Message from the County Executive Marc Elrich

Dear Friends,

Before I address some of the events at the national level, I want to explain why I am going to veto Expedited Bill 2-25, which would automatically eliminate property taxes for 20 years for developers who convert or demolish certain commercial buildings into residential rental housing without focusing on affordability.

This bill makes no sense. It gives away desperately needed revenues to developers without demonstrating need, and it is directly opposite a bill that the Council passed, and I signed that aimed to increase occupancy in office buildings.

After I veto a bill, it goes back to the Council. For it to become law, seven Councilmembers must vote to override this veto. That’s the process. If you are concerned about the financial and other impacts of this bill, as I am, now is the time to speak up. Reach out to your Councilmembers. Let them know what this means to you.

Only one Councilmember, Council Vice President Will Jawando, voted against this bill. Unless four Councilmembers reconsider their vote, this bill will move forward over my veto.

This is a great opportunity for them to take some additional time. The entire process from introduction (February 4) to the single Council session/vote on April 8 was rushed. Several questions were raised that deserved further exploration before a final decision. Understanding the potential consequences is especially important when so many federal workers and contractors are losing their jobs. We don’t know what that means for the region.

This bill was sold to help with housing, but it gives developers converting certain commercial buildings to residential units automatic, 100% property tax exemptions for 20 years.

I want to lay out some of the problems.

1. There is no analysis of the need for subsidies, and, in contrast, we have examples of developers already doing these conversions, that are financed by banks and requiring no subsidies at all. That means that both the banks and builders in these projects believe the projects are viable without tax exemptions. With this bill, we could easily see projects with exemptions of a million dollars or more for 20 years. No analysis, no oversight—just a blank check. That’s not sound policy. That’s a corporate giveaway.
2. This does not focus on affordable housing. While the Council increased the required number of moderately priced dwelling units (MPDU), from 12.5% or 15% (depends on the area of the County) to 17.5%, the increase is no more than five units out of every 100 units built—under no circumstances would the County subsidize so few units for so much money. And despite all the rhetoric from some Councilmembers about the need for more workforce housing, this does not address it at all.
3. There were also claims that we’ll get more total income taxes because of residents in these buildings, but that ignores how the housing markets work. While the County is zoned for over 100,000 units, they don’t get built all at once – they only get built in response to market demand. These units, first, aren’t needed to supply housing that otherwise couldn’t be built. If there’s a demand for 4000 units in 2027, that’s likely to be the number of units that would be built – and they’d be built from our existing capacity (click here for more detail) which exceeds 85,000 units, or from the approximately 30,000 units that are already approved (development pipeline report here) and can start as soon as a developer pulls a building permit. So, with this bill, 500 units built to replace offices would produce no property taxes for 20 years, while the other buildings would yield full property taxes, and the income taxes would be the same in both cases, regardless of where the units are built. There is no evidence that this bill would increase the total number of units built, only where they would be built. There is no economic upside for the County.
4. They ignore that this proposal runs counter to another proposal they celebrated last year. This was the MOVE (Make Office Vacancies Extinct) legislation, which has the County incentivizing developers/companies to bring employees back into the buildings to fill them. In contrast, Bill 2-25E, which is part of the More Housing Now package, incentivizes developers to kick out tenants in buildings that are 50% occupied.
5. Fifty percent vacant is also 50% full. Since when did reducing jobs become a good idea? This bill providing an incentive to move existing businesses out of buildings will not have negative repercussions for the County because these businesses may blame the County, which they should, for losing their space? Additionally, if we don’t knock down offices, they’ll likely continue to produce some taxes as opposed to losing that revenue while gaining no additional revenue than we’d otherwise get.
6. The bill also creates an uneven playing field. Some developers will get 20-year exemptions, while others, who are already building housing here, get nothing. We’re subsidizing market-rate housing now? That’s the new standard? I am concerned that this will morph into a general request for the County to subsidize residential development for everyone.
   
   
   
   
7. And what about the long-term cost? This bill would drain hundreds of millions of dollars in future County revenues—money we’ll need for schools, infrastructure and public services. It continues a disturbing trend where the costs of growth are shifted away from developers and onto residents.

In building budgets for this County, we have had to cut important programs—for our low-income families, our students and others—because we don’t have the revenue. Many Councilmembers do not want to consider tax increases to fund these programs, yet they vote to reduce future revenues that will only exacerbate the problem. This bill sounds good, but when you examine it, it makes our situation worse.

Normally, when a developer's project is under water, several things might happen.

Some developers simply hand the keys back to the bank and walk away. Their LLC dies, they don’t have to pay back lost or future rents, and they are able to continue to build new projects with no liability from the old project. When the bank regains the property, they put it on the market at a price the market can bear, and the building is re-tenanted.

The other way developers with projects under water have handled this is to sell the building at market value, pay the bank what they receive and walk away. The new buyer is now able to put the building on the market at rents affordable to new tenants.

We already have the authority to approve tax exemptions, and we’ve used it before, for projects that include meaningful levels of affordable housing and need the help. We look at the gap and figure out whether County support is necessary to make a project viable. That’s how it should work.

But this bill skips that step. It assumes every conversion needs a subsidy, and it doesn’t. We’ve already seen conversions happen without incentives, like the Guardian apartments in Silver Spring. Developers converted an office building to build those units without any tax break.

This is the moment to speak up. If you believe the County shouldn’t be giving away property tax revenue with no accountability, let your Councilmembers know now. This is not how we build a fair economy, or a stronger community. To contact the County Council, please click here.

Federal Immigration Enforcement Ramping Up

It was reported last week that federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI have commenced what are being called “wellness checks” at the homes of migrant and immigrant families around the country. While we have not heard of any here in Montgomery County, I have serious concerns about why this is happening.

It is hard to take the concept of “child welfare checks” for immigrant children seriously because he’s the President who separated children from parents and put them in cages.

What they’re really doing is targeting children as a pretense to get access into people's homes where they can observe the layout and who lives there to facilitate the more drastic actions that are yet to come. This is shameful. And it’s perverse to pretend that the president and his cronies care about child welfare, immigrant or otherwise.

Furthermore, we have seen plenty of news reports about agents showing up in unmarked vehicles, covering their faces and arriving without clear coordination with local authorities. That is terrifying and anti-democratic.

We have never seen this kind of approach to federal immigration and deportation processes before. Not even in Trump’s first term.

