 Wednesday, April 9, 2025
The County Council just concluded its operating budget public hearings on Wednesday, with several hundred residents sharing their views on the FY26 budget. Thank you to everyone who took time out of their day to testify in-person and virtually, and to those who submitted their testimony online. Your advocacy is important and appreciated, and I keep track of all the testimony I hear and receive.
Now that public hearings have concluded, each individual Council committee will begin reviewing the budget line by line. We are faced with very difficult decisions this year and must balance the needs of our community without passing additional costs along to constituents through a tax increase. Throughout the budget, I will be providing updates on the work being done in my committees - Economic Development (ECON) and Transportation and Environment (TE). If you would like to follow along as we review the budget, you can watch our committee sessions live and on-demand through the Council YouTube channel. You can also review our staff packets online through the Council website.
If you have questions or concerns about specific projects, please reach out to me.
On Friday, April 4th, I hosted my first Clarksburg Breakfast with Balcombe which is an informal way for the community to ask me questions and for me to share insights from the County Council. Last week, we discussed everything from the budget, the Clarksburg Library, speed bumps and cameras, the More Housing NOW legislative package, MCPS’ boundary study, and so much more.
Thank you to everyone who made the time to stop to chat with me and to connect with your neighbors! A huge shoutout to the team at La Mesa and the Clarksburg Market for lending their space for this event. La Mesa, located at the Clarksburg Market, is Clarksburg’s newest restaurant; next time you’re in Upcounty, make sure to stop by for an authentic Mexican meal!
My next Breakfast with Balcombe is tentatively scheduled for June in Poolesville. Be on the lookout for more information in the coming weeks.
 Councilmember Balcombe alongside District 2 residents at Breakfast with Balcombe in Clarksburg.
On Wednesday, April 2nd, I had the pleasure of meeting with students at Montgomery College's Germantown campus to speak with them about my experiences as a councilmember and how they can shape policy decisions through community advocacy and engagement. Speaking to students is one of the best parts of my job, as our youth are our future leaders and elected officials. Their involvement in our county boards, commissions, and committees is crucial and I was thrilled that Montgomery College students expressed an interest in local government.
Thank you to all the students who met with me, and for the professors and deans at Montgomery College who organized this opportunity for their students.
 A photo of Councilmember Balcombe alongside students and faculty at Montgomery College.
Montgomery County's Department of Recreation is hosting a health fair this weekend on Saturday, April 12th from 10AM-12PM at the Plum Gar Community Recreation Center (19561 Scenery Drive, Germantown, MD 20876). Come out for a day of health activities, a fitness class, music, arts, and much more! Health services at the event include eye screenings, health screenings, kidney analysis, blood work, A1C tests, and flu and COVID vaccines.
Participants are encouraged to register prior to the event by visiting the ActiveMONTGOMERY website, or by clicking the flyer below. You must call 301-956-5378 to register for an eye appointment.
 A flyer advertising the Spring Into Health Fair, which will be held from 10AM to 12PM on Saturday, April 12th at the Plum Gar Community Recreation Center in Germantown. Click the flyer to learn more and to register.
The Montgomery County Planning Department is launching the Community Planning Academy, a dynamic new program designed to make the planning process more clear, accessible, and engaging for everyone. Through this interactive online course - paired with in-person meetings - residents will gain a deeper understanding of how planning decisions shape their communities. Participants will learn about master plans, zoning, the development review process, environment and climate change, permitting, and much more. This is a great way to develop community advocacy skills and play a vital role in shaping our neighborhoods.
If you are interested in participating in the Community Planning Academy, please visit the Montgomery Planning website, or click on the flyer below.
 A flyer advertising Montgomery Planning's new Community Planning Academy. Click the flyer to learn more.
Economic Development (ECON) Committee
The Economic Development (ECON) committee will be meeting on Thursday, April 10th to discuss the FY26 Operating Budget and Amendments to the FY25-30 Capital Improvements Program (CIP). Below is a list of topics we will be working on.
- UM3 - Institute for Health Computing NDA
- Supplemental Appropriation #25-66 to the FY25 Operating Budget, Montgomery County Government, Office of the County Executive, UM3 - Institute for Health Computing Non-Departmental Account, $3,000,000 (Source of Funds: Federal Grant)
- Business Center Team (CEX)
- Conference Center NDA
- Incubator Programs NDA
As always, you can watch a recording of our committee session on demand through the County Council YouTube channel, and can review our staff packets on the County Council website.
Transportation and Environment Committee
The Transportation and Environment (TE) committee will be meeting on Thursday, April 10th to discuss the FY26 Operating Budget and Amendments to the FY25-30 Capital Improvements Program (CIP). Below is a list of topics we will be working on.
- Department of Transportation - General Fund
- Homeowners Association Roads Reimbursement NDA
- Weather Response NDA
- Vision Zero NDA
- Department of Transportation - Parking Lot Districts
- Rockville Parking District NDA
Council Legislation
Learn more about the legislation the County Council worked on during our April 1st and April 8th work sessions below.
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Expedited Bill 9-25, Technical Corrections
- This legislation makes technical, typographical, grammatical, reference, drafting, and codification corrections to County law. It will also make stylistic, clarifying, and conforming amendments to County law.
- The legislation was enacted unanimously on April 1st.
