|
Budget season is over, and with summer right around the corner, I am excited to announce a series of community conversations that I am hosting to discuss the safety and vibrancy of our county. We want to hear from you! As the council’s lead for eliminating disparities, these discussions are a platform for us to highlight the progress we are making to address the social determinants of health for our youth, increasing crime rates in Montgomery County, and ensuring the vibrancy of our economy and safety of everyone in our community. I am partnering with each of our Regional Services Center Directors on this initiative, with one event at each of the following locations:
- East County Regional Services Center, Monday, July 8th, 6-8 p.m.
- Upcounty Regional Services Center, Tuesday, July 9th, 6-8 p.m.
- Wheaton Library & Recreation Center, Wednesday, July 17th, 6-8 p.m.
- Silver Spring Regional Services Center, Wednesday, July 24th, 6-8 p.m.
- Bethesda Chevy-Chase Regional Services Center, Thursday, July 25th, 6-8 p.m.
In addition to our Regional Services Center Directors, we are thrilled to collaborate with the Collaboration Council, WorkSource Montgomery, the Chambers of Commerce, small businesses, the Montgomery County Police Department, and other partners. Each group's contribution is vital as we share our work on positive youth development, public safety, and economic development. We will also have resource tables and provide a platform for residents to voice their ideas at each event. I hope to see you out in the community this summer. Please help us spread the word, and let us know if you would like to volunteer!
Approving Our County’s Budgets
Over the past four months, the Council has been hard at work reviewing every detail of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Operating Budget, Capital Budget, and the FY 2025-2030 Capital Improvements Program presented to us by the County Executive. Last year, we navigated some tough challenges, including the possibility of a 10% property tax increase and significant cuts to federal funding after the COVID-19 public health emergency ended. While we managed to avoid a tax increase this year, the loss of COVID-19 Emergency funds led to substantial cuts in crucial social safety net programs for housing, food, and healthcare. Despite these obstacles, we put in the effort to approve the County’s $7.1 billion FY25 Operating Budget and the $5.84 billion FY25-30 Capital Improvements Program (CIP), even in the face of rising inflation, lower-than-expected revenue estimates, and the decision not to increase taxes.
Nevertheless, my priorities are unwavering, and I am proud to have championed investments in crucial issue areas through my S.M.A.R.T. policy agenda:
Strengthen 21st-Century Learning
- We are providing $3.3 billion in operating funding for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), a 5% increase over last year. This increase represents half the operating budget, including $26 million in additional funding over the Executive’s recommended budget.
- We fully funded Montgomery College’s operating budget request of $334 million and CIP request of $398.2 million for capital projects, including $60.5 million for the new East County Campus.
- Approved $1.84 billion in capital funding for MCPS infrastructure funding to maintain conditions and increase capacity within MCPS, including supporting 18 individual school projects and setting a schedule and sequence for school construction to avoid future delays.
- We provided $45.7 million for School Health Services, $14.7 million for Linkages to Learning, and $8.6 million to enhance and expand High School Wellness Centers and Wellness Initiatives.
Cutting the ribbon for the Montgomery College East County Education Center on April 24
Make a Living More Affordable
- Provided $76 million to the Department of Housing and Community Affairs, $56 million to the Housing Initiative Fund, and $8.3 million to the Housing Opportunities Commission to provide rental assistance and ensure the availability of affordable housing.
- Advocated for $2.5 million in additional funds for Services to End and Prevent Homelessness to continue overflow sheltering in motels, $841,966 additional funds to enhance prevention services to offset the Emergency Rental Assistance Program discontinuation, and $207,950 to support three additional peer support specialists for Interfaith Works.
- Supporting $122,000 for a new Manager Position for the Rent Stabilization Program's New Rent Stabilization Unit, which ensures rent stabilization mandates are fully implemented and integrated with other relevant services and functions across the department.
