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As Memorial Day approaches, we honor the fallen heroes who courageously served and made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. We are eternally grateful for their service and honor our hometown heroes for their bravery. There are a number of ways to pay tribute to our fallen heroes in and around Montgomery County during Memorial Day weekend, including the City of Rockville’s Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade, the Flags For Our Heroes Opening Ceremony at Bohrer Park and the City of Gaithersburg’s Memorial Day Observance. You can also explore the tribute to the County’s Fallen Heroes going back to World War I.
The Council unanimously approved $20 million for the new J.O.B.S. (Jobs, Opportunities and Business Support) Initiative, an effort I led that will create up to 1,000 new jobs, spur innovation and promote inclusive economic opportunities. The $20 million J.O.B.S. Initiative will create three separate, complementary economic investments: a $10 million Job Creation Fund, a $7 million Innovation Fund, and a $3 million Founders Equity Fund. The initiative will leverage private capital with public support to produce high-paying jobs and help companies bring new and exciting products to the marketplace that will grow our economy and transform the world. We are simultaneously invigorating businesses that have historically lacked access to capital investment to ensure we have a thriving economy that works for everyone. The grants will be administered by the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation in coordination with County government beginning this summer. Stay tuned for more information on how to apply.
I recently joined the annual Affordable Housing Conference of Montgomery County and participated in a panel focused on zoning reforms. The panel included a discussion about how the Council is reforming zoning to help spur housing production and additional steps we’re taking to address housing affordability. It was a great opportunity to gather with industry and community partners in this critical work.
I also recently joined Rebuilding Together Montgomery County for some of their big weekend rebuilds. The organization has helped more than 3,000 homeowners throughout Montgomery County and engaged more than 50,000 volunteers who have dedicated their time and talents to helping their neighborhoods. Rebuilding Together has partnered with the Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs in their Home Accessibility Rehabilitation Program (HARP), a free program which I helped secure $1.5 million in funds to assist lower-income homeowners with renovating their homes to make them more accessible to older adults or those with disabilities.
I was humbled to join my friends JaLynn and Greg Prince and the Madison House Autism Foundation for their Annual Autism After 21 breakfast. It was moving and inspiring to be with a local, community-focused organization whose work is nationally recognized in their innovative approach to uplift the unique worth and value of every individual. Autism After 21 was founded by Madison House Autism Foundation in 2016 and is a growing movement that champions the expansion of attention, care, and support services to maximize the wellbeing of those with autism throughout their lifespan. I’m grateful to the Madison House Autism Foundation for all the good work they have done, and all the great work they will continue to do to ensure all means all in Montgomery County.
The Council commemorated Jewish American Heritage Month with a proclamation presentation last week. Celebrating heritage months gives us opportunities to learn about one another as we honor the richness of our diverse community. Montgomery County has the largest Jewish population in the state (roughly 105,400 people) and the Washington metropolitan area, with 295,000 Jews, has become the third-largest Jewish population in the U.S. It’s a testament to the vibrancy of our community and the strength of our diversity. Jewish American Heritage Month is a time when we celebrate the enormous contributions made by Jewish Americans in every aspect of American life and honor the culture and history of the community. I was honored to join my Jewish colleagues, Councilmembers Sidney Katz and Evan Glass, in leading this special recognition of the full County Council.
Each year, we recognize May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. During AANHPI Month, we honor the perseverance of those who reached for their dreams in a new land and forged a proud legacy here in the U.S. The diverse Asian American population continues to grow in the U.S., and more than 15 percent of Montgomery County’s population identifies as Asian American or Pacific Islander. Throughout AANHPI Month, we recognize the vast contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders in our own communities and globally. The Council will hold its annual commemoration on May 21 with the theme, “Advancing leaders through innovation.” I’m honored to host this commemoration alongside Montgomery County’s first Asian American Councilmember, Kristin Mink, and the full Council.
Are you affiliated with a community group near the Purple Line that’s making a difference in our community? Apply now for a Beyond the Rails community grant. Grants range from $1,000-$3,000 per awardee per year. Applications are due on May 31, 2024. Learn more and apply.
Montgomery County is hosting the Newcomers Resource Fair on Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Takoma Park Middle School (7611 Piney Branch Rd. in Silver Spring). Join the event to receive information about services the County offers, including information on public schools, health programs and services, and free English classes. Free immigration legal consultations will be provided until 1 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.
I encourage residents to continue to engage with my office on issues of importance to our community. We appreciate your patience and understanding as our small but mighty team works to respond to your inquiries. Please continue to engage with us by email, visiting our website, Facebook, and Twitter pages, and subscribing to our newsletter.
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