The Glass Gazette: 2024 Wrap-Up

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December 30, 2024 

Dear Neighbor,

I am deeply honored to have served as your Councilmember for another year. While these twelve months have brought their share of challenges, I am proud of the shared progress we have made: 

  • Reducing crime in busy downtown areas and nightlife hotspots.
  • Collaborating with restaurants to educate our community on preventing overdose deaths.
  • Attracting new and growing businesses to Montgomery County through the Make Office Vacancy Extinct Act.
  • Improving roadway safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.
  • Leading the way nationally on climate action and sustainability. 
  • Connecting with residents who make Montgomery County a vibrant and welcoming place to call home.

I’m excited for all we will continue to accomplish together.  

In service,


Public Safety

I know that safety remains a top concern for residents, and I am proud to support measures that have proven effective in reducing crime, easing the workload of police officers, and keeping our communities safe. 

This year, we expanded the highly successful Drone as First Responder program to a third site in Upcounty, with a fourth site soon to launch in Bethesda. These innovative measures are helping law enforcement respond faster and more efficiently.

I also introduced legislation to improve safety in our busiest downtown areas by aligning the hours of late-night businesses. In the months since it was signed into law, we have seen a significant drop in calls for service and arrests between 2:00 - 7:00 am. 

Additionally, I worked closely with local restaurants to address the opioid epidemic. This included hosting a panel with resource providers, partnering with the county’s Health and Human Services Department to ensure that restaurants and businesses in our hardest-hit areas have naloxone (Narcan) on hand and coordinating staff trainings to administer this life-saving treatment in the event of an overdose. 

Councilmember Glass with HHS staff and staff of the restaurant All Set

Councilmember Glass and staff of All Set restaurant after receiving Narcan training from HHS


Economic Development

During my tenure as Council President, I created the Economic Development Committee to better focus on job creation, business retention and economic opportunity. This year, I passed the Make Office Vacancy Extinct (MOVE) Act to attract new and growing businesses to Montgomery County. The MOVE Act expands a successful business retention program by increasing incentives and eligibility for businesses to open and expand their office footprint in the county.  

Applications are now open. Business owners can learn more and apply online.

To further support our restaurant economy, I drafted state legislation allowing restaurants to sell beer and wine for take-out, similar to the temporary policy during the pandemic. I’m glad that this legislation, introduced by the entire Montgomery County delegation in Annapolis, was signed into law by Governor Moore earlier this year.

Councilmember Glass speaks at a press conference introducing the MOVE Act

Councilmember Glass speaks at the press conference introducing the MOVE Act


Safe Streets for All

I am proud to share that we are making real progress toward our Vision Zero goals to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries. Since the passage of the Safe Streets Act last year — legislation I was proud to lead — we’ve seen meaningful improvement. According to the Montgomery County Department of Transportation, serious and fatal crashes dropped by 11% in the last year compared to the 2015–2019 pre-pandemic average. 

This progress reflects significant investments in:

  • Building sidewalks to improve pedestrian access.
  • Creating protected crossings and safer intersections.
  • Installing pedestrian and traffic signals where they’re needed most.
  • Expanding automated traffic enforcement to encourage safer driving.

I will continue to work with our partners at the state and county level to build a culture of safety and make our streets safer for everyone — whether you’re walking, biking, or driving.

Councilmember Glass with Mindy Badin in front of a sign that reads Safe Streets for All

Councilmember Glass with Mindy Badin, whose son Brett was killed while crossing the street


Protecting Our Environment

As chair of the Transportation and Environment Committee, I remain committed to taking local action to combat the global climate emergency.

To meet the county’s ambitious climate goals – an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2027 and complete elimination by 2035 – I am working with building owners to green our infrastructure and reduce the carbon footprint of our transportation sector. 

This year I was appointed to the EPA’s Local Government Advisory Committee, where I advise the EPA on key environmental issues, which includes reducing plastic waste, eliminating lead and copper from drinking water, and improving community-level engagement on climate issues.

A graphic that reads "Councilmember Glass Appointed [to the] EPA Local Government Advisory Commission"

In the Community

I’ve had a great time attending events across the county throughout the year. From pride parades and neighborhood block parties to cultural celebrations and supporting small businesses in every corner of our community, there is so much to do here in Montgomery County.

If you see me in your community, be sure to stop by and say hello! I welcome an invitation to your next gathering

A grid of 12 photos of Councilmember Glass attending community events and visiting locally-owned businesses

Happy Holidays!

According to the Public Religion Research Institute, Montgomery County is the most religiously diverse county in the United States. As we continue celebrating the holiday season, this designation serves as a reminder as to why Montgomery County is a great place for everyone to live, work and raise a family. 

Our diversity is our strength!

A graphic that reads "Montgomery County: #1 in religious diversity" with symbols of eight different religions encircling the text

Please do not reply to this email. To contact my office, email me at Councilmember.Glass@montgomerycountymd.gov.