 Wednesday, March 26, 2025
I have long been concerned with the lack of Upcounty representation on County boards, committees, and commissions (BCCs). A recent report on the composition of Montgomery County boards, committees, and commissions showed that the Upcounty region was represented at a much lower rate than other areas of the county. To help make it easier for my constituents to identify openings on BCCs, I always include a section in my newsletter that highlights open positions on County boards, committees, and commissions.
This issue came up during our March 11th County Council session, where we took action to confirm the County Executive's appointments to the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund Commission. Nine of thirteen nominees to the commission were from Silver Spring, and there was not a single appointee from the Northeast area of Montgomery County. Because of my disappointment in the lack of geographic diversity for this incredibly important commission, I abstained from voting on this agenda item. I implore those selected for this commission to make sure that the work they do represents all of Montgomery County.
To watch a recording of my remarks during the March 11th Council session, please click the video below. You may also visit the Council YouTube channel.
 A screenshot of Councilmember Balcombe from the March 11th County Council session.
With the opening of Crown High School, expansion of Damascus High School, and reopening of Woodward High School in the 2027-2028 school year, Montgomery County Public Schools is going through a boundary study process to determine who will attend these schools. A number of our schools are experiencing overcrowding, and this boundary study aims to alleviate the burden placed on most of our high schools.
MCPS recognizes that boundary studies are confusing and potentially contentious, and the school system has put together a dedicated webpage that will host all information about the upcoming boundary study. Click the button below or visit the MCPS website for more information.
I have five high schools in my district, and all five of them will be impacted by the boundary study. The opening of Crown High School and expansion of Damascus High School will particularly shift enrollment across the five high schools in District 2. Multiple middle schools like likely also see their boundaries change.
MCPS is currently in Phase 2 of 5 for the boundary study. The school system is in the process of finalizing engagement plans and engaging the community in initial meetings, as well as collecting initial data and developing a framework for secondary realignment. There are two opportunities for community engagement coming up regarding Crown HS and Damascus HS, and I encourage you to mark your calendars.
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Virtual Session: Monday, April 7, 2025 | 6-8PM (Meeting Link – session will be recorded and made available to the public)
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In-Person Session: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 | 6-8PM at Gaithersburg High School Auditorium (101 Education Boulevard, Gaithersburg, MD 20877)
If you have any questions about the boundary study, please let me know. While I do not have any control over the study or its results, I still want to hear from the community with your feedback and concerns. Please also submit your questions directly to MCPS.
On Tuesday, March 18th, I was proud to celebrate National Agriculture Day alongside our ag partners and my colleagues. Councilmembers Luedtke, Friedson, and I commemorated National Ag Day with a proclamation celebrating Montgomery County's rich agricultural heritage. Agriculture is all around us - from the food we eat, the items we use, the clothes we wear, and the fuel that powers our world. It was so great to celebrate the day with our agriculture partners from across Montgomery County. A huge thank you to our ag community for the enrichment they provide to our daily lives through their tireless work. Happy Ag Day!
 Councilmembers Balcombe and Luedtke alongside representative from the agriculture community.
Last month, I was thrilled to attend the season opener for Old Glory DC, the only professional sports team that calls Montgomery County, MD home! Old Glory DC plays at Maureen Hendrick's Field at Championship Stadium - located at the Maryland SoccerPlex in District 2!
Before last month's season opener, I sat down with a couple of players and the team's head coach to talk all things rugby. You can watch my interview and highlights from the season opener by clicking the video icon and the button below.
If you're ever looking for an exciting and unique way to spend your evening, check out Old Glory DC. Ticket prices range from $25-55 and can be purchased through the team's website. Old Glory is also hosting a Salute to Montgomery County themed match on Saturday, April 19th at 5PM. Buy your tickets now to celebrate the local community and local businesses, and to cheer on our local rugby superstars! I hope to see you there!
As many of you already know, I try to host a Breakfast with Balcombe event every month in different parts of District 2. This event is an informal community conversation that allows residents the opportunity to come speak with me in a group setting at a local restaurant over a cup of coffee. There is no agenda - just come by and discuss the topics of your choice with me alongside your fellow District 2 residents.
Please join me on Friday, April 4th between 9-11AM at La Mesa at the Clarksburg Market (23329 Frederick Road, Clarksburg, MD 20871). Let me know if you have any questions!
 A flyer advertising Breakfast with Balcombe, an informal community meet and greet with Councilmember Balcombe. This event will be held on Friday, April 4th from 9AM to 11AM at La Mesa at the Clarksburg Market.
