Montgomery Updates: “Big, Beautiful Bill” is Bad for County, A Closer Look at County’s Newest Affordable Housing Complex – Allium Place, New Laws in Effect and Celebrating Independence Day

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Montgomery County Updates

July 3, 2025 | Bookmark and ShareContact County Executive Marc Elrich

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Message from the County Executive Marc Elrich

County Executive's weekly video

This week, the County Executive shares a video about the opening of Allium Place, a housing complex with affordable housing options, including some home ownership opportunities. He discusses his serious concerns with the budget bill that Congress just passed, which deeply cuts Medicaid and hunger relief efforts. The County Executive talks about the importance of social justice and racial equity on this Independence Day and reminds residents of the fireworks ban in the County. He also thanks residents for helping animals at the adoption center through a recent emergency, as well as ways to beat the heat.

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Free Fireworks Shows for Independence Day in Germantown and Kensington

fireworks

Montgomery County is set to celebrate Independence Day with two events full of fireworks, live music and other family-friendly activities.

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Holiday Schedule for Independence Day on Friday, July 4

independence day

The Montgomery County Government and programs that impact County residents will follow a holiday schedule with changes for the observance of Independence Day on Friday, July 4.

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We Want to Hear From You: Share Your Healthcare Challenges at Upcoming Virtual Meeting with County Health Leaders

community input sessions

Montgomery County will host two virtual community meetings on Tuesday, July 9, and Wednesday, July 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. to gather input from residents on strategies to address the county's most pressing health challenges.

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New Ride On Service Updates and Zero Fare Policy Now Underway

Ride On Bus Service Changes on Sunday, June 29 

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation has implemented phase one of the Ride On Reimagined plan 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), which have also begun.

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Changes Impact Maryland SUN Bucks Program to Help Fight Hunger

Changes Impact Maryland SUN Bucks Program to Help Fight Hunger

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, call1-800-332-6347and 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. 

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Ban on Gas-Powered Lawn Equipment Now in Effect

Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Are Banned Beginning July 1

A friendly reminder to all residents and businesses that the use of handheld, backpack and walk-behind gas leaf blowers and vacuums are now prohibited 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.

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Minimum Wages Across Montgomery County Rise with Start of July

minimum wage

The County’s minimum wage has increased as of 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.

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WSSC Water Extends Temporary Water Bill Assistance Program with Enhanced Customer Benefits Including ‘Pay Half, Half Forgiven’

wssc water bill?

WSSC Water’s popular Get Current temporary water bill assistance program has been extended and enhanced. Unanimously approved by the WSSC Water Commissioners, the extension and enhancement of Get Current 2.0 began July 1 and runs through October 31, 2025. The assistance program helps eligible customers with a delinquent balance as of June 1, 2025, by offering forgiveness of a portion of their balance and waiving 100% of late payment charges and turn-on fees.

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Montgomery County to Pilot Program for Outdoor ‘Curbside Seating Cafes’ in Wheaton Urban District

curbside seating cafes

Montgomery County has launched the application process for an innovative pilot program, "Curbside Seating Cafes," in the Wheaton Urban District. The program allows curbside parking spaces to be converted into accessible dining areas that will serve as extensions of restaurants participating in the pilot program.

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Montgomery County Earns First ‘SolSmart Platinum’ Award in Maryland for its Solar Energy Actions, Including eSolar Program

SolSmart 2

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. 

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Shape Montgomery County's Arts and Culture Landscape by Participating in a Community Survey

cultural plan

Help build a more vibrant and inclusive creative community in Montgomery County by taking a short, anonymous survey available in seven languages (English, Amharic, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, French, and Korean). Your feedback will guide the Montgomery County Cultural Plan, aiming to create a space where everyone belongs, artists and cultural communities can thrive, and arts, culture, and humanities address community challenges. As a thank you, survey participants will have a chance to win a $100 gift card. Your responses are confidential and essential in shaping inclusive, creative spaces for all. 

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During July’s National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, Montgomery County Seeks to Highlight Immigrant Experiences

Minority Health Programs Immigrant Experiences Graphic

In recognition of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month this July, Montgomery County’s African American Health Program, Asian American Health Initiative and Latino Health Initiative are partnering to launch “Journeys Within 2025: Stories of Resilience and Mental Health.” This initiative focuses on raising awareness of the unique mental health challenges experienced by immigrant communities in Montgomery County.

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ADG Cares Provides Free Health Clinic Every Weekend for Those in Need

age cares

Healthcare for the uninsured is available through the County Department of Health and Human Services during the week. Additionally, ADG Cares provides free, culturally competent care in White Oak near US 29 and Cherry Hill Road. Starting Saturday, July 12, doctors will also be available on weekends for walk-ins, focusing on prevention, wellness, and chronic disease management.

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Grab Your Swimsuit and Cool Off at Family-Friendly Dive-In Movie Nights Under the Stars

dive in movie

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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2 More Chances to Catch Montgomery Parks’ ‘Shakespeare Beyond’ in July

Montgomery Parks Presents Shakespeare Beyond at Four Locations in June and July

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! 

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join committee

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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Ongoing Purple Line Construction Will Bring Road Closures and Detours to Downtown Silver Spring Through August 21

traffic alert

Construction on the Purple Line is impacting downtown Silver Spring, including work at Wayne Avenue and Fenton Street. The intersection will be fully closed to vehicles for two months, with work scheduled during summer break to reduce disruption. Some bus routes may be affected; check with your transit provider for updates. Pedestrian access remains open. Follow signage and on-site directions. 

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