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Before the Council heads into an extended August recess, my colleagues and I have engaged in numerous legislative bills and proposals, advancing critical measures to help make Montgomery County a place where everyone can thrive. As councilmembers, it is essential that we not only listen to our community residents but actively engage them in our work as legislators. I was pleased to host and support several initiatives that brought together residents, stakeholders, and policymakers from all backgrounds to envision ways to advance equity and economic prosperity throughout Montgomery County.
Our Community Conversations hosted presentations from local expert stakeholders, tables with resources from our private and nonprofit partners, and generative group discussions.
This month, I collaborated with Montgomery County's Regional Service Offices to host Community Conversations, bringing residents and stakeholders together to discuss creating safer, vibrant communities. These events aimed to develop community-based solutions for challenges, particularly for our youth. Discussions included creating safer communities, improving youth engagement, expanding partnerships, and enhancing communication between government and communities. I am so grateful to all the community leaders who presented at our events to share their insights, the organizations who shared resources, and everyone who participated. I'm excited to use the feedback to guide my policy agenda.
If you attended these Community Conversations, please share your feedback on this form if you still need to.
If you cannot participate, you can watch a recording of our Upcounty Community Conversation Event here.
Thank you once again to everyone who participated in these transformative Community Conversations. Your engagement and contributions are invaluable as we work to make meaningful investments in Montgomery County resources, services, and programs.
Thank you to all of my colleagues for unanimously passing my signature Bill 8-24
I was excited to see my first bill, which I was the lone lead sponsor, Bill 8-24, successfully passed on Tuesday. Bill 8-24 strengthens the county’s Ban-the-Box ordinance by preventing unfair discrimination against people with criminal histories in housing applications. It implements several amendments to ensure property owners comply with the law that housing applicants are informed of their rights and to improve the county’s understanding of how widespread discrimination against returning citizens is in the housing market. I thank Director James Stowe, Director Scott Bruton, and the many stakeholders whose input shaped this bill. I also want to thank the PHP committee, Chair and Council President Andrew Friedson, Councilmembers Natali Fani-González, and Will Jawando for their work and collaboration in passing this bill out of committee. I am also grateful to Councilmembers Evan Glass and Sidney Katz for co-sponsoring the legislation and their work to pass the Housing Justice Act in 2021. You can read the final text of the legislation here.
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Students from my Second Youth Advisory Cohort
Applications for the S.M.A.R.T. Youth Advisory Council are now open! The S.M.A.R.T. Youth Advisory Council aims to increase youth participation in local government. Guided by the tenets of my S.M.A.R.T. Agenda, students can advocate for creative solutions to problems in our communities that significantly affect young people. Members of the Youth Advisory Council will gain valuable experience in the inner processes of the Montgomery County Council. They will work with me and my team to share youth priorities on local legislation, programs, and initiatives. As such, we seek students who are passionate about Montgomery County and want to give back to their community. Students who are accepted will be eligible for SSL hours. You can apply to join my fourth cohort of students here. Please email us at councilmember.sayles@montgomerycountymd.gov if you have any questions.
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It was a pleasure to host three Summer RISE MCPS student interns in my office in July and to attend the graduation ceremony for all the students who participated in the program across our county.
My office was grateful to be joined by three Summer RISE students this past summer: Giselle Tompkins, a rising senior at Kennedy High School; Ethan Garcia Rodriguez, a rising senior at Watkins Mill High School; and Helina Samson, a rising senior at Albert Einstein High School. Throughout the summer, they worked on special projects, tuned into committee discussions, informed my legislative agenda, and shadowed the work of council members. I extend my gratitude and congratulations to all the hardworking and ambitious Summer RISE student interns who joined my office and countless businesses and organizations this past month. We appreciate your enthusiastic participation and dedication to public service and look forward to your continued success!
I congratulate Governor Moore on passing another one of his key legislative priorities, the ENOUGH (Engaging Neighborhoods, Organizations, Unions, Governments, and Households) Act! This initiative will provide grants of up to 10 million dollars targeting communities facing disproportionately high levels of childhood poverty. With this bill, the state will finally offer the investments in early child care and education, affordable housing, public safety, and civic infrastructure that our most poverty-stricken communities have needed. Serving on the County Council’s Health and Human Services Committee as the Lead for Eliminating Disparities in Public Health, I confront every day the painful economic and racial disparities that are at the root of the challenges afflicting our youth, such as high crime and victimization rates, poor mental health, and truancy. We cannot hope to solve these problems while our children, particularly our Black, Brown, and disabled youth, are going to school hungry, lack access to high-quality healthcare, mental health, and economic opportunities, or must work overtime to support their families. I am grateful for the Governor’s partnership in closing the racial opportunity gaps and making our state a place where everyone can thrive. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure these grants effectively support our ongoing positive youth development investments and initiatives in the county.
