate how their insulation is a better quality, more affordable, environmentally friendly and fireproof alternative. The company's technology outperforms the products, dominating the market today, and they expect to be a leader in the growing advanced construction industry.

Not to be too geeky, but it can create an R-30 wall in three and a half inches, which can’t be achieved with typical insulation without resorting to expensive foams.

This project has been on a fast track. Liatris has a pending application for the new Technology Innovation Fund grant money and has recently received both a Montgomery County MOVE grant and an award from the Maryland Department of Commerce’s Build Our Future program.

These County funds are a smart investment in our local economy, uniquely impactful where federal awards might not cover equipment purchases and where corporate partners prefer these tools to be locally owned and maintained.

For Montgomery County, it means economic growth. Liatris is expanding and hiring locally, co-locating with its research and development teams to maximize effectiveness and speed. It has already hired 15 people, and soon, it will scale up its manufacturing operations, offering better-paying jobs.

This collaboration between Liatris, the County and the State underscores our commitment to fostering innovation and supporting businesses that bring tangible benefits to our residents.

We want to invest in people who constantly want to push the envelope. Montgomery County is committed to reducing carbon emissions and to making our home a cleaner place to live. Supporting this company makes fiscal and environmental sense. It is an example of our commitment to building a more sustainable and affordable future right here in our community.

Working with Community Partners

Our nonprofit and community partners always remind us of our County's diversity and the powerful impacts they make. This past weekend, I joined the Montgomery County Muslim Foundation (MCMF) for their annual picnic. I look forward to this event every year for more than just the food. It’s a celebration of service, community and the values that make Montgomery County what it is.



In 2009, a small group of committed residents—led by Tufail Ahmad—came together to help their community. Today, it is one of our County’s most respected service organizations.

In 2012, the Foundation launched its food pantry to help feed neighbors and build bonds. That help was needed during the pandemic, and believe it or not, it is needed more than ever now. We have seen the surge in hunger issues not just persist after the pandemic but grow.

MCMF was also instrumental in spreading the word about the dangers of COVID-19 when it was running rampant throughout our community. We relied on them to communicate warnings and advice to keep our entire community safe.

I want to recognize the MCMF founders for their vision. Dr. T.O. Shanavas and the Foundation’s current leadership have continued their legacy. The MCMF shows us what it means to lead with compassion and meet people where they are. We know we can continue relying on them for food assistance, scholarships, and youth programs, or just being present in moments that matter. That helps make Montgomery County a home for everyone.

County Executive Makes Visits to Local Businesses to See MOVE, Technology Innovation Fund Grant Money at Work

I want to share a bit about my recent visit to four local businesses in North Bethesda and Bethesda, and what makes them special. These visits highlight my commitment to engaging with local businesses, supporting innovation and fostering community growth.



First, we stopped by SWTHZ, LLC, better known as Sweat House. It is a wellness studio owned by Brenna and Kevin Dorsey. The studio is Maryland's first location offering contrast therapy, like infrared saunas and cold plunges. It's fantastic to see them creating jobs and using a $22,000 MOVE Grant from the County to support their growth.



Then, we visited Artists & Makers Studios. This is a huge space in North Bethesda, led by owner and executive director Judith HeartSong, and it is home to 87 artists. It provides vital studio space and support for artists, boasting 43 studios, five galleries, and it is a hub for creativity. Artists & Makers Studios in Maryland is celebrating its 10-year anniversary and recently expanded the model to California and Arizona. It shows the power of local innovation spreading nationwide. They host First Friday Events each month, when the public is invited into their galleries. The next one will be held on Monday, Aug. 1 from 5-8 p.m.



Our third stop was SolutionsMet, LLC in North Bethesda, led by founder and CEO Michael Charles. Since 2017, they've been working to bridge the gap between people and technology, employing more than 20 people. They've been awarded a Montgomery County Technology Innovation Fund grant for their artificial intelligence tool, BeDecisive. They call it a guide through digital transformation, helping businesses run better. Plus, they're very active in community support and mentoring small businesses, which aligns with our County's values.



