Supporting the Moore-Miller administration’s service year program
The Moore-Miller Administration’s service year initiative has received its first round of applicants, and over 500 Marylanders have applied to join for a minimum of 200 spots! It is more apparent than ever that Maryland is ready to make our communities and state more robust. Notably, more than 100 employers, including nonprofit organizations, for-profit businesses, public agencies, and schools, have applied to host program participants according to the Department of Service and Civic Innovation, which Moore established with an executive order on his first day in office in January. At the federal level, the Biden administration recently announced the creation of a Civilian Climate Corps that will mobilize a new, diverse generation of more than 20,000 Americans to work for climate-focused jobs. It is great to see Democrats investing in workforce development opportunities to encourage residents to give back to their communities through service work.
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Secretary of the newly founded Department of Service and Civic Innovation, Paul Monteiro, speaking to residents at Councilmember Stewart’s “Buckets & Beats” event in downtown Silver Spring
Introducing a new cohort of S.M.A.R.T. students to the Council
Thank you to all who applied for the second cohort of our S.M.A.R.T. Youth Advisory Council. We received over 80 applications, and I am pleased to share that we increased the number of students on the Council from 16 to 25! We have many students from each of the seven Council districts and students in grades 8-12. For our first meeting, we reviewed the introduction, purpose, and goals of the Youth Advisory Council, highlighting the S.M.A.R.T. agenda and taking students on a tour of the County Council building. Most importantly, we had a chance to hear from each student about the issues they are most passionate about in their communities. We have stayed in close communication with students, keeping them apprised of the work of the County Council. We look forward to our next meeting on October 2nd to discuss the County's racial equity and social justice initiatives. The S.M.A.R.T. Youth Advisory Council will expose our young people to the benefits, promises, and opportunities of public service.
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Taking students on a tour of the 3rd-floor public hearing room of the Council Office Building
Raising awareness of the importance of mentoring
My mentors have blessed me with their sound guidance and will to succeed. As the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, my parents have played a significant role in shaping my life. My mother, Hilda Sayles, was a social worker and modeled how to care for those less fortunate with grace and compassion. My father, Perry Sayles, is a retired member of the U.S. Army and instilled a passion for service from an early age. And my friend and former County Executive, Isiah “Ike” Leggett, showed me the power of patience and preparation in making consequential decisions. Hence, I am grateful to organizations like Mentor MD | DC that specialize in mentorship programs. I participated in their monthly Montgomery County Collaboration for Impact Roundtable discussion and spoke about promoting more workforce development initiatives and partnering with higher education institutions such as the Universities of Shady Grove and Montgomery College to enhance mentoring opportunities. I was pleased to learn more about their work and would like to highlight them as a phenomenal organization that we can rely upon to motivate individuals to give back to their communities.
 Creating positive outlets for youth through recreation space
The county is discussing building a new recreation center in the Gaithersburg and Montgomery Village regions. On October 3 from 7-9 p.m. at Montgomery Village Middle School, Councilmember Dawn Luedtke and I will host a community listening session to hear from residents about the dire need for the proposed recreation center. I encourage all interested residents to sign up for the town hall at bit.ly/GburgMVRecCenter. There is a high need for investment in our residents in the Gaithersburg and Montgomery Village area, focusing on our youth. During the ‘Stop the Violence’ town hall held in July at Germantown Library, there was a consistent need for space where residents could learn, work, and play. Communities with convenient access to recreation space and opportunities have proven economic success and overall well-being, and they allow young people to develop vital developmental skills that will benefit their future.
Council Session Returns
With the Council resuming, there are numerous legislative items of high importance that my team and I have been working on:
Safe Streets Act of 2023
The Council passed the Safe Streets Act of 2023 with unanimous support from my colleagues and me. The Safe Streets Act will mandate a review of pedestrian infrastructure when a pedestrian is struck close to a school or designated bus stop. This is an essential step in reviewing our infrastructure and pedestrian policies as we work towards our Vision Zero goals, with a particular focus on protecting children as they travel to and from school.
