Message from the County Executive Marc Elrich

Dear Friends,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Launch of Mobilize Montgomery

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

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

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

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

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

Taiwan Trip

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FY26 Proposed Operating Budget

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I presented the recommended budget on March 14th. Next, the County Council will hold public hearings and work sessions before adopting the final budget in late May. Residents can participate in the following ways:

• Public Hearings:
• Monday, April 7 at 1:30 and 7:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 8 at 1:30 and 7:00 p.m.
• Hearings will be held both virtually and in person.
• Submit written or video testimony to the County Council via the Council's website.
• Contact County Executive Marc Elrich via the County Executive’s website.

Why is the County Executive proposing a 3.5-cent property tax increase?

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

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

To reduce the burden on homeowners, the recommended budget expands tax relief:

• Property Tax Credit increased by 25% (to $860), fully offsetting any tax increases for homes assessed at $495,000 or less.
• The Property Tax Credit is automatically applied to your tax bill, no application or sign-up is necessary.
• Other programs, such as the Homestead Tax Credit and Senior Tax Credit, also remain available to eligible homeowners.

Residents can learn more at the Montgomery County Department of Finance website.

Why did MCPS request an unprecedented increase in its budget?

MCPS requested a $284 million increase to address:

• Rising enrollment.
• Compensation for educators under new labor agreements.
• Additional investments in special education staffing.
• Enhanced school security.
• State-mandated Blueprint for Maryland’s Future requirements.

The County’s proposed $250 million increase is the largest-ever local contribution and exceeds the State's Maintenance of Effort requirement by over $256 million.

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

The budget includes:

• A Water Quality Protection charge adjustment for stormwater and clean water initiatives.
• Solid waste fee increases to support solid waste processing, recycling and diversion programs.
• Additional WSSC water rate increases of 9.8% (as requested by WSSC).
• 911 fee increase for emergency communications costs.
• Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) fees.

What cuts or reductions are proposed for County government operations in this budget?

The County identified savings and reductions through:

• $16.8 million in targeted program reductions.
• $28.5 million in vacancy savings from unfilled positions.
• Slowing spending growth in certain non-core areas to preserve essential services.

How does this proposed budget assist in making progress in the following categories?

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

Why are Ride On bus services proposed as fare-free in this budget?

Eliminating fares on Ride On:

• Supports equity by removing a cost barrier to transit.
• Avoids replacing outdated fareboxes and eliminates fare enforcement costs.
• Supports climate goals by encouraging greater transit ridership.

How does the County’s budget prepare for potential economic uncertainty?

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

 

A Win for Prescription Drug Affordability

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon Fresh Opening Signals Continued Progress in East County

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

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

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

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

Debut of MoCo Eats Food and Beverage Showcase

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recognizing the Importance of the Scotland Community

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

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

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

As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich
County Executive

Spring into Action with Exciting Events at Montgomery County Public Libraries

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) is offering a range of exciting programs this spring, designed to engage and inspire the whole community. From programs for parents and young children to workshops for teens, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the upcoming events:

“Hatchlings” Program: Helping Parents Become Their Child’s First Teacher

MCPL is inviting all expectant parents, as well as parents and guardians of newborns aged 0-4 months, to participate in the “Hatchlings: Ready to Hatch” program. This Maryland State Library-sponsored initiative, developed by Betsy Diamant-Cohen, the creator of Mother Goose on the Loose, helps parents and caregivers build the skills to become their child’s first teacher.

The three-part series, filled with music and activities, is designed to stimulate and support early brain development through playful activities. The “Hatchlings” is tailored to help build crucial bonding and developmental skills during the earliest stages of life.

Sessions will take place in April and May at the Potomac, Kensington Park, Quince Orchard and Connie Morella Library branches.

Registration is required, and space is limited to expectant parents and families with babies aged 0-4 months. Only one registration per family is needed for all three sessions at the chosen library branch. Visit the MCPL website to register.

Each interactive session builds upon the previous one, teaching parents how to support their baby’s development using books, songs, rhymes and fun activities. Families will also receive a free tote bag with a reading book, songbook and toys to continue the learning journey at home.

Research shows that the first three years of a child’s life are crucial for brain development. Activities like reading, singing and reciting nursery rhymes promote language development and lay the foundation for future reading skills. By participating in “Hatchlings,” parents will gain the tools to support early brain development and set the stage for their child’s future success.

Animation Workshop for Children Ages 10-15

MCPL is offering a creative opportunity for children ages 10-15 to explore the world of animation through a hands-on workshop led by artist Leila Cabib. The workshop will be held from 2-3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15 at the Rockville Library.

