 Wednesday, June 28, 2023
The County Council, led by the Planning, Housing, and Parks (PHP) committee, has been working diligently on two separate pieces of rent stabilization legislation. On Monday, June 26th, the Committee voted 2-1 to move forward with a proposal to limit annual rent increases to 3% plus CPI-U with a maximum increase of 6%.
It is important to note that all eleven councilmembers have expressed an interest in providing some level of rent stabilization for renters in Montgomery County. The debate has always been about what the most appropriate number might be. If the cap is too low, we are both harming our current building owners and landlords as well as halting future construction of much needed housing. I fear the current proposal will do just that.
While I understand that many renters are currently rent burdened, I believe we are making things worse. One of the major determinants of housing costs is supply and demand. We know that our demand far exceeds our supply. It is incumbent upon us to do everything that we can to encourage the construction of additional housing. This legislation stifles our ability to do this and therefore, I cannot support this effort.
The Committee’s proposal will go to the full council in July, followed by the drafting, review, and approval of the County Executive Regulation.
You can view the committee agenda here, and watch the committee work session here. Please contact me if you have any questions about the proposal or my views on the matter.
 Speaking at the County Council's town hall at Weller Road ES.
On June 21st, the Council hosted a community conversation at the Weller Road Elementary School. Thank you to everyone who joined us on a rainy evening to discuss the issues that mattered most to you. These community conversations are just one way for the Council to hear from our constituents. As an elected official whose job is to serve you, I want to remind you that you can always contact me with questions, concerns, or requests for assistance.
It's been an incredibly busy two weeks! On June 16th, I had a jam packed morning with my day starting at the Kunzang Palyul Choling Buddhist Temple in Poolesville. I also stopped by the Montgomery County Black Collective's AMBER graduation and participated in the ribbon cutting for Maryland Spine and Health Chiropractic's new location in Germantown.
On June 19th, I spent the day at the BlackRock Center for the Arts for the County's Juneteenth celebration. We enjoyed great food, music, and company, and I loved chatting with all of you who showed up to the event!
 At the County's Juneteenth celebration on June 19th.
Last Friday, I had a fantastic day that started in Poolesville for Councilmember Gabe Albornoz's Day in the Life of a Regional Services Center event. I also had the pleasure of visiting the Amata Meditation Center in Boyds.
 At the Amata Center in Boyds.
My Fridays are often the highlight of my week, as I get to explore hidden gems in District 2 and learn all about the great work my constituents are doing for our community. If you have suggestions for places I should visit, please reach out!
Economic Development (ECON) Committee
The Economic Development committee met twice on June 26th. We received an update on the Economic Development Fund and then joined the Public Safety committee for a joint work session on Executive Regulation 04-23 (Police-Private Security Camera Incentive Program.)
You can view the ECON committee agenda here and the ECON/PS joint committee agenda here. You can watch the ECON committee here and the ECON/PS joint committee here.
Transportation and Environment Committee
We are scheduled to meet tomorrow at 1:30PM to discuss Bill 11-23 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic - Traffic Control Signals, Devices, and Enforcement Action Plan), also known as the Safe Streets Act. I am a cosponsor of this very important piece of legislation. In the past few weeks, here have been a number of tragic pedestrian-related collisions in District 2, some of which have been fatal. We must do all that we can to ensure that our streets are safe for pedestrians, especially students who walk to and from school.
We will also be working on Bill 24-23 (Airpark Community Advisory Committee) and will receive a briefing by the Maryland Department of the Environment.
You can view the committee agenda here, and watch the committee work session here.
Upcoming Public Hearings
There are a number of public hearings coming up at the Council.
July 11th at 1:30PM - deadline to sign up to speak is July 10th at 2PM
- Bill 18-23, Taxation - Fuel Energy Tax - Green Bank
- Expedited Bill 29-23, Administration - Non-merit Positions - Department of Environmental Protection - Department of Transportation, with accompanying Resolutions to adopt Executive Regulation 5-23 and Executive Regulation 6-23
- Bill 30-23, Rustic Roads Program - Rustic Roads Advisory Committee
- Expedited Bill 31-23, Technical Corrections
- Amendment to the FY23-28 Capital Improvements Program: Nonprofit Preservation Fund
- Amendment to the FY23-28 Capital Improvements Program: Preservation of Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing
- Resolution to adopt Executive Regulation 5-23, Non-merit Position – Deputy Director, Department of Environmental Protection
- Resolution to adopt Executive Regulation 6-23, Non-merit Position - General Manager of Transit Services, Department of Transportation
July 25th at 1:30PM - deadline to sign up to speak is July 24th at 2PM
- Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 23-05, Vehicle Parking Design Standards - Commercial Vehicle Parking for Properties with a Residential Use
- Pedestrian Master Plan.
A full list of upcoming public hearings can be found here.
- The minimum wage in Montgomery County will increase to $16.70 per hour for large employers starting on July 1st.
- BlackRock Center for the Arts has a number of family friendly events coming up. Take advantage of these fun and free events!
- Montgomery County's Asian American Health Initiative is now accepting applications for its Healthy Community Grant Program. The deadline to apply is 11:59PM on July 31st. Access the application here. A virtual information session on the fund and how to apply will be held on July 29th from 4:30PM - 6PM. Register for the information session here.
- The Department of Environmental Protection is encouraging residents to be responsible when disposing of batteries, after improper battery disposal has led to multiple recent fires. Visit the agency's website to learn more about how to properly dispose of potentially hazardous materials.
- Montgomery County Public Libraries and Montgomery Parks are hosting an Outdoor Family Storytime at the Germantown Town Center Urban Park on July 8th from 10:30AM - 11AM. Bring your little ones for this great event!
The Germantown Glory Independence Day celebration is scheduled to kick off at 7PM at the SoccerPlex in Germantown. Fireworks are scheduled for 9:15PM. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic games to enjoy live music and food from local vendors. Alcohol and pets are not permitted. Parking is available on site, but will fill up soon so arrive early!
 A graphic celebrating Eid al-Adha.
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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