On March 15, the Council received County Executive Elrich’s proposed FY24 operating budget. There is a lot to unpack in this budget, and I will be digging into it line by over the next two months to ensure that it prioritizes the needs of our residents, reflects our shared values, and is affordable and sustainable in the long-term.

The County Executive has proposed a 10 percent property tax increase, one of the highest increases in county history. The budgetary needs are great, no doubt, but with many in our community struggling with rising costs, higher tax bills due to increased housing assessments, and clear signs of economic challenges on the horizon, we have a fiduciary duty to scrub this budget to ensure we are making the best and highest use of finite tax dollars while prioritizing our greatest needs.

In the meantime, we hope to hear from you at each step of the budget process. Here is the schedule:  

• You can sign up for budget public hearings on April 11 and 13. You may sign up to testify virtually (or with audio or written testimony) or in person.
• From April 14 to May 5, committees will be in work sessions on the operating budget, and then from May 8 to May 17 will also include work sessions on the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budget.
• On May 11, the Bi-County meeting with the Prince George’s County Council review the bi-county portion of the M-NCPPC budget and the WSSC budget.
• On May 17, the Council will take straw votes on Revenue Proposals (if there are revenue proposals).
• On May 18, the Council will take straw Votes on Expenditures (for the operating budget and CIP).
• On May 25, we will have Final Action on Budget (for the operating budget and CIP).

Upcoming Pedestrian and Bicycle

Safety Walk 

April 24th at 5:30 pm 

Click to RSVP to this Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Walk

Planning Board Application Deadline Extended to April 14^th at 5 PM

Letters of application expressing interest, including a resume (no more than 4 pages) listing professional and civic experience, political party affiliation, home and office telephone numbers, and an email address, should be addressed to: Council President and emailed to council.clerk@montgomerycountymd.gov, or mailed to County Council Office, Stella B. Werner Council Office Building, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850.

The Planning Board serves as the Council’s principal adviser on land use planning and community planning. Planning Board members also serve as commissioners of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. The Planning Board’s responsibilities with regard to planning include preparation and amendment of the County General Plan; preparation and amendment of master plans and functional plans; formulation of subdivision regulations; preparation of or recommendations on text amendments to the County Zoning Code; implementation of the subdivision process by reviewing and approving all preliminary plans, site plans and other plans for development; offering or providing advice on the planning implications of capital facilities and programs of the County government, Montgomery College, WSSC Water, and Montgomery County Public Schools; commenting, under its mandatory referral authority, on plans for public facilities of local, state and federal agencies; and approving of the work program and the annual operating budget for the Planning Department and the Commission’s bi-county offices. The Planning Board sits as the Park Commission and approves the annual Parks Department operating budget and Capital Improvements Program (CIP); land acquisition contracts and major development contracts for parks; development plans for individual park facilities; policies for park operations; and park user fees.

The Planning Board meets all day every Thursday, including many Thursday evenings, and will schedule other meetings, as needed. The entire Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission meets the third Wednesday of every month. On average, a Planning Board member may spend two full days a week in scheduled and informal meetings. Additionally, substantial time is required for preparatory work and other activities related to Planning Board responsibilities.

In-Person Community Conversation

April 12th from 7:30 - 9:00 PM

Click the image for directions to this In-Person Community Conversation.

Join Team Friedson! 

Apply before April 10 

Our office is currently seeking two part-time interns for Summer 2023. This eight-to-12-week opportunity is open to high school students and undergraduates. Responsibilities will include office administrative support and may also involve research assistance, constituent services, and/or community outreach. The Office is a fast-paced, dynamic environment involving legislative and policy work in a variety of areas including but not limited to land use and zoning, fiscal policy, transportation, environment, housing, economic development, health and human services, education, and public safety.

Internship duration: Eight- to 12-weeks with flexibility based on school calendars and summer jobs.

Hours: 20/week with flexibility

Hourly Wage: $15.65

Application deadline: April 10, 2023

Qualifications:

• Proficiency in using Excel spreadsheets and MS Office
• Strong attention to detail and thoroughness
• Highly organized
• Excellent oral and written communications skills
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to be flexible in order to respond to changing priorities
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Current high school or undergraduate student
• Minimum GPA of 3.0

To apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter to Chief of Staff, Cindy Gibson, at cindy.gibson@montgomerycountymd.gov. Please indicate your interest in working at the Montgomery County Council and your general availability during the summer.

Join Us for Yom HaShoah

We will be hosting a breakfast and proclamation to Commemorate Yom HaShoah with Holocaust Survivors and their families at the County Council on April 18^th. Please reach out if you would like to attend by emailing councilmember.friedson@montgomerycountymd.gov. 

If you prefer to watch the presentation, it will be broadcast live on County Cable Montgomery (Comcast Channel 996, RCN Channel 1056 and Verizon Channel 30) and streamed on the Council’s Facebook and YouTube pages. These meetings are also archived on the Council’s webpage. 

Constituent Services

I encourage residents to continue to engage with my office on issues of importance to our community. We appreciate your patience and understanding as our small but mighty team works to respond to your inquiries. Please continue to engage with us by email, visiting our website, Facebook, and Twitter pages, and subscribing to our newsletter.