In this engaging session, participants will learn about the history, science and creative possibilities of animation as they create three classic optical toys: a thaumatrope, a zoetrope strip and a flip book.

Registration is required, and space is limited. All necessary art supplies will be provided. For more details or to register, visit the MCPL website or contact the Rockville Library at 240-777-0140.

This workshop is made possible through a partnership with Ms. Cabib and is funded in part by an Arts in Education Grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.

Teen Career Skills Fair at Twinbrook Library

This spring, the Twinbrook Library is hosting its first-ever “Teen Career Skills Fair” for teens ages 13-18. The event, which will take place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, is the place to be for teens looking to learn more about job hunting, internships and preparing for the workplace. MCPL has partnered with Montgomery College and WorkSource Montgomery’s Career Advising Program to provide valuable career resources in one convenient location.

The fair will feature information tables, speakers and a special presentation on the “elevator pitch”—how to impress interviewers with a concise, compelling summary of your skills and abilities. Participants also will earn tickets for a raffle at the end of the event.

Registration is required, and space is limited. For more information or to register, visit the MCPL website or contact the Twinbrook Library at 240-777-0240.

Celebrate National Library Workers Week, April 6-12

National Library Week will be celebrated from April 6-12, with National Library Workers Day on Tuesday, April 8. This annual observance highlights the essential role libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities.

The first National Library Week was celebrated in 1958 with the theme “Wake Up and Read!” This year marks the 67th anniversary of the event.

Celebrate National Library Week by exploring the stacks, joining a book club or attending an author talk. You also can attend workshops, trace your family’s history using the library’s genealogy resources or outline your business idea at an entrepreneur workshop. Whatever your interests, MCPL has something to offer.

Get involved by volunteering, spreading the word, and most importantly, thanking the library staff who work tirelessly to make your visits enjoyable and meaningful.

Get Involved and Stay Connected

From early learning to career development and everything in between, MCPL has something for everyone this spring. Be sure to mark your calendar for these exciting events and visit your local library to take full advantage of the resources and opportunities available to you.

Don’t have a library card yet? No problem! Visit the MCPL website to learn how to get one today and start enjoying all the benefits of being a library member. For more information on these events and more, explore the MCPL homepage.

Parks Department Programs in March and April Will Include Acoustics & Ales, a Family Yard Sale and More

A Sunday Serenade music performance and Shine Brighter Together, an event to recognize Autism Awareness Month are among the special events that Montgomery Parks will host to make spring special.

March programs include:

• Sunday Serenade, a free Sunday morning concert. Sunday, March 30. 10-11:30 a.m. Cabin John Regional Park Amphitheater. 7400 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda. Free. All ages are welcome.

April programs include:

• Acoustics & Ales. Friday, April 4. 5-7:30 p.m. Elm Street Urban Park. 400 Elm St., Chevy Chase. Live music performance, locally crafted beer and tasty bites from your favorite food truck. Beer and food available for purchase. All ages are welcome.
• Share Fair. Saturday, April 5. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Black Hill Discovery Center. 20926 Lake Ridge Drive. Boyds. Celebrate Earth Month with a free community yard sale. Sellers will use the trunks of their cars or bring their own displays to show items being given away, trunk-or-treat style. Buyers can drop by anytime to browse. Registration is required for each “seller” group or family. Contact Christy Korzen at Christy.Korzen@montogmeryparks.org.
• Shine Brighter Together. Saturday, April 5. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wheaton Regional Park. 2000 Shorefield Road. Wheaton. This family-friendly event offers hands-on, sensory-friendly activities and the opportunity to learn more about autism and the resources available. Free. All ages are welcome.

April Brings Free Travel Training to Get Older Adults Moving

Older adults 65+ can learn how to use public transportation at free Travel Training workshops scheduled in April. The workshops, which include a field trip and seminar, offer older adult residents a chance to get to know the County and learn about public transportation options. The seminar includes rides on a Metro train and Ride On bus, and seniors receive hands-on practice loading a fare card and creating an itinerary.

Seminars are scheduled:

• Friday, April 11. 9 a.m.-noon. Benjamin Gaither Center, 80A Bureau Drive. Gaithersburg.
• Tuesday, April 22. 9 a.m.-noon. Dacek/North Potomac Community Center, 13850 Travilah Road. Rockville.

Space is limited, and participants must register in advance for the workshop. Call Connect-A-Ride at 301-738-3252 to learn more and register. Travel Training is provided by the Jewish Council for the Aging with funding from the Montgomery County Department of Transportation.

Message from the County Executive Marc Elrich

 

Dear Friends,

I am in Taiwan on an economic mission this week. Next week, I will fill you in more about the trip.

