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This month, we celebrate over one year since my inauguration as an at-large member of the Montgomery County Council. I am honored to serve on this 11-member body with five other fearless councilwomen committed to making our community the best place to live, work, play, and thrive. This year is full of great memories, success, and triumph over adversity.
 Earlier this month, the Council unanimously elected Councilmember Andrew Friedson as the Council’s new President, and Councilmember Kate Stewart as Vice President. I am confident that our Council will make strides on critical issues relating to my S.M.A.R.T. agenda under their direction. I would also like to thank our former president, Councilmember Glass, for his leadership. With the year coming to a close, there are so many exciting memories to share. We chose 12 highlights to reflect on some of my proudest achievements as your Councilmember. Read on to learn more!
1. Launching Two Successful Cohorts of the S.M.A.R.T. Youth Advisory Council
I have been so blessed to work with an incredibly bright and gifted group of young individuals who are committed to advancing my signature S.M.A.R.T. policy agenda. In 2023, we launched two cohorts (Spring/Fall) of the S.M.A.R.T. Youth Advisory Council consisting of students in grades 8-12 countywide who met eight times over three month periods. In both cohorts, we had five groups of students who presented thoughtful policy proposals as a way to apply the lessons they learned throughout the program. It is so important that we consider youth voices in our policy discussions as we deliberate decisions that shape our future. I appreciate the dozens of partners and speakers who have supported this program. They have given our young people a behind the scenes look at how local government functions across agencies and departments. We are proud to excite students about the power of civic engagement and policy making, and look forward to sharing this transformative experience with more young people in our community. Please stay tuned to our website for information about the Spring 2024 Cohort!
2. Opening Pathways to Economic Necessity
The first bill I spearheaded on the Council was the Opening Pathways to Economic Necessity (O.P.E.N.) ZTA, which I introduced with then Council Vice President Andrew Friedson to accelerate the timeline for building 15-minute living communities. The ZTA incentivizes affordable housing developers to build mixed-use buildings by significantly streamlining the regulatory review process. O.P.E.N. will increase the number of affordable housing units in the county in alignment with the county’s Thrive 2050 framework to guarantee walkable, amenities-rich neighborhoods that increase workforce development opportunities. We have an urgent demand to meet our affordable housing goals for residents to continue living in, moving to and enjoying our community.
Speaking about the need for affordable, mixed-use communities at the bill signing of Bill 15-23, Rent Stabilization
3. Passing the FY24 Operating and Capital Budget
In May, our Council passed a $6.7 billion Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Operating Budget and a $5.7 billion amended FY 23-28 Capital Improvements Program (CIP). It was a challenging time to manage the loss of generous federal emergency funds that supported our community during the pandemic. Nonetheless, we made critical investments in our County government and supported programs that will benefit more people. On the Economic Development Committee and Health and Human Services Committee, and as the Lead for Eliminating Disparities in Public Health, I advocated for advancements in areas like biotechnology and life sciences, homelessness support services, local food production, trauma-based systems of care, and more. We also passed special appropriations throughout the year, most recently for life sciences and technology centers, the Office of Food Systems Resilience, the Montgomery County Respite Center to support arriving migrants, and rent stabilization. Next year, I look forward to increasing investments in programs and initiatives that keep our communities healthy, safe and prosperous.
 4. Blazing the Trail for Women to Succeed
In March, I hosted an inaugural Women’s History Month event focused on this year’s theme, “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories”. Over 150 guests attended AFI Silver Theatre in downtown Silver Spring for a film viewing, followed by an informative panel of local journalists focused on their experience in the field of journalism and the portrayal of women in media and society. I especially enjoyed working with the Commission for Women and the National Organization for Women, who sponsored our event and are leaders in Montgomery County advocating for women’s rights and the Equal Rights Amendment. We celebrate Women’s History Month because too often, the stories of women are not heard. We must back pieces of legislation like the Pay Equity Act and the Paycheck Fairness Act in order to support women, particularly women of color, in the struggle for equality in the workplace and society.
