African Heritage Month
Gathering and celebrating with various African diaspora communities to commemorate African Heritage Month
September is African Heritage Month, and Team Sayles has had an incredible time celebrating various African cultures and diaspora communities across Montgomery County! From cultural festivals to business expos, we’ve enjoyed many exciting performances, learning opportunities, community-building initiatives, and delicious food! Thank you to the numerous community organizations for hosting beautiful showcases, workshops, and programs highlighting our local African diaspora communities' traditions, artistry, culture, and contributions. As a second-generation Afro-Jamaican, I appreciate these opportunities to uplift the joy of our diverse Black and migrant communities
Labor Day Means Standing with Workers
Standing in solidarity with hardworking employees who make up our county’s labor force
September 2nd marks Labor Day, and I’m proud to recognize and uplift all of Montgomery County’s workers and labor unions who work tirelessly to enhance our workforce and play a significant role in shaping our county. Montgomery County’s workforce is the backbone of our community’s prosperity and the enhancement of our fundamental structures. Montgomery County employees and businesses all play a pivotal role in helping to build a solid and sustainable future for all by fueling our local economy, strengthening our communities, and ensuring our country's security. In solidarity with workers, Team Sayles joined Sweet Spot Cannabis Dispensary workers and UFCW Local 400 in Olney to protest unfair working conditions ahead of their successful unionization vote. As we see rapid expansion in the cannabis industry, it is crucial to ensure fair and equitable growth benefiting workers and communities affected by past criminalization. Every day, we will strive to continue fighting for fair wages, safe working conditions, and a secure future.
Silver Spring Jazz Festival
Enjoying an evening of jazz music with musicians, volunteers, organizers, and residents!
On September 7th, I was excited to attend the 20th anniversary of the Silver Spring Jazz Festival, which was a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a lively and talented lineup of jazz musicians and celebrate the vibrant Arts and Entertainment District in downtown Silver Spring. Silver Spring was named the number one City to Live with Family in America this summer, and the jazz festival underscores the city’s commitment to building a robust community centering talented local artists and performers. I especially want to recognize and thank the leadership of the Regional Services Center (RSC) Directors, volunteers, and performers for their continued participation and support of this highly successful event.
Community Conversations with County Executive Marc Elrich
This month marks the beginning of a Community Conversations series hosted by County Executive Marc Elrich to discuss the upcoming fiscal year’s budget priorities. These community conversations are hosted to empower residents to share their insights. Team Sayles has been following these conversations closely since resident feedback drives the County’s decisions and priorities for the next fiscal year. As an at-large Councilmember, I encourage every resident to participate in these conversations because your voices shape our path forward. Community Conversations have been held for East County, Mid-County, Bethesda-Chevy Chase, and the Afro-Caribbean diaspora community. Upcoming Community Conversations with County Executive Marc Elrich will be held for UpCounty (9/30), Silver Spring (10/16), Older Adults (10/21), the Chinese-speaking community (10/23), the MCPS PTA (10/28), the Black community (10/30), and the Spanish-speaking community (11/7).
Great Seneca Transit Network Press Conference
Speaking at the GSTN press conference to discuss expanding public transit options
On September 9th, I attended a press conference for the Great Seneca Transit Network (GSTN), which served as a follow-up to the red bus lane painting from last fall for the groundbreaking of the GSTN project. Public transit plays a critical role in supporting residents across different income levels. When bus service is reliable and convenient, we all benefit – even car drivers. Individuals can save, on average, over $8,000 annually by using public transportation instead of a personal vehicle. I am proud to support a service like this, which is integral to building inclusive and well-connected communities. I will continue championing equitable and environmentally conscious transportation options for residents as part of my S.M.A.R.T. agenda!
Reaffirming Montgomery County’s AAA Bond Rating
For the 52nd consecutive year, all three rating agencies reaffirmed Montgomery County’s AAA bond rating. The county's consistently outstanding rating reflects its robust and dynamic local economy, anchored by higher education, health care, and federal and state government institutions that call Montgomery County home. As a member of the Economic Development Committee on the County Council, I closely follow the ongoing development in both residential and commercial sectors. I will consistently prioritize ensuring our AAA bond ratings translate to tangible benefits for current and future residents.
Catherine and Isiah Leggett Math and Science Building Ribbon Cutting
Commemorating the opening of the state-of-the-art Catherine and Isiah Leggett Math and Science Building
On September 19th, I was honored to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for former First Lady Catherine Leggett and former County Executive Isiah Leggett to celebrate completing the Catherine and Isiah Leggett Math and Science Building. It will provide Montgomery College students with transformative learning opportunities to advance their future careers in STEM and other fields. A 108,000-square-foot, three-story, environmentally sustainable facility, the new building stands as a revolutionary beacon of progress on the Montgomery College Takoma Park-Silver Spring campus with its unique features and advanced design. The building will give tens of thousands of students access to state-of-the-art educational facilities, including over twenty labs, eight classrooms, a planetarium, a new greenhouse, a dedicated Math and Science Learning Center, and other advanced offerings. As Montgomery County residents, we’re truly fortunate to have an innovative and interdisciplinary facility on our local college campus.
I look forward to hearing from community members about the long-term impact this will have on campus.