This is my third visit to the Smart City Summit and Expo, Asia’s largest smart city tradeshow. With 170,000 visitors and more than 500 matchmaking sessions, it is an incredible opportunity to connect with industry leaders and explore partnerships that can benefit Montgomery County.

Trips like these help us attract international businesses to our region. Foreign companies are investing in our local economy, but building these relationships is key to making Montgomery County the go-to destination for entrepreneurs expanding into the U.S. It is also an advantage to continue to have a presence at large trade shows to show that we are a premier place in the nation for life sciences and technology companies.

Back home, we are working to strengthen our life sciences industry. We recently closed applications for two major grant programs:

• The $7 million Technology Innovation Fund, which provides up to $200,000 for small businesses developing proprietary tech.
• The $3 million Founders Fund, which awards up to $100,000 for entrepreneurs from historically underrepresented communities.

The application process closed in January with 144 early-stage companies interested in commercialization grants to help them hire, grow and create jobs.

Our goal is to grow and diversify our economy, creating opportunities for our highly skilled workforce and reducing reliance on the Federal sector. By fostering innovation and supporting local businesses, we are building a stronger, more equitable economy for Montgomery County.

I look forward to sharing more about this trip to Taiwan when I return next week.

FY 26 Operating Budget Released

As I reported last week, I sent my proposed operating budget to the County Council last Friday. You can review it on your own using interactive tools on the County’s budget website (seen above).

The budget process was particularly complicated this year because the General Assembly had not made final decisions yet on the State budget. They just announced an agreement on the budget, and we are still awaiting further details. We may still bear more financial responsibility than we have in previous years; we will know more once the State budget is completed.

The $7.7 billion operating budget proposal devotes a record amount to education. The $6.6 billion of tax-supported funding devotes 51% or ($3.4 billion) to public schools. This recommended budget exceeds the amount required by the State's Maintenance of Effort (MOE) law by over $256 million. MOE says that each county must spend no less per pupil than was spent per pupil the prior year. If approved, this would be the largest-ever year-over-year budget increase for Montgomery County Public Schools.

The education budget funds negotiated compensation agreements for all school staff. It also funds nearly 700 new MCSPS staff members, including 188 teachers and 500 paraeducators (134 new and 366 converted from part-time to full-time), to address an urgent need in educating our youth in special education programs. It also would pay for increased school safety personnel.

Beginning with the Great Recession and continuing, our per-pupil funding has not kept up with inflation as you can see from the above graph. This budget goes a long way toward raising those levels and getting our spending back to pre-recession levels. We are making the largest local investment ever in our schools because strong schools mean a strong workforce and economy. It is also important to fully fund Montgomery College and expand early childhood education initiatives.

This balanced budget is focused on protecting our core services such as education, public safety and housing. This budget increases police pay and makes the starting pay for a police officer $70,000, which will help us recruit for our police force, which is understaffed – like most police forces across the U.S. We also invest in new technology like the Drone as First Responder program, which has improved emergency response capabilities and provides critical support to law enforcement. Affordable housing is still a critical need in Montgomery County, which is why my recommended budget invests a record amount for strategic investments to preserve, protect and produce more affordable units to help our residents.

As the first step in the Council’s review of my recommended budget, they have scheduled public hearings on Monday, April 7, and Tuesday, April 8. Sign up to testify on the County Council website or call (240) 777-7803.

Montgomery County: One of the Healthiest Places in Maryland and the U.S.

The latest County Health Rankings report from the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation shows Montgomery County continues to be one of the healthiest places to live in Maryland and in the U.S.

This study evaluated over 30 factors that impact health—everything from access to care and community support to lifestyle and economic conditions.

The results found that Montgomery County outperforms the state average for population health and well-being. And when compared nationally, we are also better than the typical county in the U.S.

The highlights include:

• Lower rates of premature death
• Higher life expectancy
• Strong community partnerships

There is a more in-depth story later in the newsletter, but it’s important to know that one of the attributes of our community is the strong partnerships we have with hospitals, nonprofit providers and community organizations.

The rankings remain high because this government invests in programs and services in many areas, not just health. We know that a person’s health has a lot more to do with factors other than their physical and mental health. It takes a commitment on the part of many.

Help for High Water Utility Bills

WSSC Water has relaunched its Get Current 2.0 program to help income-eligible customers struggling with overdue water and sewer bills. 

This initiative offers residential customers below 150% of the area median income (AMI) bill credits and waived fees upon full or partial payment and potential payment plan completion. 

The following information will help you understand what 150% AMI looks like for area families.

