 The County Executive reflects on his experience working with Isiah "Ike" Leggett now that the Executive Office Building bears his name. He also shares an exciting announcement from our South Korean Sister City, Daejoen, and its move into Montgomery County. The County Executive takes you through a business tour he conducted recently for Black History Month and shares his excitement about the passage of Building Energy Performance Standards regulations by the County Council. He also talks about the support being given to the federal workforce impacted by layoffs and funding cuts and highlights some of the public transit options workers returning to the office can use.
Stories in this issue include:
 The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) has announced that the Police-Private Security Camera Program's eligibility has been expanded to include all addresses within Montgomery County.
 The Maryland Department of Transportation is accepting grant applications from small businesses impacted by construction along the Purple Line route in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.
 Looking to protect yourself from fraud, identity theft and scams? The Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) has information for you during National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), March 2-8, and any time of the year.
 Montgomery County residents with homes or businesses set far back from the road, making internet service costly to install, can now apply for a special grant to bring high-speed internet to their properties. The Maryland Home Stretch – Difficult to Serve Properties Program, also known as the Long Driveway Internet Program, helps cover internet installation costs for these homes and businesses to ensure better connectivity for all.
The Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Summer RISE Program deadline is Friday, March 7, but businesses, nonprofits, higher education institutions and government agencies can still host rising MCPS juniors and seniors this summer. Summer RISE provides students with valuable opportunities to explore careers aligned with their interests, helping them make informed decisions about their college or career paths.
Residents are invited to provide feedback for the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) survey, to help local hospitals and Healthy Montgomery determine programs and services to best meet the health needs of the community.
 The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services Stakeholders Forum has been rescheduled to Wednesday, March 5, in Wheaton. Read the agenda.
 MoComCon 2025, a Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) program, will be held on Saturday and Sunday, March 22 and 23, in Germantown. The annual event offers a range of activities for comic fans, creators and community members.

Spring registration is underway for classes in the Park Academy Series. The program, sponsored by Montgomery Parks, focuses on mental and physical well-being. New classes this session include Storytime Art for Children and Caregivers, Midday Reset Yoga and Partnering Dance 101. Other popular classes such as Canopy Connection-Tree Climbing for teens or 55+ adults are also returning.
 The MoCo Eats Food & Beverage Showcase is a two-day event at the Hilton Rockville on March 30 and 31, 2025, where food enthusiasts and industry professionals come together to explore the latest culinary innovations. This year's showcase features two distinct events, each designed for a different audience.
 The County's Department of Environmental Protection will host the “Landscaping with Batteries/Jardinería con Baterías” event on Wednesday, March 12 on the Montgomery College Germantown Campus, located at 20200 Observation Drive.
 Montgomery County residents with combined household incomes of $67,000 or less can receive free tax preparation services through the Community Action Agency’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.
 Montgomery County has launched its new Climate Smart Campaign, to inspire and educate residents on making climate-smart choices in their daily lives.
 The Montgomery County minimum wage will increase on July 1 to reflect the region’s inflation rate, as required by County law. For large employers (with 51 or more employees), the minimum wage will rise by 50 cents to $17.65 per hour. For mid-size employers (with 11-50 employees), the minimum wage will increase by 50 cents to $16 per hour; and for small employers (10 or fewer employees), the rate will go up by 50 cents to $15.50 per hour.
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