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Pictured from left to right: Suzanne Pollak, freelance reporter at Montgomery Community Media; Jordan Lindsay, Public Information Officer with the Montgomery County Council; Jeannette Feldner, President of the Montgomery County National Organization of Women; Donna Rojas, former Chair of the Montgomery County Commission for Women; Jenn White, host of NPR’s 1A podcast; and Andrea Sarralde, community engagement reporter for Montgomery Community Media
5. Enhancing Opportunities for Small and Minority Entrepreneurs
Small and minority-owned businesses represent a core aspect of our economy. Forty-five percent of Montgomery County businesses are minority-owned, and more than 95% of businesses located in Montgomery County have fewer than 50 employees. I enjoyed meeting throughout the year with the current small business owners of the Montgomery County Black Collective’s AMBER program to learn more about their products and services, and how this program will help to position their business for success while boosting our economy. I supported these businesses by sponsoring and introducing Expedited Bill 27-23, which extended the sunset date from Dec. 31, 2023, to Dec. 31, 2024, for the County’s minority-owned business purchasing program, formally known as the Minority, Female and Disabled Owned (MFD) program in the Office of Procurement. A Disparity Study is currently being conducted to evaluate the MFD program with a planned release date of March 2024. I hope to spearhead the creation of a task force to analyze this report and provide recommendations to the Council on how we can better support small and minority-owned businesses.
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Speaking at the orientation of the Fall 2023 class of AMBER fellows
6. Closing the Gap on Health Disparities
As the Council’s Lead for Eliminating Disparities in Public Health, it has been a privilege working with our County’s Health Officer, Dr. Kisha Davis, also in her first year in the role, as well as Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Director Dr. James Bridgers and Acting Chief of Public Health Services, Dr. Christopher Rogers. We have partnered with DHHS leaders, local biotech companies, and nonprofits to improve maternal healthcare, access to quality rural healthcare through mobile health clinics, response to the opioid epidemic, cures for HIV/AIDS, breast cancer awareness, mental health resources, and services to end and prevent homelessness. I also advocated for additional funding to our programs like the Babies Born Healthy Program, S.M.I.L.E. (Start Infants Living Equally Healthy), and the Black Physicians & Healthcare Network. Finally, I have been working closely with the Fetal & Infant Mortality Review Board to act on the recommendations they laid out in their most recent annual report in 2022.
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With my HHS Committee colleagues at the 2023 World AIDS Day Breakfast hosted by the Montgomery County (MD) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
7. Bringing Caribbean Culture To The Council
I take great pride in my Jamaican and Caribbean roots. It is an honor to represent my culture on the Council. To celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month in June, I worked with the Office of Community Partnership’s Caribbean Advisory Group to bring together Caribbean leaders and community members by hosting a commemorative luncheon and proclamation. It is an exciting time to have partners of the Caribbean diaspora at the highest levels of government in Maryland, with Governor Wes Moore, Attorney General Anthony Brown, and Legislative Black Caucus Chair Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins all having Jamaican roots. Further, Vice President Kamala Harris met in June with U.S. and Caribbean leaders and committed to action on key issues such as cracking down on gun trafficking, providing Humanitarian Aid to Haiti, and stopping climate change. Caribbeans have made invaluable contributions to our country and community and I enjoyed sharing our culture with my colleagues and the County Executive.
 8. Advancing Criminal Justice Reform
I have supported numerous policies that aim to create a criminal justice system based on principles of equity and justice here in Montgomery County. I have worked with the Police Accountability Board and the Advisory Commission on Policing to ensure they influence policing matters; I have sought to close the gun loophole by co-sponsoring pieces of legislation like the SAFE Act; I have supported the rolling out of recommendations from the Reimagining Public Safety Task Force; and this month, I sent a letter co-signed by the County Executive and eight of my colleagues to Governor Moore urging him to pardon all incarcerated individuals with non-violent cannabis offenses. Black and brown residents are uniquely impacted by police brutality and carceral issues that we need to address. I am committed to pushing for reforms that ensure that communities of color are treated equitably and have a voice in important decisions.
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Joining my Council colleagues and State Del.Charlotte Crutchfield calling for the Montgomery County Circuit Court to uphold Anton’s Law
9. Providing Support to Our Agricultural Reserve and Local Food Systems
The Office of Agriculture and the Office of Food Systems of Resilience are two key departments that are enhancing our food systems. I joined their leaders throughout the year to tour many different farms and agricultural areas in the Ag Reserve, highlighted by a luncheon and proclamation I hosted at the Council to recognize National Farmers’ Day. I am a staunch supporter of our Farm to Food Bank Program and farmers who provide locally sourced goods and nutritious foods to feed and support our communities. This past year, we also made great strides with the Strategic Plan to End Childhood Hunger that we have been working to implement along with MCPS and the Montgomery County Food Council.