Rent Stabilization is Now In Effect
Bill signing for Bill 15-23 Rent Stabilization Last July
I joined my colleagues in passing Executive Regulations 2-24, the long-awaited regulations to implement Bill 15-23 - Rent Stabilization. Every year for the past decade, more people have moved out of our county than in as housing costs have skyrocketed, particularly for our low- and middle-income residents. Rent stabilization is a powerful tool that helps us provide predictability to our landlords and residents while ensuring that some of our most cost-burdened residents can afford to remain in their communities. I am grateful to my colleagues for passing a law that effectively balances the needs of renters, landlords, and developers. I also want to thank the County Executive and the Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) for answering our questions and overseeing a comprehensive process incorporating public input in the final regulations. You can read the Council’s press release to learn more about the law.
Bill 7-24 Tenant Protection and Notification Passage
It is equally important to ensure that affordable housing is also safe. I was proud to co-sponsor Councilmember Stewart’s Bill 7-24 Tenant Protection and Notification in response to the fire at the Arrive apartment building in Silver Spring that tragically cut short the life of resident Melanie Diaz and the power outage that put many older adults at risk at The Grand in North Bethesda. Under the law, residential leases must inform tenants if the building has sprinkler systems, inform them of emergency plans (which now must be approved by the Department of Permitting Services), and require them to acknowledge whether or not any included renter's insurance policy covers their personal property. It will also need property managers to provide a representative 24/7 to respond to disruptions to essential services such as water, heat, or electricity. These and other provisions in the bill will protect the health and safety of our renters, reduce the burdens placed on our first responders, and help us to avoid future tragedies. You can read more about the bill here.
Bill 11-24 MOVE Grant Program Passage
I was proud that the Council passed Bill 11-24, in which Councilmembers Evan Glass, Sidney Katz, Natali Fani-González, Marilyn Balcombe, and I were the lead sponsors. This bill addresses the worrying trends of increasing job losses and office vacancies in our County by codifying and expanding the County’s Make Office Vacancy Extinct (MOVE) pilot Grant Program. Under the current pilot program, businesses looking to lease office space for the first time in our County may apply for a grant of $8.00 per square foot up to 80,000 dollars. Bill 11-24 makes this program permanent and extends the grants to businesses already in Montgomery County looking to expand their footprint. It demonstrates our commitment to attracting and growing businesses and filling up vacant office space by increasing the maximum grant to 150,000 dollars. I am eager to reinvigorate our business corridors disrupted by the pandemic to make office vacancies extinct and provide grants to businesses to help offset some of the expenses related to the business’s first commercial lease in the County.
ER-18-23: Easing Permit Process for New Restaurants Passage
I look forward to attending many more ribbon-cutting ceremonies, such as this one, which celebrated the grand opening of Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken in Gaithersburg last July.
I joined my colleagues in passing ER 18-23, which eases the permitting process for business owners looking to open new restaurants in our County. The permitting process now requires less onerous documentation from restauranteurs to the Department of Permitting Services. Extending the Food Handler Certificate to five years from three also reduces the number of times chefs must reapply. I am glad to support our local restaurants, which critically contribute to our county's vibrancy, culture, and commerce.
Bill 4-24 Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund Commission Passage
Councilmembers Will Jawando, Kristin Mink, and community advocates Hashim Jabar of Racial Justice NOW!, Yanet Amanuel of ACLU Maryland, and Courtney Hall of Interfaith Works joined me for a press conference on the passage of Bill 4-24
I am grateful to my colleagues for unanimously passing Bill 4-24, which I sponsored alongside Councilmembers Will Jawando and Kristin Mink. The legalization of recreational possession of cannabis in Maryland and Governor Moore’s pardon of over 175,000 low-level marijuana-related convictions were historic measures to address the harms inflicted by our outdated and discriminatory war on drugs, particularly on our Black and Brown communities. Under State law, 35 percent of cannabis excise tax revenues are reserved for local jurisdictions to invest in community-based initiatives and programming benefiting communities disproportionately impacted by decades of cannabis prohibition. Counties must determine how to allocate funds. This local bill ensures we do so in a way that centers on restorative justice and community ownership. It will establish a commission of 13 voting members, including representatives from impacted communities, to oversee grants to community organizations and propose legislative changes to benefit low-income areas. I am dedicated to assembling a robust and diverse coalition of members to serve on this Commission and working together to make long-overdue reinvestments in our communities. Please be on the lookout for the Recruitment Notice the week of August 13. You can view the press conference on the bill’s passage here.
