 Councilmember Luedtke pictured with community members throughout District 7 in 2023
As 2023 comes to a close, I'm reflecting on what an honor it is to serve you. I'm proud of what we’ve accomplished together during what has been a busy first year.
We increased resources for educators and first responders while supporting innovative new public safety initiatives and keeping critical school renovation projects - including Damascus and Col. Zadok Magruder High Schools - on schedule. We’re working with community leaders to provide much-needed recreation and community activities in Montgomery Village and Gaithersburg in the near term and in the long term with a new community recreation center.
We passed legislation to make County boards and committees more open and accessible and to protect the sensitive private health information of those applying to be public servants.
We created the Airpark Community Advisory Committee so Montgomery County Airpark users and neighbors have a forum to work together toward finding solutions to noise and safety concerns.
We’re pursuing a Voluntary 9-1-1 Registry and Crisis Intervention Teams, programs proven in other jurisdictions around the State and country to improve public safety response and better support those with a disability or experiencing a behavioral health crisis.
These are just a few examples of initiatives and projects I've had the honor to work on with so many residents and community leaders. I’m looking forward to an even more productive 2024! As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can be of help in any way. Email councilmember.luedtke@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 240-777-7860.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Together, we're creating a safer and more resilient County where all residents have the opportunity to flourish. I wish you and your family a joyous holiday season and happy new year.
 Screenshot of video of Councilmember Luedtke visiting Kayla DiCello and Hill's Gymnastics. Click to view video.
County native and 2023 Pan American Games gold medalist Kayla DiCello is training right here in District 7 for the 2024 Olympics!
I enjoyed visiting with such a talented and focused individual. Thank you Coach Hill and the entire Hills Gymnastics family for what you do. To learn more about my visit to Hill’s Gymnastics in Gaithersburg, watch the video here.
At the Council and In the Community
Sign Up to Testify
Public hearing testimony is one of the best ways to make your thoughts, concerns, or support known for items before the Council. And you can testify via Zoom! Sign up for public hearing items of interest to you here and always sign up even if there is a wait list - often public hearings are expanded to allow those on the wait list to participate.
Suicide Awareness and Firearm Education Act
Yesterday, the Council approved the Suicide Awareness and Firearm Education Act to get literature on suicide prevention and who to contact if an individual needs help to those looking to purchase a firearm. One-third of suicide deaths last year in Montgomery County involved firearms. We have an important public health responsibility to do whatever we can to support those who may be facing a mental health challenge.
Common Sense Land Use
I was proud to join sponsors Councilmembers Evan Glass, Andrew Friedson, and Kristin Mink to support legislation that will end the parking requirement for new housing in transit-oriented areas, a requirement that drives up the price of housing. Learn more about this proposal here.
Senior Property Tax Credit Expansion
Yesterday at the Council, I joined as a co-sponsor on Council President Friedson's bill to expand eligibility for the County's Tax Credit for seniors and retired and disabled military service members. This is a key measure aimed at rightsizing this tax credit as property values continue to rise.
Increased Financial Aid via Rec Assist Available Now
Financial aid for Rec Assist will increase to $400 per individual! Montgomery Recreation’s Rec Assist program provides County residents who receive eligible public assistance an opportunity to receive a scholarship to use toward most Recreation classes, activities, and memberships. Applications are now open.
Maryland Department of Health Survey Accepting Responses
Inequity in healthcare access is a major issue in our County. Take the Maryland Department of Health’s survey to help the State identify these inequities and other community health issues to better inform our local response.
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