Let me be clear: I expect any federal law enforcement official who is making a lawful apprehension in Montgomery County to show their government identification and NOT wear a mask or face covering when apprehending an individual. If you’re going to do this dirty work, at least own it.

Every day we inch closer to fascist practices that typify the former Soviet Union and Nazi Germany. Our country fought a war, and our grandparents laid down their lives to keep fascism from coming to America - and now it’s coming here, carried by people who wrap themselves in the American flag.

Our policy here in Montgomery County when it comes to immigration actions is clear. Our police officers do not engage in federal immigration enforcement activities. That’s not new. It’s the result of an Executive Order that has been reviewed and approved by the Maryland Attorney General’s Office.

We don’t want anyone to avoid calling the police when they need help, we don’t want parents to be afraid to bring their children to school and we don’t want people hiding in the shadows because they’re afraid of being targeted just for being here.

At the same time, we’re not interfering in federal enforcement actions—that’s not our role. But we do have a responsibility to ensure that our residents know their rights, understand what’s happening and have access to trusted information and resources.

That’s why we encourage anyone with questions or concerns to contact the Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center. The staff there can help connect you with legal support, language assistance and information about your rights under the law.

We’re a County that believes in protecting the dignity and safety of all people—regardless of immigration status.

This week, Senator Chris Van Hollen traveled to El Salvador to intercede in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia—a Maryland resident who was illegally detained and shipped to El Salvador due to an “administrative error.” He had no criminal record and was legally in our country. Even though the courts have directed the Trump administration to bring him back to Maryland, the Trump administration has refused.

His plight and the anti-immigrant rhetoric reminds me of the famous quote from Martin Niemoller:

"First, they came for the Communists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a Communist.

Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me."

On behalf of Montgomery County, we applaud and appreciate Senator Van Hollen’s courageous effort. I was proud to join other elected leaders who rallied in Silver Spring to support Senator Van Hollen’s efforts to bring this Maryland resident home and to call for a return to due process and democracy.

Displaced Workers Convene for Career Fair in Silver Spring

This week, I attended a Career Fair at the Silver Spring Civic Center for displaced federal workers, contractors, non-profits and vendors. This event attracted more than 1,200 people looking for work or training. Over 40 different state and local government agencies, academic institutions and private companies shared job opportunities. Another 22 organizations were there to help with resume writing, interview prep and career support.

The University of Maryland organized this career fair in partnership with the Maryland Department of Labor, the Montgomery County Government, Worksource Montgomery and Mobilize Montgomery.

While I appreciate the effort of so many to create this event, seeing so many people at this job fair was sad and upsetting. Quite frankly, without a Trump administration, there would have been no need for this job fair. All those who attended are dealing with chaos and uncertainty. Jobs are being cut. Programs are being frozen. People who’ve spent their careers serving the public are being told they may not have a place anymore.

A group called Work for America is connecting people with state and local government jobs that fit their skills. The program—Civic Match—is building a pipeline for experienced public servants to stay in public service—even if they’ve been displaced by federal changes. You can check out their website at workforamerica.org/civicmatch.

I want to recognize our County’s Chief Innovation Officer, Michael Baskin for connecting the County, State and the University of Maryland to Civic Match’s resources. When I conceived the idea of having an innovation team, it was to foster productive partnerships like this to support our residents during challenging times.

WorkSource Montgomery and Mobilize Montgomery are going to continue to coordinate more events and opportunities like this one. These County resources are helping residents build skills, update resumes and find their way into jobs—whether they’re just getting started or looking to shift careers. And we’re identifying County positions that align with federal experience to help make that transition easier.

I continue to remain concerned about the stress that this is causing so many individuals and their families. We want anyone going through a job loss during this difficult period of transition and struggling with their mental health to reach out to our 24-hour Crisis Center at 240-777-4000 or dial 9-8-8 if they need help.

Defunding Earth and Atmospheric Science is the Antithesis of Earth Month

This April, we’re celebrating Earth Month across Montgomery County—and we’ve already had some great events. Next week, we are marking the 10th anniversary of our Tree Montgomery program, which has planted more than 18,000 shade trees at schools, homes, places of worship and throughout our neighborhoods. And next Saturday, April 26, we’ll celebrate 10 years of GreenFest, our largest and most popular environmental event.

These programs matter. They connect people to action. They show how local government can support healthier communities and a more sustainable future.

But I also want to acknowledge what’s happening beyond our County—because this Earth Month comes at a difficult time.

We’ve already seen this administration dismantle parts of HHS, NIH and FDA. Now they’re turning their attention to climate and Earth science, targeting the work being done at NOAA and NASA—two of the most important scientific agencies we have when it comes to understanding climate change and protecting lives from extreme weather.

What they’re doing is reckless. They are undermining decades of progress that the public depends on—for early warnings, research and long-term planning. I recommend reading this Union of Concerned Scientists article on the “5 Reasons NOAA and NASA Cuts Will Be Disastrous for Everyone in the US.”

This also hits close to home. We have hundreds of residents in our County and across the region who work at NOAA in Silver Spring or College Park and at NASA Goddard in Greenbelt. These are people who’ve dedicated their careers to understanding our planet and helping keep communities safe. And now their work is under threat.

These cuts aren’t abstract. They’ll slow down climate monitoring, weaken effective weather prediction and make it harder to respond to natural disasters in a timely manner, which we know are becoming more severe and frequent.

This is a real fear. If you remember, in his last term, he told people that a hurricane wasn’t to land where scientists had projected. Had first responders followed the president’s distortion of reality, they would have been in the wrong place at the wrong time, creating far worse impacts for the people who got hammered by the hurricane—fortunately, the President was ignored. Did he admit he was wrong? Absolutely not.

So yes, we’re going to keep celebrating Earth Month. We’re going to keep planting trees, expanding solar, pushing toward zero-emission transit and holding polluters accountable. But we’re also going to keep calling out the attacks on science and standing up for the people who do this work every day.

If we want to build a safe and sustainable future, we can’t ignore the threats or remain silent while progress is being destroyed.

“The Fitz Way:” Montgomery County Loses Business Legend, Jack Fitzgerald

Last week, Montgomery County lost a titan of our business community. Fitzgerald Auto Malls Founder Jack Fitzgerald died at the age of 89. Our thoughts are with the Fitzgerald family and all the employees of Fitzgerald Auto Malls.

