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I hope everyone has been staying cool during a hot summer! My team and I have been actively engaged in the community, listening to our residents and working to advance my S.M.A.R.T. agenda. For this special edition of The Sayles Sentinel, I will highlight 20 of the top stories from this summer, starting with legislation that will impact our County.
Legislative Progress
1. Passing my first bill: the O.P.E.N. ZTA
The Opening Pathways to Economic Necessity (O.P.E.N.) Zoning Text Amendment, ZTA 23-02, Regulatory Approvals - Mixed-Use Housing Community, my first piece of legislation, passed unanimously! I am proud to have sponsored this ZTA with Council Vice President Andrew Friedson, with the support of co-sponsors Councilmembers Kate Stewart, Dawn Luedtke, and Council President Evan Glass. The intent of the O.P.E.N. ZTA was to expedite the approval process for developers to build affordable, mixed-use developments that contain a specified percentage of affordable housing units and a minimum of two commercial uses. While the original bill would have accomplished this and incentivized 15-minute living near the metro, with less reliance on vehicles, the final version of the bill removed the commercial use requirement. Although I am proud of the bill and believe it will help build more affordable housing, I will continue to work towards making it easier to develop neighborhoods more equitably. Currently, there are 37,000 people on the waitlist for housing assistance in Montgomery County, which is 3.4% of the county's population. We must increase our affordable housing supply to ensure everyone can access the amenities that benefit a thriving community. In addition to this ZTA, I hope to look further into zoning reforms and other measures to encourage development. For more information, please read the Council’s staff packet here.
 2. Providing protections for renters
Last week, the Council voted to pass Bill 15-23, Rent Stabilization, which establishes maximum allowable rent increases to the lesser of the local annual Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) plus three percent or a maximum of six percent of the base rent. I was honored to attend and provide remarks with my colleagues as the County Executive signed the bill into law. You can watch my full comments here. I am glad my colleagues and I could compromise on Bill 15-23 after an arduous, deliberative process with lots of stakeholder input. While this bill could be better, it balances the needs of renters and landlords by limiting rent increases and increasing our supply of affordable housing. I will continue to engage with renters and landlords to ensure that the implementation of Bill 15-23 goes smoothly and will be ready to adapt should there be significant changes or unintended consequences of this legislation. I also look forward to increasing our supply of affordable housing with the passage of Councilmember Friedson and my O.P.E.N. ZTA. For more information on the specifics of Bill 15-23, read the Council’s press release here.
 3. Resolution supporting racial equity in higher education
On Tuesday, Councilmember Jawando and I introduced a resolution supporting racial equity in higher education. I am grateful to our colleagues for co-sponsoring and helping us pass this resolution. The Supreme Court's decision to overturn affirmative action sends a distressing message that undermines our progress as a society. Affirmative action has long been crucial in our collective pursuit of social justice and equity. By fostering diversity and inclusion, it has played a vital role in dismantling systemic barriers and empowering underrepresented communities. Starting with this resolution, we must double our efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity; we must unite to champion equality, justice, and fairness; and we must work towards creating environments that embrace the richness of our differences and recognize the strength within our collective diversity. Change is not always easy. Setbacks are an unfortunate part of progress. Let us remember that the fight for a more equitable society is far from over. We must continue to advocate for policies and practices that uplift marginalized voices and create pathways to success for all.
4. Establishing the Airpark Advisory Committee
Thank you to Councilmember Dawn Luedtke for bringing Bill 24-23 forward, which establishes an Airpark Advisory Committee. I was proud to co-sponsor this bill during its introduction and recognize the significant need for its passage. The Montgomery County Airpark is an integral part of our local economy that needs and deserves proper oversight and community engagement. From the beginning, one of my biggest concerns about this bill was community feedback and input. When creating a committee like this, we must have members who are well-informed about the issues raised by the airpark. I am glad amendments to this bill made the committee more geographically representative of the area by explicitly including residents who live near the airpark, pilots who use the airpark, and nearby aviation-related businesses (in addition to flight schools). Further, I am glad that additional amendments enable more rigorous reporting requirements to proactively inform our policy decisions. I look forward to receiving frequent updates on this committee to ensure its effectiveness, and I appreciate our Upcounty residents for repeatedly bringing this to the Council’s attention.
