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The Sayles Sentinel: Centering Youth Voices

June 2023

It has been an incredibly busy June! It gives me great pleasure to traverse the length and breadth of this great county to do work that is aligned with my S.M.A.R.T agenda while working with my colleagues on the Council and key community leaders and stakeholders to enact legislation that helps everyone in our diverse county, especially our most vulnerable residents. From celebrating the beautiful tapestry of our diverse communities to addressing rent-gouging to proposing legislation to attract and retain businesses, to engaging our youth, I am pleased with how productive June has been as we kick off a summer of action!

Closing Ceremony Of The S.M.A.R.T. Youth Advisory Council

Over the past three months, the 16 students on my Youth Advisory Council have been working hard to learn more about the inner workings of the County Council, particularly throughout the budget process. We have been going through each item of my S.M.A.R.T. agenda one by one. For the last four weeks, as a way to apply some of the lessons they have learned, we had them split into five groups to work on a final project proposal, with each group focused on one S.M.A.R.T. agenda item. We then held a closing ceremony where the students presented 2-3 minute videos to an expert panel of judges to analyze the quality and feasibility of their proposals. In attendance, we had Anthony Featherstone, Executive Director at WorkSource Montgomery; Mary Gentry, Chief of Housing at the Department of Housing and Community Affairs; Shella Cherry, Director of Student Leadership and Extracurricular Activities at Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS); Joseph Eyong, Senior Aide at the Office of Congressman Jamie Raskin; and Dr. Peggy A. Pugh, Chief Academic Officer at MCPS. 

We were all impressed with the creativity and innovation of the students in their policy proposals. The first group focused on improving tutoring accessibility to prepare for standardized testing; the second group presented on the HOME Act and the need for critical rent stabilization measures to support essential workers; the third group detailed their proposal for utilizing more hydroponic farms in the Agricultural Reserve to grow food for our school system; the fourth group highlighted creating more workforce development programs for young people; and the fifth group spoke about multi-modal transportation initiatives that will help the county meet our Climate Action Plan goals. I look forward to incorporating their ideas in future policy proposals and continuing to empower youth voices in my office and the decision-making of the County Council. I also encourage you to check out our updated web page, and be on the lookout for the launch of the application for our second cohort in the fall!

Gen Z Political Convention

It was truly impressive to see the variety of student projects on display at the Gen Z Political Convention. The convention brought together students in AP and Honors NSL Government courses at Blair High School and gave them a platform to propose solutions to real-world problems from the perspective of Gen Z. Here are some examples of what they focused on:

Students' access to guns is a public safety issue that has needlessly taken the lives of countless young people. Between 2019 and 2021, gun deaths among children and teens in the United States rose by 50%. Because of inaction at the federal level, our youth are suffering and forced to advocate for legislative change against powerful gun lobbyists like the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Student loan forgiveness is another issue that is actively being discussed by the U.S. Supreme Court. President Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan provides relief up to $20,000 for people with Federal Pell Grants and up to $10,000 for people without Federal Pell Grants. More relief is needed to lift young people out of debt, especially people of color who are disproportionately impacted by student loan debt.

Middle schools around the country are struggling and facing many problems, including students experiencing more anxiety and teachers feeling overwhelmed as they navigate students through closing the learning loss gaps.  One of the biggest arguments for increasing investments in schools nationally is to improve college and career readiness and pay our teachers what they deserve.

The impact of rising housing costs is detrimental to low-income households in the U.S. It makes it harder for certain students to attend schools that traditionally have greater access to resources. In Montgomery County, there has been a 37% decrease in homeownership rates for people under 35 from 1990 to 2016, which reflects the growing need to increase the supply of more affordable housing in our county and the U.S.

After the pandemic lockdown was lifted, there has been a surge of immigrants migrating from South American countries. The Biden administration sent 1,500 troops to the U.S. border to provide more support, which became highly controversial. Immigration reform and pathways to citizenship are concerning issues for our diverse youth, who fear the inheritance of a broken system.

Each project told a different story and included policy solutions. I had an amazing time speaking with so many students at this event. Our thoughtful young people give me so much hope for our future!

