Council President's Update: March 11

Dear Resident,

Join me and County Executive Marc Elrich on Wednesday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m. for a Community Conversation on Racial Equity and Social Justice with my fellow Councilmembers at the Silver Spring Civic Building (1 Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring).

We want to hear from as many residents as possible about what this policy needs to include and interventions that you believe would help to foster greater equity in our community. This is part of our outreach efforts that will be continuous throughout the spring and summer that will lead to the adoption of an official Racial Equity and Social Justice Policy for County Government this fall. You can visit our official “Equity Matters in MoCo” website for more information and resources.

Early Childhood Education Initiative

Last week County Executive Elrich and I held a press conference to announce our Early Childhood Education (ECE) Initiative, a four-year action plan to significantly expand childcare options for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, provide greater access to more families and support schools and community-based providers. It is my belief that high quality, accessible and affordable early education opportunities should be available to all parents in our County, especially underserved populations whose children are not being adequately prepared for kindergarten and who are economically impacted by a lack of childcare options. As a mother, a former childcare provider and an advocate, I know the critical difference that quality early education can make for children and families. Read the press release or watch my remarks.

Public Forum on the County’s Campaign Financing Program

The Council will hold a public forum on Tuesday, March 26 at 7:30 p.m. on the County’s Campaign Finance Program, in the Third Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building, which is located at 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville. Residents are encouraged to testify regarding their observations, opinions and experiences to help inform the Council’s future deliberations on this matter. Those interested in testifying at the public forum can sign up online or call 240-777-7803. The deadline to sign up is March 26 at 10 a.m.

Tuesday’s Council Meeting

At the Council meeting on Tuesday, March 12 we are scheduled to vote on my zoning proposal to streamline the process for having medical and dental clinics as an accessory use in certain zones, and to review amendments to the Capital Improvements Programs for the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, transportation projects and the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission. As always, you can view Tuesday’s full agenda here, read our Council Coming Attractions for an overview of everything that’s coming up, or visit our Council meeting portal to stream Council and Committee meetings live or after the fact.

Women’s History Month

Last week I also had the honor of presenting a proclamation recognizing March as Women’s History Month to a group of young women leaders and to County leaders who are helping the next generation of young women find their voice and achieve their fullest potential.

Thank you, and a belated Happy International Women’s Day to all our residents and especially the many women whose hard work and activism make MoCo the thriving, inclusive community it is.