 5. Funding for FY24 Community Grants
The Office of Grants Management is soliciting grant applications for the County’s FY24 Community Grants Program from qualified nonprofit organizations in Montgomery County with programs targeting youth, seniors, residents with disabilities, and underserved communities. They are also soliciting grant applications for the County’s FY24 Community Projects Fund (CPF) Grants Program from qualified nonprofit organizations providing direct services to or advocacy for Montgomery County community members. For any organization interested in applying, I encourage you to contact the Office of Grants Management to see how they can assist you with the application process and answer any questions. The Office of Grants Management was formed one year ago in response to the high demand for grant funds. I voted to approve $1.5 million in a special appropriation for their grant programs and intend to do everything possible to ensure their effectiveness and success.
6. Mobilizing for a ‘Stop The Violence’ Townhall in Germantown
I want to thank Luis Cardona and the Street Outreach Network team for bringing people together for a ‘Stop The Violence’ Townhall at Germantown Library. We must stay vigilant to ensure every resident in our county feels safe and valued. At the town hall, we heard moving stories from individuals who lost loved ones due to gun violence. According to Mr. Cardona, before the town hall, there were 87 young people arrested this year, with 23 being for weapons offenses, 36 for aggravated assault, and 23 for robberies. Increased youth violence is unacceptable, and we must work urgently to find solutions. Some issues we discussed are the lack of recreational outlets and workforce development options for youth. As a Councilmember At-Large, I am committed to working with the community to bring a recreation center to the Montgomery Village and Germantown area so that youth have a place they can go to for extracurricular activities. Further, regarding job opportunities, I am working with the Office of Legislative Oversight to study the feasibility of a summer jobs program to better serve more students during the summer. I pledge to work with residents and stakeholders from all backgrounds to ensure our young people are not left behind.
 7. Investing in a safe, equitable, and well-regulated adult-use cannabis industry
On July 1, Maryland became the 23rd state in the U.S. to legalize adult-use cannabis. To celebrate this historic moment, I joined Senator Brian Feldman, sponsor of the Adult Use Legislation, Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins, Chairwoman of the Legislative Black Caucus, as well as State Delegates Marc Korman and Sara Love and Arizona Congressman Greg Stanton at Trulieve in Rockville for their grand opening. The benefits of natural cannabis are that it can help reduce stress, ease symptoms of depression, and improve mental health and pain and sleep management. Furthermore, the economic benefits of legalization are increased tax revenues, job growth, and investment opportunities for small and minority-owned businesses. Finally, cannabis legalization has a crucial impact on racial equity and criminal justice. For the past 20 years, the U.S. has averaged more than 600,000 marijuana arrests each year. Black individuals arrested nearly four times more likely than their White counterparts, even though both use marijuana at similar rates. We must work towards rescheduling marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act, creating social equity programs, and expunging records of past nonviolent marijuana convictions.
 8. Touring the Dickerson Incinerator and brainstorming solutions for waste management
Thank you to the Covanta team for giving me and my colleagues, Councilmembers Marilyn Balcombe and Kristin Mink, a tour of the Dickerson Incinerator facility. I appreciated learning more about Covanta's work to reduce waste and harmful emissions. The facility, located on 34.9 acres in Dickerson, processes up to 1,800 tons per day of solid waste, generating up to 52 megawatts (net) of renewable energy – enough power for 37,000 homes. The county is seeking applicants for the Dickerson Area Facilities Implementation Group, which addresses community and environmental issues and concerns about its operations. As an environmental champion dedicated to promoting clean sources of renewable energy, I am committed to working with my colleagues to study the universe of options before us in the next several months and implement a plan for the Incinerator that is consistent with our Climate Action Plan.
