 Wednesday, April 19, 2023
The County Council is diving headfirst into the proposed operating budget. With work sessions scheduled for every day of the week, my colleagues and I will spend the next several months undertaking the task of reviewing and approving the County budget. There will be many tough discussions ahead of us as we work through the budget, but I am optimistic that the Council can band together to make the right decisions on behalf of Montgomery County.
Last week, the Council held four public hearings where residents shared their thoughts and concerns about the budget. Thank you to everyone who participated in these hearings! It is crucial for you to voice your opinion - the budget will impact all of us and the Council must hear from constituents as we deliberate.
Paula Ross, President of the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce, came by to share her thoughts on the FY24 Operating Budget.
If you have any questions or concerns about the budget, please reach out to me at Councilmember.Balcombe@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Transportation and Environment (TE) Committee
The Transportation and Environment committee met this past Monday, April 17th at 9:30AM to begin work on the Montgomery County Department of Transportation operating budget and CIP amendments. We discussed a number of transportation-related nondepartmental accounts (NDAs) including the Climate Response NDA, HOA Road Maintenance Reimbursement NDA, and the Vision Zero NDA. View the committee agenda here and watch a recording of the session here.
We will be meeting again tomorrow, April 20th at 9:30AM. View the committee agenda here.
Economic Development (ECON) Committee
The ECON committee will be meeting this coming Friday, April 21st at 1:30PM to work on the operating budget and CIP amendments. We will be continuing our conversation on urban districts, will go over economic development budgets, and discuss the Worksource Montgomery NDA. We will also be learning more about technology and enterprise business solutions and the cable television communications plan.
Upcoming Public Hearings
We will be holding public hearings to receive testimony on several new items introduced to the Council. More information below.
April 25th at 1:30PM - sign up to speak by 2PM on April 25th.
April 25th at 7PM - sign up to speak by 5PM on April 24th.
May 16th at 1:30PM - sign up to speak by 2PM on May 15th.
A full list of upcoming public hearings is available here.
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The Button Farm Living History Center will continue to host the Tubman Journey to Freedom Statue until May 30th. Saturday admission is free. Book tickets here!
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Montgomery County Recreation is hiring! The agency will be hosting job fairs throughout April and May, and you can find out more information on how to apply on its website.
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The Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center is offering free online computer classes this Spring. Learn more and register here!
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The Department of Health and Human Services is currently accepting applications for Lead for Impact - its free 6-month leadership development program for people working to end homelessness in Montgomery County. A virtual information session will be held TODAY at noon. Register here.
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The County Council is seeking applicants for County Committee to Recommend Funding for the Public Election Fund. The deadline to apply has been extended to May 15th at 5PM.
Yom HaShoah, which translates to Holocaust Remembrance Day, recognizes and remembers the approximately 6 million Jewish people murdered in the Holocaust by the Nazis and their collaborators. Council Vice President Andrew Friedson, Councilmember Sidney Katz, and Council President Evan Glass presented a proclamation recognizing Holocaust Remembrance Day on April 18th. The Council was joined by survivors and their families who shared stories of their resilience with us. We must learn from those who endured unspeakable hardship and vow to amplify their stories so that we do not repeat the mistakes of history.
There has been an unfortunate and troubling rise in the number of antisemitic incidents across Montgomery County, many of which have taken place in our schools. This is unacceptable and these hateful acts must be condemned.
Hate has no place in Montgomery County.
The County Council commemorating Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Wishing all those celebrating on Friday a blessed Eid holiday!
Graphic celebrating Eid al-Fitr.
The County is hosting a number of special events to celebrate our planet and I encourage you to take advantage of them!
Graphic celebrating Earth Month.
If you would like to get in touch with me regarding anything mentioned in this newsletter or any other concerns you may have, please email me at Councilmember.Balcombe@montgomerycountymd.gov or call my office at 240-777-7940.
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