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Now that I am officially in my second full year on the Council, I am ready to tackle our next budget for the county! This January, the County Executive unveiled his recommended Capital Budget & FY25-30 Capital Improvements Program (CIP). He proposed a six-year investment of $5.8 billion, a modest 2.3 percent increase over the previously approved CIP. There will be public hearings on Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 1:30 p.m. Public hearings allow residents to make their voices heard in support of projects they would like to see the Council prioritize. I encourage folks to sign up to testify virtually in front of the Council or submit written testimony to make their voices heard. Residents can learn more and sign up to testify here.
Looking ahead, on March 1, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) will transmit their Tentatively Adopted FY 2025 Operating Budget to the County Executive and County Council for approval. On March 15, the County Executive will release his recommended FY25 Operating Budget for the Council to review.
We face many urgent infrastructure needs with fiscal limits on what we can accomplish. On Feb. 8, the Infrastructure Maintenance Task Force will issue a report for the first time since 2020 that will help guide the fiscal outlook of our capital projects. Our public hearings shape the budgetary outlook of our county’s future. I look forward to diving deeper into the budget over the next four months to see how to maximize our county’s investments.
S.M.A.R.T. Updates Around The County
Celebrating the Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
At the 47th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship breakfast hosted by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., we recognized and honored the legacy of the great Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in stirring speeches and legislative updates. This year’s theme, “Standing Strong in Challenging Times,” is particularly appropriate as we near Election Day. We must build upon his legacy to exemplify our inclusion, tolerance, and resilience values in our communities. May we never forget his wisdom and the path towards a more just future for us all.
 Del. Jheanelle Wilkins, MD Black Caucus (Chair), Hon. Pamela Luckett, Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller
 Councilmember Gabe Albornoz, Yaminah Leggett-Wells, Hon. Ike Leggett, Councilmember Sayles, Bishop Paul Walker (Chair of the Police Accountability Board), Del. Lily Qi, and Del. Bernice Mireku-North
 Councilmember Sayles with a few good Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. & Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Montgomery County Annual Hospitals Briefing
Our hospital systems are still recovering from the harsh impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. On the Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee, I am committed to supporting our healthcare workers and improving Maryland’s emergency room wait times, which are the highest in the nation. On January 5, I attended the annual Hospitals Briefing at Adventist HealthCare in Gaithersburg. We discussed inpatient capacity, the need for more beds, extended stays, staffing shortages, regional behavioral health needs, and the demand for more workforce development pipeline opportunities. Please stay tuned for more information, and let us know if you have any concerns or ideas to share regarding your experiences with our Hospital system.
 With leaders from MedStar Health, Adventist Healthcare White Oak Medical Center, the Maryland Hospital Association, and Holy Cross Health Maryland
Volunteer Fire Rescue Association Legislative Reception
Our volunteer firefighters embody the values of service, courage, and compassion that make Montgomery County a wonderful place to live. The Annual Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Rescue Association (MCVFRA) legislative reception for the County Council was a great time to hear how we can support them in their invaluable work. The Council is currently considering legislation to increase the Length of Service Awards Protection (LOSAP) benefits for local fire and rescue department volunteers, update the Memorandum of Agreement between the County and the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, and support our Fire and Rescue personnel and operations through multiple special appropriations. Words cannot express how grateful we are as a community to have such heroes among us.
 With members of the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department
Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board Meeting
I enjoyed spending an evening with the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board (SSCAB) to discuss issues in our community. I heard from business owners and residents concerned about public safety in the downtown area, specifically with nightlife activities on Bonifant Street. The Late Night Safety Plan that the Council passed last year requires businesses like bars, restaurants, and hookah lounges that are open between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. to submit a safety plan that police will approve. Regulations are forthcoming. I also heard a great desire from residents for more affordable housing options. My O.P.E.N. ZTA, which I introduced with Council President Andrew Friedson, will significantly reduce the time it takes to get site plan approvals for a housing development that commits to providing more affordable units, thereby bringing more affordable housing to market faster than ever.
 Councilmember Jawando, Councilmember Sayles, and Silver Spring Regional Services Director Jacob Newman
Montgomery County Education Association Legislative Reception
I want to express my gratitude towards all the educators in Montgomery County who are working hard to prepare our students for a bright future filled with a passion for learning and preparation for success. I always look forward to the Annual Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA) legislative reception, which provides an excellent opportunity for educators to communicate their concerns and advocate for better pay, improved mental health support, and more resources and materials for their students. As a former educator and member of the Council, I value all of our educators for their dedicated efforts.
