Dawn in the news...
Two Maryland toddlers injured by ghost guns, prompting calls for stricter control
June 6, 2024 - ABC7
Following two tragic incidents, Councilmember Luedtke reiterates that, for those who choose to own weapons, they must be securely locked away out of the reach of children who live in or are visiting the home, in compliance with Jaelynn’s Law.
Councilmembers Get Feedback on Agritourism Development, Overnight Stays at Farms
May 30, 2024 - Montgomery Community Media
Councilmembers Dawn Luedtke and Marilyn Balcombe host a community meeting to gather residents’ feedback on agritourism in the County.
Local Pride Month Events: How to Celebrate and Show Your Support
May 30, 2024 - Montgomery Community Media
Councilmembers Dawn Luedtke and Evan Glass host a celebration at Olney Theatre to commemorate Pride Month.
Montgomery County Executive Elrich and Community Action Board Celebrate Advocacy Institute Graduates
May 23, 2024 - The MoCoShow
Councilmember Luedtke attends the graduation ceremony for the Community Action Board’s Advocacy Institute, a free, bilingual (English and Spanish) eight-month training program that teaches lower-income County residents how to effectively engage with government.
Subjefe de Policía Marc Yamada Nominado para Suceder al Jefe Policial Marcus Jones
May 23, 2024 - Montgomery Community Media
Councilmember Luedtke thanks outgoing Police Chief Marcus Jones for his service and welcomes the nominee for Police Chief, Marc Yamada.
Montgomery County Executive announces nominee for police chief
May 22, 2024 - ABC7
Councilmember Luedtke speaks about the nomination of Marc Yamada for Police Chief.
Police Chief Marcus Jones Calls His Nominated Successor ‘A Great Selection’
May 22, 2024 - Montgomery Community Media
Councilmember Luedtke comments on the challenges and opportunities for the next Police Chief.
Festival Featured Wide Variety of Books, Authors
May 21, 2024 - Montgomery Community Media
Councilmember Luedtke shares her enthusiasm for the Gaithersburg Book Festival.
Montgomery Co. Council votes to add $26.3M to schools in $7.1B budget plan
May 16, 2024 - WTOP
During the annual budget deliberation process, Councilmember Luedtke urged fiscal responsibility, accountability, and transparency.
Elrich Wants to Eliminate 27 Positions in 911
May 8, 2024 - Montgomery Perspective
Councilmember Luedtke discusses a proposal to reduce staffing levels at the Emergency Communications Center and emphasizes the importance of the County being able to respond to emergencies promptly.
County Council Approves $20 Million to Spur Job Creation and Economic Growth
May 7, 2024 - The MoCoShow
Councilmember Luedtke cosponsors legislation designed to grow Montgomery County’s economy.
LGBTQ+ organizations say they are ‘over-extended,’ urge more county funding
April 29, 2024 - MoCo360
Councilmember Luedtke votes to support increased funding to local organizations that provide important services to LGBTQ+ residents.
Part of a wing falls from plane flying over Gaithersburg, officials say
April 29, 2024 - MoCo360
Councilmember Luedtke urges the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to investigate an incident that occurred at the Airpark in Gaithersburg.
Car door-sized wing tip falls from plane in Montgomery County
April 26, 2024 - NBC4
Councilmember Luedtke stresses that safety is of paramount importance and requests that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conduct a full investigation of the incident.
Council Member Dawn Luedtke Meets With MC Students
April 26, 2024 - The Excalibur
A passionate advocate for education, Councilmember Luedtke met with Montgomery College students to learn more about their experiences, concerns, and hopes as well as share more about her own educational journey.
Proposed financial incentive program aims to eliminate local office vacancies
April 15, 2024 - MoCo360
To decrease the number of office vacancies, Councilmember Luedtke cosponsors legislation that would provide a financial incentive to businesses to locate and expand in the County.
County Council considers ‘tough decisions’ to avoid potential budget deficit
April 11, 2024 - MoCo360
Councilmember Luedtke emphasizes the need to be prudent stewards of taxpayer money.