Jack Fitzgerald was not only a great businessman but also a true partner in building a stronger, safer Montgomery County. His work on child safety wasn’t for show; it was personal, and it made a real difference. Thanks to his initiative, more than 52,000 families received critical help installing child safety seats correctly—an effort that undoubtedly saved lives.

Jack also stood up when it mattered. During the General Motors and Chrysler bankruptcies, when dealerships across the country were shuttering, Jack fought to restore what others had given up on. He believed in people, workers and fairness.

In 2023, he put his values into action by transitioning Fitzgerald Auto Malls to a 100% employee-owned company. That’s a legacy that empowers working people and keeps opportunity rooted right here in our community.

Jack was someone who used his success to lift others up. His impact will be felt for generations

MCFRS Assists Flooding Victims in Kentucky

Earlier this week, members of Montgomery County’s Urban Search and Rescue Team, Maryland Task Force 1 (MD-TF1), returned home safely after being deployed to Kentucky to assist with flood rescue and recovery operations. Over the course of their mission, our team worked in extremely difficult conditions—conducting water rescues, searching isolated areas and providingcritical support to communities that were devastated by severe flooding.

This team represents one of the greatest gifts we offer—not just to our own residents, but to the entire nation. When disaster strikes, MD-TF1 is ready to go wherever help is needed, and they do it with professionalism, skill and a deep sense of humanity. They are some of the best ambassadors we have for the values our County stands for.

Their service reflects a culture rooted in compassion and community. It doesn’t matter how far someone lives from here—if there are people in need, our teams will show up. That’s what makes Montgomery County special. I want to thank each of them, and the families who supported them while they were away, for reminding us of what public service is really about.

National Public Safety Communicators Week

This week is National Public Safety Communicators Week, and I want to recognize our outstanding 9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers.

Being a 9-1-1 operator is one of the hardest—and most important—jobs in County government. They are the first voice you hear in an emergency, and they stay calm and focused during the most stressful moments anyone can face. They help save lives every single day, and we don’t thank them enough for the role they play in our public safety system.

We’re also currently hiring 9-1-1 representatives. If you want to serve your community and help save lives, I encourage you to apply. This is a rewarding job that comes with great benefits and career opportunities.

Thanks to all our public safety communicators—we appreciate you.

Happy Easter and Passover

As we head into the weekend, I want to extend my best wishes to everyone celebrating Easter or the conclusion of Passover. I hope your gatherings with family and friends are meaningful, peaceful and safe.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,

Marc Elrich

County Executive

Message from the County Executive Marc Elrich

Dear Friends,

The 2025 General Assembly session ended this week with the typical Sine Die fervor. I visited Annapolis Monday to support our local lawmakers and thank them for the work they did over the last three months.

State leaders took on a $3 billion deficit and produced a balanced budget. That was no easy feat and came with many difficult choices. I want to thank the Montgomery County delegation, led by Julie Palakovich Carr and Ben Kramer, and all the State leaders who took on this challenge.

One thing Gov. Wes Moore made clear from the start was that this hole was not going to be filled by taxing the middle class and I support the progressivity that has been introduced into the tax structure. Creating two new income tax brackets for Marylanders who have the means to share more is the right way to approach tax collection. The governor’s full statement on Sine Die is available on his website.

While we are still unpacking the impacts of the legislation and decisions made by the General Assembly, we saw a lot of progress and good news for the residents of Maryland—such as improving public safety, health care access and lower prescription drug costs.

One of several public safety wins was a bill that better protects all of us on the road. In 2023, Montgomery County Police Department Sergeant Pat Kepp was out of his car on 270 trying to stop a speeding driver when he was targeted and hit by that vehicle. Sgt. Kepp was seriously injured in that incident but has worked hard and is already back on duty.

I was deeply disappointed to learn that the jury acquitted the man of the most serious charges of first- and second-degree attempted murder and first-degree assault. You can read my full statement on the verdict here.

Sgt. Kepp’s tireless advocacy for the State legislation was instrumental in its passage. I also appreciate the work of State Senator Nancy King and State Delegate Gregory Wims on the legislation.

The driver who hit him should not have been on the road that night because he was a repeat offender. Our police had on numerous occasions witnessed this person driving wildly and baiting them into a chase, but our police avoid high-speed chases because of larger public safety concerns. Sgt. Kepp’s story has been featured in many articles and videos, one of which is a deep conversation with his MCPD colleagues you can watch here.

And there was great news for Marylanders when it comes to improving health care. New legislation aims to lower prescription drug costs by expanding the authority of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board. This is a measure I have been behind for a long time. We have got to stop the prescription drug companies from putting our residents between a rock and a hard place. I am not the only person who knows people who are forced to sacrifice food for their families to keep up with out-of-control drug prices.

What makes this situation infuriating is when you realize that you could go to Canada, Mexico, Colombia or Europe and buy the same name-brand drugs for less than you would pay in the United States. There is no rational reason for the price disparities other than our Federal government’s refusal to protect us from price gouging.

The State also extended a successful health insurance subsidy program for young adults (HB 297/SB 5) and is preparing for potential federal health care changes by establishing a state subsidy program (HB 1082) and reinstating a commission to assess impacts (HB 718). Despite budget constraints, the legislature resisted major cuts to the vital Medicaid program.

My guest for this week’s media briefing was Vinny DeMarco, president of the Maryland Health Care for All coalition. This week, he published an op-ed in Maryland Matters called "A Tale of Two Governors," which I encourage you to read. In the commentary, Vinny highlighted the difference between the Moore and Hogan administrations in their approach and prioritization of health issues.

For more information about these new law changes and what it could mean for you, please visit Maryland Healthcare for All at https://healthcareforall.com/

Re-Open White’s Ferry!

This week, we announced a financial incentive package in partnership with the State of Maryland and the Town of Poolesville to get White’s Ferry back up and operating.

We are offering a $3 million incentive to the Maryland and Virginia landowners who have been unable to reach an agreement to restart the ferry since the Virginia property owner blocked the ferry's landing over four years ago.

Gov. Wes Moore recommended, and the General Assembly approved, $1.5 million of the $3 million. The rest of the money will come from the County capital improvement budget. I sent a budget amendment to the County Council for approval. The Town of Poolesville is also helping.

The money will only be distributed after Potomac Crossing, LLC, the Maryland property owner, and Rockland Farm, LLC, the Virginia owner, reach a binding agreement. A reopening date for the ferry must also be established before the $3 million dollars is given to the ferry partners through a grant agreement.