Young Democrats Of Maryland 2023 Convention

For the first time since pre-pandemic, the Young Democrats of Maryland (YDM) hosted their 2023 Convention. What transpired was a morning full of inspiring speeches, meaningful connections, youth advocacy, and the election of future leaders for the YDM. As someone who started in politics as a young Democrat, and as the former Vice President of the Montgomery County Young Democrats (MCYD), it fills me with pride to see our young leaders organizing for the future that they would like to see. It is so important for our young people to participate in the Democratic process, and the YDM is an exemplary organization to get involved with. As a member, young people have the opportunity to get exposed to the legislative process, work with elected officials, organize their community, and champion policy decisions at every level of government. I would encourage all young change-makers to get involved with YDM, and MCYD in Montgomery County, to learn how to use their voices to influence and affect change. Thank you to Tom Clark and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for hosting, and to YDM President Henry Snurr, Executive Vice President Teresa Woorman, and all of the YDM leadership for organizing another successful convention! Congratulations to the new slate of youth leaders!

Congratulating This Year’s Graduates

Graduation is always an exciting time of the year. We get to see students move on to their next phase in life and plan for how they are going to make a positive impact on society. In Montgomery County, we are fortunate to have students graduating and attending Maryland colleges and universities in high numbers. Furthermore, I am eager to see the next generation of student leaders pursue a career in public service. I was honored to see our Lt. Governor, Aruna Miller, speak at Blair’s graduation, and shout out to my colleagues, Councilmembers Albornoz and Jawando, for speaking at Kennedy and Clarksburg High School graduations and inspiring students to give back to their community. I had the honor of attending the graduation of The Ivymount School, which created nationally recognized programs & partnerships for people with developmental disabilities and their families. To all of this year’s graduates, I send my wholehearted congratulations. Dream big!

Updates On Rent Stabilization

On Monday, the Planning, Housing, & Parks committee held its second work session on the two competing rent stabilization bills before the Council. Based on conversations with various stakeholders and in reviewing correspondence from constituents and other interested parties, I have found that the double-digit increases proposed under the Anti-Rent Gouging bill are far too high. Additionally, I am also concerned that the 3% cap in the HOME Act could cool the housing market. To that end, I support a cap of around 5% or 6%. It would be unreasonable to increase the cap beyond that, particularly due to the large number of our residents that are rent burdened. While this number is not ideal, I believe it is a good middle ground that balances the needs of developers with renters. I was glad to see the committee consider my recommendations, and move forward with a proposal to limit annual rent increases to 3% plus CPI-U with a maximum increase of 6%. I am looking forward to when the Council takes final action on the two bills so that we can continue to explore solutions for addressing our future housing market needs. I appreciate how engaged community feedback has been on this issue. You can review my memo here.

Bringing Caribbean Culture To The Council

As the first Caribbean American elected to the Montgomery County Council, I am proud to represent my Caribbean heritage in an impactful position. Caribbean American Heritage Month is an occasion that is deeply personal to me, my story, and my upbringing. I am a first-generation Jamaican American born and raised in Maryland. I am the youngest of six children, born to Jamaican immigrants and public servants who dedicated their lives to their country and community and inspired my commitment to the community. This year, I hosted a luncheon and proclamation to recognize National Caribbean American Heritage Month and the vast contributions of Caribbean Americans to our County’s vibrancy. It is monumental that at the state level, we have a Governor in Wes Moore who has Jamaican roots; we have an Attorney General, Anthony Brown, whose father was born in Jamaica; also, the Chair of the nation's largest Legislative Black Caucus, Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins, was born in Jamaica. It makes me proud to see people of Caribbean heritage, in the highest ranks of power.

I would also like to shout out our Vice President, Kamala Harris, who recently highlighted the top three national issues impacting Caribbean communities globally and locally at a meeting with U.S. and Caribbean leaders: cracking down on gun trafficking, providing Humanitarian Aid to Haiti, and stopping climate change. Our Caribbean communities have been deeply impacted by these issues. It is reassuring to hear our Vice President and the entire Biden administration affirm their commitment to working with Caribbean leadership to empower this region to prosperity. In the U.S. and Montgomery County, Caribbean Americans contribute so much to our rich diversity, economic development, education & culture, and so much more. I hope that during Caribbean American Heritage Month, we can appreciate all that we have to offer and recognize our success on a national and local level.

