 The County Executive takes you through his recommended operating budget for the next fiscal year while explaining that the unresolved Maryland budget may change it. It meets the call from educators to fully support a significant increase to the school district budget partly supported by a strategic property tax increase. The County Executive also talks about the expansion of the police drone program into Bethesda. He also discusses his visit to Walt Whitman High School to share an update on the County's Climate Action Plan. He also recognizes some standout women helping our community.
Stories in this issue include:
 If you are planning to celebrate with alcohol on St. Patrick’s Day, Monday, March 17, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) and the Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) remind residents not to drink and drive. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that nearly half of all traffic deaths on St. Patrick’s Day involve drunk drivers.
The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) is holding a free “Find Your Lucky Pup” adoption event for all dogs through Monday, March 17.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich was joined today by Montgomery County Councilmember Andrew Friedson and Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) leadership to announce the expansion of the MCPD Drone as First Responder Program (DFR) to the Bethesda (2nd District) area. Since the DFR program launched in November 2023, it has successfully conducted more than 2,000 flights.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich was joined today by Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas W. Taylor to present the Montgomery County Fiscal Year 24 Climate Action Plan Annual Report to students in the Leadership for Social Justice Academy at Walt Whitman High School. The report outlines significant progress in implementing the County's ambitious Climate Action Plan, which focuses on reducing climate pollution, increasing resilience to climate impacts and setting a plan for actions in fiscal year 2025.
 Federal employees returning to in-person work can take advantage of accessible and convenient transit services from the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT). MCDOT Ride On buses service Federal work locations across Montgomery County and larger transit hubs to facilitate travel into Washington, D.C. Additionally, passengers who ride Metro buses or rail receive a free same-day transfer to Ride On buses and throughout Montgomery County.
 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.
 Montgomery County Recreation is hosting six hiring fairs at Recreation Centers across the County in March and April. The Department is looking for lifeguards, camp counselors, camp directors and other staff to fill positions for this summer.
 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.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich will hold six Community Conversations, one with each of the County’s five regional Citizen Advisory Boards, throughout March, April and May, to discuss long-term priorities and how he will address the Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budget. All meetings are open to the public and encourage community participation.
 The Montgomery County Commission for Women, in partnership with Montgomery Women, recently announced the recipients of the 2025 Women Making History Award. This prestigious award honors exceptional women in Montgomery County who have made significant contributions to their professions and communities. Through leadership, advocacy and dedication, these women continue to shape a more equitable and empowered future for all.
Employees working in Montgomery County can receive up to $325 a month to help cover the cost of their commute using public transit with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) FareShare program. To receive the reimbursement, employers must contribute $25 a month per employee receiving the benefit. The money is tax-free to both the employee and the employer.
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will offer low-cost adult bike classes in April, May and June. The classes will include nine Learn to Ride and one Basic Skills class. MCDOT also will offer four free, walk-up e-scooter classes following select bike classes. Advance registration is required to participate in the bicycle classes, with a cost of $10 for Montgomery County residents. There is no charge for Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) or Capital Bikeshare For All members. However, registration is still required.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Montgomery County Commission for Women (CFW), in partnership with Montgomery County Recreation and Montgomery County Public Libraries, invites residents to participate in the eighth annual Girl Power Contest.
 The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is now accepting applications for its Food Truck Generator Electrification Pilot Program. This initiative seeks to reduce noise and pollution from mobile food service businesses by providing financial incentives to replace gasoline- and diesel-powered generators with clean, quiet and efficient battery-powered systems.
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