 10. Accelerating Career Pathways and Public Service
The service year initiative launched in October by the Moore-Miller administration inspires individuals to serve and work for their communities. Members earn at least $15 an hour and work at least 30 hours a week while gaining critical skills through a service placement aligned with their area of interest. I am a strong supporter of this program and for more service opportunities for our residents. In Montgomery County, we have innovative programs offered at Worksource Montgomery, MCPS, the Universities at Shady Grove, and Montgomery College that provide hands-on training for individuals seeking professional experience and will continue to support investments in career pathway opportunities for our residents.
With Department of Service and Civic Innovation Secretary Paul Monteiro
11. Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Through Clean Energy Initiatives
According to the county’s most recent report on the Climate Action Plan, we have achieved a 31% reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) Emissions since 2005. While there is still much more work to do to meet the County’s interim 2027 goal of an 80% reduction and 2035 goal of an 100% reduction, it is important to acknowledge our progress to date. In April, I joined Governor Moore and the Montgomery County Green Bank at Seneca Village Apartments in Gaithersburg for the launch of the largest multi-family solar project in Montgomery County; I worked with the Department of Environmental Protection to advance pieces of legislation like the Building Energy Performance Standards, Expedited Bill 25-22: Forest Conservation – Trees, and Bill 18-22 to ban gas-powered leaf blowers; and I supported the first Pedestrian Master Plan, which will improve the walkability for pedestrians of all mobilities while reducing reliance on vehicles.
 12. Keeping Our Communities Informed
This year, I have sponsored or co-sponsored 13 bills, three ZTA/SRAs, and two resolutions. My team and I have also attended hundreds of community events to listen to our residents, published twelve monthly newsletters, sent out eleven press releases, and compiled dozens of news articles and videos throughout the year. Having previously served on the Gaithersburg City Council, I was able to hit the ground running as I transitioned into the challenging, but ultimately rewarding work of the Montgomery County Council. I encourage you to read more about some of my accomplishments in my first year on the Council!
Supporting Vulnerable Residents During the Holiday Season
This holiday season, I am thinking of everyone who is missing their loved ones or does not have access to adequate resources and support. In particular, we would like to highlight the successful rolling out funds for our Nonprofit Security Grant Program, as well the security grant launched by Governor Wes Moore that would provide up to $40,000 in competitive grant funding for organizations to protect themselves against hate crimes. My team and I have been active in the community to ensure that residents and faith-based organizations are not left behind.
Meeting with a resident that welcomed me into her new home at one of the Montgomery County Coalition for Homeless’s supportive housing properties
At the Montgomery County Muslim Foundation’s annual Christmas basket distribution
At the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington's "Lox & Legislators" Legislative Breakfast
We are fortunate to have partner organizations dedicated to serving our residents in need. Please share and support the abundance of community resources offered throughout the holidays!
Montgomery County Food Assistance Resources
Other Community Resources
- Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace is underway, and Marylanders have from now until January 15, 2024, to enroll in 2024 coverage. Enroll today by going to MarylandHealthConnection.gov or calling 1-855-642-8572.
- Disabled Veterans and certain residents are eligible for property tax exemptions that can be accessed here.
- Maryland organizations that serve protected classes and religious institutions are eligible for funding to hire security personnel for their facilities and membership through a new grant from the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services. More information can be found here.
- The Montgomery County Council’s paid ten-week Summer Fellows Program is a unique opportunity that enables graduate students to gain real-world local government experience across multiple fields. Apply here by Dec. 21.
- The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) in Derwood is waiving adoption fees for all animals until further notice. The shelter is full and adopters are urgently needed.
- The Department of Partnerships is excited to share that the Summer RISE 2024 Host registration is open now through March 15, 2024. Apply here to have your organization register.
- Qualifying High School students are encouraged to sign up to test for the prestigious Maryland Seal of Biliteracy at various high schools. You can email SealofBiliteracy@mcpsmd.org for information.
- The holiday season is the perfect time to “gift outside the box” and give family, friends, and that special someone an experience to remember which is also an “environmentally friendly” way to celebrate the holiday. Read more here for gift ideas from Visit Montgomery.
Looking Ahead To 2024
My team and I remain eager to improve how county government serves our residents in 2024 and beyond. As we approach next year’s budget and continue to serve our residents, I hope you will reach out with questions, concerns, or ideas you would like us to address. Constituent services are a top priority for our office and your feedback is critical to our mission of providing dedicated public service.
On behalf of Team Sayles, I hope you have a happy and safe holiday season!
 Yours in Service,
Laurie-Anne Sayles
Councilmember At-Large
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