- We are providing a significant increase for affordable housing programs, including $65 million for the Affordable Housing Acquisition and Preservation project, a $20 million increase for the Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund, and a $50 million addition to the Nonprofit Preservation Fund.
 |
Celebrating the opening of the Seneca Creek Senior Living Apartments with Councilmember Balcombe, SCG Development and DHCA leadership
Advance Local Food Production
- Approving $14 million for the Office of Food Systems Resilience reflects a significant increase in operating (1758%) that includes several grant programs for local food assistance providers, school-based initiatives, and community-based programming to help reduce the number of residents facing food insecurity.
- We are fully funding the Office of Agriculture’s $1.45 million budget request, including increased costs for weed control services, soil conservation services to farmers and landowners to achieve nutrient reduction goals for farmland, and partnerships with the University of Maryland - Extension program to provide a variety of educational programs for farmers, families, and youth.
- We are providing $232,000 additional operating support for WUMCO Help, Inc., which offers a food pantry, financial assistance for household and medical needs, and transportation to necessary appointments for residents of Poolesville, Boyds, Dickerson, Beallsville, and Barnesville.
 |
Touring the Nourishing Bethesda food pantry with Faith Community Liaison Kate Chance, Rev. Anne Derse with St. John's Norwood Episcopal Church, Executive Director & Founder John Ross, and Grants Manager Jan McNamara; Nourishing Bethesda received funds from the FY24 School-Based Food Assistance Grant Program to implement one of the recommendations in the Council's Strategic Plan to End Childhood Hunger.
Revitalize the Economy
- We are providing $4.7 million to the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) to implement the county’s strategic economic development plan, which includes marketing, business attraction and retention, entrepreneurship, and promoting the county’s economic base.
- Supporting the UM3 – Institute for Health Computing in their request of $6.3 million and the BioHub Maryland at Montgomery County Non-Departmental Account (NDA) in their request of $562,000 to create new jobs and improve our status as a nationwide leader in biotech investments.
- We are providing $2.2 million to Worksource Montgomery to connect County residents with good jobs, including $199,000 in funding for the dual-track re-entry program at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility, which allows justice-impacted residents to engage in transitional employment opportunities.
- We are enhancing the capacity of the Community Grants NDA and Office of Grants Management with new investments, such as $1 million for Nonprofit Technical Assistance and Management Support Grants, $439,000 for Nonprofit Incubators, $200,000 for the Community Projects Fund (small grants), and $131,000 for pooled resources for incoming Grants support.
 |
Touring the dual-track re-entry program at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility with Director Ben Stevenson and Ward Frank Abello
Tackle Climate Change
- Providing $19 million to the Montgomery County Green Bank, nearly half a million more than last year, to leverage investments for clean energy initiatives and help the County meet its climate goals to reduce emissions by 80 percent by 2027 and 100 percent by 2035.
- We are increasing the Climate Change NDA by over 50% to $718,344 to fund Climate Action Plan projects, studies, and departmental climate initiatives. The NDA includes $230,000 for climate communication and stakeholder and resident engagement, which will initially be a consultant-led effort, with future funding dependent on the results of this initial work.
- We are allocating $3.5 million in funding for the Great Seneca Transit Network, which will provide frequent, reliable connections to areas surrounding the Great Seneca Science Corridor Master Plan.
- Approving multiple capital projects, including the implementation of the comprehensive flood management plan for $153 million over six years, a new organics processing facility for $28 million, and a hydrogen bus center for $10.95 million to plan, design and construct a hydrogen fuel cell bus and fueling site at the Equipment Maintenance and Transit Operations Center in Gaithersburg.
 |
Celebrating Bike to Work Day 2024 hosted by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation at the new Germantown pit stop
Please read the Council's press release for more details on this year's approved budgets. You can also watch my full remarks on the FY25 budget here.