 

Household of 1:	$158,250
Household of 2:	$180,900
Household of 3:	$203,550
Household of 4:	$226,050
Household of 5:	$244,200
Household of 6:	$262,350

Families that exceed these income thresholds and commercial accounts can also receive waivers for late payment charges and turn-on fees. The program aims to address the significant number of past-due accounts, currently totaling over $47 million.

Interested residents can find more information here. The Get Current 2.0 program will run through June 30. 

World Water Day 2025

World Water Day on Saturday, March 22, will be a day of fun, learning and activities focused on water conservation and responsibly enjoying one of the globe's most important natural resources. It is the County’s first one ever, and it will be held at Wheaton Regional Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

You can participate in guided nature walks and environmental exhibits, a piñata exhibit for the family and a trout fishing activity for kids 15 and younger at the park’s Pine Lake. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Mobile First Catch Fishing Center will provide fishing gear and lessons.

The theme of World Water Day is “Save Our Glaciers,” highlighting climate change’s impact on water sources worldwide. Only three percent of Earth’s water is fresh and drinkable, and 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water. We must help everyone understand how important it is to protect our waterways for future generations.

World Water Day is brought to you by Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection, Montgomery Parks, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Impact Silver Spring, Defensores De La Cuenca, the Latino Health Initiative and Montgomery Housing Partnership.

Making a difference for generations to come begins by acting today. World Water Day is a wonderful way to learn how to be better stewards of our water system.

MoComCon Returns This Weekend

MoComCon is back and bigger than ever. It is now a two-day event happening this Saturday and Sunday, March 22 – 23, in Germantown.

Montgomery County Public Libraries’ most popular annual event celebrates comics, storytelling and art with activities for all ages. This expansion means more opportunities for people to participate with tailored experiences across a variety of demographics.

On Saturday, BlackRock Center for the Arts will host its portion of the event from 1 to 5 p.m. These activities are geared toward youth ages 13 and up and adults. Panels, workshops and a cosplay contest will be some of the highlights.

On Sunday, the fun moves to the Germantown Library starting at 10 a.m. Activities will be more family-focused for kids of all ages. A costume parade and interactive displays will continue until 2 p.m.

More information on this popular event can be found later in the newsletter.

Employers and Employees Benefit from FareShare Program

A program meant to help more people choose public transportation to and from work is becoming more beneficial.   

Montgomery County employees can now receive up to $325 per month for public transit costs through the Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s FareShare program, up from $300 last year. Employers must contribute $25 per month per employee. The upside is a tax-free contribution from both employees and employers.   

Here's another upside--commuters using public transportation can save up to four times the costs associated with using a personal car.   

The money set aside by employees and employers can be used for Ride On buses, Metro bus, Metro rail or MARC train. Rail passes, vanpool fares and other transportation expenses are also allowed. (As a note, my recommended budget would make Ride-On free, but FareShare would still be important for other transit.)

As the federal government returns to in-person work, we need more commuters to consider public transit options. We encourage more businesses to take advantage of this opportunity and make transit an easier choice for their workers. Employers who participate give their employees a financial break while they’re supporting a healthier, more sustainable transportation system for everyone.  

For more information and to request free support to implement or increase a transportation reimbursement program in the County, email FareShare at commuter.services@montgomerycountymd.gov.

A number of you have asked the County to join Bluesky, the newest social media platform. We have joined and we hope you will follow us there at @montgomerycountymd.bsky.social.

Spring officially started this week. Happy Spring! In the weeks to come, look out for information on many upcoming community events.

 
As always, my appreciation for all of you,

Marc Elrich

County Executive

Local Women Explore Creativity, Identity and Resilience at Eighth Annual Women in the Arts Panel Friday, March 28 in Silver Spring

Join Silver Spring Town Center, Inc. for the Eighth Annual Women in the Arts Panel at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 28 at the Silver Spring Civic Building, located at 1 Veteran Place in Silver Spring. The event is free. The panel will feature women of many talents and will be hosted by Silver Spring-based chef Beth Yohannes from Lemon Slice Cafe. The event will feature actor and playwright Jeanne M. Adams, artist Nadya Babich, artist Liliane Blom, author Chana Brissett-Shinegba, dancer and choreographer Nilimma Devi, musical artist Anisha Moon Newbill, author Jody Olsen and actor Mita Paul.

RSVP to lisa@silverspringtowncenter.com. Visit the SSTCI website for more information.

'Sprung! Comedy Festival' Returns to Silver Spring Starting March 26

 

Improbable Comedy, the small but mighty Silver Spring-based comedy production company, continues its mission to present quality local comedy shows and bring people together. "SPRUNG! Comedy Festival "returns Wednesday, March 26 to Saturday, March 29, to the Black Box Theatre, located at 8641 Colesville Road in Downtown Silver Spring.