Council: MCPS needs to consider equity in proposed school construction cuts
April 4, 2024 - MoCo360
Councilmember Luedtke fights for Damascus and Upcounty, urging her colleagues to maintain funding for the much-needed Damascus High School renovation project.
Audit: County police lack oversight of contractors handling red-light, speeding citations
March 28, 2024 - MoCo360
Noting the importance of red light and speed cameras as effective public safety tools, Councilmember Luedtke voices her support for making needed improvements in how fines are handled.
Council Enacts Albornoz-Luedtke Bill to Safeguard Job Applicants’ Healthcare Privacy
March 21, 2024 - Source of the Spring
The Council passes legislation sponsored by Councilmembers Luedtke and Albornoz to protect job applicants from unwarranted questions about their health.
Council Enacts Bill to Protect Healthcare Information of Job Applicants
March 20, 2024 - The MoCoShow
The Council votes to approve a bill sponsored by Councilmembers Luedtke and Albornoz to protect job applicants’ private health information.
County Council prohibits local employers from inquiring about employees’ reproductive health history
March 19, 2024 - MoCo360
In response to mounting attacks on reproductive freedom, the Council approved legislation from Councilmembers Luedtke and Albornoz to bar employers from asking about job applicants’ health information.
Female Council Majority Celebrates This Year’s Women’s History Month Theme, “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion,” on International Women’s Day
March 17, 2024 - The MoCoShow
Councilmember Luedtke and her colleagues celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month and discuss education, economic development, public safety, and public health.
A new $20M program aims to boost Montgomery County’s lagging economy
March 11, 2024 - WTOP
To spur economic growth in the County, Councilmember Luedtke cosponsors legislation to invest in job creation.
VIDEO: 30 Years of Law Enforcement Accreditation VIDEO: District 7 Farm Tour
VIDEO: Public Safety Town Hall VIDEO: Music In Motion with Montgomery Recreation
Previous News Items
Restricting hours for hookah lounges, tobacco shops aim of new Montgomery County Council billFebruary 13, 2024 - MoCo360
In order to combat a rise in late-night crime, Councilmember Luedtke co-sponsors a bill to require hookah lounges and tobacco and vape shops to close at 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends, bringing them into alignment with the late-night business hours of establishments that serve and sell alcohol.
Live blog: MCPS officials face questioning from County Council
February 8, 2024 - MoCo360
During a Council hearing to discuss the County Inspector General's report, which revealed MCPS' investigative failures, Councilmember Luedtke questions MCPS senior officials about the Office of Human Resources and Development's administrative leave policies.
What they're saying about Superintendent McKnight's exit from MCPS
February 2, 2024 - MoCo360
Following Superintendent McKnight's departure from MCPS, Councilmember Luedtke continues to push for a detailed explanation of the school system's failures regarding the promotion of Joel Beidleman in order to restore the public's trust in MCPS.
McKnight exits as MCPS Superintendent following turmoil over Beidleman investigation
February 2, 2024 - MoCo360
Councilmembers Luedtke and Glass call for the Council to utilize its authority to put MCPS officials under oath and Councilmember Luedtke comments on the departure of Superintendent McKnight.
Principals, administrators depart as MCPS faces cronyism, accountability concerns
February 1, 2024 - MoCo360
Councilmember Luedtke comments on the alarming rates of departure of MCPS central office staff, which indicate a dysfunctional and toxic workplace.
Invitan a renunciar a superintendenta de escuelas McKnight
January 27, 2024 - Washington Hispanic
Councilmembers Luedtke and Glass highlight the County Inspector General's report, which showed that MCPS was aware of the deficiencies in its promotions process and did nothing to correct them, depriving staff and students of a safe teaching and learning environment.
Watchdog calls Montgomery schools' handling of misconduct complaints 'chaotic'
January 24, 2024 - Washington Post
In a joint statement, Councilmembers Luedtke and Glass highlight the need for MCPS to take concrete actions to restore transparency, accountability, and trust.