 9. Advocating for our seniors with Maryland Secretary of Aging Carmel Roques
I had the privilege of joining Maryland Secretary of Aging Carmel Roques during her visit to the Holiday Park Senior Center, where she met with older adults enrolled in programs through her department. Between 2014 and 2019, the percentage of older adults soared from 7.9% to 14.4%. I am deeply concerned about the issues and concerns that face our senior residents and am tremendously grateful for the partnership the Maryland Department of Aging has with our county. Secretary Roques shared that one of the most significant issues is ensuring seniors have access to affordable and accessible housing options. Moreover, at the state level, the Maryland Multisector Plan for aging adults presents a unique opportunity for our county to take advantage of critical partnerships with the public and private sectors and enhance our care and support services to promote healthy aging, independent living, and social engagement. As a member of the Council's Health and Human Services Committee, I look forward to future opportunities to advocate for more resources devoted to our diverse senior communities.
 10. Promoting our county’s agricultural heritage and local farms
It has been an excellent month for supporting our local farms and food systems. Earlier this month, I visited HarvestShare's grow-to-donate garden, which shares its freshly grown produce with local food assistance providers. This beautiful garden features 250 seedlings grown and donated by home gardeners, 14 raised beds in a fenced garden with water access provided by a generous homeowner in Potomac, as well as free-sourced tools, garden bed planning, and acquisition of plants and volunteer management by HarvestShare. Last week, my staff also attended the grand opening of a new facility in North Bethesda for So What Else, one of the most accessible food distribution pantries in Maryland. So What Else had to move from Lakeforest Mall this past spring and faced several challenges that could have limited their delivery of services, but they continued their excellent work. Finally, the annual Farm Tour & Harvest Sale was a tremendous success. Montgomery County has the highest percentage of farmland under agricultural preservation easements in the U.S. I am constantly amazed by our ability to leverage its resources for the public good.
Youth Empowerment
11. Applications are open for the S.M.A.R.T. Youth Advisory Council
I am so excited to announce that the application for the second cohort of our S.M.A.R.T. Youth Advisory Council is now open!
Members of the Youth Advisory Council will gain the necessary experience learning more about the behind-the-scenes of the Montgomery County Council. Members will work with my team and me to share youth priorities on budget proposals, legislation, community programs, health and safety initiatives, and more. As such, we seek students who are passionate about Montgomery County and want to give back to their community. Please email us at Councilmember.Sayles@montgomerycountymd.gov if you have any questions or want to learn more about this project. Students who are accepted will be eligible for SSL hours. We had an incredibly successful first cohort in the spring, and I plan to build off this success with a new group of students in the fall. The time is now for young people to step up and organize for a better future!
12. Maryland Youth Advisory Council Townhall
The Maryland Youth Advisory Council organized an informative town hall that brought together 14 Montgomery County State Delegation members and had them listen to some of the biggest concerns facing the younger generation. Our youth deserve much credit for asking probing questions and challenging the status quo. At the town hall, we discussed mental health, the opioid epidemic, education and extracurricular program funding, gun violence, and more. Most importantly, the town hall allowed youth to learn more about the legislative process at the state and local levels and connect with legislators one-on-one to learn more about how they can increase their civic engagement and advocacy. It makes a huge difference when we create spaces for youth to get involved, as, too often, their perspectives are missing from decisions that affect them. I hope to lead a similar youth town hall at the Council soon.
 13. A recognition ceremony for the 46th Student Member of the Board
Congratulations to the newly sworn-in Student Member of the Board, Sami Saeed, and a special thank you to the former Student Member of the Board, Arvin Kim, for your service! The Student Member of the Board has been uniquely positioned on the Board of Education since 1978. They vote on matters related to collective bargaining, capital, operating budgets, school closings, reopenings, and boundaries. Montgomery County is one of two counties in Maryland to give this position full voting rights. For Arvin, I have had the opportunity to meet and connect with him on multiple occasions. He leaves a lasting legacy of contributing to the Antiracist System Action Plan, updating homework policy, working on the school lunch menu redesign, helping to provide free AP and IB exams, and passing the largest budget in Montgomery County Public School’s history. Further, Sami has many exciting ideas for supporting mental health, addressing climate change, and improving communication and outreach in our school system. I look forward to working with him to improve youth engagement in our County.
