Dear Friends,
This week, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor announced plans to request $2.7 billion, $949 million more than the last approved Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budget, to address needs the school district has put on the back burner for far too long. The request is 54% larger than the last approved CIP budget, translating to almost $160 million a year over six years. And, he reports that even that increase does not cover the entire backlog.
MCPS has been dealing with years of the school system not clearly outlining its needs, which has been complicated by the lack of funding for capital projects at the County level, potentially hindering their progress and preventing them from falling further behind. Not requesting money when it was needed was not a good policy, but I’m glad that we are finally getting real numbers from the school system.
As a teacher for 17 years, I am well aware of the importance of maintaining our schools and for too long, there has not been enough attention paid to regular maintenance, and now we’re facing a tremendous backlog.
The path forward involves increasing our capital spending caps, which have shrunk dramatically in purchasing power over the years because of inflation. The actual numbers have also shrunk – there used to be as much as $340 million in capital funding per year, but that amount was reduced to $280 million even as costs were rising. The chart above shows how the funding should have been increased each year just to keep up with inflation. Specifically, you can see that in FY2009 the capital spending/year was $300 million, which in inflation adjusted dollars would be $555 million today.
Over my seven years as County Executive, that’s more than $300 million that otherwise would have been available for needed capital projects like schools, recreation facilities, transportation, libraries, public safety improvements, and transportation projects. As a result, we’ve had to delay some of what we planned to do.
Earlier this month, the County Council approved $300 million of borrowing, which is $40 million less than I requested, or $240 million over the next six years. While the Council stated they are willing to revisit this limit early next year, it makes it more difficult now as we finalize our capital budget.
This is a problem that we must all work together to solve. I look forward to discussing these issues with Councilmembers, school leaders, and the public to find the best solution. Public feedback can be shared before the school board finalizes its proposed CIP budget on Nov. 20. What we cannot do is simply kick the can down the road and allow our situation to worsen.
Federal Government Shutdown Continues
We passed mid-October with little progress made on ending the federal government shutdown. What’s happening in Washington defies common sense. The Trump administration and congressional Republicans are refusing to negotiate with Democrats even though they don’t have the votes to reopen the government without them. That refusal has real consequences for families and communities nationwide, including in Montgomery County.
Federal workers at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the National Institutes of Health, and other agencies are being told they will be out of a job during a shutdown. That action is both illegal and irrational. These are the same public servants who protect our health, monitor disease outbreaks, and conduct research that saves lives. Firing them weakens our national security and undermines public health.
Last weekend, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent out approximately 1,300 termination notices, only to rehire about half of those employees after realizing the error. That kind of whiplash reflects deep managerial failure and leaves the nation less prepared for the next public health emergency.
The Trump administration also engaged in a mass firing of the data workers at HHS – further crippling that agency. Trump understands perfectly well that killing the collection of data makes it hard to explain what problems exist and what is needed to address them. It is consistent with his attacks on research at NIH, the FDA, the National Weather Service, and climate change offices in the federal government.
It is Trump’s way of cutting Americans off from the truth, enabling him to lie at will while making it impossible to generate data that would undermine his arguments. He is deliberately blinding government agencies, and that extends to local governments that rely on some of this data, so that they can’t inform the public and policymakers about the repercussions of their actions. I guess his theory is that if you can’t see it, then the problem doesn’t exist. This is no way to govern.
This past Friday, every federal worker outside of the military missed a paycheck. We encourage those in need to access
the County’s network of food distribution sites and community resources which are available to help anyone. I also want to thank our residents who continue to donate food, money, and their time to help their neighbors get through this challenging time. Montgomery County’s strength has always come from the way our community takes care of one another.
Last week, we opened the Mobilize Montgomery Federal Workforce Career Center, the first of its kind in the country, to help displaced federal employees find new opportunities and navigate this uncertainty. Since last week’s press event, nearly 200 federal workers have signed up for services. You can learn more by visiting mobilize-montgomery.com and following the prompts to schedule an appointment for support.
Harmful Decisions at HUD Impact Montgomery County
The focus of my media briefing this week was on the drastic cuts the U.S. Department of Housing of Urban Development could make once the government shutdown is over. I have written letters to each member of our federal delegation, detailing some of the impacts of cuts in order to help them advocate for protecting HUD funding.
This loss of funding could jeopardize HUD-funded housing for nearly 800 people in our community, most of whom are people with disabilities, who live with children, or are over age 65. Without financial support through HUD, these essential services would suddenly stop for hundreds of people with disabilities and families with children in our County.
HUD Continuum of Care grants support numerous programs administered by our Services to End and Prevent Homelessness, part of the County’s Department of Health and Human Services. Those funds help community partners and landlords. Our County has done extraordinary work in planning and initiating a strategic response to homelessness, but without HUD funding, it remains more of an aspiration than an actionable plan.
