 This week, the County Executive shares statements on the Mahmoud v. Taylor and Trump v. CASA, INC SCOTUS decisions. He talks about the opening of Allium Place, a 6-acre former County property that is now home to close to 200 affordable home options. He explains why the Zoning Text Amendment, working its way through the County Council, is not the right way to proceed. The County Executive also highlights some laws taking effect July 1, including one that will make the use of gas-powered leaf blowers illegal in Montgomery County. He also talks about the heat wave we just experienced and the importance of being ready for dangerous weather. The County Executive also reminds you to support Pride in the Plaza on Sunday and offers suggestions on how you can enjoy the 4th of July holiday with your family.
Since Monday, Montgomery County and the entire Washington metropolitan region have felt the blistering heat of the summer’s first heat wave. Afternoon air temperatures climbed close to 100 degrees and overnight low temperatures remained in the upper 70s to near 80.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will implement phase one of the Ride On Reimagined plan on Sunday, June 29, with new and updated routes and schedule adjustments. The changes are in coordination with the launch of Metro Bus changes, from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), taking place on the same day.
 Purple Line construction impacting downtown Silver Spring has begun. Crews will install light rail tracks, reconstruct sidewalks and complete stormwater drainage and utility crossings across the intersection of Wayne Avenue and Fenton Street over the next two months. This work will require a temporary full closure of the Wayne Avenue and Fenton Street intersection to vehicular traffic. To minimize disruption, construction has been scheduled to coincide with the local school summer break. However, some WMATA and Ride-On bus routes may be affected. Please check directly with your transit service provider for any updates or detour information. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times. Please follow posted signage and directions from on-site personnel.
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Summer always brings concerns about the absence of regular meals in a child’s life. Maryland SUN Bucks helps families with school-aged children who receive free or reduced-price meals buy groceries during the summer break when school meals are unavailable. Families who qualify for the Maryland SUN Bucks program will receive $40 for June, July, and August (a total of $120) for each eligible student. If you have any questions, call 1-800-332-6347 and select the Maryland SUN Bucks option. You can also find chatbot help on the SUN Bucks website run by the Maryland Department of Human Services.
A friendly reminder to all residents and businesses that the use of handheld, backpack and walk-behind gas leaf blowers and vacuums must stop July 1st in Montgomery County! Unsure of what to do next? Learn more about how to manage leaves and debris on your property, and tips about buying and using battery powered leaf blowers at montgomerycountymd.gov/leafblowers.
 The County’s minimum wage will increase on July 1, 2025, in accordance with County law that ties annual wage adjustments to inflation. The change affects employers of all sizes across Montgomery County.
 Stay connected and informed with the Montgomery County Black Community Calendar—a centralized platform created to highlight and support events focused on the Black and African American community. Hosted by the Montgomery County Black Collective, this resource empowers Black-led organizations by offering a dedicated space to post, promote and share culturally relevant events and initiatives.
Staying cool in the pool while watching a movie has become the hot thing to do this summer. We’ve already got two of our upcoming Dive-In Movie nights completely booked, but openings remain for screenings at the Germantown, Upcounty and Long Branch pools later this summer. All ages welcome. $5 per attendee. Clear tubes will be provided for participants. No personal rafts allowed. Deck chairs will be available and personal chairs are allowed. Participants ages 17 and under must have a guardian in the facility at all times. Space is limited. Registration is required at ActiveMontgomery.org, just search movie and look for the Special Events section.
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Celebrate Independence Day early in Gaithersburg! Join us for an evening filled with live music, delicious food from local trucks and breweries, and fun activities for the whole family! Don't miss the spectacular fireworks display lighting up the night sky. Happening Saturday, June 28, from 6-11 p.m. at Bohrer Park. Let’s make it a night to remember.
Pride in the Plaza returns to Downtown Silver Spring's Veterans Plaza from noon-8 p.m. on Sunday, June 29. In addition to a plaza full of LGBTQIA+ community vendors and supportive organizations and businesses, Pride in the Plaza 2025 will feature Drag Story Hour, the finale of Drag Duels, a community/open mic stage and will close with the fifth annual Pride in the Plaza Mini-Ball! Don't miss out—join us for a day of pride, fun and community! Celebrate diversity, embrace unity!
This year’s “Heritage Days” events are planned from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29. This free festival highlights historic, cultural and outdoor recreation sites offering special programs including exhibits and demonstrations, live music, activities for children and much more! Heritage Days is the perfect chance to enjoy many small sites that are not regularly open to the public.
During the County’s annual Juneteenth celebration last weekend, six people were honored with the “Living Legend Awards” at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown. The 2025 award recipients were honored for their lifelong dedication in the areas of justice and advocacy, the arts, education, sports, entertainment, public service and other selfless acts of kindness.
Montgomery County has a new podcast, “Black Coffee,” a platform created to uplift, inform and inspire the Black community by sharing real conversations, personal stories and valuable resources. Hosted by Frederick Hawkins, African American community liaison and outreach manager with the County’s Office of Community Partnerships, “Black Coffee” will feature interviews with local leaders, residents, entrepreneurs, artists and changemakers.
Montgomery County is the first local government in Maryland to be recognized with a SolSmart Platinum designation, the highest level awarded, for encouraging the growth of affordable solar energy options at the local level. In 2020, Montgomery County was awarded a SolSmart Gold designation. SolSmart is a national organization that helps local governments and organizations become solar energy leaders.
Join Montgomery Parks for their Shakespeare Beyond performances, featuring Chesapeake Shakespeare Company. They’ll be bringing a fresh twist to a timeless Shakespearean classic, The Comedy of Errors, Hon!
County Department of Transportation Seeking Members for MD 355 Flash Bus Rapid Transit Corridor Advisory Committee
The County’s Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is looking for applicants to join the MD 355 Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Corridor Advisory Committee. The committee is comprised of residents, business owners and other stakeholders along the MD 355 corridor--from Bethesda to Clarksburg. Members will participate in periodic meetings, allowing MCDOT to give updates on the project and gather feedback from stakeholders along this corridor. Applications are due by Monday, July 14.
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 Montgomery County is set to celebrate Independence Day with two events full of fireworks, live music and other family-friendly activities.
The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will have holiday schedule and program changes for the observance of Independence Day on Friday, July 4.
Join Silver Spring Town Center Inc. at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8 for a special book talk The Lost Trees of Willow Avenue: A Story of Climate & Hope on One American Street with author Mike Tidwell in the Fenton Room of the Silver Spring Civic Building. Filmmakers Richard Hall and Simone Fary will also present a short documentary based on the book.
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