S.M.A.R.T. Updates Around The County
Inspiring Our Students Across the County
I addressed our youth at four schools this month. My staff and I were proud to join the Richard Montgomery National Organization for Women student organization for their walkout in support of reproductive justice on the anniversary of Dobbs v. Jackson at Northwood High School. I congratulated the graduating seniors and encouraged them to “find their way” as they prepared to leave Northwood’s halls. I was thrilled to join the South Lake Elementary School students for their career day and teach them about my work as a local elected policymaker and the importance of civic engagement. Finally, it was a privilege to accept an invitation from one of my S.M.A.R.T. Youth Council alumni to speak at the Sidwell Friends School about my work to tackle climate change locally and promote the great work our Departments of Transportation and Environmental Protection are doing to enhance multi-modal transportation and adhere to our ambitious Climate Action Plan.
 Supporting Girl Scout Troops for Democracy
I enjoyed meeting Girl Scout Troop 34278 as they earned their Daisies for Democracy Badge. I loved talking with them about my journey and ongoing work as the County’s only female At-Large Councilmember and how they can participate in local government as they grow up in our County. I was impressed by their curiosity and passion for improving their community, and I wish them luck in all their future endeavors! Watch highlights from the event here.
1st Annual CSahm Foundation Benefit
Congratulations to the CSahm Foundation for organizing its first annual benefit to raise awareness and support underserved youth diagnosed with ADHD! It was a privilege to be able to join Executive Director Candance Sahm, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Council President Friedson, and other local leaders for the occasion. Providing coaching and support to children with ADHD is critical for their long-term academic success and personal development. However, there are significant racial disparities in who gets diagnosed and who receives the necessary treatment. As the County’s Lead for Eliminating Disparities in Public Health, I am proud to support the CSahm Foundation’s mission to advance equity by providing Academic and Executive Function Coaching services to underserved youth with ADHD and other mental health conditions.
 Celebrating Bike to Work Day at the New Germantown Pit Stop
I was thrilled to greet the cyclists participating in National Bike to Work Day at the new Germantown Pit Stop at Black Rock Center for the Arts. I thank the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) for expanding its support for this vital initiative in the Upcounty area. I was proud to share how I support our County’s infrastructure investments to increase protections and options for cyclists and pedestrians by constructing bike lanes along existing roads and projects such as the Great Seneca Transit Network that provide frequent transit options, improving mobility and access to crucial jobs in the healthcare, biotech, and education sectors. These efforts support my goals of reducing transportation emissions, improving public health, and connecting our communities.
 Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless Garden Gala
I had a great time at the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless (MCCH) fundraising gala. MCCH provides a broad array of direct services that support our County’s growing homeless population. I have the privilege of helping with their vital work through my work on the county's Health and Human Services Committee. Through strong public and private partnerships, we can achieve our shared goal of ending persistent housing insecurity in the County.
 15th Annual Gaithersburg Book Festival
It was an honor to participate in this year’s 15th annual Gaithersburg Book Festival, where I had the privilege of introducing A.J. Jacobs and his book, The Year of Living Constitutionally. I am grateful to Mayor Jud Ashman for the invitation. My beloved Gaithersburg community will always hold a special place in my heart. This fantastic festival demonstrates our enthusiasm for supporting arts and literacy. Thank you to the Festival organizers for encouraging everyone in our community, young and old, to put down their phones and pick up a book!
 Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiin and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month is a significant time to recognize the contributions of the AANHPI community to our county's diversity. I am deeply grateful to all the organizations and community partners who provide vital resources and support for AANHPI residents in our county. Your support is invaluable. Thank you to everyone who attended the Council’s AANHPI Proclamation celebration earlier this month, as well as organizations such as the Washington D.C. Taiwanese Association, Chinese Culture and Community Service Center, Inc., and Asian American Health Initiatives who invited me to attend AANHPI events around the county.
Upcoming Events
The Maryland Department of Aging and The Grass Roots Organization for the Well-being of Seniors invite you to a special presentation hosted by Asbury Village in Gaithersburg, ‘Reframe Aging: A Generation's Work,’ led by the National Center to Reframe Aging (NCRA), to gain an understanding of the need to change the way our society communicates about aging and older adults.