Our County and members of our Maryland delegation have worked hard for over four years to reach an agreement between these two parties. I want to specifically thank Del. David Fraser-Hidalgo for his work in this matter.

A final agreement will require both sides to come to the table with an open mind and a willingness to be flexible. You can read more about the proposal here .

Reopening the ferry will positively impact local businesses, provide economic stability and improve the quality of life for many residents. And it will save tens of thousands of miles of wasteful travel having to go down to the American Legion bridge or up to Point of Rocks to cross the Potomac.

When it was operational, the ferry carried nearly 800 daily users between Maryland and Virginia, and its history goes back to 1786. In 2021, a White’s Ferry Operations Alternative Study was released containing further details about the ferry’s history and impact.

I urge the private parties to meet soon and for both to have an open mind and to be flexible.

This offer is about giving the private parties one last opportunity to find a workable solution. We cannot force an agreement, but we are putting real money on the table to help make one possible. If this doesn’t get resolved now, it won’t be for lack of effort from the County, the State or the Town of Poolesville.

Speaking Out

Last Saturday, I joined tens of thousands of people nationwide in a “Hands Off!” rally at the National Mall wearing my favorite T-shirt (you can see it in the photo above). There were also rallies in Olney, Garret Park and Leisure World, not to mention hundreds of rallies nationwide. Another nationwide day of demonstrations is being planned for Saturday, April 19.

People turned out to express tremendous concern about President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's ongoing actions. Last week was one of the worst weeks in this County’s history, with more than 2,200 jobs lost through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The President’s tariff plan then threw financial markets around the world into chaos, which left many people worried about the security of their retirement.

Saturday’s protests were important as they allowed people to speak up in defense of democracy and due process. They show that there are many people like us who are outraged over these reckless and chaotic policies.

Energy Summit 2025

Earlier this week, more than 300 building owners, property managers, developers, energy contractors and sustainability professionals attended the 12th Annual Energy Summit in Silver Spring.

Our County’s Energy Summit gave both newcomers and experienced leaders in the commercial building sector a chance to explore the latest advancements in energy efficiency, sustainable practices and emerging technologies.

This year, the Energy Summit was sold out, highlighting the importance of helping company leaders enhance their buildings' energy future and meet compliance requirements. I want to thank our Department of Environmental Protection, headed by Jon Monger, and our Climate Action Teams, led by Climate Change Officer, Sarah Kogel Smucker.

The theme of this year’s energy summit was “Beyond Benchmarking: Navigating Energy Performance.” The gathering focused largely on our Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) legislation and regulations, and on implementing them with our business and nonprofit communities.

This week, the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation clarifying that building owners in Montgomery County only need to comply with the County BEPS program.

Buildings are one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases. BEPS is an important tool to make meaningful changes to reduce carbon pollution from our buildings.

Beyond our buildings, we are committed to helping businesses and residents be more sustainable in their waste practices. Last week we announced the expansion of our curbside recycling program to include electronics and batteries. Residents will soon be receiving a mailer on when the program will begin in your neighborhood.

We have a lot more Earth Month events and activities in the upcoming weeks, concluding with our 10th-anniversary celebration of Tree Montgomery on Friday, April 25, and our annual GreenFest gathering at the Marian Fryer Plaza in Wheaton on Saturday, April 26. GreenFest is free to the public and gives you and your family a chance to celebrate and learn more about sustainable practices in our community. Please watch this Montgomery Municipal Cable video previewing the event. I hope you have visited our Climate Smart page and discovered how to turn small actions into big changes.

We are living in a time when our current federal government is undermining efforts to slow climate change and instead is promoting fossil fuel development.

This is bonkers.

At least here, we understand science. Last month, when we presented our Climate Action Plan update at Walt Whitman High School, I was inspired by the conversations and questions from the young adults. The work we do in this climate, energy and environmental space is about them.

The war on climate change is just another part of the current war on science—a threat to our existence that too many people are deliberately ignoring.

Food Waste Prevention Week

Another way to improve sustainability at home or at work is to limit what we throw away. Food Waste Prevention Week is recognized to help spread awareness and help residents identify ways to limit the amount of trash disposed of and collected.

Leaders in food waste prevention use this week to celebrate local leaders, nonprofit partners and community advocates who work on our behalf to educate the public. They are behind many of the activities that promote environmental sustainability. I am encouraged by the number of community partners who share our mission to reduce, recover and recycle wasted food.

Here are some tips you can use to reduce food waste:

• Plan your meals to avoid over-preparing.
• Use durable, reusable dishware not disposable plates and cutlery.
• Recycle all bottles, jars, cans and containers.
• Mind the time of year: food waste tends to spike around holidays.
• Consider composting food scraps.

The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection Recycling and Resource Management Division estimates that approximately 97,000 tons of food waste, or food scraps, were discarded in Montgomery County in 2023. You can find more information about composting on the Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Off Program page, email your zero-waste questions to AskDEP@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 311.

I will be at the Bethesda Central Farmer’s Market on Sunday, April 13, to highlight the Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Off program. By offering food scraps recycling at local farmers’ markets, we are making it easier for people to reduce waste and contribute to our work toward a greener, more sustainable future. The locations are listed on the DEP website.

I have heard the compliments thanking Montgomery County's leadership for addressing wasted food and food insecurity, but it is not our credit to take. I thank the people who have helped execute the plan and wisely use the limited resources we can share to ensure we are creating a greener future today.

Council Passes Bill to Give Away Tax Dollars to Some Developers

I was disappointed in the Council’s vote on Tuesday on Expedited Bill 2-25, which would automatically eliminate 100% of property taxes for 20 years for certain commercial properties that convert half-vacant (or half-full) buildings to residential or demolish. I had urged them to take more time to consider the issues and, at the very least, to delay final passage. You can read my letter here. The fiscal impact analysis estimated that Bill 2-25E would cost the County hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenues. Those revenues are crucial to addressing the County’s many needs, including good schools, parks, recreation and public safety. The racial equity and social justice analysis advised that the bill would have a negative impact. You can read the analysis here.

As I laid out in my letter to the County Council, the bill was not fair to residents and it was not fair to some developers. It was also a process that was too rushed – it went from introduction on February 4 (along with a number of other bills), before the Planning Board on March 4, a public hearing on March 11, one joint committee session on March 27 and one Council session – with a final vote – on April 8. This was too important to rush.

The Council also passed Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 25-03 that expedited the approval process for these conversions/demolitions.

