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July 27, 2023
During the height of the pandemic, the Council passed emergency legislation to temporarily limit rental increases in accordance with the voluntary rent guidelines. Additionally, I was proud to lead the creation of a rental assistance program, which eventually grew to over $100 million and helped more than 35,000 residents stay safely in their homes. When the rental cap was lifted and the rental assistance was no longer available, I immediately began hearing from renters who were facing double digit rent increases and potential eviction.
In an effort to provide ongoing support to renters, who make up nearly 40% of the county’s population, the Council approved legislation to enact rent stabilization, which:
- Limits annual rental increases to local inflation (CPI-U) plus three percent, but no more than 6% total
- Exempts landlords who own two or fewer units
- Provides mechanisms for landlords to exceed the rental caps for capital improvements and to ensure fair returns
- Allows landlords to bank unused rental increases up to 10%
- Exempts new construction for 23 years
- Exempts for 23 years buildings that have undergone substantial rehabilitation (40% or more of the value of the building)
This amended bill is a compromise that will protect tenants while ensuring we stay regionally competitive to meet our housing goals.
My objective throughout this process has been to provide assistance for renters who need it today while also ensuring that we have housing available for future generations. We can and must do both.
As the chair of the Council’s Transportation and Environment Committee, I take a keen interest in ensuring that Montgomery County utilizes federal funding opportunities for infrastructure investments. And as a member of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) board of directors, I appreciate working with our regional neighbors on issues like transportation, housing and climate change.
I recently joined fellow COG board members, D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson and DC Councilmember Charles Allen, for a tour of Union Station and a discussion about Metro, MARC and regional transportation solutions. The station is currently planning a transformative redevelopment, which will enable growth and mass transportation options for the entire region.
 President Glass with D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson and Councilmember Charles Allen
Now through September 15, eligible Maryland taxpayers can now apply for a student loan debt relief tax credit. The tax credit is available to Maryland taxpayers who have incurred at least $20,000 in undergraduate and/or graduate student loan debt, and have at least $5,000 in outstanding student loan debt at the time of applying for the tax credit.
Learn more about eligibility and complete the application here.
Foodie Fridays, hosted by the Community Gardens Program, is a monthly speaker series featuring farmers, educators, community organizers and food lovers held at Josiah Henson Museum and Park.
This month’s event, coming up on July 28 at 6:30 p.m., will feature Phil Frank, a member of the Montgomery County Beekeepers Association. The talk will focus on the important role of honey bees in food production. Register for the event.
While our county has a robust public transportation system, many older residents don’t feel confident utilizing our public transit or know about its accessibility features.
The Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA) is offering free half-day workshops for county residents aged 50+ to help them read the Metro map, understand digital schedule signs, load a fare card, and find out where to find a station’s emergency and accessibility features. The workshop includes classroom training, a trip on a Ride On bus, a visit to a Metro station, and a one-station round-trip train ride. Advanced registration for the workshops is required. To register or for more information, call 301-738-3252 or email ConnectARide@AccessJCA.org.
A senior resident who takes a Latin dance class at Holiday Park Senior Center contacted my office with concerns about the hot temperature of the room where the class takes place. We contacted Holiday Park and the Department of General Services (DGS) to resolve the issue. DGS quickly learned that the HVAC was in need of repair. They placed an order for parts and will monitor the temperature closely until they can make the repair.
As we experience increasingly hot summer temperatures, it’s important to take precautions and stay safe from heat-related illnesses. Prevent heat-related illness by wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, drinking plenty of water and taking frequent breaks during outdoor activities. Check out the Maryland Department of Health’s tips and resources for staying safe during extreme heat. Keep cool with your kids this summer by checking out activities and events through Montgomery County Public Libraries and the Department of Recreation, like Summer Movie Nights at the East County Community Recreation Center tomorrow, July 28 at 7 p.m.
Please do not reply to this email. To contact my office, email me at Councilmember.Glass@montgomerycountymd.gov.
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