Finally, we went to Bethesda to visit Rooted3, an innovative plant-based restaurant and market owned by a fantastic mother-daughter team. Melissa Peppe and Molly Gibson opened in February 2024 and are unique for being the only restaurant in the DMV that provides a fully plant-based menu that is also free of the top nine food allergens. They offer a fast-casual dining option but remain focused on introducing healthy and great-tasting food. The company also prioritizes reducing our collective environmental footprint. Their outdoor courtyard with its 50-foot mural sounds is something worth checking out. They really embody the idea that "good food equals good mood.”

These visits underscore my commitment to engaging with our local businesses and helping them understand that the County can be a partner in their success. There are grants available and people throughout our Business Center, Regional Services, Department of Permitting, and more who may be able to help businesses work through challenges. It's inspiring to see dedication and creativity thriving in our local economy.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich
County Executive

The EV Tax Credit Ends on Sept. 30, 2025: What You Need To Know


On July 4, President Trump signed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which repealed and revised many tax credits for clean energy technologies, including the Clean Vehicle Tax Credit. But don't worry! If you've recently purchased or have been dreaming about an EV, you can still claim the tax credit if you take delivery of the vehicle on or before Sept. 30, 2025.

Buyers can receive up to $7,500 tax credit for the purchase or lease of select new EV models.

If you buy a used EV priced under $25,000, you can also receive up to $4,000. Note that the used EV credit is limited to vehicles purchased through a dealership, not a private sale.

Keep in mind that restrictions apply to household income, vehicle price and vehicle models. Check out the IRS website for all eligibility rules.

The Section 30C Tax Credit for EV charging equipment also ends earlier than expected, but you have slightly more time to act. The tax credit will be available on eligible projects until June 30, 2026. Look up your eligibility here.

With and without the tax credit, Montgomery County's Department of Environmental Protection will continue to work closely with local EV dealers to highlight savings opportunities and help residents and businesses with their EV charging needs.

July 18, 2025

Message from the County Executive Marc Elrich

   

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.
 
As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich
County Executive

Ride On Reimagined Year 1 and the Better Bus Network Launched on June 29, 2025

 Ride On Reimagined Year 1 and the Better Bus Network Launched on June 29, 2025

On June 29, 2025, Montgomery County and the region took a major step forward in public transportation when the Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT’s) Ride On Reimagined Year 1 implementations and WMATA’s Better Bus Network both officially launched. These coordinated bus route updates were designed to work hand in hand, improving service, simplifying transit and helping you get to where you need to go faster and more reliably across both transit services.

These changes were planned in collaboration to make transfers and navigation more aligned. By aligning our service changes, Ride On and WMATA reduce confusion and give riders a more seamless transit experience across both systems.

One difference in the roll out of changes is that MCDOT Ride On buses also instated zero-fare for all riders at the same time.

Ride On Reimagined FAQ can be found on montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-transit/changes.html.

Montgomery Parks Wants to Know What You Love or Would Change About Our Local Parks

 Montgomery Parks Wants to Know What You Love or Would Change About Our Local Parks

Montgomery Parks is asking members of the public what they want to see in Parks. The suggestions could include ideas for new parks, more funding for existing projects or updates or major renovations to older parks. Public input will be considered when the Park and Planning Commission outlines its budget priorities for the 2027-2032 Capital Improvements Program.

Parks leaders emphasize that public input on the capital budget help them prioritize projects and budget requests.

How to Submit Ideas:
  • Online at Engage Montgomery Parks (open through September 1, 2025)
  • In-person at the Park and Planning Commission Community Forum
    • Thursday, September 11, 2025, 7 p.m.
      The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC)
      2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton MD 20902
      Sign-up to speak here
  • Via email to mcp-chair@mncppc-mc.org
  • Fax to 'Chair Artie Harris' at 301-495-1320
  • U.S. Mail: Artie Harris, Montgomery County Planning Board Chair, 2425 Reedie Drive, 14th Floor, Wheaton, Maryland 20902

July 11, 2025

Message from the County Executive Marc Elrich

  

Dear Friends,

Like many of you, I’ve had the victims and families of the torrential flooding in Texas on my mind a lot this week. One of our Montgomery County Fire and Rescue team members was deployed to assist with communications efforts during the search and recovery effort, and our Urban Search and Rescue team is always ready to assist if needed and called upon.

Events like this remind us that extreme weather is becoming more frequent and more dangerous. We’ve seen it here, too, with sudden storms, flash flooding and record heat, underlining how critical it is for us to prepare for extreme weather here at home. I want to share the graphic below, showing emergency room and urgent care visits tied to extreme heat. You can see how suddenly demand for help spiked with the heatwave we experienced in June.