Montgomery County bill would allow houses of worship to build affordable housing on their land
January 17, 2024 - MoCo360
In an effort to grow Montgomery County's housing supply, Councilmember Luedtke co-sponsors legislation to allow houses of worship to build multi-unit housing on their land.
MCPS, school board silent as MoCo leaders, PTA, teachers' union call for accountability
January 17, 2024 - MoCo360
Councilmember Luedtke speaks on the need for MCPS to repair trust by instating competent, ethical, and compliance-minded leadership.
Montgomery County bill would establish crisis intervention teams for emergency response
December 7, 2023 - MoCo360
Councilmember Luedtke introduces legislation to enhance and streamline Montgomery County's response to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis by coordinating the work of social work clinicians and law enforcement officers.
MoCo bill would prohibit asking employees about reproductive history
December 6, 2023 - MoCo360
Building on the success of her previous legislation to protect the private health information of those who apply to work for the Montgomery County government, Councilmember Luedtke introduces legislation to safeguard the health information of all job applicants in the County.
Montgomery County leaders share update on youth safety, substance abuse
November 29, 2023 - ABC7
During a conversation at the Montgomery County Council about youth safety and substance use, Councilmember Luedtke raises concerns about the delay in getting youth much needed treatment.
Opinion: To fix our juvenile justice system, we need accountability for offenders
November 18, 2023 - MoCo360
Councilmember Luedtke addresses the rise in juvenile crime, and proposes a number of steps we can take on the state and local levels to increase accountability, reduce offenses, and steer juveniles towards effective interventions.
Montgomery County Council introduces bills to allow overnight stays at farms, increase tree canopy
November 8, 2023 - MoCo360
Councilmember Luedtke voices her support for legislation to preserve the county’s tree canopy to meet our climate goals.
Montgomery County Councilmembers speak on supporting constituents during Israel-Hamas war
November 2, 2023 - MoCo360
Councilmember Luedtke voted to approve expedited funding for security grants for Jewish and Muslim organizations, and supports continued collaboration among county government, law enforcement, the school system, and Jewish and Muslim communities to address hate speech and bias.
Montgomery County public safety officials talk possible solutions to juvenile crime
October 31, 2023 - DC News Now
The County Council’s Public Safety Committee met to discuss juvenile crime, and Councilmember Luedtke highlighted the substantial drain on public safety resources that repeated offenses cause.
‘This is a crisis’: Montgomery Co. panel explores juvenile crime, possible actions
October 31, 2023 - WTOP
During the County Council's Public Safety Committee meeting about juvenile crime, Councilmember Luedtke called attention to the dearth of interventions to address repeat juvenile offenders.
Strike averted: MoCo, D.C. region office cleaners reach a tentative agreement
October 11, 2023 - MoCo360
After receiving the support of Councilmember Luedtke and other elected officials, unionized office cleaners successfully negotiated a fair contract.
MoCo office cleaners march on Wisconsin Avenue, plan to strike for fair contract
October 6, 2023 - MoCo360
Councilmember Luedtke voices her support for the right of unionized workers to negotiate a fair contract.
‘There’s a huge failure here’: Montgomery Co. Council on handling of principal’s misconduct complaints
September 28, 2023 - WTOP
As a mother of MCPS students, Councilmember Luedtke voices her concern about the school system’s transparency.
Montgomery County Council takes aim at reducing suicide by firearms with new legislation
September 26, 2023 - MoCo360
Councilmember Luedtke cosponsors legislation to promote mental health awareness and reduce suicides by firearm.
Councilmembers to discuss new recreation center in Gaithersburg and Montgomery Village
September 14, 2023 - MoCo360
Councilmember Luedtke hosts a community town hall with key stakeholders to elicit residents’ feedback on a proposal to build a new recreation center in the Montgomery Village/Gaithersburg area.
What does rent stabilization mean for housing development in MoCo?
September 13, 2023 - MoCo360
Councilmember Luedtke votes against legislation that threatens to stifle new housing development and increase rental prices in Montgomery County.