Montgomery County Women's Business Center 5th Anniversary Celebration
Highlighting the growth and achievements of the MWBC alongside fellow Councilmembers and business leaders
Together with Rockville Economic Development, Inc., the Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC) hosted a 5th Anniversary celebration for MWBC Shop Local at Rockville Town Square on September 6th. As I serve on the Economic Development Committee, I recognize that MWBC is a cornerstone for showcasing emerging local retailers and small-scale manufacturers. It offers shared retail space and technical support to help entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses in Maryland’s Capital Region. Since its inception, MWBC Shop Local has graduated nearly 40 women entrepreneurs, generated over $480,000 in sales, and facilitated the opening of online or physical locations for over 80% of its participants. The success of this program, which has graduated dozens of women entrepreneurs and generated almost half a million dollars in sales, has driven economic growth and innovation, solidifying its place in our community as a vital resource for local businesses.
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Conference
Connecting with Black leaders throughout the week at the CBC Foundation Conference
During the week of September 9th, I attended the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Conference. These events celebrated the achievements of Black elected leaders across Maryland and the nation while grounding us in the work ahead to uplift the communities we serve. As the first Black woman elected to a countywide office, I am honored to celebrate Black excellence with other trailblazers from our diverse community.
Forest Estates 2024 Farmers Market Launch
Alongside Councilmember Fani-Gonzalez and Senator Waldstreicher, I’m encouraged to see our county's women-owned small businesses like Pizzeria CoCo thriving!
On September 15th, I was delighted to participate in the fourteenth launch of the Forest Estates 2024 Farmers Market. I am so grateful to Sandra Marquardt for her leadership in returning this market to the Silver Spring Community. This market connects residents to local food from sources like Common Roots Farm and local vendors every year, including two new women-owned businesses: Mixing Bowl Bakery and Pizzeria CoCo. Efforts such as these help sustain our local food supply chain, which benefits our producers, consumers, and climate. As part of my S.M.A.R.T. agenda, I am proud to support these local agricultural and food accessibility initiatives. I will continue pushing for policies to ensure everyone across our county can access delicious, fresh food!
Montgomery Soil Conservation District Cooperators Dinner
Meeting with the Soil Conservation District Cooperators of the Year!
On September 18th, I was fortunate to attend the Montgomery County Soil Conservation District’s Cooperators Dinner, which highlighted many of the past year's exciting developments and notable achievements. From providing millions of dollars in conservation funding to local farmers, delivering technical assistance for a range of agricultural installations like water and waste management systems, and inspiring youth involvement through agricultural outreach programs for students, it’s no surprise that the Montgomery County Soil Conservation District was recognized by the Maryland Association for Soil Conservation Districts as the Outstanding Soil Conservation District of the year, finishing 1st among 23 Districts from across the state. This is a testament to the great hardworking people of the District Office, and I’m honored to celebrate their accomplishments and continue championing their work on conservation practices.
Interfaith Dinner
A lovely evening engaging in roundtable interfaith discussions and making round parathas with community members!
On September 24th, I was honored to attend an Interfaith Dinner organized by the Dawoodi Bohra community of Montgomery County. Interfaith gatherings are important because they allow open and honest dialogue across religious, ethnic, and cultural lines. I appreciated the evening’s message of recognizing how our community’s diversity is a strength and an asset to our county. I also want to welcome the involvement of interfaith community members to make their voices heard and perspectives known, as it will help us implement policies that benefit everyone.
I look forward to continuing to partner with the Dawoodi Bohra community and many other diverse faith and cultural groups throughout the County!
Buckets and Beats Block Party
Meeting with community members in downtown Silver Spring
On September 27th, Team Sayles attended the second annual Buckets and Beats Block Party in Silver Spring, a youth-focused community event hosted by Council Vice President Kate Stewart. At the block party, attendees could participate in a basketball tournament, a pop-up skate park, a soccer skill-building station, a live community mural painting, and various other arts activities. Several youth programming stakeholders in attendance shared opportunities for youth to get involved. Creating spaces to productively engage with young people, especially those who may have yet to engage with community programs, is essential for our communities to thrive. I appreciate Councilmember Stewart and her team putting together such a great event! I will continue encouraging young people’s involvement in our community through my S.M.A.R.T. Youth Advisory Council and beyond!
Stepping Stones Shelter Donor Appreciation Event
Connecting with the staff, board members, donors, and volunteers at Stepping Stones Shelter
On September 27th, I had the chance to visit the Stepping Stones Shelter, which is one of three shelters providing emergency shelter to Montgomery County residents. With funding from the county coupled with the generous support of so many donors, Stepping Stones has provided thousands of families with food, shelter, career development support, and a variety of critical resources and wraparound services. I am deeply heartened to know that places like Stepping Stones are providing crucial services for the most vulnerable residents in our county, and I will continue to advocate for robust funding of programs that move us towards the goal of making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring.
Montgomery Moving Forward
Convening with cross-sector leaders to discuss emerging trends in early childhood education and workforce development
On September 30th, I joined community leaders across a variety of sectors, including education experts, government officials, business leaders, and nonprofit pioneers, to discuss how to incorporate the principles and framework of collective impact so that we collaboratively center equity through various strategies. This convening of cross-sector partners is encouraging as we forge new paths forward to fund early childhood education and workforce development programs across Montgomery County, and I look forward to building on these conversations to implement sustainable and lasting positive changes.
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