Promoting the Leaf Blower Law
 Guidance for Gas-powered leaf blower bans is now in effect.
Last year, the Council passed legislation banning the use of gas-powered leafblowers in Montgomery County to address the harmful environmental, noise, and health impacts they have in our community. In 2020, gas-powered lawn equipment in Maryland emitted as much harmful pollution as 6.4 million gas cars. We took this measure to improve the well-being of our residents and ensure a livable environment for future generations. We know this is a significant adjustment, so we delayed the implementation of this law by two years to give our residents time to transition to battery-powered alternatives. Starting July 1, 2025, gas-powered handheld, backpack, and walk-behind leaf blowers will no longer be allowed in Montgomery County. Local retailers no longer carry gas leaf blowers. In partnership with the Department of Environmental Protection, the County will offer limited rebates by application beginning in August to help residents and businesses purchase new battery-powered equipment. Learn more about electric leaf blowers and rebates at www.MontgomeryCountyMd.gov/Leafblowers.
Drive for Supplies
The annual Drive for Supplies brings hundreds of families across Montgomery County together to donate, sort, and receive free, gently-used school supplies.
I attended the 25th annual Drive for Supplies event at Parkland Middle School. This program recycles and provides thousands of pounds of gently used school supplies, bringing students and stakeholders together to teach the value of community service. It serves our equity goals by lowering education costs for low-income families and supports our climate goals by keeping waste out of landfills. I also want to thank our local, state, and federal partners, including Learn Shop Inc., which has sustained this program for over 25 years, the US Department of Education, and the US Environmental Protection Agency, for supporting this program. It will serve as a model for other jurisdictions. You can watch a video recap of this event here.
ZTA 24-02 Overnight Stays ZTA Moves to Full Council
Photos from the Sugarloaf Citizens Association 50th Anniversary event in Dickerson
In a July 22 Planning, Housing & Parks (PHP) Worksession, my colleagues passed ZTA 24-02 out of committee. This bill results from comprehensive discussions and compromises between the bill’s sponsors, Councilmembers Luedtke and Balcombe, and ag-reserve residents. The new zoning measure will allow overnight stays in the Agricultural Reserve, providing a vital source of revenue to its residents while preserving farming land and the area’s scenic beauty.
I look forward to its passage and providing our residents a new way to experience our rare and incredible Agricultural Reserve.
Proclamations Recognizing National Mental Health Awareness Initiatives
Thank you to all the community members and my colleagues for joining me in proclaiming Minority Mental Health Awareness Month on July 7th and World Listening Day on July 16th
On July 7th, I joined Councilmembers Albornoz and Jawando in proclaiming July as Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. People of color often face systemic barriers and stigma to accessing mental health care, leading to disproportionately worse mental health outcomes. As the Council’s Lead for Eliminating Public Health Disparities, I am committed to working with our nonprofits and Minority Health Initiatives to ensure all residents can access quality mental health care. If you need help accessing quality mental health care resources, please visit https://namimc.org/resources/local-resources/
On July 16th, I was honored to celebrate World Listening Day alongside valued community partners, Story Tapestries, EveryMind, the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Montgomery County, the Conflict Resolution Center of Montgomery County, and 4SW—The Secret Society of Science SongWriters at Northwest High School. On July 18, we officially recognize World Listening Day, which promotes the practice of mindful listening and encourages people to engage with their auditory environment in various ways. During the pandemic, I hosted a 'Talk. Walk. Listen.’ event to encourage residents to pause and listen to the protesters grappling with health disparities and public safety concerns to be more mindful of the value and opportunities that come from living in a diverse county. Listening is more important than ever as we continue dismantling barriers to optimal mental health and wellness for every resident.