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Bill 1-25, Public Safety - Emergency Medical Services - Insurance Reimbursement - Amendments
- This legislation enables Fire and Rescue Services personnel to inquire about insurance coverage in certain situations and define certain terms related to the Emergency Medical Services Insurance Reimbursement Program.
- The legislation was enacted unanimously on April 1st.
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Bill 3-25, Homeowners' Tax Credit - County Supplement - Amendments
- This legislation would alter eligibility requirements to receive the County's supplement to the Homeowners' Tax Credit and alter the amounts of the County's supplement to the Homeowners' Tax Credit.
- The legislation was enacted unanimously on April 1st.
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Bill 6-25, Consumer Protection - Defective Tenancies as Deceptive Trade Practices
- This legislation expands the Office of Consumer Protection's authority to investigate and enforce consumer protection laws in landlord-tenant matters that may include unfair or deceptive trade practices.
- The legislation was enacted unanimously on April 1st.
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Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 25-01, Self-Storage - Civic and Institutional (Street Activation and Vacancy Elimination (S.A.V.E.))
- This ZTA will allow self-storage above the ground floor in the CR zone with a charitable, philanthropic institution or a cultural institution on the ground floor.
- This ZTA was enacted.
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Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 25-03, Expedited Approvals - Commercial to Residential Reconstruction
- This ZTA will create a Commercial to Residential Reconstruction use, provide an expedited approval process for that use, and allow reallocation of FAR in certain Employment zones.
- This ZTA was enacted.
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Subdivision Regulation Amendment (SRA) 25-01, Administrative Subdivision - Expedited Approval Plan
- This SRA will create an administrative subdivision process for a Commercial to Residential Reconstruction expedited approval plan.
- This SRA was enacted.
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Expedited Bill 2-25, Taxation - Payments in Lieu of Taxes - Affordable Housing - Amendments
- This legislation establishes a minimum payment in lieu of taxes for certain conversions of high-vacancy commercial properties to residential use and establishes the amount of said payment in lieu of taxes.
- This legislation was enacted.
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Bill 11-25, Child Care Coordination - Amendments
- This legislation would eliminate the role of the Child Care and Early Education Officer and eliminate the Early Childhood Coordinating Council, as the Council's duties have largely been absorbed by another department.
- The legislation will be taken up by the Council at a date yet to be announced.
Upcoming Public Hearings
To testify at an upcoming 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 22, 2025
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1:30PM: Resolution to approve Supplemental Appropriation #25-70 to the FY25 Operating Budget, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), School Safety Grant Program, $1,485,840
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1:30PM: Resolution to approve Supplemental Appropriation #25-64 to the FY25 Operating Budget, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), Title IV, Part A: Student Support and Academic Achievement Grant, $1,279,798
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1:30PM: Resolution to approve Supplemental Appropriation #25-65 to the FY25 Operating Budget, Montgomery County Government, Department of Health and Human Services, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Emergency Rental Assistance Grant, $1,486,353
The following County Council appointed boards, committees, and commissions are seeking applicants:
The following County boards, committees, and commissions are seeking applicants:
 A flyer advertising Bike to Work Day, which will be held on Thursday, May 15th. Click the flyer to learn more and to register.
- Registration for Bike to Work Day is now open! Bike to Work Day will be held on Thursday, May 15th, and for the second year in a row, there will be a pit stop at the BlackRock Center for the Arts from 7:30-9:30AM. The first 18,000 bicyclists to register and participate will get a free t-shirt and will be automatically entered into a raffle for a chance to win a new bike. Learn more about this event by visiting the Bike to Work Day website or by clicking the flyer above.
- If you're looking for a community service project in Clarksburg, consider helping the Clarksburg Yard clean up trash along Gateway Center Drive. The Clarksburg Yard has adopted this road and does a group clean up every other month. The next clean up is scheduled for Saturday, May 3rd from 10AM-12PM. Learn more on the Clarksburg Yard's website.
- Spring into adventure with Montgomery Parks nature centers this April! Soak in nature’s beauty with exciting programs for all ages. Below are some upcoming programs in District 2. Make sure to add them to your calendar!
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Make It & Take It: Feeling Froggy | April 12 | 1:30-3PM
Black Hill Discovery Center, Boyds
Easy-to-make seasonal froggy craft to take home. Drop in anytime during program hours. All ages. Registration required (only for those making craft). $2 per person.
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Bats & Beavers Pontoon Boat Cruise | April 29 | 6:30-8PM
Black Hill Discovery Center, Boyds
Take a sunset cruise to spot beaver lodges and detect bats. Ages 6 and older. Registration required. $8 per person ($7, Friends of Black Hill).
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Black Hill Bookworms | April 24 | 6-7:30PM
Black Hill Discovery Center, Boyds
Our book discussion group meets in person every fourth Thursday of the month, March through October to discuss science and nature books. The April selection is “All We Can Save: Truth, Courage and Solutions for the Climate Crisis” edited by Ayanna Elizabeth Johnson and Katherine K. Wilkinson. Ages 16 and older. Registration required. Free.
- Discover the art of French cooking with Chef Greg at the Let's Cook @ Casey cooking class on Wednesday, May 28th. In this hands-on class, Chef Greg will guide you through the steps to create the classic French dish, Chicken Cordon Bleu, sharing his expert techniques and insider tricks along the way. Sign up through the City of Gaithersburg's website.
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.
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