On March 14, the County Executive transmitted his proposed FY26 Operating Budget to the Council. Despite a rising level of uncertainty for Montgomery County residents resulting from the draconian actions taken at the federal level by the Trump Administration and a challenging budget deficit at the state level, the Council has been tasked with considering another property tax rate increase and several fee increases, including a massive increase to the Solid Waste Development Charge.  

Just this week, the Trump Administration rolled out its latest round of abrupt cuts and mass layoffs for over ten thousand federal employees, including thousands of employees at the FDA, NIH, and HHS who work and reside in Montgomery County. We are standing with our federal workforce and working with our Congressional Delegation, Attorney General, and community partners to push back and address these unprecedented executive actions.  

As we work to provide support and resources for our federal employees, we must also send a clear message to Montgomery County residents: now is not the time to exacerbate the affordability challenges we already face with a package of increases on your tax bill. 

Now more than ever, we must keep affordability for our residents at the forefront of our budget decision-making as more and more of our 70,000 federal employees become at-risk of losing their jobs and the State of Maryland shifts additional cost burdens to the counties to balance its budget. 

This year’s proposed tax rate increase has also been justified by the need to fund education, however just like two years ago when I opposed the 4.7 cent proposed tax increase, it funds a wide range of programs and new positions across county government well beyond schools. Additionally, the massive increase in the Solid Waste Development Charge in part funds the early stages of planning for a major capital project to transform our solid waste disposal system. However, the details and specifics of this proposed plan haven’t been publicly shared and the Council, or the residents who will be footing the bill for that matter, have not been given an opportunity to weigh in prior to its inclusion in the recommended budget.  

We are already generating approximately $150 million additional dollars from rising property tax assessments without resorting to another property tax hike just two years after the previous one. It is simply not the time to ask our families and taxpayers to shoulder more costs that would make Montgomery County less affordable. 

The County Council will hold public hearings on the Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget on April 7 and April 8 at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., and on April 9 at 2:30 p.m. These hearings are a key opportunity for residents, business owners, and community stakeholders to share their perspectives, voice concerns, and advocate for funding priorities that shape our neighborhoods and daily lives.

If you'd like to testify, either in person or virtually, you can register ahead of time on the Council's webpage or by calling 240-777-7803. Your input is essential in shaping our budget decisions to reflect the diverse needs and priorities of our community. 

 

Sincerely,

As property tax assessments continue to rise across Montgomery County, homeowners on fixed or limited incomes are facing significant housing affordability challenges and need relief. Given the uncertainty we face as a community, this is truer than ever before. 

After my proposal to expand the Individuals 65 and Older and Military Service Members Tax Credit stalled last year, I have continued to work with colleagues and Council staff to address housing affordability concerns and opportunities to provide relief to our residents who need it the most. 

I am pleased to announce that this week the Council reached a consensus to provide tax relief to more homeowners through an expansion of the County Supplement to the Homeowners’ Tax Credit (HOTC) proposed by Council President Stewart, Councilmember Sidney Katz, and myself. The HOTC is a progressive tax credit administered by the State of Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) where lower income households receive a larger credit on their property taxes. This structure targets relief to residents on limited incomes.  

Bill 3-25 expands the credit by raising the eligibility requirements, such as the maximum incomes and net worths of eligible households and increasing the amount of the assessed value of the property to which the credit applies. Importantly, the bill also ensures that the credit keeps pace with inflation so more residents can afford to stay in their homes and age in place in our community. I believe critical measures like this one, in addition to making housing more affordable and keeping property taxes in check, are among the most effective ways to keep Montgomery County affordable in the long run.  

For more information on Bill 3-25, please see the April 1 press release on its passage. 

One of the most basic ways we can grow our tax base to pay for the services that residents have come to expect is expanding housing options. That has been a theme of the recent work before the Planning, Housing and Parks (PHP) Committee, which I chair. For far too long, we have seen report after report that we are losing people and tax revenue because of a lack of housing. 

My focus, as PHP Chair, has been on the why and who of this debate. The why is that we have a housing crisis. The who are teachers, nurses, police, firefighters…the people who serve our community and make our economy go. In two items recently before the PHP Committee, I am pleased to say that we have moved the needle in expanding the housing options for county residents. 

Bethesda’s Drone as First Responder (DFR) program is officially in the air! I was proud to join our public safety leaders on March 11 to mark the official launch of this cutting-edge initiative right here in District 1. First introduced as a pilot program in November 2023 with launch sites in Silver Spring and Wheaton, the DFR program has already demonstrated its value in improving emergency response times and providing critical real-time intelligence to law enforcement. After seeing its success, I made the expansion to Bethesda and Gaithersburg a top budget priority last year, and I’m glad to see that investment realized. 

The DFR program deploys drones to provide officers with live visuals before they arrive on scene, increasing situational awareness and improving both public and officer safety. It has already played a key role in missing persons cases, arrests, and securing convictions. As we continue leveraging technology to support law enforcement, I remain committed to ensuring our first responders have the tools they need to protect and serve our community. For more details, including live flight maps, statistics, and call data, visit the Montgomery County Police Department’s DFR Dashboard. 

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of attending the MoCo Eats Expo, a celebration of Montgomery County’s vibrant food and hospitality industries. These businesses are at the heart of our local economy, creating jobs, driving tourism, and bringing people together through diverse culinary experiences. Visit Montgomery did a fantastic job organizing this event, which brought together industry leaders, small business owners, and entrepreneurs to share ideas, build connections, and strengthen this essential sector. 

I was especially honored to introduce my friend and Bethesda’s own Seth Goldman, co-founder of Honest Tea and JUST ICE TEA. Seth is one of the most inspiring and mission-driven entrepreneurs anywhere, leading the way in sustainability and responsible business practices. His success reflects the kind of innovation and dedication that define Montgomery County’s business community. A big thank you to Visit Montgomery and all the local businesses that continue to make our county a premier destination for dining and hospitality. 

 

Tonight at 7 p.m., Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles will host the next session of United in Service and Support, focusing on navigating new career opportunities for federal workers. Representatives from MCEDC, WorkSource Montgomery, and the County’s Office of Human Resources will provide valuable guidance on job transitions and workforce resources. 

The latest series of extreme cuts affecting thousands of federal employees, including many here in Montgomery County, are devastating—not just for those who’ve dedicated their careers to public service, but for the essential work they do in public health, research, and beyond. This reckless approach disregards the real impact on families and communities. 

Montgomery County remains united in support. These biweekly sessions provide critical resources on employment, legal rights, housing, and more. Stay tuned for future sessions on federal advocacy, small business opportunities, and financial assistance. 

Join us on Zoom at 7 p.m. and submit questions anonymously. Let’s stand together. 

On Wednesday, April 16, from 10 AM – 2 PM at the Silver Spring Civic Building, job seekers will have the opportunity to explore a range of career opportunities with employers from local and state government agencies, as well as the private sector. This event is designed for federal employees facing job displacement, professionals considering a career change, and anyone looking to expand their employment options. 

Attendees will have direct access to hiring managers, career resources, and networking opportunities. Career coaches will be available to provide resume feedback and offer guidance on how to market skills effectively. Additionally, workshops will address career transitions, job search strategies, and managing the challenges of job loss. 

Whether you are actively searching for a new position or just exploring possibilities, this career fair provides a valuable chance to connect with employers and gain insight into current job market trends. 

Registration is required. Sign up here: bit.ly/mdgovcareerfair.