We’ve made major investments in early detection and alert systems to help us better respond to storms and flooding, like our flood sensor program, which is now operating across 35 locations in flood-prone areas. These are low-cost, solar-powered sensors, paid for by FEMA, that monitor rising water levels in real time and instantly alert our emergency managers and first responders. The federal government paid for the system initially, which the County now maintains and supports through County funds. The flood sensors help us act faster, whether that means warning residents, closing roads or dispatching first responders. With heavier rains and flash floods happening more often due to climate change, this kind of real-time monitoring has become essential for many departments responsible for protecting property, saving lives and getting us around town safely. You can read more about the program here.

We are also a partner in the Maryland Mesonet program, which just installed Montgomery County’s first Mesonet weather station last week at the National Capital Trolley Museum. This is part of a larger statewide system, led by the Maryland Department of Emergency Management and the University of Maryland’s Atmospheric and Oceanic Science Department, to build a more accurate, hyper-local weather monitoring network across the state.

We are expecting four more Mesonet stations to be installed in Montgomery County in the months ahead. I want to thank the State, the University of Maryland and our emergency management team for making this partnership work.

One of our Office of Emergency and Homeland Security emergency management specialists, Matt Miziorko, had the idea for the Mesonet system, and it was his initiative that got the ball rolling on this project under the last governor. You can watch the conversation we had during this week’s media briefing here.

We are currently mapping Montgomery County to identify flood-prone areas and, more importantly, understand how the water flows. We are working to understand how much of the increased water is coming from further upstream and how much is due to increased imperviousness and decreased absorption abilities on-site and nearby.


This is a good opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of having an emergency plan, something the whole family can easily follow to help escape danger and reunite quickly. Prepare a kit for different scenarios, including being trapped at home or away from home. The best protection is often knowing what to do when a disaster strikes.

Subscribe to Alert Montgomery to receive emergency alerts from Montgomery County directly to your mobile devices. Through this service, Montgomery County officials can send event updates, warnings and instructions directly to you.   

Strengthening Tenant Protections in Montgomery County


Montgomery County has made some important progress when it comes to rental housing.

Effective July 1st, the County can now sue landlords who repeatedly mistreat their tenants. I want to thank Councilmember Kristin Mink for her leadership on this bill and for standing up for renters in our community. This legislation, which I signed in April, closed a loophole that left too many residents without support. I’m glad we now have it in place.

With this change, landlords are covered by the Consumer Protection law, and “consumer goods and services" include rental housing. This means that landlords in Montgomery County are now fully subject to the same consumer protection laws as other merchants. They must not engage in deceptive, unfair or unconscionable trade practices. Landlords taking rent money monthly are expected to deliver goods and perform the expected services.

With this new law, the County will be able to bring cases directly to Circuit Court. This provides the County with new and more robust tools to induce compliance when landlords repeatedly fail to correct housing code violations. Instead of fighting for single citations, the County can now illustrate patterns of deceptive practices. The Office of Consumer Protection can seek damages, restitution and other forms of relief. The County will also have the power to seek preliminary, temporary or permanent injunctions against landlords that show a pattern of property neglect and noncompliance with citations.

Before this law, we could only issue citations for individual violations and wait for them to work their way through the courts, which often takes many months. We had to rely entirely on state agencies or civil action by tenants themselves to address the overall practice by the problematic landlord, even in cases where landlords were ignoring basic health and safety rules. Now, we can step in directly as a government to hold bad actors accountable.

We are protecting people from negligence and unsafe conditions. Over the years, far too many residents have felt powerless when facing unresponsive or abusive landlords. This bill gives the County a legal tool to intervene when landlords refuse to meet their responsibilities.

Unfortunately, some rental properties are in bad shape, and some landlords refuse to make the necessary repairs. It is frustrating when our County goes through the citation process at the courts only to have the issue fixed the day before a hearing, which, in essence, means landlords get away with delaying basic services.

Our Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) faced significant challenges in enforcing compliance. In Fiscal Year 24 alone, DHCA attempted to recover over $1.5 million in unpaid fines, but collected just over $100,000. These landlords often relied on long delays in District Court. Some of the worst actors even continued pitching their buildings to prospective tenants as safe, healthy or luxury dwellings, despite persistent issues.

