 I was deeply humbled to be chosen by my colleagues to serve as the next Council president, alongside newly-elected Vice President Kate Stewart. As I step into this role, I’m excited to work with my colleagues, our state and federal delegation, and our partners in the public and private sectors to build on the progress we’ve made this year. As we work toward our shared policy goals, transparency and accountability will be our governing doctrine.
In the year ahead, we must redouble our efforts to address our housing and climate crises to ensure our residents are healthy, housed, and that everyone in our community has access to jobs, transit and educational opportunities. We will remain steadfast in our efforts to keep our community safe and stand up to hate in all its forms. And we will make Montgomery County more attractive and competitive, more equitable and welcoming, and a beacon of light and hope for everyone in our community, especially our youngest and oldest residents.
I’m excited to get to work and encourage you all to stay connected and engaged with the Council in the year ahead!
Watch my full remarks as incoming president.
 As cost of living and property assessments continue to rise, many of our older adult residents need support to age in place with dignity and vitality. That’s why I introduced a new targeted property tax credit that will help older residents and retired military service members and their spouses age in place. If passed, this new property tax credit would expand and extend a County property tax credit, while implementing a progressive income scale for eligibility. This expanded property tax credit targeted toward long-time County residents who need it the most will help us fulfill our capabilities as a County of vital aging and a community for a lifetime.
As I stepped into the role as Council president, I committed to strengthening support for our oldest and youngest residents, particularly as older adults are the fastest growing segment of our population. This property tax credit is a first step toward unleashing the potential of Montgomery County’s older adult population.
 I recently teamed up with Councilmembers Evan Glass and Kristin Mink to introduce a new zoning measure that would reduce housing costs and encourage sustainable development by reducing parking requirements in transit- served areas.This in no way means that no parking will ever be built. It just means that the market will drive the decision as opposed to rigid governmental regulations.
Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 23-10 would eliminate parking requirements within a half-mile radius of a Metro and Purple Line station and within a quarter-mile radius of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations. This commonsense reform abandons outdated, government imposed, one-size-fits-all policies of the past and embraces modern, market-based approaches to address our housing and climate goals. If passed, the measure would encourage the development of housing, including affordable units, near transit and create more livable, walkable communities.
A public hearing will be held on Jan. 16. You can submit testimony or sign up to speak here.
 Earlier this month, the Anti-Hate Task Force presented its policy recommendations on promoting safety and combating hate crimes to the Council. The task force, with cohorts representing the Jewish, Black/African American, LGBTQ+, Asian American and Pacific Islander, Latino/Hispanic and Muslim communities, held more than 40 meetings over the last few months and held listening sessions to receive input from the public.
The recommendations included implementing hate bias training for both MCPD and MCPS, ensuring hate incidents are easy to report, and ensuring reports of hate crimes and bias incidents are transparent and responded to appropriately. I look forward to working with my colleagues, MCPS leaders, law enforcement partners, and County agencies to implement these recommendations.
In addition to the outstanding work of the Anti-Hate Task Force, the Council recently approved my request to expedite over $311,000 in Nonprofit Security Grant funding to Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and Zoroastrian communities in Montgomery County to enhance security measures. This funding will provide immediate assistance to our faith-based organizations facing unprecedented threats, as they respond to the needs of our community. The Council will continue to stand up to hate in all its forms.
 The Council recently held a public hearing on legislation I spearheaded with Councilmember Evan Glass that would facilitate the conservation of trees in Montgomery County. If passed, Bill 40-23 would adjust the fee structure for trees removed in the County’s right of way to ensure the fees are in line with the costs, including the environmental cost of removing the tree and the cost of tree replacements.
Improving our tree canopy is essential to meeting our environmental goals and ensuring healthy and livable communities in Montgomery County. This legislation will help us plant more trees in our neighborhoods to improve air quality, reduce heat islands and enhance quality of life. Thanks to all the community members who testified in support of this important measure. Learn more.
 Every year, I look forward to the Council’s Youth Town Hall -- an opportunity for Montgomery County students to meet with Councilmembers and let us know what issues are impacting them.
As the youngest member of the Council and a product of Montgomery County Public Schools, I’m always eager to hear from our next generation of leaders. This year, students brought up climate and zoning initiatives, resources for mental health, support for immigrants, and much more. Thanks to all the students who came out for your lively participation and insightful questions!
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