 14. Proclamation for World Listening Day
As an elected official, listening is one of the most important aspects of my job. This year, I organized a proclamation for World Listening Day and was honored to be joined by Sami Saeed, the 46th Student Member of the Board; Christopher Page, Executive Director of the Conflict Resolution of Montgomery County; Ricardine Cadet, a stand-out member on my S.M.A.R.T. Youth Advisory Council; and Emma G, an award-winning artist who delivered an exceptional performance of her song, “Together We Rise”. My inspiration for this proclamation comes from my time on the Gaithersburg City Council, when I led an event during the heart of the pandemic called “Talk. Walk. Listen.” Today, while things have certainly changed since then, we still find ourselves facing many of the same core issues, with underlying racial disparities and inequities affecting every aspect of our daily lives. The pandemic has caused us to listen, reflect on, and rethink what our future could be and should be. Whether it be through listening to music, listening to the environment around us, or listening to youth, we know that our society is a better place when listening is used as a tool to empower our diverse communities.
 15. Presentations from the Council’s 2023 Summer Fellows
The Council hosted its seventh year of Summer Fellows—a program for graduate students between their first and second year of study in a policy-related program. The fellows are placed into different departments in county government and play an instrumental role in working directly with decision-makers on ongoing projects, policy analyses, and self-selected research. To conclude their program, each fellow shared a well-thought-out and unique policy solution with the Council. I was particularly interested in the Reentry Housing in Montgomery County presentation from Charlotte Bailey, Juliet Hayes, and Hyla Jacobson. They analyzed the Housing Justice Act and found a lack of data collection by the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Correction and Rehabilitation, and other agencies on the housing status of returning residents in the County. I share many of their concerns and have requested a bill to strengthen the reporting requirements for reentry programs. I was also compelled by the Baby Bonds in Montgomery County, MD Evaluating Impact, Cost, and Feasibility presentation from Connor Weis, as it has a lot of potential for reducing the concerning rates of maternal mortality in our County. For more information on each project from the Summer Fellows, you can read their presentations here.
Community Outreach
16. Team Sayles is expanding
Team Sayles is thrilled to welcome two new members onto our staff: Jenny Escobar and Joseph Amara!
Jenny Escobar
 “I am honored and excited to be part of this team. Montgomery County is the first place I have resided since I came to the U.S. 2013 from El Salvador. Ever since, I have served Montgomery County and its residents through community work and service, representing my community as an immigrant, a Latina woman, and a social work professional. Before being part of this team, I interned with the Montgomery County Commission for Women. At the same time, I finished my graduate program at the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Social Work with a concentration in Community Action and Social Policy. I admire the talent, resources, diversity, and energy that Team Sayles brings to the table, and I am a part of it now. Outside the office, I enjoy hiking, the beach, and meeting new people. I look forward to working for this wonderful community at the Council!”
Joseph Amara
 “I am a U.S. citizen, originally from Sierra Leone, West Africa. My family and I migrated to the U.S. about 23 years ago from Sierra Leone. I am glad to join Team Sayles as the Community Outreach Coordinator. Other than working for the Montgomery County Council, I am an ordained Apostle and the Founder of Eternity Global Ministries USA; I am an Intercessor for the State of Maryland, an Intercessor for the White House Prayer For Our Nation, and a member of Intercessors For America; I am also an Ordained Volunteer Chaplain at Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, Maryland. I look forward to learning from the County Council and contributing to the community!”
I am so grateful to be surrounded by such a diverse, talented, and hard-working team. Be on the lookout for our new team members out in the community!
17. Spending 4th of July around the county
This year, for the 4th of July, I had a wonderful time participating in events around the county. I started the day with Community Bridges girls and my team at the 134th annual City of Takoma Park, MD, Independence Day festivities. Afterward, I headed over to the Town of Somerset for their annual 4th of July celebration, with highlights including children reciting the Declaration of Independence and being a judge in their delicious cupcake contest. My staff also joined Montgomery Village residents for their community celebration and festival. They visited the District 39 Democratic Club tent while getting the word out about registering people to vote with Senator Nancy King. In the afternoon, the Village of Friendship Heights hosted its annual Independence Day event with Rep. Jamie Raskin, Comptroller Brooke Lierman, and many other county and state leaders in attendance. Special thank you to Mayor Melanie Rose White for bringing us all together for the occasion. Finally, in the evening, I had fun at the City of Rockville fireworks and celebration featuring live entertainment from Under The Covers and the Victorian Lyric Opera Company. It was a festive occasion seeing so many friends and the community in full force. I hope everyone had a safe and joyous 4th of July celebrating with loved ones!
