 This week County Executive Marc Elrich discusses his support for state legislation to enable special taxing districts in Maryland to fund local transportation projects and spur economic development. He also highlights World Wildlife Day and recommends ways that each of us can help protect the environment for native species. He shares a message about gun safety that could help protect more kids from gun violence. He also reflects on four years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stories in this issue include:
 Enjoy some photos of the new Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center (SSRAC). Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich was joined by U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin, County Council President Andrew Friedson and other Councilmembers, the County’s Department of General Services, Montgomery County Recreation, the Housing Opportunities Commission, Holy Cross Health, other elected officials and residents for the grand opening on Saturday, Feb. 24.
 Once again, Montgomery County stands out as the home of diversity in WalletHub’s latest look at ethnic and racial diversity. This year’s list of Most Ethnically Diverse Cities includes Gaithersburg at the top, followed by Germantown at #3, Silver Spring at #4 and Rockville at #8.
 Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) is partnering with the Jewish Council for the Aging Heyman Interages Center (JCA), or Interages, to celebrate “Read Across America Week” with a reading program at three MCPL branches. The celebration will take place Saturday, March 2, through Wednesday, March 6.
 Montgomery County’s Police Department (MCPD) recently was awarded a $499,993 competitive Federal grant to address opioid epidemic and firearm-related challenges. The funding will enable MCPD to handle cases with greater efficiency, process evidence more quickly and stay updated on advancements in forensic science.
Montgomery County Recreation is hiring part-time, seasonal employees to work during the 2024 summer season. Available positions include camp directors, assistant directors, camp counselors, lifeguards and more.
 The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) has announced expanded eligibility of the priority areas of the Police-Private Security Camera Program.
Interested in preparing the next generation for the workforce and growing your talent pool? Help rising Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) high school juniors and seniors learn about your workplace and career field as part of the Summer RISE 2024 program. MCPS is seeking hosts in all career fields, particularly those in arts and entertainment, architecture, bioscience, business management, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, finance, healthcare, law and veterinary services. Summer RISE is an MCPS initiative to help students learn about career opportunities.
 The Montgomery County Commission for Women and Montgomery Women will host a free virtual career guidance session for middle and high school female students—“A Virtual Career Exploration for Her”— from 7-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 21.
 The 12th episode of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast series, “Design for Life Property Tax Credit Program,” features information and tips about navigating the permitting process for homeowners who are planning to add accessibility features such as elevators, grab bars, no-step entrances, ramps, stairlifts and wider doorways at their homes.
March is Women’s History Month, a great time to support the many woman-owned restaurants and eateries in Montgomery County. From New Orleans cuisine to Montreal poutine, and from farm-to-table fare to artisanal ice cream, these eateries add to the County’s diverse culinary landscape. Additional offerings include craft beverages along the Tastemakers Trail. Explore Visit Montgomery for more ways to support Women’s History Month.
The County's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Office of Grants Management are currently accepting applications for the inaugural FY 2024 Healthy, Efficient, Electrified, Climate-Adapted Pilot (HEECAP) Homes Grants Program. This new program aims to retrofit homes of income-eligible community members for energy efficiency, a healthy indoor environment and climate resilience along with the use of all-electric appliances.
 Artist Trading Cards (ATC) are miniature works of art. At 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12, the Silver Spring-based SPARKLE program will continue its series of innovative workshops when it presents “Get Your Creativity Blooming with Artist Trading Cards” at the Silver Spring Civic Building.
 Looking to protect yourself from fraud, identity theft and scams? The Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) has information for you during National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), March 3-9. NCPW is a time when government agencies, consumer protection groups and organizations like OCP work together to share information about consumer rights and help people learn to spot, report and avoid scams.
 The Commission for Women announces the launch of the 2024 Girl Power Contest for Women’s History Month. The contest will run from March 1-31 and is open to all County residents ages five and above. The goal of the contest is to foster creativity and entrepreneurial thinking with a focus of impacting young girls and women.
 On Tuesday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m., the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will hold a virtual public information meeting to discuss the initial concepts of the Cherry Hill Road Bikeway Project in Silver Spring. The public will have an opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions.
 The Maryland State Police barracks in Rockville will provide free steering wheel locks to Hyundai and Kia owners on Saturday and Sunday, March 2 and 3. The Rockville barracks is located at 7815 Montrose Road in Rockville.
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