I have no problem with the ZTA. We should make the process as simple and direct as possible. The County has already approved office-to-residential projects, even without legislation. One project in Silver Spring created 178 new housing units and added five stories. And they did that without any tax giveaway, which is proof that these projects can be done without subsidies.

The County already has the authority to negotiate payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) and uses them to get more affordable units than are currently required. Making the PILOT (which means exempting from property taxes) automatic takes away negotiating room and, in this case, delivers very few additional affordable units. And it does not require proof that the money is needed to make a deal feasible. The foregone revenue could have subsidized many more affordable units through negotiations than will be built with this legislation.

I appreciated the efforts by Councilmember Will Jawando and Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles to attempt to improve the legislation; I am sorry the bill was not improved at the full Council. The legislation gives away County revenues and gets nothing in return, which is why I will be vetoing it. I will have further commentary at that time. So stay tuned for that.

National Public Health Week

Public health workers were recognized for their work and dedication during the first Dr. Ulder J. Tillman National Public Health Week Symposium earlier this week. The late Dr. Tillman was a County Health Officer that I worked with when I was on the County Council. (Photos)

The gathering was meant to spotlight the vital role of public health professionals, particularly their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, and highlight the 2025 theme, "Success in Community. It Starts Here." That theme reminds us to work together to help everyone understand the importance of preventative measures.

The 2025 County Health Rankings found that Montgomery County is one of the healthiest places to live in the State and nation. We should acknowledge that we do have areas that we can improve, but our County health officials, hospitals, community-based nonprofit health providers and other stakeholders continue to prioritize improving health outcomes.

Too often, the work done by our health professionals goes under the radar. During the pandemic, one positive aspect of such a dismal time was seeing our community rally behind these hard-working professionals who were up to the task despite high stress levels, uncertain conditions and watching so many people die. I hope you realize that our community would have been far worse off had it not been for their dedication to the community’s health.

Montgomery County is committed to health equity—ensuring everyone has access to the same level of care regardless of their economic status or religious beliefs. We have several community initiatives that focus on reaching out to specific segments of our population, such as the African American Health Program, the Asian American Health Initiative and the Latino Health Initiative.

We also acknowledged the County’s health team at the County Council on Tuesday for their tireless work to help our community and protect it from communicable diseases and chronic ailments. They help seniors, expectant mothers, families in need and people lacking health care coverage. Their work helps lift our community, and I couldn’t be prouder of what they accomplish on behalf of Montgomery County residents.

Library Workers Week

I also want to acknowledge the hard work done by Montgomery County Public Libraries during Library Workers Week. Our dedicated library media specialists encourage a love of reading and help transform lives to strengthen our communities.

Libraries offer something for everyone, and that is reflected in a new campaign we asked the public to participate in. Our workers are getting some love in the form of video messages from the community detailing why they love the library. I shared a video as well, and I hope it reflects how much I appreciate what they do, including their work on early learning, continuing education and engaging our community.

I encourage everyone to visit montgmoerycountymd.gov/library to explore our resources, learn about our community events or participate in reading challenges.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich
County Executive

Montgomery County Offering Adult Bike and E-Scooter Classes in May and June

 

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will offer low-cost adult bike classes in May and June. The classes will include six Learn to Ride and one Basic Skills class. Following select bike classes, MCDOT will also offer four free, walk-up e-scooter classes.   

Advance registration is required to participate in the bicycle classes, with a cost of $10 for Montgomery County residents. There is no charge for Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) or Capital Bikeshare For All members. Registration is still required.    

Bicycles and helmets will be provided at no charge for the adult Learn to Ride class participants and can be rented from WABA on-site, if needed, for the Basic Skills class participants.   

“Our adult bike and scooter classes provide residents with the skills and confidence they need to ride safely—whether for commuting, running errands or simply enjoying the outdoors,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Riding a bike is a fun and healthy activity and when bikes are used for local trips in place of cars, they can help reduce congestion and lower our carbon footprint."   

Participants in the Learn to Ride bicycle classes will learn how to start and stop, balance, glide, pedal and steer a bike. Each student will progress at their own pace. Students in the Basic Skills class should be able to ride a bicycle and will continue to practice basic biking skills. The classes will be led by experienced WABA instructors.   

The bike classes are open to residents 18 and over, are limited to 25 people and fill up quickly.  Online registration for May classes is now open on the WABA website under the Classes tab. June class registration will open at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 2.  Registration is full for all of the April Learn to Ride Bike classes. There is no fee or registration required for the adult e-scooter classes. Walk-ups are welcome. 

Adult E-Scooter classes in April: 

• Sunday, April 13. 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Upper County Recreation Center, 8201 Emory Grove Rd., Gaithersburg. 
• Sunday, April 27. 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Wheaton Ice Arena (back parking lot), 11717 Orebaugh Dr., Wheaton.  

Adult Learn to Ride Bike class schedule:   

• Saturday, May 3. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Germantown Community Recreation Center, 18905 Kings View Rd., Germantown.  
• Saturday, May 17. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center, 1000 Forest Glen Rd., Silver Spring.   
• Sunday, May 18. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Farm Women’s Market, Lot 24, 4601 Leland St., Bethesda.   
• Saturday, June 7. 9 a.m.-noon. Davis Construction at the Twinbrook Metro Center I, 12530 Parklawn Dr., Rockville.  
• Saturday, June 14. 9 a.m.-noon. Montgomery College (parking lot 13), 850 Hungerford Dr., Rockville. *Free e-scooter class to follow.   
• Sunday, June 22. 9 a.m.-noon. Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center 14906 Columbia Pike, Burtonsville.  

Adult Basic Skills Bike class schedule:   

• Saturday, May 24.10 a.m.-noon. Westfield Montgomery Mall (former Sears parking lot), 7101 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda. *Free scooter class to follow.   

Rain dates for all adult bike and e-scooter classes will be held two weeks after the original class date and time, except for the June 22 class (rain date will be June 29).   

The two-hour adult e-scooter classes are being offered on a drop-in basis immediately following select bike classes, including April 13, April 27, May 24 and June 14. E-scooter classes do not require pre-registration. Anyone 18 or over with a valid driver’s license or ID can join. E-scooters and helmets are provided.   

 To register for the bike classes, visit waba.org/classes. For more information, and to view any future inclement weather cancellations, visit MCDOT’s website here or call 240-777-8380.   