Disabled residents, parents share feelings on voluntary Montgomery County 911 registry
September 13, 2023 - MoCo360
Inspired by legislation in the Maryland General Assembly and a successful program in Howard County, Councilmember Luedtke introduces a bill to give individuals and/or their caregivers the opportunity to provide first responders with information about symptoms and behaviors that may present in a person with intellectual, development, physical, or cognitive disabilities.
Montgomery Council Members Ask County, State to Handle MCPS Inquest
August 22, 2023 - The Washington Post
Councilmember Luedtke requests the County Inspector General and State Inspector General for Education take over the investigation of allegations against a school principal and the school system's handling of reported complaints.
Officials Call For Clarity, Transparency From MCPS Following Beidleman Allegations
August 14, 2023 - MoCo360
Councilmember Luedtke emphasizes the importance of protecting MCPS teachers and employees.
Montgomery County Council Will Keep Policing Advisory Commission, Introduces 9-1-1 Legislation
July 26, 2023 - MoCo360
MoCo 360 covers the introduction of Councilmember Luedtke's bills to update the Policing Advisory Commission and Implement a Voluntary 9-1-1 Registry.
Montgomery County Council Passes 6% Cap on New Rent Increases
July 19, 2023 - DCist
Councilmember Luedtke details concerns about the measure's negative impact on affordable housing.
Celebrating Mattie Stepanek Peace Day
July 16, 2023 - DC News Now
Councilmember Luedtke and community members celebrate the life and message of Mattie Stepanek.
Residents Push For Airpark Citizens Advisory Committee After Plane Crash
June 13, 2023 - Fox 5 Washington DC
Councilmember Luedtke details how her bill creating an Airpark Community Advisory Committee will support residents and businesses near the Montgomery County Airpark.
Montgomery County Council Bill Would Restructure How Police Accountability Is Addressed
May 31, 2023 - MoCo360
Councilmember Luedtke describes her and Councilmember Sidney Katz's legislation on the Police Advisory Commission.
Councilmembers, MCEA, Realtors Explain Their Views On 2024 Budget
May 19, 2023 - Montgomery Community Media
Councilmember Luedtke's statement on the Fiscal Year 2024 Operating and Capital budgets.
Montgomery County Council Debates School System Budget As Final Vote Approaches
May 12, 2023 - WTOP
Councilmember Luedtke discusses the budget process and school funding.
Councilmembers Say They Will Not Pass 10% Tax Increase
May 12, 2023 - MoCo360
Councilmember Luedtke comments on the debate over the County Executive's proposed 10% property tax increase and the proposed increase spending for schools.
Councilmember Luedtke Explains Need For Public Input At Montgomery County Airpark
May 3, 2023 - DC News Now
Councilmember Luedtke discusses the introduction of her legislation to create an Airpark Community Advisory Committee to take on community impacts.
Councilmember Luedtke Discusses School Construction Needs
April 24, 2023 - ABC7
Councilmember Luedtke discusses strategies and next steps for funding much-needed school construction needs in District 7 and throughout Montgomery County.
Councilmember Luedtke Urges Council to Fund Renovation at Damascus High School
April 19, 2023 - MoCo360
Councilmember Luedtke on the need to reject further delays to the major renovation project at Damascus and Magruder High Schools.
$145 Million Deficit Projected for Following Year in Elrich's Proposed Budget
April 13, 2023 - MoCo360
Councilmember Luedtke's comments on the Council's responsibility to approve a fiscally sustainable operating budget for the County.
Bring in the Moms
April 12, 2023 - Montgomery Perspective
Writer Adam Pagnucco analyzes Councilmember Luedtke's comments on the County Executive's proposed budget.
Lone Oak Tree Falls
April 11, 2023 - Montgomery County Council
Councilmember Luedtke visits Lone Oak Farm Brewery in Olney, where the owners are finding new uses to preserve the legacy of the historic lone oak that fell during a recent storm.
Everywhere Radio Season 4 Episode 5: Dawn Luedtke
March 30, 2023 - Everywhere Radio
Whitney Kimball Coe talks with Councilmember Luedtke about opportunities to make rural voices heard in a diverse county, improving mental health access, and the arts.