The “SPRUNG! Comedy Festival” offers a diverse group of shows and performers and is a celebration of community and comedy, with national touring comics and local talent. Ticket prices are $25 for general admission tickets, and $40 VIP tickets are available for each show. VIP tickets include reserved, premium seating and giveaways. All-access passes are also available and include entry to all ticketed shows, VIP seating and specialty perks.

The “SPRUNG! Comedy Festival” lineups deliver on all fronts, staging both national touring comedians and local DMV favorites. All shows take place in the Silver Spring Black Box, an ADA accessible venue. Improbable Comedy will offer ASL interpretation for all shows. The shows include:

• Wednesday, March 26. 7 p.m. “MOTHER of All Comedy Shows."
• Thursday, March 27. 7 p.m. “Funnier Than Fiction” presented with Story District.
• Friday, March 28. 5 p.m. “The Originals: All Native Comedy.”
• Friday, March 28. 7 p.m. “Desi Comedy Night” presented with Comedy Bonfyre.
• Friday, March 28. 9 p.m. “Law & Order Comedy” presented with Seven Black Minutes.
• Saturday, March 29. 5 p.m. “DC Science Comedy Night” presented with DC Science Comedy.
• Saturday, March 29. 7 p.m. “Comedy as a Second Language.”
• Saturday, March 29. 9 p.m. “Joke Sistas” presented with Black Women in Comedy "Laff Fest.”

• Two classes are also offered on Saturday, March 29:
• Storytelling Workshop. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. with Story District.
• Stand Up Comedy Workshop. 2–4 p.m. with Robert Mac.

Tickets and more information are available on the Improbably Comedy website.

Message from the County Executive Marc Elrich

Dear Friends,

Today I sent the County Council my recommended operating budget for the next fiscal year (2026). I sent this budget over now – as required by the County Charter, but there are some major unknowns regarding decisions that will be made by the Maryland General Assembly, which will not finish its deliberations until April 7.

I have explained to the County Council, and our education partners, that, if necessary, we will submit budget revisions soon after we get the final State numbers.

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 recommended budget is balanced through a combination of strategic reductions, vacancy savings and a modest property tax rate increase to sustain critical investments, particularly in education. We made $16.8 million in targeted program reductions and $28.5 million in vacancy savings from unfilled positions.

The FY26 recommended budget provides a total of $3.62 billion for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). If approved, the County's contribution increases by $250 million—the largest-ever year-over-year increase—which funds negotiated compensation agreements for all school staff, increases the number of special education teachers and paraeducators and enhances school security.

We are making the largest local investment ever in our schools because we know the stakes. Strong schools mean a strong workforce and economy.

If adopted by the County Council, MCPS per pupil funding will grow by $1,659, and the budget will exceed the State’s Maintenance of Effort requirement by over $256 million.

The budget also fully funds Montgomery College and expands early childhood education initiatives, providing $4 million in additional funding for childcare subsidies and support programs.

To ensure full funding for MCPS and other essential services, the budget includes a 3.5 cent increase in the education supplemental property tax, generating $56.3 million for Montgomery County Public Schools. This would bring the total property tax rate to $1.0605 per $100 of assessed value while maintaining a lower weighted real property tax rate than neighboring counties.

Recognizing the need to minimize the impact on homeowners, the proposed budget also expands some tax relief measures:

• Property Tax Credit increased by 25 percent to $860.
• Fully offsets any tax increases for homes assessed at $495,000 or less.

Balancing this budget meant making difficult choices, but our focus remains on protecting our core services—education, public safety and housing. We are using the tools we have available to apply a degree of progressivity to the property tax: by raising the Property Tax Credit by 25 percent to $850, we eliminate the entire rate increase for homeowners whose homes are assessed at $495,000. Residents whose homes are assessed at less than $495,000 would see a slight decrease in county property tax and all homeowners would have the 3.5 cent increase at least partly mitigated. Without this revenue, significant reductions to critical County programs would have been required. This approach allows the County to maintain financial stability while continuing key investments.

Even with the education supplemental property tax increase, Montgomery County has a lower tax rate than all our neighboring counties and communities, except Washington DC, which has a lower residential rate and a much higher commercial rate. The chart below shows the rates in neighboring Maryland counties, Fairfax, Virginia and Washington, DC.

Beyond record-level funding for MCPS, our recommended budget includes many other important investments. The following is a list of some important highlights from this proposal, which we will continue to discuss.