Learn About Using AI and Other Tools to Reshape and Reinvigorate Your Transition from Federal to Private Sector at Virtual Workshop on Wednesday, April 23

 

If you are a current or former federal employee over 50 navigating the next chapter of your career, you may be interested in a special three-hour virtual workshop designed to help recently unemployed or adversely impacted federal sector workers learn the essential skills and tools needed to transition successfully into the private sector or start their own consulting businesses. The workshop will be held from 9 a.m.-noon on Wednesday, April 23. The free workshop is sponsored by the JCA Career Gateway.

Led by industry professional Mark Rasch, this program focuses on helping you translate your federal experience into private-sector opportunities using modern tools and strategies.

Through a combination of expert guidance and AI-driven technology, you will learn how to:

• Convert federal resumes into private sector resumes that pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
• Identify transferable skills and find comparable private sector roles.
• Use AI platforms like LinkedIn, ChatGPT and Jobscan to optimize your job search.
• Build and maintain a professional network through LinkedIn and social media.
• Explore entrepreneurial opportunities by setting up consulting businesses as LLCs or sole proprietorships.

Register at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/w3edxmw.

Lace Up for Fun: Pike’s Peek 10K is Back – And You Could Run for Free!

 

Get ready, runners, cheer squads and fun-seekers—the popular Pike’s Peek 10K is hitting the streets on Sunday, April 27 and the Pike District Partnership is hooking up one lucky winner with a free race bib (worth $48). This fast, downhill race from Shady Grove Metro to Pike & Rose is one of the most exciting 10Ks in the area, and whether you're sprinting for a PR or just soaking up the vibes, this event is all about good times and fast miles.

All you have to do to win a free entry is:

• ✔ Follow Pike District on Facebook
• ✔ Like the pinned post about the race

Boom! That’s it. One lucky winner will score free entry to the race—because the only thing better than a runner’s high is a free runner’s high!

More Than Just a Race – A Full-On Festival!

This isn’t just a race—it’s a community party with something for everyone:

🎉 Kids Fun Runs – A 1/4-mile dash and a 50M Toddler Trot mean the little ones can get in on the action, too!

📣 Cheer Squads – Not running? No problem! Bring your energy and cheer on the racers along the course. Every great run deserves a hype crew!

🎶 Festival Vibes – After you cross the finish line, soak in the live music, delicious food, and awesome giveaways at the post-race festival at Pike & Rose.

Stop by the Pike District Tent – Free Swag Alert!

Make sure to swing by the Pike District Partnership tent at the festival, where you can learn more about the Pike District and score a free light-up pedestrian safety button—because staying safe while walking or running = 🔥.

If you don’t win the free bib, don’t stress—you can still register and join the fun.
Register here: pikespeek10k.org

34th Annual Rockville Science Day on Sunday, April 27, Will Feature Robots, Rockets, 3D Printing and Chemistry in Action

The Rockville Science Center will host the 34th Annual Rockville Science Day on Sunday, April 27, and the family-friendly event offers everyone a chance to experience a variety of sciences and technology-related exhibits, activities, games and demos. The free event is from noon-5 p.m. at Montgomery College’s Rockville campus.

The Rockville campus of Montgomery College is located at 51 Mannakee St. in Rockville. Parking is free. Last year’s event was attended by more than 3,500 visitors and featured more than 110 exhibitors.

Exhibitors will include: NIH, NASA, NIST, NSA’s National Cryptologic Museum, National Capital Astronomers, US Pharmacopeia, Adventist HealthCare, Excelior Lab, Electric Vehicle Association of Greater Washington DC, Croyden Creek Nature Center, the Chemical Society of Washington, University of Maryland, The George Washington University, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin, Glen Echo Park Aquarium, award-winning high school robotics teams, NARHAMS Model Rocket Club, Montgomery County Beekeepers Association and many more

The Rockville Science Center, host of Rockville Science Day, is a nonprofit organization, located in the heart of Rockville Town Square. Their mission is to inspire a passion for lifelong exploration of science for our diverse community. The center serves as an educational resource for the public. Learn more about Rockville Science Day and their work at rockvillesciencecenter.org.

Head Start/Pre-K Registration is Now Open for 2025-2026 School Year

 
Registration for Head Start/Pre-K is now open for the 2025-2026 school year. To be eligible, children must be four years old by September 1 and their families must meet certain income requirements. Call 240-740-4530 for more information or visit the Head Start/Pre-K website at https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/dtecps/earlychildhood/prek/.

Plan to Attend Gaithersburg’s First Film Festival on April 25-27

The City of Gaithersburg is proud to host the first Gaithersburg Film Festival, three days of film screenings and discussions to celebrate the community’s rich diversity. There will be short films, feature presentations, filmmaker panels and discussions. The festival is recommended for audiences 18 and older. Events and activities will be held at the Gaithersburg Art Barn, located at 311 Kent Square Road in Gaithersburg. Ticket prices range from $22 to $32 and can be purchased on the festival’s website at https://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/recreation/performing-arts/film-screenings/gaithersburg-film-festival.
 

Enjoy Antique Cars and Trucks Plus Gas Engines and Tractors at Gas and Steam Engine Show April 26-27

Join the Friends of the Agricultural History Farm Park for the Gas and Steam Engine Show on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, April 27, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood, MD. The event is free, family-friendly and will be held rain or shine. Enjoy gas engines and tractors, antique cars, hay wagon rides and a craft show. Food will be available for purchase. Pony rides ($) will be on Saturday. Live music by the New Southern Cowtippers will be featured from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday. Visit www.friendsofthefarmpark.org for more information.

Message from the County Executive Marc Elrich

 

Dear Friends,

This week thousands of federal workers lost their jobs and livelihoods. This round of cuts hit Montgomery County hard—on Monday, March 31, 2,220 HHS Jobs were eliminated as documented by the Work Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) log from the Maryland Department of Labor. That is more than all job losses recorded by WARN for all of 2023 and 2024 combined.

A documented 3,650 jobs have disappeared in Montgomery County so far in 2025. For context, 1,338 jobs were eliminated in all of 2024, and 716 jobs were eliminated in all of 2023. Nearly all of this year’s job losses are due to federal government actions and decisions. This is not “disruption.” This is chaos.

Our thoughts are with all the workers and their families who have lost their jobs. We will feel ripple effects throughout this County, and we will continue doing everything we can to support them.

At the beginning of the Trump administration, Montgomery County had 77,550 federal employees living here and 48,433 federal jobs based in the County. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services—which includes the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is not only the County’s largest employer but also the State of Maryland’s. The presence of the NIH and FDA has also been crucial to the development of our private life sciences sector.