Sending Love To The LGBTQ+ Community During Pride Month

To start the month, I joined my Council colleagues, the County Executive, and groups like Trans Maryland and the MoCo Pride Center to raise the pride flag and send the message loud and clear that the LGBTQ+ community is loved, welcomed, and valued. I also participated in Pride events throughout the county to spread the message of love and unity. LGBTQ+ rights are under attack in state and local legislatures across the country, which makes it all the more important that during Pride month we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. There is a lawsuit against Montgomery County Public Schools that is being led by parents who want the option to opt students out of reading books that focus on LGBTQ+ issues. It has stirred up many heated debates. Incorporating the experience of being LGBQT+ is a necessary component for creating an inclusive curriculum and a learning environment that promotes healthy discussion among students and staff and encourages understanding and tolerance of the real world that exists. Thankfully, we have a Governor in Wes Moore who has made it clear that his administration cares deeply about the LGBQT+ community, signing into law groundbreaking pieces of legislation such as the Trans Health Equity Act.

Juneteenth 2023: Acknowledging Our Nation’s Legacy Of Slavery

The history of slavery is essential to understanding where we are in the socio-political landscape of Montgomery County today. This year, for Juneteenth, I spent time with residents in the Scotland and Lincoln Park communities, two historically Black areas, to acknowledge our county’s past and celebrate our freedom. The Scotland community is one of Montgomery County’s earliest African American settlements. In the late 1800s, formerly enslaved African Americans purchased land in the Potomac area. Today, we have seen it slowly transform into a modern, close knit community that benefits many of our county’s residents. The Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival was an excellent way to pay tribute to their accomplishments. Further, Lincoln Park in Rockville was one of the first areas that was intended for sale to Black people, back in the 1890s. This was an incredibly important step for the Black community to achieve homeownership. As time passed, and Lincoln Park was eventually annexed to the City of Rockville in 1949-50, the community had a unique sense for maintaining its historical character. I commend community leader Anita Neal Powell and Mt. Calvary Baptist Church for organizing the 132nd Anniversary event for the Lincoln Park community, and for preserving Black history in our county.

In addition to these events, I participated in two noteworthy gatherings at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown: the ‘African American Living Legends Awards Ceremony’, and a panel discussion sponsored by the Office of Human Rights that focused on ‘The Powerful Era for Women of Color’. For Juneteenth 2023, we celebrated the history of Black people and how far we have come, while continuing to stand on the shoulders of those before us who endured a dark legacy of enslavement as we strive to live in a future free of racism, inequality, and discrimination.

S.M.A.R.T. Updates Around The County

Announcing a new gene therapy company

Earlier this month, I presented American Gene Technologies (AGT) with a proclamation in honor of the launch of their new company, Addimmune, which develops gene and cell therapy technologies to cure HIV. Montgomery County continues to exceed expectations as the biotech corridor of the region where science, technology, and entrepreneurship can thrive. Since the National Institutes of Health (NIH) launched the Human Genome Project in 1986, a cluster of cutting-edge companies has grown to more than 3,000 biotech and life sciences research and development firms. NIH, along with some of the country’s most prestigious research institutions in Maryland, has been leading a gene and cell therapy revolution. As we celebrate the achievements of AGT and the launch of Addimmune, we celebrate Montgomery County as a significant contribution of brainpower, innovation, and impact to the field of biotechnology and medical research.

The highly-anticipated opening of The Crossvines

I enjoyed the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Celebration of The Crossvines, located in Poolesville! This Upcounty gem is nestled in the midst of one of the nation’s leading Agricultural Reserves. The Crossvines is a research farm, an events venue, a dining destination, and a learning hub, spurring innovation and efficiency with Maryland’s rich farming history. The Crossvines will offer educational opportunities for both visitors and the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Maryland students alike to connect to and learn about the local winemaking and agritourism industries. I encourage all residents to visit The Crossvines when it opens on July 8th to experience this beautiful and unique facility.

Bus tour of the Agricultural Reserve

The bus tour of the Agricultural Reserve is an annual event that exposes elected officials and community leaders to experience our primary source for local food production. It was great to join my colleague, Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe, the Montgomery County Food Council, Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice, and Montgomery County Office of Agricultural Services Director Jeremy Criss and his team for his final Agricultural Reserve bus tour. We made stops at some of our county’s top-rated farms: Sandy Spring Gardens, Red Wiggler Community Farm, Homestead Farm, and Afrithrive. We are so fortunate to have these agricultural entrepreneurs in our community. We must continue supporting our farming industry!

