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Voters strongly supported approval of Question A, the proposal I spearheaded to fix our County’s broken property tax system. Passage has already garnered positive reviews.
The bond rating agencies have taken notice, with Moody’s last week issuing a comment declaring Question A’s approval as “credit positive,” meaning our ability to capture more tax revenue without having to raise tax rates has put our County in a stronger fiscal position. This is fantastic news for our ability to build a modern economy to naturally grow the tax base and to adequately invest in education, transportation, libraries, and parks.
Tax policy is not always simple and the County’s existing policy is especially complicated, one of the reasons we sought this reform. Thank you to everyone who took the time to research and learn about Question A, including many regular readers of this newsletter who reached out to us over the last few months.
COVID has caused a 44% decline in the number of jobs at businesses and non-profits in the County’s tourism sector, one of the hardest hit parts of the local economy. We’ve been participating in weekly meetings with representatives of Visit Montgomery and local businesses and institutions that depend on visitors to figure out the best way to help them as the pandemic and restrictions on their operations continue.
This collaborative effort led to Council approval on Tuesday of a $5 million Tourism Stabilization Grant Program for tourist-oriented organizations that focus on arts, culture, agriculture or recreation and a $50,000 accreditation program to help the hospitality industry regain consumer confidence by demonstrating infectious disease prevention and protocols in their daily operations.
After several committee work sessions on ZTA 20-01, the Council has released a plan to gather more stakeholder input and suggestions for amendments to a proposed zoning change that would allow community solar panel facilities in the Agricultural Reserve. This stakeholder workgroup is expected to meet throughout this month and next month, if necessary, before presenting recommendations to the Council for consideration in January.
I recognize the urgency with which we must support clean energy alternatives to reduce carbon emissions. I also remain deeply committed to preserving the agricultural purpose of the Agricultural Reserve and the critical role it plays in supporting our climate and land conservation goals and the continued success and viability of our local farming community.
With the current restrictions in group gatherings, we know the arts sector is struggling and that there isn't a clear timeline on when their previous activities will be able to resume. Recognizing the financial strain across the industry, earlier this summer the Council appropriated $3.25 million in relief funds and as applications poured in there were some new organizations and artists that applied. In order to ensure all eligible applicants are funded at an equitable level, this week the Council approved $406,190 in additional funds for this initiative.
This support is significant but we also recognize it pales in comparison to the estimated $45 million in losses our hard-hit local arts organizations have already experienced. We encourage residents to find new ways to support the arts locally as we will need them not only to inspire and uplift us during this difficult time, but in the years to come. Please click here to browse the many virtual opportunities available locally, including activities for children and teens.
I’m very excited for the start of construction on the Woodmont Avenue and Bethesda Avenue cycletracks. This network of protected bicycle lanes will create the “Bethesda Loop” so bicycling through downtown Bethesda is safer and more comfortable for more people. It's a project that the Council wouldn't have been able to advance without the enthusiastic support and advocacy from so many residents.
It’s another example of how safety improvements for bicyclists often also work as safety improvements for pedestrians. This project includes big fixes to the busy Bethesda Avenue and Woodmont Avenue intersection. Crews will shorten crossing distances and lower the curb radii, a common engineering fix that forces drivers to slow down and pay more attention to pedestrians when turning. You can see where the new curb lines will be with the white lines on the street in the photo above.
These are proven Vision Zero improvements in action. We can make our roads safe for all users.
 The Montgomery County Planning Board will hold a public hearing for the update to the county’s General Plan, known as Thrive Montgomery 2050, at their virtual meeting on Thursday, November 19th. Residents can testify on the Public Hearing Draft of the plan live online or over the phone, but must sign up to testify by 12:00 PM on November 18th. Community members can also submit written comments by email to mcp-chair@mncppc-mc.org by the same deadline of 12:00 PM on November 18th.
This Thursday, please join us at 7:00PM to discuss important local issues specific to District 1. Please click this image to join our conversation on Zoom.
MCPS
- MCPS is providing meals at these sites for students. Meals will be provided at MCPS sites from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at school sites and from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM at bus distribution sites. Meals will be provided four days a week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Libraries
- Library branch book drops are open and contactless holds pick up service has resumed.