These federal institutions are America's crown jewels. When I am overseas, I hear many people talk about the desire to be near the NIH because it lays the groundwork for medical innovation to grow and thrive.

Firing thousands of people will clearly impact the work's mission, which is to keep us healthy and safe. This is not just an assault on federal employees; it is an attack on the work they do. It is as if the prime goal is to erase the twentieth century and the first 25 years of this century, and as if the pandemic was just a mirage and the lives lost were of no concern.

Viruses are still a real threat that we could be ignoring. Gore Vidal once called this nation “The United States of Amnesia.” Never in my life have I seen such a change of course over the importance of science and research and I have to say Vidal got it right.

Here is another quote that got my attention, and it was from former GOP House Speaker Newt Gingrich. Just ahead of Wednesday’s announcement on tariffs, he was quoted in the Washington Post saying the president’s intention is to “create an environment where we’re back to where we were before World War I.”

Really? Is that where we want to go? Back to a time when women did not have the right to vote? Back to a time, when child labor was not regulated? Back to the days of segregation and lynchings where many Black Americans were held in debt peonage? Back to working conditions that facilitated the tragedy of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire? Back to the days before social security? I don’t think so.

This administration, led by Trump and Elon Musk, is inflicting random, unnecessary pain, and their supporters want to make it worse.

When you consider how many of the President's allies are taking a defensive posture and bracing the public for short-term pain, it shows how ill-conceived this approach is. Financial markets around the world responded with their worst drop since the start of the pandemic. There is no big payday at the end of all this, and the only thing tariffs and layoffs are certain to bring is uncertainty, which is not good for any economy.

Here in Montgomery County, we are not sitting idle while this is happening. This past Monday, Montgomery College hosted a job fair with bio and life science businesses for workers in the health and sciences sectors. Over 120 people registered to attend and another 200 were on the waiting list.

Last week, we launched Mobilize Montgomery. By visiting and registering on mobilize-montgomery.com, impacted workers and businesses can learn about the latest opportunities to connect with area employers and about webinars that could help during these trying times. So far, nearly 300 job seekers have registered with Mobilize Montgomery.

On Monday, we hosted our “Open for Business” procurement fair, which was packed with businesses looking for new procurement opportunities. I also visited restaurant and hospitality businesses at the Moco Eats Food and Beverage Showcase, which was hosted by Visit Montgomery. At both events, attendees were concerned about the impacts of these federal decisions—whether those concerns were the layoffs or the economic impact of widespread tariffs.

We know we can’t counter all the horrible things that are happening, but we are constantly trying to figure out ways to help.

During my media briefing this week, I welcomed the Montgomery College President, Dr. Jermaine Williams. Montgomery College is one of our County’s best assets and provides resources for students and workers of any age. He talked about what they are doing and how they help those looking for new opportunities. You can watch that conversation on our YouTube page.

Please Oppose a Bill that Would Unfairly Give Away County Revenues

The County Council is scheduled to vote on expedited Bill 2-25, Payment in Lieu of Taxes – Affordable Housing (PILOTs) on Tuesday, and I am very concerned about it. I sent a letter to the Council urging them to, at the very least, delay a final vote on this bill. If it were passed in its current form, it would lose a lot of revenue for the County for at least 20 years. You can read my letter on page 58 of the Council packet.

This bill would automatically eliminate all property taxes for eligible properties for 20 years. It would apply to buildings that are 50% vacant, and it would allow all developers to convert or demolish a commercial building to make room for residential units. The developer would not pay any property taxes for 20 years. That translates to hundreds of millions of dollars that the County would not collect. Here are the major problems with this legislation:

First, this legislation is not necessary. There is no evidence that every eligible property needs a 100% exemption from property taxes for 20 years. Conversions are already happening.

For example, the market worked for “The Guardian” apartment complex in Silver Spring. Five additional stories were added to a small office building and 178 new residential units were created—without any subsidy.

Second, this legislation is going to cost the County hundreds of millions of dollars in potential tax revenue. The County should not do by-right PILOTs that give an automatic exemption from 100% property taxes regardless. We have the authority to do PILOTs and we’ve done them to get more affordable housing. However, every project needs its own analysis of financing and the developers’ investment in the project. The analysis helps us address a simple question; what gap is the County filling? Any subsidy—and we do give subsidies—should be based on filling gaps.

Third, this legislation unfairly picks winners and losers among developers—who gets subsidies and who does not. Most developers currently building housing are paying property taxes. If you are not going to tax one group of developers for producing market-rate housing, why tax any of them? We already hear some developers claiming that the County now needs to subsidize market-rate housing; this is not helpful.

This is a slippery slope, and it is part of the County’s ongoing race to the bottom. For years now, Councils have been reducing impact taxes the County gets from developers. Impact taxes are supposed to fund the infrastructure needed to accompany development, and even when developers don’t have to pay the impact taxes, the infrastructure is still needed, and the cost is shifted to residents.

Additionally, we have the lowest tax rates, by far, on commercial property in the region, yet we lag in job growth. Developers have a history of moving into Northern Virginia and paying much more than they pay here. So, trying to be the cheapest date has proven to be a completely failed policy. We have already won the race to the bottom by having the lowest commercial taxes in the region, but that has not produced the jobs we need to drive housing growth. We do not want to create a new corporate welfare system in which every developer is either going to expect the same giveaways or only certain developers are going to get sweetheart deals.

Finally, we need more public input and discussion. The public hearings on the More Housing NOW package involved multiple and different pieces of legislation, including this bill. There continues to be confusion and questions around this bill and the zoning text amendments.

I am urging the Council to delay the vote and use that time to explore issues related to this bill. No bill should include an automatic elimination of property taxes for 20 years; discretion is needed to make sure that foregone revenue is done carefully and thoughtfully. This bill is expedited, which is not necessary. We usually expedite legislation because we’re dealing with something that needs immediate attention—there is no urgency for the hurried consideration of the bill, especially since this bill does not focus on affordable housing.

I want to be clear that I have no objection to the conversion of commercial to residential properties and no problem helping facilitate that within zoning and height regulations. I also have no problem with this type of conversion not having to get new approval. There is no issue with building within the approved zoning envelope. In principle, this is a reasonable option for expanding housing. The question is do we need to subsidize this?

