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November 21, 2024
Protecting our Immigrant Community
Many immigrants in our community live in fear for the safety of their family members, neighbors and loved ones. When law-abiding immigrants are victims or witnesses to a crime, they are often hesitant to seek help from our local law enforcement when they need it most.
That’s why I, alongside my colleagues Councilmembers Natali Fani-González and Dawn Luedtke, introduced the “Uplifting Victims and Immigrant Safety Act” (U VISA). The U visa grants legal status to victims of violent crimes — such as sexual assault, human trafficking, and domestic violence — who assist law enforcement with the investigation of these crimes. The U VISA Act strengthens our commitment to protecting the safety of victims of crime and those who assist police in solving crimes by removing the Police Department’s 10-year cap on assisting crime victims in their U visa application process.
There is more to be done at all levels of government in the coming months, but this legislation is a first step that sends a clear message: all are welcome in Montgomery County!
 A supporter holding a sign during the press conference
Safe Streets Act: One Year Later
In the first nine months of 2024, there have been 465 crashes involving pedestrians, cyclists, scooters and wheelchairs in the county. Road safety remains a concern for many in Montgomery County and is one of my top priorities.
Last month marked one year since my legislation, the Safe Streets Act, was signed into law. As chair of theTransportation & Environment Committee, I convened a hearing to discuss the progress we’ve made towards our Vision Zero goals of ending deaths on our roadways.
Among many important updates, we learned that the Montgomery County Department of Transportation has initiated nine infrastructure reviews at schools across the county to ensure we have safe routes to schools. Signs and new technology have also been added at 31 intersections in busy downtown areas like Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton to improve pedestrian visibility and safety, with plans to upgrade 200 intersections by next June.
We are making progress on these important measures, but there is still more work to do. Check out this recent NBC4 story on the progress we are making to improve street safety for everyone.
 Councilmember Glass speaking with NBC4
Clarksburg Fire Station
The Clarksburg Fire Station is officially open! The new facility will ensure that our first responders can more quickly answer calls for service in Clarksburg and the upcounty area. Thank you to Chief Smedley and all our firefighters, EMT professionals and volunteers who keep our community safe and healthy.
 Councilmember Glass in front of one of the new firetrucks at the Clarksburg Fire Station
Honoring Rachel Carson’s Legacy
I had a great time with residents on a hike through the Northwest Branch to learn more about the plans for the Springsong museum honoring Rachel Carson, the mother of the modern environmental movement.
The effort to create Springsong began in 2021, as the world was emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. With social isolation at a record high, Silver Spring resident Rebecca Henson wanted to create a museum that would be a beacon of joy and solace, helping educate the community about Carson’s love of nature. The group is working to transform a historic park building in Silver Spring, where Carson lived most of her adult life, into a world-class museum that educates and inspires the environmental leaders of today and tomorrow.
 Councilmember Glass with Springsong museum leaders Julie Farkas and Rebecca Henson,
Happy Thanksgiving!
The holiday season is officially upon us. Now is the time to ground ourselves in our shared community and support each other whenever and however we can.
I’m grateful to everyone who joined me at the Thanksgiving Parade in Silver Spring, and of course I’m eternally thankful for my family — my husband, Jason and our two pups. Most of all, I am grateful that we are able to share our life in a diverse, inclusive community that welcomes people of all backgrounds.
I’m honored to serve our community, working every day for the amazing people of Montgomery County, and I’m grateful that we have such active and engaged residents who care so deeply about this community and the wellbeing of everyone in it.
Wishing you and your family a healthy and happy Thanksgiving!
Constituent Corner
A reckless driver in Kensington hit and damaged a fire hydrant in a resident’s front yard. Frustrated by the slow response to repair the situation, the resident reached out to me, and within a few days WSSC installed a new fire hydrant. I want to thank Hope on my team for her hard work to solve this problem.
If you need help with a county agency, please fill out this service request form and my office will assist you.
Did You Know?
We are incredibly fortunate to have so many people and organizations in Montgomery County who care about their neighbors enough to volunteer their time and resources to help community members in need, especially during the holidays. The Montgomery County Food Council has an interactive online map that lists more than 100 food assistance sites in the County. The Food Resource Map shows the location of each site as well as other important information, such as languages spoken, food assistance type and accessibility to help everyone find what best meets their needs.
Please do not reply to this email. To contact my office, email me at Councilmember.Glass@montgomerycountymd.gov.
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