 Wednesday, July 9, 2025
On Wednesday, July 23rd, I will be hosting the final installment in the County Council's United in Service and Support online informational series. This series is a virtual information session hosted by the Council to support the federal workforce and community members impacted by the ongoing challenges at the federal level.
The session will be held virtually at 7PM and will focus on workforce training and certification programs for professional advancement. Presenters from WorkSource Montgomery, Montgomery College, and the Universities at Shady Grove will share resources and information.
You can find more information on the County Council website. The webinar will also be streamed on the Council YouTube channel. If you have any questions, please let me know.
A graphic advertising the United in Service and Support Online Informational Series. Clicking the image directs to the County Council website.
Get ready for the 2025 Montgomery County Farm Tour and Harvest Sale! This is your chance to visit 27 of Montgomery County's fabulous farms and enjoy the richness of our Agricultural Reserve. The Farm Tour and Harvest Sale will be held on July 26th and July 27th, rain or shine.
To plan your day, visit the Montgomery County Department of Agriculture's website to review the event brochure for a full list of participating locations and what they offer. I hope to see you there!
A graphic advertising the 2025 Montgomery County Farm Tour and Harvest Sale. Clicking the image will direct to the Montgomery County Department of Agriculture website.
Each year, the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce recognizes and celebrates exceptional public safety officials for their commitment to our communities and residents. I had the honor of attending this year's event alongside my Council colleagues and presenting our public safety partners with certificates commemorating their achievements and hard work.
Thank you to all our public safety officials who go above and beyond for Montgomery County daily.
Councilmember Balcombe alongside Fire Chief Corey Smedley and Councilmember Sidney Katz, Chair of the Public Safety committee, at the Public Safety Awards.
I had a fantastic time at Chevy Chase Acura in downtown Bethesda for a special presentation about the dealership's Automotive Career Pathways Program! This new initiative is designed to create opportunities for underserved Latino youth through a partnership with Identity, Inc. I have witnessed firsthand the great work that Identity does in the community and I am incredibly excited about this partnership and the pathways it will create for youth in our community.
Councilmember Balcombe and other attendees at the Automotive Cateer Pathways Program launch event.
Economic Development (ECON) Committee
The Economic Development (ECON) committee will be meeting tomorrow, July 10th to discuss the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation's Quarterly Economic Indicators for Q1 of 2025. We will be meeting again on July 14th to review the new competitive grant process for small businesses.
As always, you can review our staff packets on the Council website and watch a recording of our sessions on the Council YouTube channel.
Transportation and Environment Committee
The Transportation and Environment (TE) committee met on Monday, July 7th for a joint session with the Planning, Housing, and Parks (PHP) committee to discuss street classification and the master planning process. You can review our staff packet on the Council website and watch a recording of our session on the Council YouTube channel.
We will be meeting next on Monday, June 21st to review the Master Plan on Highways and Transitways (MPOHT) 2025 Technical Update, which was transmitted to us by the Planning Board earlier this summer. A public hearing on the MPOHT was held on June 8th.
Council Legislation
After introducing a whopping 11 bills during our last Council session, we held 10 public hearings as the next step in the legislative process. Below is a list of the items we held public hearings on. You can review the staff packets for more details and watch a recording of the public hearings on the Council YouTube channel. Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate yesterday, and thank you to those who submitted written testimony.
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Bill 21-25, Taxation - Day Care and Child Care Property Tax Credit
- Master Plan of Highways and Transitways (MPOHT) - 2025 Technical Update
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Expedited Bill 16-25, Personnel - Employees' Retirements System - Membership Requirements and Membership Group
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Bill 17-25, Contracts and Procurement - General Provisions - Exemptions - Internet Access Service
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Bill 18-25, Forest Conservation - Trees
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Expedited Bill 20-25, Economic Development Corporation - Economic Development Strategic Plan - Deadlines
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Bill 22-25, Labor Peace Agreements - Hotel Development Projects
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Bill 25-25, Taxation - Payments in Lieu of Taxes - Public Housing Authorities
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Bill 24-25, Transportation Demand Management - Repeal
- Resolution to approve the Creation of the Development District and Tax Increment Financing District - White Oak
Upcoming Public Hearings
To testify at a Council public hearing or to submit written, audio, or video testimony, please visit the Council website or call 240-777-7803. The deadline to sign up to testify for a 1:30PM public hearing is 2PM the day prior. The deadline to sign up to testify for a 7PM public hearing is 5PM the day prior.
July 15, 2025
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1:30PM: Zoning Text Amendment 25-08, Exemptions - Landscape Contractor
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1:30PM: Corrective Map Amendment H-158, 7979 Old Georgetown Road
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1:30PM: Expedited Bill 19-25, Noise Control - Leaf Removal Equipment - Seasonal Exemption
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1:30PM: Expedited Bill 23-25, Early Care and Education Coordinating Entity
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1:30PM: Supplemental Appropriation #25-76 to the FY25 Operating Budget, Montgomery County Government, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service. FY25 Senator Amoss Moss Fire, Rescue and Ambulance Fund (State 508) Grant, $1,995,461.00
July 22, 2025
The following County boards, committees, and commissions are seeking applicants:
- The Ride On bus is now fare free! This zero fare policy began on June 29th and applies to all Ride On, Ride On extRa, Ride On Flex, and Flash buses. Metrobus fares will continue at $2.25. If you have any additional questions, visit the MCDOT frequently asked questions page.
- If you are struggling with high energy costs, please visit the Pepco website to learn about the Maryland Customer Relief Fund. This program provides up to $300 per household to eligible customers. Learn more and apply through the Pepco website.
- The Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County (AHCMC) is seeking your feedback on its Cultural Plan! The AHCMC is working with Metris Arts Consulting to lead a communitywide process to develop the new plan; a draft will be shared with the public in December 2025. Your thoughts will help shape the plan, and I hope you will take a moment to complete a brief survey for a chance to win a $100 gift card!
- Looking for a rewarding community service opportunity? Look no further than Clarksburg Yard's trash pickup project along Gateway Center Drive in Clarksburg! If you are a middle or high school student seeking SSL hours, this is a great option. Visit the Clarksburg Yard's website to sign up for the next cleanup on July 12th.
If you would like to get in touch with me regarding anything mentioned in this newsletter or any other concerns you may have, please email me at Councilmember.Balcombe@montgomerycountymd.gov or call my office at 240-777-7960.
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