Pedestrian Master Plan
The Council has been actively reviewing the Pedestrian Master Plan for the last month. This is the first county-wide master plan dedicated to pedestrian safety. It builds on the 2017 Vision Zero Action plan to reduce pedestrian fatalities by the end of 2030. The plan’s four primary goals are: 1) Better walkability and pedestrian satisfaction; 2) Create a comfortable, connected, and convenient pedestrian network; 3) Enhance pedestrian safety; 4) Build an equitable pedestrian network. I thank residents for their engagement through public hearings, and I look forward to voting in support of this critical initiative.
Minimum wage for tipped workers
My colleagues, Councilmember Jawando and Councilmember Mink, introduced Bill 35-23, County Minimum Wage - Tipped Employees, which would adjust the calculation of the minimum wage for tipped workers, phase out the tip credit amount under the County minimum wage law, and generally amend the County minimum wage law. This initiative passed in D.C. last year, and I will follow the impacts on the workforce and restaurant industry as this bill goes through the council.
Voluntary 911 registry
Last week, there was a joint Public Safety and Health and Human Services Committee session to discuss Councilmember Luedtke’s bill to create a voluntary 911 registry, based on a similar bill that nearly passed in the state house last year. It would create a voluntary registry where an individual with disabilities or a caretaker could add their address to inform officers responding to that address for a call. While a 911 registry has the potential to keep residents safe, I also expressed my concerns about privacy and how this data would be used during the joint committee session.
Ban on gas-powered leaf blowers
The Council enacted legislation that will prohibit the sale and use of combustion engine-powered leaf blowers and leaf vacuums in most areas of the County. As one of the Councilmembers who voted to table the bill in March, I am glad we now have data on a rebate program that will protect small businesses to ensure they can smoothly transition to cleaner and more equitable ways of protecting our climate and constituents. Gas leaf blowers have proven to cause noise disturbance and negative impacts to health and the climate.
Minority, Female, and Disabled-Owned Business (MFD) Program
Thank you to my colleagues for signing onto Councilmember Jawando’s and my Bill 37-23 with amendments, which mandates that we extend the Montgomery County Procurement Office’s Minority, Female, and Disabled-Owned Business (MFD) Program another year as we await the County’s ongoing disparity study. We last received a disparity study in 2014. It is well past time for this Council to receive an updated report. Racial equity is a top priority, with the Supreme Court threatening to roll back our rights, and we need to know the impacts on our MFD businesses to support them. I look forward to the unanimous passage of Bill 37-23 with amendments. Watch my remarks on Bill 37-23 here.
The SAFE Act
I was proud to stand with Council President Evan Glass and my colleagues as we introduced the Suicide Awareness and Fiream Education Act, also known as the SAFE Act. This legislation will help us save more lives by raising awareness about suicide prevention resources like 988 and the suicide and crisis lifeline. Together, we will advance common-sense gun safety legislation and provide life-saving mental health resources that better inform and protect our residents from the horrors of gun violence, fostering safer communities.
Honoring Significant Occasions
National Senior Citizens Day
It was an honor to commemorate National Senior Citizens Day at the Council to extend my deep appreciation to the senior residents in our County. Between 2014 and 2019, the percentage of county older adults soared from 7.9% to 14.4%. Further, by 2040, the County’s aging adult population is expected to rise to 21%. We must focus on increasing our affordable housing supply so our seniors can comfortably age in place. The New York Times recently highlighted The Laureate property, which was built thanks to the Housing Opportunities Commission’s partnership with the Council to construct affordable communities where seniors can thrive. I am proud of the bold, innovative, public-private partnerships we are fostering to help us meet our affordable housing goals while caring for our senior residents.
