Council President's Update: Feb. 15

Dear Resident,

This coming week there will be no Council or committee meetings, because of the President’s Day holiday. You can click here to see Montgomery County government department and agency closings and schedules for Monday, February 18.

In the meantime, I wanted to fill you in on a few other things that are happening in our community.

Complete Count: U.S. 2020 Census

On Wednesday I joined County Executive Marc Elrich and a broad coalition of community leaders to sign a joint proclamation launching the United States 2020 Census outreach activities in Montgomery County and the activation of the Complete Count Committee of Montgomery.

Our community is home to a diverse population with a growing aging community; and for us to receive our fair share of funding and representation, we need to communicate to everyone the importance of the 2020 Census. Essential services that residents rely on are determined, in part, from census data. However, we are faced with a unique challenge with the 2020 Census: The threat of adding a citizenship question, which would deter millions of immigrants across the U.S. from participating.

This is why I spearheaded a Council resolution in 2018 to oppose the addition of a citizenship question. I was very pleased to see that the proposed citizenship question was blocked by a Federal judge back in January, and I sincerely hope the decision is upheld. Montgomery County Government will work with its partners to develop fliers and marketing materials in different languages. The County will also leverage festivals, host a kickoff event in late spring, and work with faith communities and congregations to plan events to promote participation in the 2020 Census.

For more information about the United States 2020 Census, visit www.census.gov . For more information on the County’s Census 2020 efforts, contact Diane Vu at ‪240-777-8320 or via email at diane.vu@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Racial Equity: Community Conversations (save the date)

In 2018, I spearheaded a Council resolution to create a Racial Equity Policy for Montgomery County Government.  As part of this initiative, please join me, my Council colleagues and County Executive Marc Elrich for a Community Conversation on Racial Equity on March 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Building (1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring). We want to hear from residents about what this policy needs to include and interventions that you believe would help to foster racial equity in our community. I will share more details in my upcoming newsletters. I know that by working together we will make our county an even greater place to live, work, start a business and raise a family.

Grand Opening of the Wheaton Arts Parade (WAP) Gallery 

On Saturday, February 9, I attended the opening of the WAP Gallery at Westfield Wheaton Mall. The WAP Gallery exemplifies the rich and eclectic tapestry of arts and entertainment that defines Wheaton. I am proud of my partnership with the arts community in Wheaton, as we work towards an Arts and Cultural Center!

Located on the upper level near Kay Jewelers featuring the diverse work of more than 15 Wheaton and Montgomery County artists. Stop by today, meet the artists and purchase a unique piece.

The mission of the Wheaton Arts Parade (WAP) is to use art to bring the community together to create and celebrate its diverse cultures. WAP activities lead up to the annual Wheaton Arts Parade & Festival (September 22, 2019).

Thank you, and I hope you have a wonderful President’s Day.