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Dear Friends,

The Council’s budget process is in full swing as we are reviewing the County Executive’s proposed $7.7 billion Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget. Committees have been working diligently to review department and agency budgets. With the unprecedented and erratic cuts from the federal government, and cost shifts from the state, we have to ensure that every dollar goes to the best use for our County. Our goal is to continue our unyielding commitment to support essential safety-net services that our residents rely on, public safety and education not only for today but into the future.

The Council has made a key preliminary decision to hold the line on Montgomery County property taxes and not increase property taxes, as we know our residents are facing rising property tax assessments. 

On April 22, the County Executive sent the Council a resolution to retroactively increase the income tax. On May 13, the Council will hold a public hearing on the County Executive’s proposal to change the income tax rate from the current 3.2 percent to 3.3 percent, as an alternative option to generate revenue to fund essential services for our community. 

The Council will continue its tradition of centering the needs of our residents while also maintaining the fiscal stewardship that has enabled Montgomery County to maintain our AAA bond rating which is the hallmark of well-run governments across the nation. Holding tight to our established and fiscally sound economic principles will help us all navigate the challenges that lie ahead.

As always, feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or need assistance.

Sincerely,

Kate Stewart
Council President

Tonight: United in Service and Support Meeting

Councilmember Kristin Mink will be joined by U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin, and experts from Gilbert Employment Law and the Federal Unionist Network (FUN) for a virtual United in Service and Support community meeting tonight, May 7 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. The meeting will focus on “How to Fight Back: Effectively Engaging in Federal Advocacy and Knowing Your Rights.” 

This is the sixth in a series of biweekly online resource sessions hosted by the County Council focused on employment, work source development and unemployment benefits, immigration issues, housing assistance, health and wellness, and essential County services.

Join the meeting on Zoom.

Congratulations to the 2025-2026 Student Member of the Board

Congratulations to Montgomery Blair High School junior Anuva Maloo, who has been elected as the Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB) for the 2025-2026 school year! We look forward to seeing all you accomplish on behalf of MCPS students in the year ahead.

Credit: MCPS.

Also, thank you to outgoing member Praneel Suvarna, who graduates from Clarksburg High School in June.

Kate in the Community

50th Annual Public Safety Awards

I was honored to join Governor Wes Moore, Congressman Jamie Raskin, Comptroller Brooke Lierman, County Executive Marc Elrich, my Council colleagues and public safety officials for the 50th Annual Public Safety Awards. These awards honor the brave men and women who go above and beyond in the face of danger, like Sergeant Patrick Kepp, who received the Gold Valor Award for his heroic actions, when he selflessly risked his life in the line of duty and was struck by a high-speed driver. Thank you to all the officers and first responders for your service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to our residents and to public safety.

Jewish American Heritage Month

Yesterday the Council recognized May as Jewish American Heritage Month. With the largest Jewish population in the state, Montgomery County proudly celebrates Jewish heritage and honors the important contributions of Jewish Americans in the county, state and nation. 

In Montgomery County, we believe in inclusion and compassion and we join together to celebrate the rich cultures that make up our diverse community.

Scotland AME Zion Church Ribbon-Cutting

The newly renovated Scotland AME Zion Church is open to worshippers and the community after a catastrophic flood threatened to destroy this resilient church in 2019. The restoration of the historic church reflects the resilience of the Scotland community and the power of partnership to rebuild and reinstill hope for a bright future.

Montgomery County Celebrates Earth Day 

Montgomery County celebrated Earth Day with events across the County. I had a great time at the annual GreenFest in Wheaton and planting flowers at the Long Branch Earth Day celebration. The Council’s Transportation and Environment Committee presented a proclamation in honor of Earth Day, reaffirming our commitment to move policies and initiatives forward that support a sustainable, carbon neutral future.

Sports Hall of Fame

I was thrilled to attend the Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame Ceremony, where we celebrated outstanding athletes who have brought enormous pride and honor to Montgomery County. The Sports Hall of Fame posthumously honored Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of the Special Olympics and lifelong advocate for people with intellectual disabilities, with its inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award. Congratulations to the Class of 2025 honorees!

Councilmember Albornoz, Council President Stewart and Mark Shriver, president of Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School, at the Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame 2025 Induction Ceremony.

Timberlawn: The Birthplace of the Special Olympics

Timberlawn is the historic home in North Bethesda where Eunice Kennedy Shriver lived with her family while her brother, President John F. Kennedy, was in the White House and for years after. The property is up for historic designation on May 22. In a special video presentation, Montgomery Planning historian Serena Bolliger discusses the property’s beginnings and its historical significance as the place where Eunice started Camp Shriver, which ultimately led to the creation of the Special Olympics. Watch the video.

Credit: Montgomery Planning.

Mental Health Corner

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month? Taking care of your mental health is important at every age, and is particularly important for quality of life and overall wellness as we age. I recently visited the American Muslim Senior Society (AMSS) and the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Geriatrics and Gerontology Education and Research Program's inaugural Culturally Sensitive Mental Health Curriculum Development Training Program, which focuses on optimizing care for older adults to promote quality of life through education, research, and training. AMSS empowers under-served older adults and caregivers by giving them the tools they need to live well. 

Kingsbury Wellness & Learning Group

The Kingsbury Wellness & Learning Group is a nonprofit dedicated to removing barriers and unlocking potential for families with learning and behavior challenges. Kingsbury provides high-quality psychological services at market rates to families in Montgomery County and across the region who can afford them, then directs those proceeds to serving families who cannot. Their team provides services for children, adolescents, and adults, employing evidence-based approaches tailored to each individual's needs. This August, they will launch their new "Men at Work" group, a specialized 15-week program designed to help men navigate life's challenges with purpose and clarity.

For more community resources, check out Council President Kate Stewart's website.