• Record funding to build and provide more affordable housing units.
• New public safety measures such as increasing police salaries and benefits to assist in recruitment efforts and expanding our popular Drone as First Responder program to Germantown.
• Free Fares on Ride On – Zero fares on our buses support both the County’s equity, and climate and sustainability goals, and they allow us to reallocate funds that we had to set aside to purchase new fare meters (the current ones will soon no longer be operational).
• Expanding our business incubator program that will provide increased resources for entrepreneurs, mentoring and ecosystem support.
• Fiscally responsible and prepared for future funding challenges - leaves $791 million or 11.2 percent in reserve ($87.2 million above the policy requirement).

The budget process is one of the most important responsibilities we have as County leaders, so I urge you to follow and engage in this process closely. You deserve a clear understanding of the proposals and decisions that lie ahead. Additionally, the County Council has announced their schedule for the public hearings on the budget on Monday, April 7 and Tuesday, April 8, at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. More information on their hearings is here.

Between the impacts of the state budget deficit and the unprecedented but necessary funding request from MCPS, this has been a budget preparation process with many tough decisions. This may be one of the most difficult budgets I have ever worked on.

We conducted 11 budget forums last fall and received robust communications and engagement from our residents and community organizations. Our forums were held around the County geographically, and we had targeted forums with Black/African American, Asian and Latino communities, one dedicated to schools, another to non-profits and another for older adults.

Needs throughout the County are increasing while the cost of providing services continues to increase; the County government, like all residents and private sector businesses, feels the impacts of inflation and high interest rates.

We realize that potential mass federal layoffs and other changes at the federal level could impact our tax receipts for the next budget. Therefore, this budget was prepared without any major new initiatives in County government, to reduce potential pressures next year.

We will be in regular conversation with the County Council and the public regarding how we may have to adjust. No one should assume that this is the final shape of the budget.

You can watch the presentation I gave where I talk through my recommendations. As always, feel free to contact me through the County Executive office and contact the County Council with your thoughts and feedback on this proposed budget. You can do a deep dive into this proposal and look at our current and previous budgets on the County’s Operating Expenditures page.

Working Together to Help Those Who Need Work

Later this month, Montgomery College’s Germantown campus will host a networking and job fair for recently displaced federal research and associate scientists at the Bioscience Education Center on Monday, March 31. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Leading employers like ATCC (American Type Culture Collection), Charles River Laboratories and MilliporeSigma will attend. In addition to meeting potential employers, attendees will be able to access services like resume reviews, professional headshots and employer presentations to assist job seekers in their career transitions.

You can register online now.

County leaders across Maryland have started working together to raise awareness of employment opportunities and job fairs like this. The Maryland Department of Labor’s website now has a special section that includes information about job fairs with several counties and municipalities updating the public about opportunities like this. Visit labor.maryland.gov/federalworkers to learn more.

Work in the life sciences industry is critical to our economy. For decades, health companies have been bolstered by the amazing work done at federal agencies that call Montgomery County home, like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). To see so many jobs in these critical organizations threatened for no good reason should anger all Americans.

I have seen some of the firing letters these workers received. They are boilerplate and indicate that no thought was put into who and why people are being fired. They are throwing people with sterling resumes out, including recently promoted managers, not for cause but because they can. No decisions are being made based on operational efficiency and opportunities to achieve the same outcomes through better organization. No one has studied the needs of organizations or the roles that people play.

Like many others, I am astounded by the attack on NIH, FDA and the research programs they fund with universities across the country. Who in their right mind would oppose research on health care advances that can deliver cures and be the factor between life and death? It is not logical.

But as I read through information about NIH’s work, it became pretty clear why these jobs are being targeted. Curing people involves doing research on a disease, which should have universal approval, but it often involves finding the cause of a disease – and this is what President Trump and large industries do not want.

Research into causes of health problems often creates a trail that leads to pollutants in our air, our water and our food – think about tobacco, asbestos, DDT, PFAs, micro-plastics and red-meat heavy diets to name just a few.

The work done to find cures often leads to proposals to limit or eliminate the things that cause disease, and those proposals lead to regulations. If there is something wanted by the Trump administration (and the corporate interests he serves), it is to eliminate regulations, and the knowledge gained through scientific research. Without the data, there is no basis for regulations. And while corporations will escape liability for the damage they do, it will be the people, you and me, who will be left to deal with the damage. Simply put, shutting down research will ultimately mean that more people will die, young and old, because the drugs they need will never be developed.

We should not allow federal leaders to “shoot the messengers.” We also should not forget that major corporations have a long history of fighting and sometimes hiding evidence that the public needs to know. Regulations protect consumers, employees and others from undue harm that some companies choose to blatantly ignore over profit.