 African Heritage Month
Councilmember Jawando, Council President Glass, and I led the Council’s third annual African Heritage Month commemoration at the Council, with county leaders representing the African diaspora in attendance. Today's America is rooted in African culture, customs, and traditions. From the middle passage that resulted in the enslavement of Africans to today, their rich tapestry and incredible sacrifices have shaped our nation for centuries. America has a long, complicated legacy of working with African nations, from leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe to Nelson Mandela to Ellen-Johnson-Sirle. Our country and county are better off today because of the African diaspora's numerous sacrifices and contributions to our culture.
 Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is from September 15 to October 15. This year’s theme is “Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power and Progress in America.” This month is a time for us to preserve and uplift the stories of Hispanic Americans as a reminder of their integral role in our communities. My team and I are participating in multiple events organized by Montgomery College, including the 2023 Reception Kick-Off, featuring live music, salsa dancing, and keynote speeches from Hispanic community leaders. The Council is also hosting a commemoration on October 3rd. We are fortunate to have two Hispanic Councilmembers on the Council, Councilmember Natali Fani-Gonzalez and Councilmember Gabe Albornoz, who aim to represent the Hispanic community in essential policies and decisions.
 Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are two of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar, taking place ten days from one another. Rosh Hashanah signifies the Jewish New Year, a two-day observance that is a time to rejoice and contemplate the year ahead. The delicious tradition of apples and honey resembles hope for a sweet new year. On the other hand, Yom Kippur is a day of atonement where Jewish people aim to have their sins forgiven for the past year. Those who observe will fast for 25 hours without eating or drinking. I am thankful for those who have educated me on these two holidays and their importance to the Jewish community. I wish the Jewish community a promising year ahead.
Poolesville Day
It was rainy, but Poolesville Day 2023 shone brightly with community spirit! Thank you to Mayor Jim Brown, Commissioners, Link Hoewing, and the Fair Access Committee for Western Montgomery County for organizing this annual event for the thousands of residents who come out to celebrate the Poolesville community. I congratulate the Fair Access Committee for Western Montgomery County on its fifth anniversary. They have been integral in lifting the voices of Poolesville and Western Upper Montgomery County residents and empowering them to take action on critical issues. I had the privilege of awarding them a proclamation for their successful advocacy efforts. I also connected with a group of students at Poolesville High School, including one on my S.M.A.R.T. Youth Advisory Council, to learn more about their top priorities for the Poolesville community. You can watch a video of them speaking about the daily stresses they face as students here.
 Congressional Black Caucus Conference
I had an incredible experience attending the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Leadership Conference! Thank you to the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) for inviting me to welcome the incoming president, Dr. Courtney Johnson Rose, and celebrate the launch of their wealth-building tour. The energy and passion in the rooms were electrifying. From inspiring keynote speakers to thought-provoking panel discussions, I was immersed in powerful conversations about the future of technology in our community and the influence of artificial intelligence, criminal justice reform, maternal healthcare, environmental justice, and preparing our workforce to diversify our economy. I walked away feeling even more empowered about our work and calls to action ahead of our upcoming budget season.
S.M.A.R.T. Updates And Community Outreach
Novavax Open House
Our county is fortunate to have Novavax, Inc. in the heart of the City of Gaithersburg’s Biotech corridor. Novavax began the development of its COVID-19 vaccine in January 2020 and subsequently received regulatory authorizations for its use across the globe during the pandemic. In the U.S., the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted, is the first and only protein-based vaccine available, providing individuals with a significant, differentiated vaccine option. This month, they initiated their FDA submission to authorize their updated XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine for the 2023 fall vaccination season. I applaud Novavax for keeping the world safe during the pandemic and am excited to see what they do in the future to protect global health.