 18. Supporting the critical services of the Jewish Community Relations Council
The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington offers integral services to the Jewish community in Montgomery County. To familiarize Councilmembers and staff with their work, they took us on a tour of several of their agencies. We visited Sunflower Bakery, a delicious bakery run by mostly adults with developmental disabilities; the Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC) Revitz House & Hebrew Home, which has been around for over a century and is the largest provider of home care for the region; and the Paul S. Berger Sportsplex, which is fully accessible by people of all abilities and provides increased capacity as an athletic venue for recreation, sports, wellness, and summer camp programming. We also heard from David Ervin, the CEO of Makom, which supports and empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; Todd Schenk, the CEO of the Jewish Social Service Agency, which helps people in recovery and provides consultation for long-term care planning; and Amanda Katz, the CEO of the Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse, which strives to create a world free from intimate partner violence. Thank you to JCRC Executive Director Ron Halber and Director of Maryland Government and Community Relations Deb Miller for initiating this tour and all your work!
 19. Recognizing our local law enforcement and fire-rescue workers
I have been attending the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Public Safety Awards for over a decade. It warms my heart to know we have compassionate officers keeping our communities safe, and I am so glad we take the time to honor those who go above and beyond to protect and serve our communities with distinction. On the Council, we recently passed pension and retirement adjustments to improve recruitment and retention rates in our local law enforcement and fire-rescue departments. I have also been in close contact with the Montgomery County Police Department about the drone program they are considering implementing, which aims to help improve response times to crimes due to shortages in their staff. Moreover, my colleague, Councilmember Dawn Luedtke, introduced Bill 33-23, which would make a voluntary registry for people to add their name and address to a list to give first responders a heads up that a person at that address has Alzheimer's or is Autistic, or another disability that could impact their interaction with police. Our Council appreciates the hard work of our public safety professionals as we focus on building community-based solutions that will support them in the long run.
 20. Catching up with the bicyclist community
I appreciated the invitation from Seth Grimes and Peter Gray with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association to join them for their happy hour with Delegate Julie Palakovich Carr, Rockville City Council and Mayor candidates, and bicycling advocates. On Tuesday, the Council received a briefing and held a public hearing on the Planning Department’s Pedestrian Master Plan, which will help shape our regional transportation priorities for the foreseeable future. As such, speaking with bicyclists was a time to hear more about policy changes in the Master Plan. I talked about the need for more walkable communities, multi-modal transportation infrastructure, and protected bike lanes, as well as topics such as fixing Georgia Ave, the Safe Streets Act of 2023 that I co-sponsored, and strengthening communication with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation, State Highway Administration, and our residents. I also heard lots of feedback on areas that could use more attention for pedestrian safety, such as the Intercounty Connector (ICC), the US 29 corridor from Four Corners to White Oak, and Twinbrook Parkway in Rockville.
Upcoming Events
July 28: Summer of Peace
With an uptick in youth crime and drug overdoses, several county departments have combined forces to promote a 2023 Summer of Peace. By engaging young people with games, food, and information, the hope is to lead them to alternatives to crime and, eventually, prison. The next event will occur at Cedar Mill Apartments from 4-8 p.m.
July 30: Afro-Latino Diaspora Expo
The Afro-Latino Diaspora Expo takes place in Silver Spring at the Veterans Plaza from 1-8 p.m. It will feature local talent and the rich history and influence of African and Afro-Latino art, music, culture, dance, and expression. This Expo is an acknowledgment of the power and influence of the African Diaspora, and it is celebrated widely by various cultures and ethnicities.