I want to be clear, this is a very small minority of the landlords who oversee properties in Montgomery County, but those who engage in this type of behavior need to be held accountable. We have needed this law for a long time, and I hope its existence will prevent bad actors and bad decisions from occurring.

Rent Stabilization Law and Updated Rate of Increases for Fiscal Year 26


Two years ago, the Council passed, and I signed,  rent stabilization legislation that ties allowable rent increases to a formula: 3% plus the rate of inflation, capped at 6%. Last year was the first year that rent increases were allowed up to 6% (the inflation rate was 3.3%). The law also allows higher increases if there’s a demonstrated need based on major building repairs.

The inflation rate for this fiscal year (which began July 1) is 2.7%. That means landlords will be allowed to increase rents by 5.7% (more than double the rate of inflation). We put out notice of this rate in March, and it took effect on July 1. It's important for all renters and landlords to be aware of this rate change.

I’ve supported rent stabilization for decades, going back to my time on the Takoma Park City Council. But this bill did not end up where it needed to be. Along with Councilmembers Will Jawando and Kristin Mink, we initially proposed a cap of 3% unless inflation or necessary repairs necessitated a higher rate. That was a number we believed would give tenants some predictability and protection from sharp increases, while still allowing landlords to cover legitimate costs. Where we ended up was a rent cap that would be, in this case, more than twice the inflation rate, and since wages for lower-paid workers rarely rise by the inflation rate, it just continues increasing the affordability gap – the gap between what one can afford and what the market rents are.

The bill that passed also includes carveouts and exemptions that make it even easier for landlords to raise rents beyond what most tenants can afford. In effect, it watered down the very protection that renters were calling for. For example, all apartments less than 23 years old are exempt from the rent stabilization law.

Rent stabilization is an important tool for local governments to stop rent gouging in high-cost areas, and this is not unique to Montgomery County. The District of Columbia has rent stabilization, and the City of Takoma Park has had rent stabilization for over 40 years, where it has been very successful in protecting tenants. This has had a positive impact on student mobility, which improves learning outcomes.

I was a teacher in Takoma Park for many years, and I saw the impact that high rent increases had on kids in school. Families were forced to move more frequently, and kids were forced into new schools abruptly. That impacted learning and how involved parents were with their children’s school. It should be on us to provide as much stability as possible for families that call Montgomery County home to give kids the best chance of success in school. These changes help provide that stability.

Rent stabilization was validated by the U.S. Supreme Court after World War II, when returning veterans faced rent gouging. They had returned home from saving the world from fascism and were rewarded for their efforts by landlords seeking to take advantage of housing shortages to jack up rents as high as possible. In response to that, many jurisdictions implemented rent control, practical policies that address real issues people face every day.

We will enforce the rent stabilization law as passed, and we also have to be honest about where it falls short and continue to push for solutions that reflect the actual needs of our residents, especially our renters.

Update on Impacts of Federal Job Cuts


We are still processing the impacts on our State and County following the federal cuts laid out in the Federal budget bill passed last week.

Maryland’s Secretary of Labor is raising serious concerns about the solvency of the state’s unemployment insurance fund. That’s a real warning sign, and it comes at a time when more people may soon need that safety net.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration can move forward with its plan to significantly downsize the federal workforce. This will hit communities like ours especially hard, where tens of thousands of people either work directly for the federal government or for contractors. We’re already seeing the early impacts of this through buyouts, retirements and people quietly (or not so quietly) pushed out. Most of this upheaval is not even reflected in our unemployment figures yet (shared above and available here).

Various courts put the brakes on many of the mass firings that the DOGE wreckers had begun to implement, but this most recent court ruling lets those mass firings go through. So, unless the President and his sycophants suddenly realize that they’re crippling the government's ability to do its job and decide to pull back those cuts, we are likely to see the feared spike in layoffs materialize.

The County’s unemployment rate for May was 3.2%. That’s up from 2.6% a year ago and well above the record low of 1.3% we hit in April of 2023. Again, the recent numbers don’t fully capture the job losses in the federal workforce. We should expect things to get worse before they get better.

That’s why our investments in workforce support are so critical. In the FY26 budget, we provided additional funding for WorkSource Montgomery to expand its in-person job center in Wheaton and provide more hands-on help for people trying to get back into the workforce. We will continue to grow our Mobilize Montgomery initiative to offer displaced workers access to training, hiring events and resources tailored to what’s happening in the economy.