The President is threatening to condition grants on passing legislation to outlaw camping outside or sleeping on the streets. We would love to provide decent shelter space to people who need it, but cutting off funding makes it even more difficult to address homelessness. It makes it harder to get people off the street.
In addition, Politico reported that HUD is considering cutting 70% of Continuum of Care funding for permanent housing, which provides stable housing for people with disabilities. As a County, we work every day to ensure that all people, including the most vulnerable, have a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home, which is why the threat of losing federal housing funds from HUD is so concerning. Hundreds of the most vulnerable people in Montgomery County could be forced back into homelessness if these funds were cut.
Also under attack is an arm of HUD, the Office of. Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. That office has been under attack since this administration took over. Work on behalf of single mothers, the disabled, and minority tenants denied housing has been severely impacted by the many firings and reassignments of lawyers within the department who worked on fair housing complaints.
A whistleblower's report focused on the Office of Fair Housing. A whistleblower’s report shed light on how the staff within the Office of Fair Housing was reduced from 31 to 11, and the number of staff attorneys was slashed from 22 to six. Over the last five years, HUD has collected between $4 million and $8 million in legal settlements for Americans who accused housing providers of discrimination. From January to July 2025, less than $200,000 was collected.
Trump appointees running HUD have ignored historic legal findings that helped end redlining practices, and they have dismissed landmark housing discrimination cases as artificial, arbitrary, and unnecessary. As they wrote in one of their memos reported by the New York Times, the cases are not a priority for this administration.
In fact, Trump’s grudge can be traced back to the 1970s, when he and his father were sued by the government for violations of the Fair Housing Act. Black people were told there were no units available for rent in Trump-owned buildings, while white tenants got those apartments. It gives you an idea of where his policies come from: he doesn’t believe in fair housing personally, and he’s using this opportunity now to change federal policy.
We all deserve better. Millions of Americans nationwide already face barriers to housing, so legitimizing these actions from the top will embolden bad actors. Enforcement of the Fair Housing Act is going extinct, and that breeds discrimination and allows intimidation to be used against families in vulnerable positions. It is yet another battle we must fight to keep this a free and fair nation.
The Montgomery County Office of Human Rights conducts investigations into complaints of discrimination and harassment impacting customers and tenants. If you feel you have been a victim of housing discrimination and would like to file a complaint, visit the Office of Human Rights website. You can find a tab labeled Claim and Intake Inquiry Form halfway down the page, or call 240-777-8450 for help.
October is National Fire Prevention Month
I joined the Montgomery County Council this week in recognizing October as Fire Prevention Month. Preventing fires from starting is the best way to keep our community safe and avoid property damage.
Our Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service works to protect over one million residents. Under the leadership of Chief Corey Smedley, it is committed to encouraging a prevention-first approach. Educating the public and encouraging preventive actions are two key components of that approach.
This year’s focus is on lithium batteries because, if not handled properly, they pose a serious fire risk. Lithium battery fires are much hotter and more difficult to extinguish. It’s essential to verify that the batteries are functioning properly without overheating. We are trying to increase awareness because of the extraordinary fire hazard that exists.
This month, we are also asking every family to ensure they have current, up-to-date, and working smoke alarms. If a smoke alarm is over ten years old, replace it. That's not just advice; it’s the law.
Family escape plans should also be made and practiced. This flyer explains escape planning. MCFRS offers complimentary home safety visits to residents who need assistance in developing an escape plan. Residents can call 311 to schedule an appointment or visit the Home Fire Safety Visit Request page.
The Park Goes Pink Highlights Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this Saturday, October 18th, Wheaton Regional Park will host the second annual The Park Goes Pink event.
Education is crucial for identifying cancer early and increasing the chances of survival. It is important to know how to screen and monitor yourself for breast cancer, which can be done through clinical breast examinations by a health care provider, annual mammograms, and self-examination.
Every year, breast cancer accounts for about 30% of all new cancer cases in the United States. African American women in our County face a 40% higher mortality rate from breast cancer and frequently receive diagnoses at later stages. That is why our African American Health Program works to eliminate health disparities through key efforts, including cancer prevention education and outreach, as well as providing free screenings and referrals.
I urge everyone to show their solidarity with Black women and everyone impacted by this disease. The Park Goes Pink runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Let’s continue to advocate for equitable care and improved health outcomes for every resident. Wear pink and participate.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The County continues to operate the Crisis Center hotline, which is available 24/7 for victims or to report abuse. The number is 240-777-4000.
We are committed to helping those in need. Our Family Justice Center, located near the courthouse in Rockville, is available free of charge, and information is provided in any language. Services include counseling, legal advice, career assistance, and help with basic needs. It is also a safe place to meet with police detectives or staff from the State’s Attorney’s Office to help anyone, including those seeking to file criminal charges.