Some companies have shown they are willing to risk human life for a better balance sheet. Some examples are smoking and lung cancer or the fact that climate change has been exacerbated by the production and use of fossil fuels. Some corporate decisions impact all of us whether they want to admit it or not. For many who stand to profit it is better to be unchecked and free of responsibility.

If not for the clinical trials and research work done by these civil servants year after year, we would still be in the stone age of medicine. I was reminded of that this past weekend when I saw that former NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins attended the rally for science in Washington, DC. I am pleased to announce that Dr. Collins will join me for my media briefing in two weeks on March 26 to discuss how these layoffs and funding cuts impact work done at NIH.

The rallies we have seen over the last few weeks in Silver Spring, Bethesda and elsewhere to support federal workers and programs indicate the Trump administration will face more resistance. Activism is needed to help fight for the rights of those being marginalized by the people in power.

This administration's actions are an affront on many levels and deeply concerning to many of our residents and neighbors.

Next Wednesday, March 19, the County Council is hosting its third webinar in their United in Service and Support series, County Council Vice President Will Jawando will be joined by Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown. Attorney General Brown has been on the legal frontlines on behalf of the residents and workers in Maryland being impacted by the federal decisions. Residents are encouraged to log in for the March 19 webinar starting at 6:50 p.m. For more information, click here.

I also want to thank our congressional delegation—Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, Representatives Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey and April McClain Delaney—and Governor Wes Moore and his administration for all their work and engagement in supporting our federal workers.

If you need help finding these resources, visit MontgomeryCountyMD.gov.

Drone as First Responder Program Now in Bethesda

It has been 15 months since the first Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) drone began flying over Silver Spring to help police respond to emergency calls and relay critical information to responding police officers.

Since its inception, the Drone as First Responder (DFR) program has expanded to protect people living in Wheaton, Montgomery Village and parts of Gaithersburg. This week, the first drones flew over Bethesda and my proposed budget for FY26 expands the drone program to Germantown.

This program is a model recognized by the American Civil Liberties Union in balancing effective public safety with transparency and accountability. This balance is achieved through the structure of the program. For example, these drones are never on their own patrolling from above; rather, they are prompted by a resident’s call for service. While flying to respond to calls, the camera is pointed up and not in surveillance mode. Also, every call is mapped and maintained on a website for public scrutiny. You can access that dashboard by visiting remote.dronesense.com/dashboard/MCPDDFR .

So far, this program has flown over 2050 calls, and around 70 percent of the time, they arrive before the first responding officer is on-scene.

Once the drone arrives overhead, the pilot can begin to provide information to responding officers on the ground in real time. This allows the officers to respond more efficiently and safely for themselves and members of the public.

For example, a 911 caller recently told an operator that a man was waving a gun in a public space. When the drone arrived, it was clear that the man was holding a phone. That information changed the entire nature of the police response and deflated a potentially tense situation.

As we prepared for the launch of the Bethesda drone, we held a public meeting about the drone program at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School last summer to earn community buy-in and address residents' questions or concerns.

Drones are one of several tools we are using to improve public safety. We will continue to embrace new technology and use the techniques that work to prevent crime. Drones help us save time and resources, but they cannot replace an officer.

I want to thank Chief Marc Yamada and the MCPD leaders who have embraced this addition to the police department. We saw crime drop 7 percent in 2024. Property crime dipped 6 percent, motor vehicle thefts dropped 15 percent and carjackings plummeted 43 percent. There were also fewer homicides in 2024—19 down from 29 in 2023. Those trends have continued, or in some cases accelerated, downwards over the first few months of 2025.

We continue to signal to criminals that if they commit crimes in this County, we are going to after them.

For more information on our DFR program, please visit the MCPD website.

Climate Action Plan Update

On Tuesday, I took the opportunity to update the community on Montgomery County’s Climate Action Plan with the release of our annual report. We did that at Walt Whitman High School in front of students in the Leadership for Social Justice Academy. I enjoyed talking to these students and, specifically, the conversations I had with many following the event. It makes me feel good to know that we have so many young people in our County engaged and caring about climate issues.

Montgomery County declared a climate emergency in 2017, laying the groundwork for its commitment to bold climate change solutions. Before we even developed a road map, we set nation-leading goals through extensive community input and then created an ambitious, actionable Climate Action Plan in 2021. Our goal remains reducing greenhouse gas emissions, or climate change pollution, by 80 percent by 2027 and 100 percent by 2035.

The plan charts the way to meet the County’s climate change goals, become resilient to a changing climate and address environmental injustices of the past. The County has started 78 of the 86 actions in the Climate Action Plan and made significant progress on or completed 55 actions. As always, money is the biggest limiter on progress – along with the commercialization of new cutting-edge tech that could bend the cost curve in a favorable direction.

