Wednesday, April 30, 2025
The Council is continuing its deliberation of the Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget and Amendments to the 2025-2030 Capital Improvements Program (CIP). We are in the thick of committee work sessions, and are tentatively scheduled to begin to review committee recommendations at the full Council on Monday, May 5th. Final budget action is tentatively scheduled for the end of May.
You can watch our work sessions live and on demand on both the Council website and the Council YouTube channel. Staff packets and schedules are being regularly updated on the Council website, and I will continue to provide updates from my committees in my newsletter.
If you have any questions about the budget, please reach out to me directly.
Earlier this month, I attended an in-person community meeting hosted by Montgomery County Public Schools about the district's ongoing boundary study. MCPS is going through the boundary study process due to the reopening of Woodward High School, the grand opening of Crown High School, and the expansion of Damascus High School. Middle and highs school students in District 2 will be impacted by the boundary study focused on Crown and Damascus high schools.
The school system is in phase one of process, and I encourage everyone to remain updated on the boundary study by regularly review MCPS' dedicated webpage. MCPS will be hosting additional community meeting sessions over the next several months, and will be opening up a new survey to gather community input on initial boundary options. If you missed the initial community meetings, you can find recordings of the virtual sessions and the slide deck on MCPS' website.
While I have no say in the boundary study process, I will continue to follow it closely and will provide community updates regularly through my newsletter. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
A graphic detailing the scope of the Crown High School and Damascus High School boundary study. Click the image to be directed to the MCPS boundary study website.
Registration is open for Bike to Work Day! Join the nationwide initiative to celebrate bicycling as a fun, health, and climate friendly method of travel on Thursday, May 15th.
For the second year in a row, there will be a pit stop in Germantown at the BlackRock Center for the Arts from 7:30-9:30AM. The first 18,000 cyclists who register and participate will receive a free t-shirt and will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a new bike. Visit the Find Your Pit Stop Map to plan your route in advance.
A flyer for Bike to Work Day, which will be held on Thursday, May 15th. Click the flyer to sign up.
The Office of Grants Management (OGM) is currently soliciting grant applications for Montgomery County's FY2026 Cost Sharing Capital Grants Grant Program from qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations seeking to implement capital projects that help provide access to resources, direct services, historical preservation, cultural enrichments, and/or other benefits to Montgomery County residents. Details on how to apply can be found on the OGM website.
As I've previously highlighted, the Office of Grants Management regularly rolls out specialized grant opportunities, and I encourage all organizations to regularly review the agency's website and newsletter for updates. For example, there is currently an active DHHS grants program that aims to reduce the number of persons using, overdoing, and dying from fentanyl use in Montgomery County. Click the buttons below to navigate to important pages on the Office of Grants Management website. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Economic Development (ECON) Committee
The Economic Development (ECON) committee met on Thursday, April 24th and Wednesday, April 30th to discuss a number of budget items. Read about them below.
FY26 Operating Budget and Amendments to the FY25-30 Capital Improvements Program (CIP)
As always, head to the Council YouTube channel to watch recordings of our work sessions. You can review staff packets on the Council website.
Transportation and Environment Committee
The Transportation and Environment (TE) committee met on Thursday, April 24th and Tuesday, April 29th to discuss a number of budget items. Read about them below.
FY26 Operating Budget and Amendments to the FY25-30 Capital Improvements Program (CIP)
As always, head to the Council YouTube channel to watch recordings of our work sessions. You can review staff packets on the Council website.
Council Legislation
During budget, the County Council typically does not take up non-budget related legislation. However, during our session on Tuesday, April 29th, we worked on a few pieces of legislation.
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.
May 7, 2025
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1:30PM: Resolution to approve Amendments to the Comprehensive Water Supply and Sewerage Systems Plan: Water and Sewer Category Change Requests
The following County boards, committees, and commissions are seeking applicants:
Congratulations to the Tides Dance Team, made up of students from Waters Landing and Lake Seneca elementary schools in Germantown! The team won three champion titles in their first competitive season at the 2025 Cheer and Dance Extreme Finale Invitational! What a great accomplishment!!
Last year, a constituent reached out to me with concerns that her HOA was requesting her children's birth certificates for a pool pass. I spoke with my colleague in the Maryland General Assembly, Delegate Linda Foley, about this matter. Del. Foley introduced legislation that would prohibit housing corporations and condo/homeowners associations from requiring sensitive personal information as a condition to recreational common spaces. The legislation - HB755 - was passed by both chambers of the General Assembly and is headed to the Governor's desk for signature. Thank you to the constituent who brought this serious matter to the attention of her elected officials!
Mark your calendar for the Old Line Market, happening on May 3 and 4th at Aix La Chapelle Farm in Poolesville. Click the image to learn more!
- Montgomery County Commission for Women and Montgomery County Public Libraries are hosting free, virtual financial health and wellness seminars beginning on May 6th. Sessions will be held virtually via Zoom from 7-8:30PM on Tuesdays. Learn more below.
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May 6th: Financial Planning 101: Learn the basics of financial planning, including key terms and tools to help you build financial confidence.
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May 13th: Retirement Planning: This session covers retirement planning, with a focus on making your savings last and maintaining financial independence.
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May 20th: Preparing to Leave Federal Service: This session will guide federal employees through the retirement planning process, with a focus on understanding and maximizing their FERS benefits. The session will cover the unique rules, options and timelines that affect FERS, TSP, FEHB, FEGLI and more, so that you can feel confident as you separate from service.
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May 27th: Divorce and Money: Divorce can take a toll on both finances and well-being. This seminar will focus on rebuilding financial health and the steps individuals can take to stay on track.
- Are you interested in becoming involved with Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) with hands on experience? The inaugural Girls Wired for Fire week-long event will run from July 28th to August 1st at the Public Safety Training Academy. Applications are now open! Visit the MCFRS website to sign up!
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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