Italian American Heritage Month
I would like to take a moment to honor the valuable contributions and achievements of Italian immigrants and their descendants during Italian American Heritage Month, a yearly designation observed across our nation. It allows us to acknowledge the journey of millions of Italian immigrants who reached our shores in search of a better life, often facing discrimination and hardship there and here as well. They are essential to our social fabric, producing politicians, artists, and leaders within our broader community. The Italian Cultural Society of Washington D.C., based in Bethesda since 1953, helps recent immigrants with language classes and provides a sense of home. The Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America predates World War I and helped fight for the inclusion of Italians in our public school system.
Their history in America parallels the experiences of most other immigrants who didn’t come from England – they faced discrimination, prejudice, segregation, and obstacles to employment. America is a country of immigrants, and the reality is that the experience of many immigrants from many countries is not unlike the discrimination faced by more recent immigrants. We would do well to remember that while we see ourselves as Americans today, there was a time when we were seen as outsiders and different than those who considered themselves Americans at that time.
This country has a long history of absorbing immigrants and seeing them become Americans. In a time when we’re seeing the demonization of people who are following the path that our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents took, we should remember that we’ve successfully integrated many cultures into this country before.
As we’ve grown into the most diverse jurisdiction in the nation, Italian Americans have been part of that evolution. The Montgomery College library is a good resource for those interested in materials documenting the immigrant experience. Their ‘Celebrate and Connect’ section highlights nearby resources to help you delve deeper into Italian American history and culture. I hope younger people see this as an opportunity to connect with their roots and for the wider society to appreciate Italian American traditions, art, and food this month and throughout the year.
Hispanic Heritage Month Ends
This week marks the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, something the County is proud to acknowledge and celebrate. This year, we redirected funds that would normally be used for a community celebration into school-based cultural programs and events. This was not meant as a slight against families who wanted to attend or businesses that benefit from large gatherings. There is a lot of fear within the Hispanic community at the moment because of federal immigration activity.
We are proud to be home to multiple generations of immigrants from across Latin America. Hispanics are a critical and vibrant part of every neighborhood. They are also an important part of our workforce and economy; however, since President Trump took office, we've seen a decrease in participation in community events among Hispanic residents.
That was one of the things on my mind last week as I toured Hispanic-owned businesses. My first stop was at Peak Personal Training, owned and operated by Kevin Munoz. Kevin transitioned from playing soccer on our local high school fields to competing at Montgomery College, before launching his online business and subsequently establishing a gym in Gaithersburg. There are six trainers on staff and a good client list, but he admits his business has been impacted by federal job losses.
I stayed in Gaithersburg and met Ada Pineda, owner of Minuteman Press. Screen printing has continued to evolve since the business first opened, and even since she acquired the business seven years ago. She reminded me that this is also Women’s Small Business Month. The County has resources available for small, minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses. There are also opportunities to do business with the County through the Minority, Female, and Disabled-Owned Business Program. Initiatives and community partnerships help provide access to resources, counseling, specialized workshops, and loan programs to support women entrepreneurs in starting, growing, and scaling their businesses.
Finally, I went down the road to La Casita Pupuseria and met with the managing partner, Iris Veronica Jimenez. I told her how I remember the location as a local favorite for sandwiches, and I also found their rebranding impressive. A significant amount of work has been invested in meeting the community's needs, establishing a strong brand that resonates with its customers, and expanding from its origins in Silver Spring, which date back more than 20 years.
I would like to thank everyone for taking the time to meet with me and my staff during our visits. It is wonderful to see businesses thrive in our community. The best way to do that is to serve their needs and make doing business in Montgomery County as easy as possible. That's the feedback I got during my first days on the job as County Executive, and I haven't forgotten it.
I also want to recognize and thank the men and women honored by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce during the Leadership Awards Gala I attended Thursday night.
- Juvenal Hernandez – CEO, Rocksolid General Contractors
- Sergio Polanco – State Public Engagement Officer, Comptroller of Maryland
- Luisa Cardona – Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, Montgomery County Government
- Nelson Ortiz-Cruz – Master Firefighter, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service
- Alicia Morales – Principal, Richard Montgomery High School
Diwali Celebrated on Monday, Oct. 20
We are approaching a very important day for the South Asian community that calls Montgomery County home. Monday, Oct. 20, is Diwali, one of the most popular holidays in India.
Diwali signifies the beginning of a new year and symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Many people marking the holiday will be dressed in colorful, traditional clothing. They may light lamps outside their homes, gather to enjoy large feasts, and exchange gifts.
I would like to thank the South Asian community for inviting me to the opening of their beautiful temple last year in Potomac. It demonstrates the community's comfort here, and we are grateful for the numerous contributions to Montgomery County. I’m also looking forward to the County’s Diwali celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 5, here at the Leggett Executive Office Building in Rockville. To register for the event, please visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSewbLUH3k3s4i7HoUIrWbF4Us5ZhdbLGL5_fLGu2LH2zauYnA/viewform.
As always, my appreciation for all of you,
Marc Elrich
County Executive