We can’t control what’s happening in Washington, but we can keep showing up for the people who are affected by it.

SNAP Cuts and Helping Address Hunger

Last week, I focused on my issues with the federal spending law passed and signed by the Trump administration. I mentioned the devastating impact it would have on hunger relief efforts, specifically the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is meant to help residents put food on the table for their families. It puts added pressure on nonprofits, schools and food banks that are already overwhelmed by great demand.

Next Wednesday, July 16, the Montgomery County Food Council will be at Crossroads Farmers Market in Takoma Park starting at 10:30 a.m. to mark a simple but powerful change: SNAP dollars can now be used to buy plants and seeds. That means families can grow their own vegetables at home or in their community, and build lasting food security, one backyard (or balcony) at a time.

Stop by the Food Council’s new “MoCo Made” tent, talk with CHEER’s Long Branch Gardeners and catch Parks’ Michelle Nelson and Emma Morel to learn how Montgomery Park's Community Garden Program can help you grow your own produce. You’ll find the tent on Anne Street at University Boulevard East, right next to Mega Mart.

Crossroads was the first farmers market in Maryland to accept nutrition benefits and the first in the nation to double them. This is another step at the local level toward making healthy food affordable and empowering residents to feed themselves.

Let’s keep cultivating a County where everyone can grow, eat and thrive.

Local Music in Montgomery County


A few weeks ago in this newsletter, I shared a video recap of a conversation I had with legendary Nighthawks founder Mark Wenner. Here is a link to that video. It brought up a lot of good memories of growing up in the DC area and seeing live music across Montgomery County. I asked you to tell me some of your favorite hangouts and got a few responses. I'm glad Strathmore got some love from you. I also heard from some of you that consider Rams Head one of our local live music venues that we didn't mention.

We have been lucky to have such talented musicians representing all genres of music play our local stages. I love music and am always excited to take the stage briefly during community concerts to welcome the crowd, thank the band/organizers and encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly. I didn't have that opportunity when Sly and the Family Stone or Muddy Waters were headlining years ago, but I'm grateful for the opportunity to do it now at venues like the Silver Spring Jazz Festival or TGIF Concerts in Wheaton. There are many ways to enjoy live music in our area (including many free concerts), so I hope you get to enjoy a show before the summer ends.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich
County Executive

Keep Youth Engaged and Empowered This Summer

 Keep Youth Engaged and Empowered This Summer

Montgomery County is offering a variety of free events and resources to help youth stay active, connected and supported throughout the summer months. Please consider sharing with your networks and community partners.

Montgomery County Recreation – Teen Guide (Summer 2025)

The newly released Teen Guide Vol. 3 features a wide range of programs and opportunities for middle and high school students. From sports and creative arts to leadership development and job readiness, there's something for every teen to enjoy and grow from this summer.
View the guide here.

Third Annual Back-To-School STEM Festival

Join the East County Community Recreation Center and the Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) for a free, family-friendly Back-To-School STEM Festival from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 16. The East County Community Recreation Center is located at 3310 Gateshead Manor Way in Silver Spring. This event is free and open to all ages and will feature backpack giveaways, free food, games, activities and interactive STEM experiences. Registration is required. Find more information here.

Shop, Eat, and Mingle at Crossroads Farmers Market to Celebrate Gardening and Food Access on July 16

 Shop, Eat, and Mingle at Crossroads Farmers Market to Celebrate Gardening and Food Access on July 16

The Montgomery County Food Council will be hosting a table at the Crossroads Farmers Market on Wednesday, July 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., to celebrate gardening and spread the word that SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) dollars can be used to purchase plants and seeds. Community Health & Empowerment Through Education and Research (CHEER) will also have a table where you can meet and greet the CHEER gardens’ Long Branch Gardeners, ask them your garden question and learn about their programs.

Crossroads Farmers Market was the first farmers market in Maryland to accept nutrition benefits as forms of payment and the first farmers market in the county to launch a “double dollar” incentive program to match them.

Crossroads Farmers Market is located on Anne St. at University Blvd. In Takoma Park, one block west of New Hampshire Ave. (next to Mega Mart).

Find out more about the Montgomery County Food Council at https://mocofoodcouncil.org/

July 3, 2025

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