 May, 9 2025
Dear neighbor,
Spring has sprung and at the Council, that means we are immersed in reviewing the Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget. Every year in March, the County Executive transmits a recommended budget which is reviewed by the Council and must be approved by late May as required by our County Charter.
This year, County Executive Elrich proposed a $7.7 billion budget, a 7.6% increase over the current year’s budget. His original proposal included a property tax increase which I opposed and ultimately lacked support of Councilmembers, and he subsequently replaced that recommendation with a retroactive income tax increase in its place, effective January 1, 2025. Yes, this means that residents would incur increased taxes on income they have already earned and in the case of federal workers who have abruptly lost their jobs, they would be required to pay additional taxes on wages from jobs they no longer have. I have stated publicly that I will not support any tax additional county taxes this year – not a property tax increase and not an income tax increase. In this time of deep economic instability and uncertainty, this is not the time to add to the cost pressures and financial anxiety of our residents. Montgomery County has significant needs in order to continue the high quality services our community relies on, but like you and families all across the county, we need to manage our public tax dollars judiciously and ensure we can live within our means, especially as we brace ourselves for likely economic downturns in the foreseeable future.
The Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed income tax increase on Tuesday, May 13 at 1:30 pm. If you’d like to make your voice heard, you can sign up to testify at the public hearing by 2:00 pm on Monday, May 12.
As of this writing, the Council is scheduled to take straw votes on the budget on Thursday, May 15, followed by a final vote on May 22. There is still time to provide the Council with feedback regarding your priorities. You can watch all Council budget deliberations live or follow the recordings on the Council’s YouTube channel.
In the meantime, you have my commitment to continue to review department and agency budget recommendations with fiscal oversight, prudence, and intentionality at the forefront. With the unprecedented and often unpredictable cuts from the federal government and cost shifts from the state, we must ensure that every dollar goes to the best use for our county. That continues to be my pledge to you.
Sincerely,
 Andrew Friedson
Councilmember, District 1
Montgomery County Council
Holocaust Remembrance & Jewish American Heritage
 I had the honor of speaking at Jewish American Heritage Month, highlighting the profound contributions of Jewish Americans to our community and the importance of celebrating Jewish history, heritage, and civic leadership here in Montgomery County.
In recent weeks, the Montgomery County Council came together for two deeply significant commemorations: Yom HaShoah on April 29 and Jewish American Heritage Month on May 6.
Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, is a solemn moment to reflect on one of the most harrowing atrocities in human history. As we remember the six million Jews who were murdered, we recommit to confronting the alarming rise in antisemitism and combatting Holocaust denial. With each year, we lose more survivors, making it all the more urgent to preserve and share their stories so that future generations Never Forget.
Just days later, we observed Jewish American Heritage Month, a time to recognize the resilience and remarkable contributions of Jewish Americans to our country and community. Here in Montgomery County—home to Maryland’s largest Jewish population—we celebrate a legacy defined not only by surviving atrocities, but by thriving: through leadership, civic engagement, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Preserving Black History on Seven Locks Road
 It was an honor to attend the ribbon-cutting of the newly restored Scotland AME Zion Church—a powerful reminder that while we can’t rewrite history, we can help rebuild it.
Last Wednesday, I had the privilege of joining community and faith leaders for the ribbon-cutting of the restored Scotland AME Zion Church in Potomac. It was a powerful moment of remembrance and renewal for one of Montgomery County’s most historic Black communities. Built by formerly enslaved African Americans, the church has served as a spiritual and cultural cornerstone for over a century.
After devastating floods in 2019, caused not just by rain but by decades of infrastructure decisions that channeled harm into this community, the building was left uninhabitable. But the congregation’s faith never wavered, and the broader community stepped up. Through the dedicated efforts of church members, advocates, and public and private partners, the church has now been fully restored.
The rededication is about more than bricks and mortar. It is about righting historic wrongs, preserving Black history at a time when it is under attack, and honoring the legacy of families who built this community with their bare hands. The Scotland AME Zion Church begins its second century as a beacon of resilience and an enduring reminder of what a committed community can achieve when we lift each other up, rather than hold each other back.
Cracking Down on Illegal, Disruptive For-Profit House Parties
On Tuesday, I joined Councilmember Dawn Leudtke to introduce Bill 13-25, legislation that prohibits unlicensed, commercially promoted parties to which the general public is admitted, increasing the potential fines from a maximum of $500 to a maximum of $5,000 to ensure more effective enforcement.
