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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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