Economic Development (ECON) Committee
The Economic Development (ECON) committee will be meeting on Thursday, March 27th in a joint session with the Government Operations (GO) committee to work on Expedited Bill 2-25 - Taxation - Payments in Lieu of Taxes - Affordable Housing - Amendments. This legislation is a part of the More Housing NOW package and would establish a minimum payment in lieu of taxes for certain conversations of high-vacancy commercial properties to residential use.
We held a public hearing on this legislation on March 11th; thank you to everyone who testified in-person, virtually, or submitted written testimony. We appreciate you taking the time out of your day to share your thoughts, concerns, and feedback with the Council on this important legislation.
Transportation and Environment Committee
The Transportation and Environment (TE) committee met on Monday, March 17th to discuss the FY26 Capital Budget and Amendments to the FY25-30 CIP. We discussed a full upgrade to the recycling center complex, updates to the County's storm drains, implementation of the comprehensive flood management plan, and the WSSCWater proposed capital improvements program. You can review the staff packet on the Council website and watch a recording of our session on the Council YouTube channel.
We met again on Monday, March 24th to work on the comprehensive solid waste management plan for 2025-2034. We also discussed Executive Regulation #18-24 - Transportation Services Improvement Fund. You can review the staff packet on the Council website and watch a recording of our session on the Council YouTube channel.
Council Legislation
The Council introduced a number of bills over the last few weeks. Read about them below.
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Expedited Bill 9-25, Technical Corrections
- Lead sponsor: Council President Stewart
- This bill would correct technical, typographical, grammatical, reference, drafting, and codification errors in, and make stylistic, clarifying, and conforming amendments to, various provisions of County law.
- The Council enacts a technical corrections bill once every few years to correct errors in legislative drafting or codification.
- Public hearing and action is scheduled for April 1st at 1:30PM
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Expedited Bill 10-25, Personnel and Human Resources - Hiring of Displaced Federal Workers
- Lead sponsor: Council Vice President Jawando
- Co-sponsors: Councilmembers Friedson, Mink, Sayles, Balcombe; Council President Stewart
- This bill would establish a preference in County hiring for displaced federal workers.
- Public hearing is scheduled for April 1st at 1:30PM
Upcoming Public Hearings
To testify at a Council public hearing or to submit written, audio, or video testimony, please visit the Council website or call 240-777-7803. The deadline to sign up to testify for a 1:30PM public hearing is 2PM the day prior. The deadline to sign up to testify for a 7PM public hearing is 5PM the day prior.
April 1, 2025
April 7, 2025
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1:30PM: FY26 Operating Budgets and FY26-31 Public Services Program and Fiscal Policy for the following:
- Montgomery County Government, Montgomery College, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, WSSCWater, and Montgomery County Public Schools
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7PM: FY26 Operating Budgets and FY26-31 Public Services Program and Fiscal Policy for the following:
- Montgomery County Government, Montgomery College, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, WSSCWater, and Montgomery County Public Schools
April 8, 2025
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1:30PM: FY26 Operating Budgets and FY26-31 Public Services Program and Fiscal Policy for the following:
- Montgomery County Government, Montgomery College, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, WSSCWater, and Montgomery County Public Schools
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7PM: FY26 Operating Budgets and FY26-31 Public Services Program and Fiscal Policy for the following:
- Montgomery County Government, Montgomery College, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, WSSCWater, and Montgomery County Public Schools
The following County Council appointed boards, committees, and commissions are seeking applicants:
The following County boards, committees, and commissions are seeking applicants:
 Ride On has announced an art contest to celebrate 50 years of Ride On service in Montgomery County. Visit the MCDOT website or click the image above to learn more. Entires will be accepted until April 15th. Good luck!
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Is your child facing stress or struggling in school? Learn to support your child’s mental wellness and resiliency while connecting with other parents around your shared struggles. The PEP Family Resiliency Program is a free 8-week online program for parents/caregivers of children ages 5-18, in English, Spanish, or Amharic. The program is offered by the Parent Encouragement Program (PEP). Sessions start the week of April 21. Attend 5 sessions and the evaluation to earn a $50 gift card.
 Save the date for RespectFest, held at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center on Sunday, April 6th from 1-4PM!
If you would like to get in touch with me regarding anything mentioned in this newsletter or any other concerns you may have, please email me at Councilmember.Balcombe@montgomerycountymd.gov or call my office at 240-777-7960.
If you were forwarded this email and would like to subscribe to my newsletter, click the button below. I look forward to remaining in touch with you and serving you as your Councilmember.
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