The actual best outcome for commercial buildings is to be re-tenanted with businesses because we need to grow our tax base. It is not clear that we want to prioritize reducing the number of places businesses could locate. That may not be in the County’s best economic interest, which is why each potential conversion needs to be examined on a case-by-case basis.

I urge the Council to make next week’s anticipated calendar item a work session, consider important changes to the bill and delay a vote on expedited Bill 2-25. I and others have some important concerns that still need to be resolved before any legislation is finalized.

Protecting Tenants and Holding Bad Landlords Accountable

I want to thank the Council for taking an important step to hold bad landlords accountable. The Council also passed Bill 6-25, Consumer Protection for Renters. I want to thank the bill’s sponsors, Councilmember Kristin Mink, Council President Kate Stewart, Vice President Will Jawando and Councilmember Dawn Luedtke, and the entire Council for their support of this change.

This legislation improves the County’s ability to bring landlords who repeatedly violate tenant protections in the County Code into compliance. Unfortunately, a minority of landlords rely on delaying the fixing of housing code violations or engaging in deceptive trade practices as part of their business model. They rely on six-month-plus delays in our overburdened District Court and the practice of judges to reduce fines to negligible amounts. The results are tenants waiting long periods of time for housing code violations to be fixed and this minority of landlords having only minor consequences for not fixing the violations in a timely manner.

The Office of Consumer Protection and the Office of the County Attorney will now be able to sue landlords in Circuit Court who have a demonstrated history of property neglect, noncompliance with citations, and deceptive trade practices to seek injunctive relief and damages. Most landlords do not engage in these practices, but those who do will learn quickly that they must either change their business model or face the more serious consequences provided in this bill.

This bill is a major step forward, and I hope that those bad actors who have gotten away with mistreating their tenants for too long will change their behaviors moving forward.

I also want to thank the Council for reaffirming the County’s commitment to promoting equity and inclusion in housing. April is Fair Housing Month, and this measure is about making sure everyone—no matter their background—has a fair shot at living and working here. The picture above is from a rally for tenant rights we held at the Enclave in 2023.

Maryland Transportation Authority Board Appointment

Congratulations to Maricela Cordova following her appointment to the State board overseeing the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA).

The MDTA is responsible for constructing, managing, operating, and improving the State's toll facilities, and financing new revenue-producing transportation projects. The board is comprised of eight members who serve four-year terms and cannot serve more than three consecutive terms.

Maricela has over 30 years of experience in architectural, engineering and construction programs. Currently, she serves as the special assistant to the director for strategic projects at the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), where she has led large-scale, critical transportation and infrastructure projects. Since 2019, she has held various roles at MCDOT, including acting deputy director of transportation policy, acting division chief of transportation engineering and Purple Line implementation manager.

Maricela's appointment by Gov. Wes Moore is important for Montgomery County because she represents a link to the most populous County in Maryland. I believe she will be a key advocate for us and what we are looking to accomplish in easing congestion throughout Montgomery County by expanding our Bus Rapid Transit routes so residents and visitors can easily travel east-west through the County.

I want to thank her for her willingness to serve in this role.

Helping Ensure Safety at Institutions Throughout Montgomery County

I am proud to share that 110 organizations have received funding from the County's grant program aimed at helping faith-based organizations and nonprofits protect themselves from hate-based attacks or crimes. The $1.2 million dollars can be used to hire security, develop a security plan, conduct training or purchase new security cameras, to name just a few uses.

I want to thank the County Council for its collaboration on these grants. This is the second year in a row that the County has committed more than $1 million toward the security grant program and the fourth year of the program overall.

New this year, security grant funds can be used to purchase a fususCORE device to enable camera integration with the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD). Camera integration is a relatively new tool that gives officers as much information as possible to respond to and solve crimes.

At the press conference announcing this new funding (Security Grants Press Event) we heard from recipients who were thankful for this help, specifically because simply having an armed guard can be a deterrent to violence.

I wish this assistance were not necessary, but it is. We cannot change what happens outside of Montgomery County; we can only ensure that we are doing as much as possible to create a safe and welcoming home for everyone here.

Earth Month Begins 

The County is once again excited to use Earth Month to advocate for environmental action. Last year, our Department of Environmental Protection urged you to Act Now, but this year, we got started early by encouraging residents to ‘take the pledge’ weeks ago and be Climate Smart. Being climate smart means making changes at home to be more sustainable. Small changes—like preparing meals to reduce food waste or taking public transportation when it's convenient—add up to make a big difference. There are many special activities this month to help get you started or continue your sustainability efforts, and they are detailed in this press release.

If the County continues to expand recycling operations and we minimize the volume of trash created, we will continue to make progress toward a zero-waste future. With everything working against us in terms of climate change and federal resistance to clean energy we must continue to lead by example and show real progress on how beneficial climate-smart policies can be for our community and others that follow suit.  

Dream Prom Look Awaits at Montgomery County Recreation Giveaway Event

Prom season will be here soon, and Montgomery County high school students are invited to find their perfect prom outfit—free of charge.

The Prom Couture Closet Giveaway returns for its fourth year, helping students attend prom in style without financial barriers.

Join us on Saturday, April 5, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center in Burtonsville to browse a selection of free prom dresses, suits, shoes and accessories. The event is open to all Montgomery County high school students with valid student IDs. Items will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

I want to thank everyone who provided donations to this effort. Your generosity has helped hundreds of students find the right thing to wear so they can celebrate their milestone moments with confidence.

And I want to wish all students celebrating prom this year to have a safe and festive celebration.

Arab American Heritage Month Celebration

April is Arab American Heritage Month, and we continue to affirm our commitment to being a welcoming multicultural community.

We are in a time when this is not just a nice thing to do, it is a necessity. We need to lead by example and show those who want to harm someone because of their religion or where they are from will not be tolerated in Montgomery County.

Our County has a legacy of actions and policies that reinforce our belief that we must be inclusive of everybody. This is important when it comes to fair housing, across-the-board equity and many other day-to-day activities where people need to feel like they are not being ignored.

This marks the 25th year our County has honored our Arab American residents with a proclamation that will be presented on Tuesday, April 8.

On Monday, April 7, the community will come together for the Arab American Heritage Month celebration at the Bohrer Park Activity Center in Gaithersburg from 5–6:30 p.m. You can register ahead of the free event by contacting the Office of Community Partnership’s Middle Eastern American Advisory Group by email at meaagocpmc@gmail.com or by filling out this form.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich
County Executive