Last summer, in particular, we saw multiple illegal events that turned residential homes into promoted nightclubs and wreaked havoc on neighborhoods in our community. The promoted parties that brought over 1000 people to Stapleford Hall Drive with overflow parking at the Potomac Community Center caused damages to the community, traffic issues, and dangerous circumstances for residents.
The County’s enforcement of the laws already established have been frustrating for neighbors and for me. The punishment for these unsafe and disturbing activities needs to more closely match the negative impacts on our community so we can protect the safety and well-being of Montgomery County families.
I look forward to working with our government partners and the Council to pass this bill providing critical tools aiding the enforcement of these illicit parties.
Honoring 40 Years of Sisterhood and Service
 I was proud to join the Potomac Valley Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta to celebrate 40 years of service, scholarship, and sisterhood in Montgomery County.
On April 26th, I had the privilege of celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Potomac Valley Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Councilmembers Marilyn Balcombe and Laurie-Anne Sayles, joined me in presenting an official proclamation on behalf of the Montgomery County Council to honor this remarkable milestone and recognize four decades of service, scholarship, sisterhood, and social action.
Since its founding, the Potomac Valley Alumnae Chapter has played a vital role in empowering youth, expanding educational opportunities, and strengthening communities across western and northern Montgomery County. The chapter’s commitment to civic engagement and community uplift has left an indelible mark and continues to inspire future generations. It was an honor to help commemorate this legacy.
The event brought together a wide range of community members for an afternoon of conversation and celebration. It was a thoughtful recognition of the chapter’s work and a moment to reflect on their past achievements while looking ahead to the continued impact they aim to have in the years to come.
Recognizing Affordable Housing Efforts in Montgomery County
 I joined housing leaders from the nonprofit, private, and government sectors to celebrate Affordable Housing Month and recommit to building a more equitable and inclusive Montgomery County through access to stable, affordable housing for all.
At our April 22 Council session, I was proud to present a proclamation recognizing April as Affordable Housing Month in Montgomery County. I was joined by housing partners from the nonprofit, private, and government sectors. We marked the month as a time to reaffirm our shared commitment to equity, access, and opportunity in housing for all residents.
As Chair of the Council’s Planning, Housing & Parks Committee, I’ve seen firsthand how central affordable housing is to so many of our County’s goals—economic mobility, racial equity, environmental sustainability, and community stability. Montgomery County has been a national leader in this space for decades, from launching the groundbreaking Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit (MPDU) program to advancing zoning reforms and creating dedicated funds like the Housing Production Fund and the Nonprofit Preservation Fund, which I've championed in recent years.
This proclamation is not only a recognition of that legacy—it’s a call to keep pushing forward to make Montgomery County more affordable for more people. We must continue working across sectors to build and preserve more homes that residents at all income levels can afford and to ensure our communities remain inclusive, welcoming, and livable for everyone.
Bethesda Fine Arts Festival this Weekend
 The 2025 Bethesda Fine Arts Festival will take place this weekend, Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11, in Bethesda’s Woodmont Triangle. The festival will showcase fine art from 120 of the nation’s top artists and will feature live entertainment and food from a variety of Bethesda restaurants. It's a great way to spend Mother's Day!
The event is free to attend and will be held rain or shine. It is located along Norfolk, Auburn, and Del Ray Avenues. Public parking is available in the garage on Auburn Avenue.
Check the Bethesda Urban Partnership webpage for more details, including hours and the full list of participating artists.
Bethesda Summer Concert Series
 Get ready for summer nights filled with great music and good vibes! The Bethesda Summer Concert Series is back, bringing free live performances to Veterans Park every Thursday evening on the corner of St. Elmo Ave. and Norfolk Ave. from 6–8 pm starting on May 16 through the end of July. With a different band each week and plenty of space to kick back, it's the perfect way to enjoy warm weather, local talent, and a fun night out in downtown Bethesda. Bring a chair and a friend!
Friendship Heights Spring Makers Market
 The Friendship Heights Makers Market & Street Festival returns Saturday, May 17, from 3–7 pm along Wisconsin Avenue between Jenifer and Garrison Streets NW. With nearly 40 local vendors, handmade goods, food, live music, and kids’ art activities, it’s a lively way to spend a spring afternoon. Enjoy creative workshops, pick up something unique, and take part in fun giveaways throughout the day. The market is free and open to all. Come out, explore the neighborhood, and support local makers and small businesses!
I encourage residents to continue to engage with my office on issues of importance to our community. We appreciate your patience and understanding as our small but mighty team works to respond to your inquiries. Please continue to engage with us by email, visiting our website, Facebook, and Twitter pages.
|