 Bus Tour of the Fairland and Briggs Chaney Master Plan Area
The Fairland and Briggs Chaney Master Plan will be the first corridor plan update following the passage of Thrive 2050. The original plan was approved 25 years ago and there have been several major changes in law and policy during that time, including Thrive 2050, the County’s Racial Equity and Social Justice Law, the start of a new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line on US29, and a need to look at the current economic development needs and housing. My staff and I went on a tour of the area as well as participated in a public hearing at the East County Community Center. We have heard lots of support for key recommendations that we look forward to implementing, such as more transit service, green space and trails, a resiliency hub, and a healthy community food system.
 MoCo 360 Women Who Inspire Luncheon
Each year, Bethesda Magazine by MoCo360 celebrates the inspirational women in our community in the September/October issue of the magazine. This year, they honored the following amazing women in the community with their first annual Women Who Inspire Luncheon: Brooke Eby, Angela Graham, Dr. Anne Khademian, Secretary of State Susan Lee, Donna Westmoreland, and Margarita Womack. I congratulate the women on being recognized! I enjoyed hearing their inspiring stories. They are model examples for breaking barriers related to race, ethnicity, gender, and disability—including succeeding in chronic diseases such as ALS and MS.
 Montgomery Sister Cities Multi-Cultural Humanitarian Day
Montgomery Sister Cities Multi-Cultural Humanitarian Day is an annual event highlighting Montgomery Sister Cities' contributions and their partnering with El Salvadorian, Indian, Chinese, Ethiopian, and South Korean organizations in Montgomery County. This celebration of Montgomery County's diversity features hands-on activities, international music, authentic food samples, and lively dance performances. I will forever be grateful for my experiences in South Africa on the Sister Cities trip. I was glad to join them for their Multi-Cultural Humanitarian Day to spread the message of learning from different cultures so that we can continue to foster a welcoming and inclusive County for all to enjoy!
 Out of the Darkness Community Walk
I joined Moms Demand volunteers for an Out of the Darkness Community Walk hosted by the American Suicide Prevention Association to raise awareness about suicide prevention in our County. These events remind me of the heartbreaking situations that drive people to suicide and the consequences for those who remain here. In 2021, more residents in the U.S. died from gun-related incidents than ever before, and more than half, 54%, were by suicide. I am proud to stand with my colleagues and fellow advocates as we introduce the SAFE Act that will help us save more lives by better informing people who need resources like 988 and the suicide and crisis lifeline.
With gun sense champion Senator Will Smith and his adorable children
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Gala
I had a lovely evening celebrating the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at Strathmore with new Music Director Jonathan Heyward, First Lady Dawn Moore, and other special guests! At 31, Jonathan Heyward is the youngest music director leading the two dozen U.S. orchestras with large budgets. He is the only American, and he is the only conductor in that group who is Black. The performance he conducted, The Dance Theatre of Harlem, delivered a powerful and beautiful tribute. I walked away deeply moved by the vision of performing arts through dance, captivating music, and more.
Upcoming Events
October 1: Takoma Park Street Festival
The 42nd annual Takoma Park Street Festival is this Sunday, Oct. 1st from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Carroll Avenue. 165 tents with artists, makers, community groups, green companies and Takoma businesses, 17 food vendors, 18 bands on 3 stages and 1 great day in Takoma Park! For the music line up, vendors, directions and more, check out the website here.
October 3: Montgomery County Career Fair & Hiring Expo
Land your next dream job! Montgomery County is hosting a Career Fair & Hiring Expo on Oct. 3 from 3-7 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Center. At the fair, you can meet representatives from over a dozen departments and interview onsite for select positions to receive on‐the‐spot job offers or offers within 30 days after the event.
October 4: Walk to School Day
Walk to School Day will be Wednesday, October 4, at 8:15 a.m. this year at Brooke Grove Elementary School in Olney. Many visitors will attend, including MCDOT’s favorite safety mascot, Zeal. Students and school staff can enjoy the festivities and learn essential safety tips on this important occasion.
October 10: Luncheon and Proclamation Recognizing National Farmer’s Day
On Tuesday, Oct. 10, from 12-1:30 p.m., please join my colleagues, the Office of Agriculture, and me for a luncheon and proclamation recognizing National Farmer's Day! I hope to bring together farmers to share their top priorities and concerns with the Council so that we can better understand how to advocate for them. Note: ONLY farmers are invited to attend.