As you can see above, the County has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 31 percent from 2005 to 2020, despite a 13 percent increase in population over that same time. We get our emissions data from the Metro Washington Council of Governments, and 2020 was the last year data was published, with an update expected later this year.

Just a couple of weeks ago we enacted our Building Energy Performance Standards—–or BEPS regulations. I thank the County Council for their unanimous approval of these regulations. BEPS is a major step forward in achieving our Climate Action Plan Goals. With BEPS, we are striking the right balance—reducing carbon pollution and supporting jobs while giving building owners a clear, flexible and fair path to compliance.

Over the long run, these regulations will reduce the greenhouse gas impact of building operations, addressing 15 percent of countywide greenhouse gas emissions. We are one of only 14 cities and counties in the nation with this sort of standard.

The Montgomery County Green Bank has deployed $37 million in clean energy and climate-resilient projects, leveraging an impressive $129.5 million in total investment, with a 2.5x return in private sector funding. This includes 60 projects across public, commercial, residential and nonprofit sectors.

The Capital Area Solar Switch Program successfully registered 1,843 households and small businesses to learn about solar and participate in a group buying program. And the County microgrid projects at key locations – the Equipment Maintenance Transit Operations Center, the 6th District Police Station and the Public Safety Communication Center as well as the Brookville Smart Energy Bus Depot. These microgrids will provide crucial emergency power in case of extended power outages.

To reduce our transportation emissions, last year, we completed our Zero Emission Bus Transition Plan, to transition its entire bus fleet to zero-emission vehicles by 2035.

To address greenhouse gas emissions from waste management, the County expanded its Recycling and Reuse Program, allowing residents to drop off mattresses, textiles, film plastics and durable medical equipment at the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station.

This year we launched the Climate Smart campaign, asking the public to sign the pledge of taking small actions at home to reduce your carbon footprint. Changes like taking transit instead of driving when you can, recycling, switching to energy-efficient lightbulbs and installing solar panels on your roof.

As a County, we are leading by example, but it would make an even bigger impact if more residents helped. Together, let’s confront this challenge head-on and advance a healthier, more sustainable future for Montgomery County. Visit MontgomeryCountyMD.gov/ClimateSmart to take the pledge and commit to simple, actionable steps that make a difference. Remember, small actions can lead to big change.

Women Making History Award Nominees

Throughout the month of March, we are putting the spotlight on outstanding women in our community.

The Montgomery County Commission for Women— in partnership with Montgomery Women— is proud to recognize the outstanding recipients of the 2025 Women Making History Award.

The awards honor 30 women in Montgomery County who are making a real difference—whether through their leadership, advocacy or dedication to their communities and professions. These women are driving change, breaking barriers and working toward a more equitable and inclusive future for all of us.

You can read more about them online and through their profiles posted to the Commission for Women's X, Facebook and Instagram feeds. These women are a diverse group who represent the best of Montgomery County. Their commitment to service is inspiring, and they remind us of the progress we've made—and the work we still must do.

Change doesn’t just happen—it is driven by people who are willing to stand up, speak out and do the work. The women being honored with this award have done exactly that. They are making Montgomery County stronger, more just and more inclusive, and their contributions deserve to be celebrated. But we also know that the fight for equity is ongoing. We need to keep pushing for policies and opportunities that ensure every woman in our community can thrive.

In April, these remarkable women will be recognized at the Women Making History Celebration.

Let’s celebrate their work and advocacy, share their stories on your social media and recommit to building a future where all women in Montgomery County have the opportunities and support, they deserve.

A Longtime Advocate for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness Retires

I want to take a moment to recognize and thank Susie Sinclair-Smith for her decades of dedicated service to our community. As the leader of the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless, Susie has been an unwavering advocate for some of our most vulnerable neighbors. Under her leadership, MCCH has been an essential partner in our work to combat homelessness, helping us achieve major milestones like ending veteran homelessness in 2015 and moving hundreds of chronically homeless individuals into permanent housing by 2017. You can hear her passion for helping our community in her remarks at the opening of the Nebel Street Shelter in 2022.

Her vision and leadership were instrumental in expanding critical services, including the opening of a new men’s shelter and increasing the resources available to those in need. She has always centered her work on the well-being and dignity of the people she served. Montgomery County is stronger because of her efforts.

While Susie’s retirement marks the end of an era, her impact will be felt for years to come. I want to personally thank her for her tireless commitment to making Montgomery County a place where everyone has a chance at stability and a home. I wish her all the best in this next chapter and believe that her legacy of compassion and action will continue to inspire us.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich

County Executive