Standing with workers demanding ‘Justice for Janitors’

Thank you to SEIU 32BJ for organizing a rally in downtown Bethesda for the 33rd anniversary of ‘Justice for Janitors’ Day. I am proud to stand with SEIU 32BJ and the entire labor movement to support fair contracts for our hard-working janitors. I know that our economy and county are at their best when our janitors and our laborers are fully compensated and have proper health and safety benefits. Particularly during the COVID pandemic, cleaners have made great sacrifices in the past two years to help keep everyone safe. As we recover from the pandemic, our economy and businesses must be strong, and we also need our workforce to be strong. Through hard work, dedication, and organizing, we can build a stronger labor movement and economy and win fair wages and benefits for all.

Partnering with Montgomery for All on smart growth initiatives

Our county continues to suffer from a lack of affordable housing. I am grateful to organizations like Montgomery for All committed to increasing our housing production. They invited Councilmember Andrew Friedson and me to speak to their members about our O.P.E.N. (Opening Pathways for Economic Necessity) Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA). The ZTA is based on the concept of Councilmember Friedson’s ZTA 21-09, which reduced the time frame for approval of bio-health priority campuses. The O.P.E.N. ZTA seeks to do the same with much-needed affordable housing by allowing developers to use an expedited time frame for permitting approval if they are willing to meet specific affordability requirements and have a non-residential component. Other benefits to this ZTA are that it applies not only to housing but to complete complexes, making it easier for developers to get approval for large projects that resemble areas such as Pike and Rose, Downtown Crown, and the Rockville Town Center, which meet the affordability requirements. By including the expedited process for these large projects, the O.P.E.N. ZTA will help facilitate the development of large, complete communities while furthering progress on 15-minute walkable cities and meeting our county’s climate goals.

Meeting with our county’s Regional Services Center Directors

Regional Service Centers provide integral services to residents and businesses in our county, working to ensure that our communities greatest needs are addressed. Recently, the Council met with our five Regional Services Center Directors and received updates on the most important challenges they are tracking in their respective regions. For East County, Director Jewru Bandeh highlighted the advancement of key development projects with the White Oak Master Plan and Burtonsville Crossing Center; for Mid-County, Director Luisa Cardona spoke about her team’s work with youth engagement and intervention to recognize gaps in education; for Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Director Pete Fosselman applauded the White Flint bio health initiatives and also explained the need for a recreation facility in the area; for Silver Spring, Director Jacob Newman brought up updates to the Purple Line and transportation projects in the community; and for Upcounty, Director, and District 39 Delegate Greg Wims talked about the need for increased public safety measures, with recent shootings devastating their community. Last week, I toured the Upcounty Regional Services Center along with my colleagues, Councilmembers Gabe Albornoz and Marilyn Balcombe, and learned more about how we can better invest in and care for our Upcounty residents.

Maryland Municipal League 2023 Conference & Expo

The 2023 Maryland Municipal League (MML) Conference & Expo was a tremendous opportunity to learn more about how local government can be an active part of the solution to many of the problems we face today. I tuned into informative discussions on the following topics: the national economy's impact on municipal revenues and expenses, best practices for procurement, identifying “conflict style” and how it can impact working relationships, and managing complex challenges in small towns. I also received updates on the status of our municipalities from Comptroller Brooke Lierman, Attorney General Anthony Brown, outgoing MML President Denise Mitchell, and Cabinet Secretaries from every department and agency in the state. I look forward to the leadership of incoming MML President John Carroll, and congratulations to Frederick Mayor Michael O’Connor for being named President-Elect of MML. Finally, a special shout-out to my former colleague, District 17 Delegate-Elect Ryan Spiegel, who received the MML Lifetime Achievement Award. I cannot wait to see major accomplishments from soon-to-be Delegate Spiegel!

Upcoming Events

July 1: Mid-County Sparkles

Mid-County Sparkles, one of Montgomery County’s Independence Day celebrations, will take place on Saturday, July 1st. Live music begins at 6 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. No alcohol or pets are permitted. Time is approximate and may change due to weather and additional information will be available closer to the event date. This event will be held at Newport Mill Local Park.