Unveiling Our Latest Purple Line Progress Milestone
Our first look at the rail cars that will transport riders on the Purple Line
This month, the Maryland Department of Transportation and the Purple Line Project Team unveiled the first rail cars at the Rivendale Operations & Maintenance Facility in Prince George’s County. I was excited to see the sleek new rail cars connecting our residents to their destinations and other Washington Metropolitan Area commuter rail connections. This is a significant milestone, something residents can see, touch and step inside. The Purple Line will help alleviate traffic congestion and support our county's climate goals by offering an equitable mass transit option and getting cars off the road. It has been a long time coming, but it is great to see the accelerating progress towards providing a more sustainable and accessible transportation system for everyone in our community. You can watch a video of the unveiling event here.
Supporting Local Special Olympics at the Pint-Sized Polar Bear Plunge & Annual Picnic
 I proudly supported our State and local Special Olympics at the Pint-Sized Polar Bear Plunge on July 20th and Community Support Services Inc's. Annual Picnic and Olympics event on July 27th
I was grateful to Lone Oak Brewing Company for hosting the Pint-Sized Polar Bear Plunge event to raise awareness and funds for Maryland and Montgomery County Special Olympics programs by plunging over 5,000 donation-supported pint-size polar bears into Lone Oak’s pond. In a well-resourced jurisdiction like Montgomery County, all our residents should have access to the wellness programs they need, including competitive athletics. I am also thankful to Community Support Services, Inc. for hosting their 26th Annual Picnic and 16th Annual Olympics to ensure our athletes of all abilities can participate in the exhilarating Special Olympics events. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply cheering on our athletes - your contributions make a difference.
Grand Opening of Wheaton Gravity Mountain Bike Park
A large gathering celebrating the opening of the Wheaton Gravity Mountain Bike Park.
I was honored to participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony to open Montgomery Parks' newest mountain bike course, the first completed project from the Wheaton Regional Park Master Plan. This new facility offers a thrilling experience for cyclists and showcases our commitment to enhancing recreational opportunities in the area. I hope our community enjoys Wheaton Gravity Mountain Bike Park and takes full advantage of its exciting features and trails. This park represents a significant step forward in our efforts to provide diverse and engaging outdoor activities for residents of all ages.
Promoting Workforce Development Opportunities in Skilled Trades
My three Summer RISE Students joined me to meet Christa Tichy and her students participating in Montgomery College’s pilot Electrical Career Readiness program.
Thank you, Christa Tichy, for inviting me to address the students participating in Montgomery College’s pilot Electrical Career Readiness program. I was glad to be joined by my three Summer RISE students to inform them of just one of the many innovative career development programs our county offers. Thank you to the Electrical Alliance and IBEW Local 26 for supporting this vital program. Their collaboration has provided these students with invaluable hands-on experience and knowledge in the electrical trade. Seeing such a strong commitment to preparing our youth for rewarding careers in the skilled trades is inspiring. Together, we are building a brighter future for our community.
Supporting Local Businesses that Support Our Community
Joining our US Senators Cardin and VanHollen to present Sunflower Bakery with a congressional earmark to expand their workforce development program.
I had a great time joining US Senators Van Hollen and Cardin and my colleagues Councilmembers Albornoz, Glass, and Katz to present a check for $75,000 to Sunflower Bakery in Rockville. I am deeply grateful to Sunflower Bakery for providing delicious kosher pastries and key employment opportunities to youth with learning differences in our community. We must have partnerships with local businesses to meet our equity goals and fulfill the many needs of our residents. I was glad to recognize Sunflower Bakery's efforts and look forward to doing so for other local businesses.
The Ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Host their Annual Scholarship Fundraiser
Photos from the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and PVAC’s Annual Lobster Bake Fundraiser supporting the local community
It was an absolute pleasure spending time with my fellow sisters of Delta Sigma Theta (DST) Sorority, Inc. at the Potomac Valley Alumnae Chapter’s Annual Lobster Bake fundraiser under the leadership of President Brooke Holmes at Smokey Glen. This fun gathering has become a signature event attracting local and national leaders, including Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (US Senate Candidate and DST Member), former and current National DST President Elsie Cooke-Holmes, and Board of Education Member Shebra Evans, to support scholarships that serve the needs of college-bound students in our area. I am thankful for the leadership and partnership of my sisters as we work together to reduce racial and economic disparities within our county and make Montgomery County a place where everyone can thrive.
