 This week, County Executive Marc Elrich makes the case for his veto of Expedited Bill 2-25, Payment in Lieu of Taxes-Affordable Housing (PILOT), arguing that it will cost millions in lost revenue with very little in return. He provides an update on continued efforts by the Trump administration to unfairly target the immigrant community, thanks Senator Chris Van Hollen for his remarkable advocacy and highlights a successful career fair the County co-sponsored in Silver Spring that drew more than 1,200 people looking for work or career training. He also recognizes the County’s urban search and rescue team that recently deployed to Kentucky to help with flood rescue and recovery. Finally, he notes the critical work of 9-1-1 operators and dispatchers during National Public Safety Communicators Week.
Stories in this issue include:
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is celebrating the 55th anniversary of Earth Day on Tuesday, April 22, and will offer free rides on County buses, including Ride On, Ride On extRa, Ride On Flex and Flash Bus Rapid Transit.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich will deliver his annual “State of the County” address at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, at the Leggett Executive Office Building (LEOB) in Rockville. The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place on the terrace level of the LEOB, located at 101 Monroe Street in Rockville. Light refreshments will be served.
Montgomery County officials and key partners recently launched Mobilize Montgomery, a strategic collaboration aimed at supporting workers and businesses affected by the recent federal budget cuts by providing resources, amplifying outreach efforts from the Montgomery County Government, creating toolkits to support affected businesses, and developing new programs such as weekly webinars and new events geared toward employees and employers.
 Currently, we are recruiting members for the Taxicab Services Commission. The vacancies are open until filled. The Commission is currently working with taxicab companies on innovative approaches to recruiting and retaining new taxicab drivers, which would improve service delivery and reduce wait times. The Commission is also working to improve service capacity for Montgomery County residents and guests who require a wheelchair or motorized scooter and who need wheelchair-accessible taxicabs for their travel needs.
 County Executive Marc Elrich joined Climate Change Officer Sarah Kogel-Smucker and the County’s Department of Environmental Protection at the Bethesda Central Farmers Market recently to highlight the Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Off program and the new Climate Smart campaign to promote sustainable actions. Residents can drop off food scraps for recycling at four local farmers markets throughout the County. This action to reduce food waste is a key component of the County's Climate Action Plan.
 Montgomery County has awarded $750,000 in grants to six partnerships that connect families with nutritious, locally grown food and nutrition education through pediatric clinics and school-based health centers. The programs aim to improve health outcomes for children at risk of diet-related diseases and food insecurity.
 The Montgomery County Commission for Women is excited to announce its upcoming career program, “Level Up: Career Empowerment Series”—a series of free, virtual workshops designed to help individuals build confidence, sharpen professional skills and take the next step in their career journey.
 Looking for a family-friendly activity to wrap up Earth Month? Join us on Saturday, April 26, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in Wheaton to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the GreenFest. GreenFest is the largest environmental festival in Montgomery County. GreenFest is free to attend and will feature electric vehicles, music, face painting, green businesses and much more. This year, we will recognize local environmental heroes making a difference in their communities. The first 500 people to register will receive a goodie bag to assist them on their journey to greener living. Don’t miss out.
 The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) has released a new episode of its Consumer Connection podcast titled, “Out of Work, Not Out of Options: Your Financial Game Plan.” This episode offers listeners practical advice for managing finances during periods of transition, such as job loss, relocation or retirement
The Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame (MCSHF) will posthumously honor Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics, with its inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award during its Class of 2025 induction ceremony on Sunday, May 4, at the Silver Spring Civic Building, located at 1 Veterans Place in downtown Silver Spring. The event will begin at 4 p.m.
 The Rockville Science Center will host the 34th Annual Rockville Science Day on Sunday, April 27, and the family-friendly event offers everyone a chance to experience a variety of science and technology-related exhibits, activities, games and demos. The free event is from noon-5 p.m. at Montgomery College’s Rockville campus.
The City of Gaithersburg is proud to host the first Gaithersburg Film Festival, three days of film screenings and discussions to celebrate the community’s rich diversity.
 You are invited to the Germantown Visioning Workshop hosted by the UpCounty Hub at the Regional Services Center on Tuesday, April 29 from 6-8 p.m. Share your ideas for the town center, review the mission, vision and values that will guide the future of the town center and get a first look at the Town Center logo options!
 Officials from the State of Maryland, Montgomery County and the Town of Poolesville are offering a $3 million incentive to the owners of White’s Ferry and Rockland Farm to reach an agreement to re-open White’s Ferry.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will offer low-cost adult bike classes in May and June. The classes will include six Learn to Ride and one Basic Skills class. MCDOT also will offer four free, walk-up e-scooter classes following select bike classes.
 Montgomery County residents are encouraged to participate in the regional Bike to Work Day on Thursday, May 15 and online registration is now open. The event is held annually across the nation to celebrate bicycling as a fun, healthy and climate-friendly way to travel.
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