July 4: Takoma Park Independence Day Parade

March with my team and me at the Takoma Park Independence Day Parade! We will be meeting at 9 a.m. at 7334 Carroll Ave, Takoma Park, MD. In attendance will be Congressman Jaimie Raskin, County Executive Marc Elrich, as well as dozens of community organizations and other elected officials. Please register at bit.ly/LASTakomaParkParade if you would like to join!

July 4: Germantown Glory Independence Day Celebration

Germantown Glory will kick off at 7 p.m. with a concert by Forever Tina, a tribute band to the late queen of rock and roll, Tina Turner. The fireworks display will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. Lawn chairs, blankets and coolers are welcome. There will be food vendors. 

July 9: Silver Spring Arts & Crafts Summer Fair

Welcome summer at Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring with lots of arts & crafts, good music, dance, performances and many, many more fun activities for both adults and kids alike. Over 80 artisans and crafters, independent consultants and small businesses are coming together for the annual Silver Spring Arts and Crafts Summer Festival!

July 13: Montgomery County Youth Town Hall

The Maryland Youth Advisory Council is hosting a Montgomery County Youth Town Hall with the Montgomery County House Delegation from 5-7 pm at the Gaithersburg Library. This event is an opportunity for young people to share concerns about their community and school with Maryland State legislators. 

July 19: Business Opportunities and Success Showcase Conference

Join the Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for a dynamic small business showcase where entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to meet potential buyers from the Federal, State, and local government, as well as the private sector. Participants will have the opportunity to showcase products and services, establish valuable connections, and explore new business opportunities.

July 23-24: Farm Tour & Harvest Sale

Montgomery County is celebrating its agricultural heritage by promoting local farms and inviting visitors to explore agricultural enterprises during the 2023 Farm Tour & Harvest Sale. This year, 20 farms, orchards, and vineyards will host special events on July 23 and 24. County residents and visitors of any age are welcome to explore the 93,000-acre Agriculture Reserve, see the farm experience first-hand, and indulge in a variety of local food, drink, and fun!

July 27: Enclaves Community Day

Join The Enclaves for their 2023 Community Day from 4-7 p.m. for an afternoon of games, arts and crafts, face painting, and community resources, raffles, & giveaways. This annual event is sponsored by the East County Regional Services Center, Montgomery County Police Department, Department of Recreation, and Kingdom Cares East County Hub. More information will be available closer to the date.

Community Resource Hub

• The Montgomery County Council is hiring a Legislative Analyst with a focus on transportation policy.  Legislative Analysts provide guidance and in-depth analysis to the Montgomery County Council and its 11 elected Councilmembers, who serve over 1 million diverse and engaged residents. The positions work directly with Councilmembers, senior staff, County departments, and other stakeholders to develop, draft, and analyze complex policy and fiscal issues. Apply here. 

• Starting on July 1, 2023, adults can legally use cannabis for recreational purposes. Anyone purchasing cannabis products from a dispensary must show their government-issued ID to demonstrate they are 21 or older.  A medical card is still required to purchase medical-use cannabis. For those interested in the adult-use market, sign up for the Maryland Cannabis Administration’s email list here.

• Free online resources are available to support students who are not participating in summer tutoring or summer school. This document includes free academic resources and activities for elementary, middle and high school students to review content, practice skills and prepare for the 2023–2024 school year. More summer resources can be found here.

• The County's Asian American Health Initiative is accepting applications for the Healthy Community Grant Program. Organizations that provide services to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in Montgomery County can apply for up to $150,000 in funding for the upcoming fiscal year. 

• The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA, or Metro) is offering reduced fares to low-income riders through its new “Metro Lift” program. The program offers a 50 percent discount for travel on Metrorail and Metrobus for customers in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia who are enrolled in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP).

• On July 1, the minimum wage in Montgomery County will increase to $16.70 for employers with 51 or more employees and $15 for employers with 50 or fewer employees. Most employees must be paid at least the Montgomery County minimum wage rate. Employees aged 18 and under, working under 20 hours per week, are exempt from this rate. 

• WSSC’s temporary water bill amnesty program is being offered through July 31, 2023, to encourage customers to get current with their delinquent water and sewer bills (as of May 1, 2023) to avoid terminating service for non-payment. Eligible customers will have 100 percent of their late payment charges and turn-on fees waived. Bill credits will also be available for eligible customers.

Yours in service,

Laurie-Anne Sayles

Councilmember At-Large