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Action Packed at the Council

Montgomery County Maryland sent this bulletin at 05/01/2025 12:29 PM EDT

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Thursday, May 1, 2025

Taking On Illegal Commercial House Parties

Next week, we'll introduce legislation to curb the growing issue of dangerous and disruptive for-profit house parties in neighborhoods, events that are already illegal according to County zoning but that have proven difficult to effectively address.

These unlicensed commercial parties create unsafe situations in communities throughout the County and have been a particular concern in District 7, where residents have been confronted with intoxicated partygoers, the parking of dozens of vehicles on small neighborhood streets, noise, and illegal fireworks use. These for-profit events are typically advertised to the general public through online sources and social media. Last summer, at least two examples of these unlicensed commercial house parties garnered widespread concern and prompted us to dive deeper into how we could improve the County's response and enforcement.

Residents are rightfully asking for the County to take action. In extensive discussions with our partners in County Government, we learned that the existing tools to enforce violations for commercial and unlicensed house parties are not effective. Bill 13-25, to be introduced by myself and Councilmember Andrew Friedson on Tuesday, increases potential fines for these for-profit events, which can bring in thousands of dollars, and gives our County a needed option to pursue multiple violations at one time. The public hearing for the legislation is tentatively scheduled for June 10 at 1:30 p.m.

Your Voice Matters: Share Your Input on the County Executive’s Proposed Tax Increase

On April 24, the County Executive transmitted amendments to his Fiscal Year 2026 Recommended Operating Budget.

Initially proposing a 3.4% property tax rate increase to fund his proposed budget, he has now withdrawn that plan in favor of an increase in the local income tax rate from 3.2% to 3.3%. His amendments also propose changes to the Income Tax Offset Credit (ITOC) and the Recycling and Resource Management (RRM) Fee.

The Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, May 13 at 1:30 p.m. to hear resident feedback on these amendments as well as amendments to the recommended FY25-30 Capital Improvements Program (CIP).

Sign up to testify in person at the Council Office Building in Rockville or virtually, or submit written testimony. Please register by 2:00 p.m. on May 12.

Register to Testify

Honoring the Commitment of Our First Responders

Councilmember Luedtke, Sgt. Patrick Kepp, Councilmember Gabe Albornoz, and Comptroller Brooke Lierman together at the 2025 Montgomery County Public Safety Awards.

I had the honor of attending the 2025 Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Public Safety Awards, where we celebrated the extraordinary service of our community's first responders. Among the honorees was Sergeant Patrick Kepp, who received the Gold Medal of Valor – the highest recognition for bravery involving extreme personal risk beyond the call of duty. His courage and dedication exemplify the very best of Montgomery County.

This was a powerful reminder of the demands our police, firefighters, EMTs, and emergency call takers face every day to protect us. Their bravery and selflessness inspire us to continue building a community where everyone feels safe, valued, and proud to call Montgomery County home.

In the Community...

Councilmember Luedtke attends UCR’s annual 5K Walk & Roll-a-thon and Meghan's Dance Party.

Bring Your Kid to Work Day

Last week, our office was thrilled to welcome the next generation of leaders for Bring Your Kid to Work Day! It was a joy to see young minds exploring the world of public service, asking thoughtful questions, and even helping us brainstorm new ideas for our community. Watching them engage with the County government reminded us why we do this work - to build a brighter future for them. Thanks to all the families who joined us for a day full of learning, laughter, and inspiration!

Celebrating Abilities at the UCR 5K

On April 27, I had the joy of joining Upcounty Community Resources (UCR) for their annual 5K Walk & Roll-a-thon and Meghan's Dance Party. This event celebrates the power of inclusion and the vibrant community UCR has built for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Thank you to UCR for your continued leadership in creating opportunities for all to thrive.

Celebrate New Beginnings in Wheaton

I was honored to join Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland, fellow elected officials, and new homeowners at the dedication of three single-family homes in Wheaton. This partnership transformed vacant lots into vibrant homes for families. Congratulations to the new homeowners, and thank you to everyone who made this dream a reality.

Advocating for Youth Mental Health

I was proud to join Delegate Vaughn Stewart for a panel hosted by the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) focused on advancing youth mental health through effective advocacy. We discussed how grassroots movements, legislative partnerships, and community engagement drive real change at both the state and local levels. Thank you to NATSAP for bringing together such a passionate group of advocates committed to supporting young people and families.

Councilmember Luedtke participates in Bring Your Child to Work Day

Coming Up...

Olney Days

The annual Olney Days celebration starts tomorrow and continues all weekend long! Shout out to the Olney Civic Fund and all of the volunteers who work year-round to organize this awesome set of events that highlight the best of Olney and bring the community together. Check out the array of activities over the weekend and see you at the parade on Sunday!

Gaithersburg Book Festival

Mark your calendars for the Gaithersburg Book Festival on Saturday, May 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Bohrer Park! This free event is packed with exciting activities for book lovers of all ages. Meet more than 130 authors and enjoy book sales and signings, free writing workshops for children, teens, and adults, plus tons of exhibits and activities for kids. Best of all, admission and parking (with shuttle service from the Montgomery County Fairgrounds) are completely free.

Now Hiring: Bilingual Community Health Workers

Zócalo Health is expanding in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Baltimore City, and they’re hiring! They’re looking for full-time Community Health Workers or Engagement Specialists who are passionate about advancing culturally responsive care for Latino communities. This role would combine outreach, care, coordination, and patient navigation. Bilingual Spanish-English Fluency and community connections are essential. If you are or know someone who may be a great fit, please apply here.

Help Improve County Services – and Get Paid!

Montgomery County is seeking a total of twenty native speakers of Mandarin, Amharic, Korean, Vietnamese, French, and Spanish to review a technology system for design and functionality. For two and a half hours to test the system, each participant will receive a $100 Visa card. Learn more and register.

Community Safety Day

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation will host a free, family-friendly, student-led Community Safety Day event from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on May 10 at the Carver Educational Services Center parking lot located at 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville. The fair will highlight safety demonstrations, music, and children's activities. MCPS and Montgomery County Recreation are co-sponsoring the event. Vendors interested in participating can fill out this online form. Safety Day is being organized by members of the County’s Vision Zero Youth Ambassador program.

Annual Head Start Party in the Park

Save the Date! In collaboration with the Montgomery Parks and the Housing Opportunities Commission's Fatherhood Initiative, the annual Head Start Party in the Park is returning to Wheaton Regional Park on June 7. Mark your calendars for a day full of information about County services, registration for Head Start and Pre-kindergarten, and a lot of family fun! Register.

Learn to Ride a Bike or Scooter

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation will offer adult bike and scooter classes in April, May, and June. Advance registration is required to participate. There is no charge for Washington Area Bicyclist Association or Capital Bikeshare For All members. For all other Montgomery County residents the cost is $10.

Register here

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Office of Councilmember Dawn Luedtke
100 Maryland Avenue
Rockville, MD 20850
Email: Councilmember.Luedtke@montgomerycountymd.gov
Phone: 240-777-7860
Website: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Luedtke/

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