 Betsy Perry (educator), Board of Education Member Shebra Evans, Councilmember Sayles, Heather Ruth Hunter (educator)
Youth Equity Summit
The challenges faced by our youth, even in their roles as students, are numerous and multifaceted. From the loss of friends due to opioid overdoses, to the pressures of depression, social media bullying, suicide, competitive academic environments, and threats of gun violence, our young people must navigate a complex landscape. I was privileged to participate in the MCPS Youth Equity Summit at the Universities at Shady Grove. Panelists addressed critical issues, including mental health, social justice, racial healing, college pathways, financial literacy, and digital equity. I eagerly anticipate opportunities to raise awareness about our S.M.A.R.T. Youth Advisory Council, ensuring our young people remain engaged and supported.
Women’s Legislative Briefing
The Commission for Women's Annual Women’s Legislative Briefing is crucial to advocating for women’s issues. This year’s theme, “From Proposal to Passage: Collaborating for Justice and Equality,” assembled community leaders to collaborate and strategize on how we can build a positive future together. I spoke on a panel moderated by Maryland Legal Services Corporation Executive Director Michelle Siri. Rockville Mayor Monique Ashton, Senior Government Relations Associate Ashlie Bagwell, and my colleague, Council Vice President Kate Stewart, joined me. I look forward to celebrating Women’s History Month in March and continuing to empower women in all walks of life!
Delta Day at the County Council
One of my favorite days of the year is Delta Day at the Council! Thank you to President Barbara Boney and the Montgomery County (MD) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated, and to President Brooke Holmes and the Potomac Valley Alumnae Chapter (PVAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated for their leadership in organizing countless public service initiatives. As an honorary member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, it fills me with pride to see our Deltas improve the quality of life for all residents across Montgomery County. I look forward to continuing to support the Montgomery County Alumnae and the Potomac Valley Alumnae Chapters' Five Point Programmatic Thrust: Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement.
 
Legislative Corner
MACo 2024 Legislative Priorities
As a member of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Legislative Committee, I have spent many evenings in Annapolis advocating for MACo’s 2024 legislative priorities, focused on the following initiatives: launch forward-thinking firefighter and EMS incentives, provide transparency in education funding, modernize local revenue structures, and advance comprehensive housing solutions. Our Committee is hard at work supporting our residents and ensuring we leave no one behind. We will continue to meet over the next few months to provide recommendations on essential legislation that impacts all Marylanders. Follow the bills we are tracking here.
 My daughter was a member of the Annapolis Page program, which is a thriving student program for high school seniors that teaches them about how our state government works. See here for more: https://dls.maryland.gov/careers/student-page-program/
 Speaking with Gov. Moore about my interest in residential vacancies concerning his omnibus housing agenda
 With Planning Board Chair Artie Harris, Planning Board Director Jason Sartori, Parks Director Miti Figueredo, and members of the Planning Board and Parks Department
Advocating for the 2024 MACo Legislative Priorities with Vice President of the Charles County Board of Commissioners Ralph Patterson
Minimum Wage Increase
Almost ten years ago, as Vice President of the Montgomery County Young Democrats, I was excited when we built a coalition of working families, labor unions, and community advocates to successfully advocate for the minimum wage increase to $15 in Montgomery County. As of January 1, 2024, Maryland officially increased the minimum wage to $15 an hour. With most Montgomery County-based employers already required by County law to pay a minimum wage rate of $15 or more per hour, the new State law applies to Montgomery County employers with ten or fewer employees who must raise employee wages from $14.50 to $15 per hour. The Office of Legislative Oversight (OLO) recently prepared a report for the Council to implement the County minimum wage and the local economy that I encourage folks to read. They found that wage and salary employment increased by 2.5 percent from 2021 to 2022, and the number of jobs in Montgomery County rose from April 2022 to December 2023 across various industries.
 Throwback to when we passed the $15 minimum wage in Montgomery County
Takoma Park Master Plan
The Council is actively reviewing amendments to the Takoma Park Minor Master Plan from the Montgomery Planning Board. The Planning Board Draft of the Takoma Park Minor Master Plan Amendment contains the text and supporting maps for a comprehensive amendment to portions of the approved and adopted 2000 Takoma Park Master Plan. The Plan also amends Thrive Montgomery 2050, the county’s General Plan; the 2013 Countywide Transit Corridors Functional Master Plan; the 2018 Master Plan of Highways and Transitways, as amended; and the 2018 Bicycle Master Plan. The Council toured the plan earlier this month and heard directly from residents during a public hearing at Takoma Park Middle School.