COVID-19 Renter Relief Act
- The Council passed the COVID-19 Renter Relief Act, which became effective April 24, 2020 and prohibits landlords from increasing existing tenants’ rent by more than 2.6% after April 24th and during the COVID-19 catastrophic health emergency. FAQs are online.
How You Can Help
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Volunteer Opportunities: The County has compiled a list on how you can to help. If you are a medical or public health professional willing to assist, the state has a site for specialized volunteers.
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Give Locally: The Greater Washington Community Foundation has a COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to bolster nonprofits working to help low-income hourly workers, gig workers, small business owners, families in need of childcare services, homeless individuals and many more who will continue to be severely impacted during this public health emergency. In particular, the County is looking for private matching funds for food security under the Food Security Fund.
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Support Neighborhood Restaurants: Please support local employers by getting take out or delivery. Search the Visit Montgomery list here.
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Donate Blood: American Red Cross now faces a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during this coronavirus outbreak. Sign up for an appointment now.
If You Need Support
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Domestic Violence: There is support available during this time and all services are free of charge. If you know someone that may need help, the County has a guide on how best to assist them.
- Contact the Family Justice Center by calling 240-773-0444 or emailing safe@montgomerycountymd.gov
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline (24 hours) can be reached at 800-799-7233
- There are many organizations available to assist including:
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Internet: Low income families and older adults can get Home Internet Access for as little as $9.95 per month. Click here for additional information.
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Food Assistance: Call 311 and you will be connected to our new food call center or you can look at Montgomery County Food Council's Resource Directory, which includes information on the location, hours, and eligibility guidelines of more than 100 sites where residents can access food and benefits application assistance.
- Poolesville Grocery Distribution Service: Orders can be placed online by visiting www.mysaval.store/ Order on Tuesdays before 4:00PM and pickup Thursdays between 2:00-3:30PM at the United Methodist Church in Poolesville. Drivers are asked to remain in their cars as orders will be loaded into the backs of vehicles. If you have any questions please call John at 443-896-7244.
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Taxi Delivery: The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) announced that it has partnered with local taxi companies during the COVID-19 health crisis to initiate a new program available to participants in the Call-n-Ride program to use taxis for delivery of essential goods from grocery stores, food banks and restaurants. This program is for low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities.
- For Individuals with Disabilities: The State and other partners are collaborating to supplement existing programs for people with disabilities who may be experiencing food insecurity during this pandemic. To connect with these feeding opportunities, constituents should call 2-1-1. The 2-1-1 call specialist will connect the caller to a variety of statewide program options.
- My Groceries To Go! for Seniors: Montgomery County applicants are required to provide supporting documentation to prove income eligibility. Participants receive get eight pounds of free, fresh produce every month. Please call the Grocery Plus main line at 202-921-7471 or email mg2g@capitalareafoodbank.org for more information. The Capital Area Food Bank's website on this program is here.
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Senior Nutrition Program: Frozen meal packs are available to seniors through the County’s Senior Nutrition Program. Partners and volunteers are operating “grab and go” locations and are making a limited number of home deliveries to the County’s senior population. To be eligible, most people must be 60 years of age or older. Spouses of participants or a person with a disability living with a participant, are also eligible. To register for the meal program contact the Senior Center closest to you. D1 Locations:
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Health Care: If you do not have insurance and want to get health insurance through the state marketplace, Maryland has a Coronavirus Emergency Special Enrollment period if you have recently lost your job. You can compare prices and possibly receive financial help in order to afford coverage. Apply by December 15th.
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Unemployment Claims: You can start your claim online or by phone.
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Housing Issues: If you are behind on your rent, please click here. If you are facing eviction, please contact our office at 240-777-7828 or dial 311.
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Seniors: You can sign up now for a new free program called Senior Call Check by calling toll-free to 866-502-0560 or by registering online. Under the program, participants receive an automated call every day. If the participant does not answer, they will be called two additional times in the same day. If those calls go unanswered, an alternate person, selected by the participant, will be notified in order for them to check in on the participant.
*Additional resources listed at InfoMontgomery
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