 This week County Executive Marc Elrich provides brief highlights from his trip to Taiwan and explains why we need to fund our school system at a record level, which is part of his recommended FY26 operating budget. He applauds our community’s health rankings as reported in the latest County Health Rankings report and cites factors that help Montgomery County to continue to be one of the healthiest places in Maryland and in the U.S. He shares information on a WSSC program to help eligible residents with past due water bills. He wraps up by highlighting two upcoming weekend events--one recognizing World Water Day and MoComCon, a popular event hosted by Montgomery County Public Libraries.
Stories in this issue include:
 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.
 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.
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The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is hosting Montgomery County’s first World Water Day Celebration from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 22 at the Wheaton Regional Park, located at 2000 Shorefield Road in Wheaton. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in activities such as guided nature walks, a piñata exhibit and Youth Trout Fishing Day—an initiative that allows young people to fish for rainbow trout a week before the regular fishing season opens. World Water Day is an annual United Nations observance day that highlights the importance of fresh water.
Montgomery County continues to be recognized as one of the healthiest counties in Maryland and the United States, according to the annual County Health Rankings (CHR). The 2025 report does not provide a specific ranking for each county within a state but offers valuable data on how a county’s health outcomes and contributing factors compare to others in the State and nationwide.
The CHR, a collaboration between the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, annually evaluates counties across the U.S. based on more than 30 factors that influence health. These factors include social determinants such as education, employment, housing, physical activity and commuting times. The report emphasizes that where we live, work and play has a significant impact on overall health and well-being.
 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.
 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.
 March Madness has hit the County's Department of Transportation's (MCDOT) Ride On “What Drives You” contest. To celebrate the excitement of the annual season, Ride On bus services is asking riders to submit stories highlighting positive experiences with Ride On bus service. Submissions will be entered into a weekly drawing throughout March for a prize pack, which includes a gift card and Ride On giveaways.
Age-Friendly Montgomery invites residents to a virtual conversation about “Longevity Ready Maryland,” Maryland’s statewide effort to help residents age well. The discussion will take place from noon-1 p.m. on Friday, March 28.
Age-Friendly Montgomery is an initiative that works to enhance the County as a place where all residents can thrive to their full potential. It contributes to making Montgomery County a stronger and more inclusive community. The “Longevity Ready Maryland” plan, developed by the Maryland Department of Aging (MDOA) in partnership with government, business and nonprofit organizations, addresses more than just health care. It focuses on community accessibility and long-term strategies for Marylanders of all ages.
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The Montgomery County Office of Procurement will host a “Montgomery County is Open for Business” event from 9 a.m.- noon on Monday, March 31 at the Silver Spring Civic Building, located at 1 Veterans Place in Silver Spring. The event aims to help Federal contractors explore new opportunities by engaging with local government. As Federal contractors in the County adapt to changing market conditions, the event will provide a platform for businesses to connect, collaborate and discover new opportunities for stability and growth.
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.
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.
 Join Silver Spring Town Center, Inc. for the Eighth Annual Women in the Arts Panel at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 28 at the Silver Spring Civic Building, located at 1 Veterans Place in Silver Spring.
 In an ongoing effort to safeguard our waterways, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has announced the continuation of its pilot street-sweeping program, Sweep the Salt. This initiative focuses on removing excess road salt from roadways adjacent to sensitive watershed areas, especially following winter storms. Using street sweepers, the program effectively collects road salt and debris, preventing contamination of local water resources.
Improbable Comedy, the small but mighty Silver Spring-based comedy production company continues its mission to present quality local comedy shows and bring people together. "SPRUNG! Comedy Festival" returns Wednesday, March 26 to Saturday, March 29 to the Black Box Theatre, located at 8641 Colesville Road in Downtown Silver Spring.
 The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is hosting the 12th Annual Montgomery County Energy Summit on Tuesday, April 8, and Wednesday, April 9, at the Silver Spring Civic Building, located at 1 Veterans Place in Silver Spring. This year’s event will feature new educational sessions, hands-on workshops and personalized assistance resources designed to help building professionals move beyond basic energy benchmarking.
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