County Council Approves Legislation to Boost Transparency Beyond State's Open Meetings Act
March 22, 2023 - MoCo360
MoCo360 covers the approval of Councilmember Luedtke's bill to fix open meetings violations in County Government boards, committees, and commissions.
Damascus High School Parents Strategize to Avoid More Construction Delays
March 22, 2023 - Montgomery Community Media
Councilmember Luedtke speaks to Damascus High School Cluster parents about keeping the school's much-needed major renovation project on-schedule.
Prince George's County Enacts Rent Stabilization Act, Montgomery County Introduces Two Rent Control Bills
March 9, 2023 - JDSUPRA
Additional information on the rent control bills sponsored by the Montgomery County Council with encouragement to attend the public hearing on March 28th.
Councilmembers Unveil Two Separate Housing Proposals
March 2, 2023 - Montgomery Community Media
Councilmember Luedtke has cosponsored a Tenant Assistance and Protection package with five of her colleagues. This legislation would eliminate excessive rent increases "in a way that doesn't threaten new housing construction."
At Olney Library Drag Story Hour, Community Volunteers Shield Families From Protestors
February 28, 2023 - Montgomery County Media
Councilmember Luedtke and community members support a local drag story hour.
Joe Hooks 480 Awards Banquet
February 27, 2023 - Montgomery County Council
Members of the County Council celebrated the work of the 480 Club in supporting positive youth development through sports.
Councilmember Luedtke Introduces Bill to Improve Transparency of County Boards, Committees, and Commissions
February 15, 2023 - The MoCo Show
Councilmember Luedtke introduced Bill 8-23, which would set clear guidelines for more than 80 County boards, committees, and commissions.
Bills Would Increase Government Transparency, Establish Disability Advisory Board
February 14, 2023 - MoCo 360
Councilmember Luedtke introduced legislation to increase transparency in County boards, committees, and commissions.
Council Proposes Updated Property Tax Credit Eligibility For Elderly And Retired Military
January 17, 2023 - Montgomery Community Media
With the addition of two new districts, the current County Council is the most diverse in Montgomery County. Though many of the members are new to the Council, they all come from strong backgrounds in public service and advocacy.
Council Rookie, but with a Wealth of Experience and a High-Profile Regional Leadership Pos t
December 20, 2022 - Maryland Matters
With the addition of two new districts, the current County Council is the most diverse in Montgomery County. Though many of the members are new to the Council, they all come from strong backgrounds in public service and advocacy.
Montgomery County Council Establishes Economic Development Committee
December 6, 2022 - Bethesda Beat
This year, Councilmember Dawn Luedtke will serve on the Health and Human Services (HHS) and Public Safety (PS) Committees .
2022 Montgomery County Council and Executive Inaugural Ceremony
December 5, 2022 - My Montgomery Community Media
Watch the recorded 2022 Inaugural Ceremony here.
Women are new Majority on Montgomery County Council
December 5, 2022 - WTOP
The newly inaugurated Montgomery County Council has eleven members, six of whom are women.
Meet "The Six" Women Councilmembers
December 2, 2022 - My Montgomery Community Media
Get to know Councilmember Luedtke and the other women Councilmembers in this short introduction video.
MCM's Party with a Purpose Honors Non-Profits, Officials
December 1, 2022 - My Montgomery Community Media
The first annual Party with a Purpose honored Nancy Navarro for her thirteen years of public service on the County Council and saluted the incoming women for increasing female representation on the Council from just one member to a six member majority.
Dawn Luedtke Wins District 7 and Gets Ready to Serve on the County Council
November 30, 2022 - My Montgomery Community Media
Councilmember Dawn Luedtke talks about her leadership philosophy and priorities for the upcoming year on the Council.
In Montgomery County, Two New Councilmembers Look to Represent More Rural, Redder Areas Upcounty
November 17, 2022 - DCist
Councilmember Dawn Luedtke commits to serving her District with an ear for all constituents and an eye for ways to embrace our geographic diversity.