 For any inquires during August recess please email councilmember.sayles@montgomerycountymd.gov
The 2024 Farm Tour offers something for everyone, from exploring 24 select farms, orchards, breweries, and wineries in the County’s Agricultural Reserve, shopping local, and enjoying fresh food to seeing farm animals and learning about farming as a way of life. The tour will offer a rare chance to visit many farms only open to the public during this special weekend event.
Maryland’s Commission on Public Health, in partnership with Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services, will host a public listening session for Montgomery County residents from 6:30-8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30, to share their thoughts and offer ideas related to public health improvements with the commission. The event will be in the seventh-floor hearing room of the County Council Office Building, located at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville. It will be televised live on County Cable Montgomery and Facebook. Community members who attend the meeting in person are welcome to share their comments. Residents wishing to speak should sign up here. Virtual attendees who sign up can also submit comments directly to the commission.
The NCAHM Steering Committee and its partner organizations and groups bring to Wheaton, Maryland, its Caribbean-American Heritage Celebration, which recognizes Caribbean-American Heritage Month in August in Maryland. Enjoy this free, multi-lingual community event featuring diverse foods, entertainment, culture, hands-on learning, and resources for you and your family - emphasizing English, Spanish, French, and Creole. Caribbean Countries include the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
CCACC Art Gallery will host "Paradise on Paper: A Small Works on Paper Invitational Exhibition," which opens on August 3rd and ends on August 17th. Curated by the Chung Studio, this exhibition highlights 48 artworks created by 24 artists headed by Kang Lok Chung from Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Baotou, and Kunming in China, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland. The opening reception will be held at 2:00-4:00 pm, Saturday, August 3rd. Please come and join us for face-to-face conversations with the fantastic artists.
National Night Out (NNO) events, organized by the National Association of Town Watch, aim to strengthen community-police relationships, promote crime prevention efforts, and increase awareness of crime and drug-related issues. These events allow community members to connect with local law enforcement and enjoy educational activities. Towns and cities across Montgomery County will host their own NNO events, and I encourage residents to learn more about the public safety resources and opportunities in their community.
Young Montgomery County entrepreneurs will again have a chance to show their creativity, business sense, and sales ability by developing and displaying products for the Fourth Annual Montgomery County Children’s Business Fair on Aug. 10 in Rockville Town Square. The event is open to youngsters ages 6-15.
Montgomery County Public Libraries is hosting a free, family-friendly music festival featuring keynote speaker DJ Johnny Juice and other famous DJs from around the country from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free festival for music enthusiasts will occur at the Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library at 900 Wayne Ave. in Silver Spring.
Wheaton's newest mural, "Wheaton Lives," will be dedicated during a ceremony at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 11. The mural is on the building that houses Elbe's Beer and Wine store at 2522 University Blvd—West in Wheaton. There will be a tented area for shade and refreshments served. You can view the mural here: https://www.wheatonartsparade.org/elbesmural.
- MCPS offers and connects students and families to free college preparedness workshops throughout the summer.
- The Montgomery County Council still seeks applicants to serve on the Committee to Recommend Funding for the Public Election Fund. The deadline to apply is Monday, Aug. 13, at 5 p.m
- Montgomery County Offers Free ‘Back-to-School’ Vaccinations for School-Aged Children at Multiple Locations
- Montgomery County Council Seeks Applicants for the Nominating Committee for the Board of Trustees of Montgomery College. The deadline to apply is Monday, Aug. 19, at 5 p.m.
- Residents can now recycle Plastic Bags and Film at the Shady Grove Transfer Station in Derwood.
- The Board of Education Invites Applications for a Vacancy on the Ethics Panel. The deadline to apply is Friday, August 2, at 5 p.m.
- Montgomery County Public Libraries Hosts Free, Family Friendly Music Festival ‘Just for the Record-A Vinyl Day’ Featuring Keynote Speaker DJ Johnny Juice on Saturday, Aug. 10
- Nominees Sought for Second Annual Early Care and Education Excellence Awards
- ‘Live from the Lawn’ and ‘Cool Concerts for Kids’ Upcoming Free Outdoor Concerts at Strathmore Will Feature ‘American Patchwork Quilt’ and ‘Marsha and the Positrons’
- Concerts, Puppets, and West Africa Food Crops Highlight Montgomery Parks Special Events and Programs in August
- Permitting Services Latest Podcast Touts New ‘eSolar’ Program to Expedite Solar Installation on Residential Rooftops
Sincerely,
Laurie-Anne Sayles
Councilmember At-Large
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