MCDOT is hosting “Truck Day” from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Truck Depot and Salt Barn. It will offer hands-on experience with MCDOT vehicles, including a bucket truck, tractor, semi-truck, and bus. The event will also feature first responder vehicles and a fire engine, with the chance to meet the essential workers who operate them.
Join the KID Museum for this year’s Invent the Future Expo, featuring student projects from KID’s Invention Programs, hands-on design challenges, exhibitions from leading corporations, and various KID activities in their maker studios.
Join Montgomery County Moms Demand Action for Wear Orange 2024! They will be gathering as a local group to honor gun violence survivors, support community partners, and rededicate themselves to the work of preventing gun violence.
The Council will hold a public hearing on the Great Seneca Science Master Plan on June 12, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., at The Universities at Shady Grove, Room IV-1201, Teaching Theater Building IV (Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Facility).
The Montgomery County Commission for Women is hosting the 2024 Girl Power Contest Celebration at the Rockville Memorial Library on Thursday, June 13, from 6 to 7:00 p.m. Join them as they recognize and honor the winners of their annual Girl Power Contest!
The Montgomery County Office of Human Rights and Director Jim Stowe are hosting the annual African American Living Legend Awards in honor of Juneteenth on Saturday, June 15th, from noon until 10:00 p.m. They will have a full day of activities, great food, art and education, and live entertainment.
Pride in the Plaza is a day-long LGBTQ+ pride festival in the heart of Downtown Silver Spring. From fierce drag shows to mind-blowing musical acts, this is an event you will not want to miss. Come out and celebrate your unique self while also supporting the queer community.
Community Resource Hub
- Holiday Schedule and County Office and Service Closures for Memorial Day
- Montgomery County Asks Residents in Need of Computers and Non-Profits to Make Appointments for Clients to Receive Remaining 25,000 Free Computers
- Registration for Montgomery County Recreation Summer Programs for Toddlers, Youth, Teens, Adults, and Older Adults is Now Open
- Session One Enrollment for Regional and Central High School Summer School Closes May 31
- Take Free English Classes at Montgomery College
- Schedule a Free Residential Deck Inspection with the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services During ‘Building Safety Month’ in May
- Montgomery County to Distribute Free Pride Decals to Local Businesses and Nonprofits
- Free Financial Seminar on Divorce and Money Will Be Offered Virtually by Commission for Women and County Libraries on May 28
- Annual ‘Give and Ride Food Drive’ to Run from May 26-June 1
- Children and Teens Can Embark on a Literary Journey with MCPL’s Launch of ‘Adventure Starts Here’ Summer Reading Challenge on Friday, June 14
- Commission on Veterans Affairs Honors Fallen Hometown Heroes from Military Action Dating to World War I and is Seeking Online Tributes as Memorial Day Approaches
- Road Resurfacing on Veirs Mill Road and Other County Roadways Will Impact Traffic Through Late June
-
Information Session on Energy Saving Hosted by the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Pepco June 3rd
- Spring Parent Academy Virtual Workshops Schedule
- Backyard Food Scraps Composting Basics Workshop Hosted by Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection on May 25th
- Community Narcan Training at Quince Orchard Library Thursday, May 30
- Waterfest, a Native Plant Sale, and ‘Full Moon Friday’ Among the Special May Programs at the Nature Centers of Montgomery Parks - May 18 - May 31
- Please Submit Nominations for the African American Living Legends Awards Presented at the 27th Annual Juneteenth Two-Day Celebration
- ‘Taste of Wheaton’ Will Have a Full Day of Entertainment, Including the Legendary Band ‘The Nighthawks’ on Sunday, June 2, in Downtown Wheaton
Yours in Service,
Laurie-Anne Sayles
Councilmember At-Large
|
