 This week, County Executive Marc Elrich explains changes he has made to his recommended FY26 operating budget now that the State General Assembly session has concluded. He has cancelled his call for a modest increase to the property tax. With a change in State law, he instead is recommending the income tax rate be changed from 3.2 to 3.3%. He explains the reasons that he vetoed Bill 2-25, Payment in Lieu of Taxes-Affordable Housing, which would forgo 100% property taxes for 20 years for select office-to-housing conversions, providing excessive tax benefits to developers with no public benefit. He also highlights the County joining other local governments and elected officials in filing an amicus brief to oppose President Trump's executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship.
Stories in this issue include:
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) annual Street Sweeping Program began earlier this month, and the effort will run through July. More than 4,200 lane miles of residential roadways will be swept. These efforts help to promote the health of local watersheds by removing salt and debris that would otherwise be swept into waterways.
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.
 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.
The Chesapeake Climate Action Network is partnering with parenting author Shannon Brescher Shea for an environmental scavenger hunt from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, April 27 at the Rockville Memorial Library. Children and their parent or guardian will walk around the Rockville Town Square to look for things on their checklist that protect the environment and climate and things that are an impediment, ranging from streets that you feel safe biking on to looking for solar panels.
 The Montgomery County Commission for Women is excited to announce its upcoming career program, “Level Up: Career Empowerment Series.” This series of free, virtual workshops is 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 annual GreenFest. It 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.
 Join Montgomery Parks for an afternoon of fun, music and entertainment at the second annual Sligo Creek Fest on Saturday, May 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event transforms Sligo Creek Open Parkway into a one-mile street festival featuring musical performers on three stages, as well as nature activities, kids' activities and a variety of local food and brewery options.
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 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.
 After a five-year hiatus, the Butterfly Experience at Brookside Gardens is back and on view through September 21, 2025. The display features live butterflies from North America, Costa Rica, Africa and Asia. Hundreds of these enchanting insects will delight and amaze visitors with their intricate patterns and delicate aerial flight paths. The exhibit is open daily from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. through June 30. Additional hours are listed on the website.
 Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will host a free forum, “Effective Communication Strategies for Substance Use and Mental Health,” from 8:30 a.m.-noon on Saturday, May 17, in Silver Spring. The event is open to the public and will offer practical tools to help individuals and families navigate conversations around mental health and substance use, connect with local resources and support loved ones through prevention, crisis and recovery.
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