August 1: National Night Out
National Night Out strengthens the relationship between police and residents. Events are catered to building community spirit, helping officers and neighbors get to know each other, and displaying how communities are helping prevent crime. Join the Montgomery County Police Department at multiple locations throughout the community for a night of fun, food, and socializing.
August 6: Ama Tu Vida Health Fair
The Ama Tu Vida Health Fair will take place at Montgomery College Rockville from 12-4 p.m. and aim to encourage Latinos in the community to take charge of their health. The Latino Health Initiative will showcase its services, including the Department of Health and Human Services' free resources. Join for health screenings, resources, music, and more.
August 11-19: Montgomery County Agricultural Fair
One of the largest county fairs in Maryland, the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair has been a significant draw for locals and visitors since 1949, with activities, over 5,000 farm animals, food, and carnival rides for all to enjoy. Sitting on 62 acres, this year’s fair will be held at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds from August 11 – 19.
August 19: Ask a Financial Planner Day
Have a financial question? Representatives from six certified financial planners organizations will be at the Silver Spring Civic Center at Veterans Plaza from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at a free event open to the public. It will feature one-on-one financial coaching and workshops on primary financial, college, estate, social security, Medicare planning, and other issues.
August 19: Montgomery County Children's Business Fair
The Montgomery County Children’s Business Fair will occur at 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in Rockville Town Square. Fifty young business owners will participate and have opportunities to win cash awards for innovative ideas, presentations, and sales pitches. The goal is to give young people the experience of selling a product or service.
August 26: MCPS Back-to-School Fair
All MCPS students and families are invited to kick off the 2023-2024 school year at the MCPS Back-to-School Fair from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Westfield Wheaton Mall. Families will learn more about the school system, county programs, and services; enjoy free music, entertainment, and youth activities; and pick up giveaways and receive updated immunizations.
Community Resource Hub
- “Montgomery Connects,” Montgomery County’s digital equity and inclusion program, has launched a new program to distribute 34,000 free laptop computers to low-income families. Montgomery Connects received a Maryland Connected Devices grant valued at $7 million to distribute these laptops to low-income households. You can make an appointment to receive a computer here.
- The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) in Derwood remains at “critical capacity,” particularly regarding large dogs of more than 40 pounds. Over the past week, a campaign to have 50 dogs adopted with fees waived resulted in 26 large dogs (and some small dogs) being adopted. Still, the center is hoping more residents will take advantage of the opportunity to adopt a new family member and have adoption fees waived.
- Montgomery College and the Robert I. Schattner Foundation have scholarship opportunities of up to $4,000 with specific Montgomery College Workforce Development and Continuing Education (WDCE) programs for qualified applicants. Recipients will receive an award of up to $4,000 to cover training tuition, fees, and required books.
- The Aging and Disability Services Division of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services recently began offering free hearing aids and personal sound amplifiers to eligible residents 60 and over. These devices will be distributed by Access HEARS, Inc., a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect individuals with hearing loss.
- Thanks to the Healthy Babies Equity Act, more than 1,300 pregnant Montgomery County residents currently enrolled in the County’s Maternity Partnership Program, part of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), are eligible to receive Medicaid, regardless of immigration status. For more information on how to apply, visit here.
- The Department of Environmental Protection will reopen applications for their RainScape program starting August 1st. RainScape is a landscape or design technique that helps reduce stormwater runoff from individual properties. They can be installed on any property, but those on private residential, institutional, and commercial properties may be eligible for financial assistance.
- The Community Action Board is now accepting applications for the Community Advocacy Institute (CAI), a free advocacy training program for lower-income Montgomery County residents. The CAI includes monthly workshops focused on advocacy for policy change. To be eligible for the program, you must live in the County and have a combined household income of $64,000 or less.
- The Council seeks participants for this year’s Post Graduate Fellows Program for individuals who have completed a master’s degree in public policy or a related field. Fellows will work as part of the Council’s non-partisan central staff team, objectively analyzing approaches to the entire County Council. Visit their job posting for more information.
Yours in Service,
Laurie-Anne Sayles
Councilmember At-Large
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