October 12: Transportation Town Hall
A community town hall about transportation issues in upper Montgomery County is set for Oct. 12 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Black Rock Center for the Arts in Germantown. Hosted by Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe and Delegate David Fraser-Hidalgo, Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld, and Montgomery County Transportation Director Chris Conklin will join.
October 13: PA'LANTE! A Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with author Tony Medina as its featured Contemporary Conversations series speaker from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 11. Mr. Medina, a professor of creative writing at Howard University, will talk about the Latino identity/culture and his professional career journey during the free event at the Rockville Memorial Library.
October 17: PTA Community Conversation
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the County’s regional services offices and community partners will host a community conversation for PTA members on Monday, Oct. 16, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Executive Office Building. The County is in the early stages of formulating the FY25 operating budget, and this will be an opportunity to influence opinion on the school system’s budget.
October 19: Nadim Khan Memorial Homeless Resource Day
The Nadim Khan Memorial Homeless Resource Day, held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19, at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg, needs volunteers. The one-day fair provides homeless Montgomery County residents at risk of homelessness with a one-stop opportunity to access various resources and services focusing on health, employment, housing, legal, tax, and veteran benefits.
October 26: Summit on Aging
Join the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services for the Montgomery County Summit on Aging on Oct. 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Building to connect with our age-friendly community! Hear from County Executive Marc Elrich, Maryland Department of Aging Secretary Carmel Roques, and other elected officials and experts in aging. Share your perspectives and experience.
Community Resource Hub
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In the event of a government shutdown, the Maryland Department of Labor has some protections available for federal employees. For those who are furloughed, and therefore not working or being paid, they are eligible to apply for Unemployment Insurance. Once the shutdown is over and when these employees receive retroactive pay, they will be required to pay the UI funds back. The link to start the process can be found here. Food assistance resources for those who are in need also be found here.
- The Montgomery County Council seeks an outstanding professional dedicated to public policy work that influences and shapes our community to join the Council’s experienced Central Staff Team! This Policy Analyst position will focus primarily on economic development, workforce development, and tax/fiscal policy issues.
- Registration for Montgomery County Recreation’s youth basketball programs will open at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 2. Online registration will be available at ActiveMONTGOMERY.org. Registration also will be available in person and by mail.
- Montgomery County Recreation, in partnership with the Montgomery County Public Schools Out of School Time (OST) program, will offer free out-of-school programming for students throughout the 2023-24 school year. Kids Day Out for elementary school students and the Teens Day Out program for middle school students ages 11-14 are accessible to County residents through a partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools OST.
- Trans Maryland and Towson University's Sexual & Gender Identity Lab are collaborating to conduct a study on trans and nonbinary individuals' interest in, or experiences with, transgender health care in Maryland. Those who are interested can learn more about the survey and participate here.
- Beginning September 25, every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home. Before You Throw Out "Expired" Tests: The U.S. government will continue to make COVID-19 tests available to uninsured individuals and underserved communities through existing outreach programs.
- The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will begin providing sexual health services at the new Upcounty Sexual Health and Wellness Clinic starting Monday, Oct. 9. The clinic, located at the Sidney Kramer Upcounty Regional Services Center in Germantown, will offer free and low-cost testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV infection.
- Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) recommends youth save on their transportation costs by picking up a free Youth Cruiser card available at area schools and libraries. Youth Cruiser cards offer free bus fare for all MCDOT Ride On buses and most Metro buses operating in the County.
- Maryland’s primary election will be held on May 14, 2023. I encourage high school students to sign up as a poll worker to earn up to 25 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours or up to $250 stipend per day for their service along with a great hands-on introduction to the democratic process.
Yours in service,
Laurie-Anne Sayles
Councilmember At-Large
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