 Incentivizing Affordable Housing Production
The Council received a briefing on Governor Moore’s Housing Package, which consists of three bills: (1) the Housing Expansion and Affordability Act of 2024, (2) the Housing and Community Development Financing Act of 2024, and (3) Renters Rights and Housing Stabilization Act of 2024. Maryland is experiencing a shortage of 96,000 housing units, and I am grateful for the governor’s leadership in tackling this issue head-on. At the local level, I also co-sponsored the FAITH (Facilitating Affordable Inclusive Transformational Housing) ZTA introduced by Council President Friedson and Council Vice President Stewart that would allow the Religious Assembly use and the Educational Institution (Private) to build affordable townhouses and apartments in Residential Detached zones.
Transgender Healthcare
The OLO provided a summary of all healthcare available for transgender people in Montgomery County and found that while Maryland has increased protections for transgender people and is one of the “better” states to access resources, there are still not enough services to meet the need. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues and our Department of Health and Human Services to discuss how we can train healthcare providers on LGBTQIA+ cultural competency and address the need and feasibility of a dedicated, safe, and affirming space for the LGBTQIA+ community in the County.
Upcoming Meetings of the Health and Human Services Committee
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Monday, February 5, 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm - Bill 42-23: Crisis Intervention Team (joint with Public Safety Committee)
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Wednesday, February 7, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm - Special Appropriation #24-45, Youth Safety Initiative Contractor; Non-Competitive Contract Award Status: Umana Public Health Solutions, LLC; Special Appropriation #24-22, Opioid Abatement Funds; and Non-Competitive Contract Award Status: Identity, Inc. (joint with Government Operations Committee)
Upcoming Meetings of the Economic Development Committee
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Thursday, February 8, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm - Economic Opportunities in the Sports/Sport Tourism Industry (joint with Education & Culture Committee)
Stay up to date with the latest committees on the Council’s website.
Upcoming Events
February 1: Interfaith Works Community Conversation on Affordable Housing
Join Interfaith Works as they host an expert panel to discuss the struggles and socioeconomic repercussions of the shortage of affordable housing in Montgomery County. This event will happen at the My MCM (Montgomery Community Media) location. We hope to see you there.
February 3: National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Event
Join the African American Health Program at the Wheaton Recreation Center in Silver Spring, MD, for the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Event, an in-person gathering aimed at raising awareness about HIV/AIDS within the Black community and providing essential information on prevention, testing, and treatment options.
February 4: Harmony for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland proudly hosts “Harmony for Humanity,” an interfaith concert at Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church—special performances by Jeremy Winston Chorale International and Gesher Chorale from Congregation Beth El.
February 9: Gaithersburg Book Festival Reading With Former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins
In celebration of its 15th year, the Gaithersburg Book Festival will host former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins for a special free event from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9, at the Asbury Methodist Village Rosborough Cultural Arts Center in Gaithersburg. Mr. Collins will share his new book, “Musical Tables,” followed by a book signing and reception.
February 11: Montgomery Village Rec N’ Resources
Montgomery County Recreation will host a Rec N’ Resources event at Montgomery Village Middle School on Sunday, February 11, from 1-4 p.m. to connect residents with resources and services available from the County. Councilmember Luedtke and our office are working with community partners to provide more opportunities for community and recreational activities shortly as a follow-up to the town hall we hosted last October.
February 16: 16th Annual HBCU College Fair
Registration has opened for Montgomery County students to attend a free in-person college fair featuring more than 50 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide. At the fair, students can speak with college representatives, interview on the spot, and participate in workshops and discussions.
February 20: Black Business Expo
The Montgomery County Black Collective and Equity Lab at Universities at Shady Grove are partnering to showcase Black-owned businesses in Montgomery County. The event is open to the public, and companies can feature products/services available to the public and business-to-business services.
February 21: Fraud Prevention Webinar
The Theta Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is hosting a webinar focused on fraud prevention for seniors. With over 18 years of federal law enforcement experience as a U.S. Postal Inspector, Eric Shen will be the guest speaker.
Community Resource Hub
Yours in Service,
Laurie-Anne Sayles
Councilmember At-Large
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