This week, the County Executive offers strong opposition to the University Boulevard Corridor Plan (UBCP); to emphasize his concern, for the first time as County Executive, he testified at the public hearing. He discusses his key objections, including the false narrative that rezoning is needed to address housing capacity. The County Executive then talks about Hispanic Heritage Month, the impact federal immigration efforts have had, and the County's response. He also shares a new report showing a 69% decrease in troubled rental properties. The County Executive also highlights National Preparedness Month and the importance of emergency readiness resources, promotes the importance of vaccine access, and reminds everyone about this Sunday's Friendship Picnic, celebrating community diversity.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, along with the County’s regional services offices and community partners, will host 12 "Community Conversations" from now through November to seek input on the Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget. The next conversation will be from 7–8:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 15, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown.
 The fifth annual Maryland Restaurant Week begins today and runs through Sunday, Sept. 21. For 10 days, restaurants across the state will feature special menus, seasonal dishes and exclusive discounts for dine-in, curbside pickup or carryout. There are no fixed pricing requirements or entry fees for participating restaurants. The event is presented by the Restaurant Association of Maryland and its sponsors. Six Montgomery County restaurants are participating this year.
In recognition of National Preparedness Month in September, the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) will host a free “Ready Montgomery: Emergency Preparedness and Public Safety Fair” from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, at Wheaton Local Park. The park is located at 11729 Georgia Ave. in Silver Spring.
Celebrate the County’s incredible diversity at the free Friendship Picnic from noon–5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14, at Wheaton Regional Park (2000 Shorefield Road). Enjoy live music and dancing, face painting, a petting zoo, moon bounces, carousel and miniature train rides—plus free lunch options including traditional American, Kosher, Halal, and vegetarian meals. No registration needed; just bring family, friends, and an open heart. Small-group conversations will invite neighbors of all backgrounds to connect and discuss building a more peaceful, respectful community.
 Did you know there are approximately 20,000 septic systems in Montgomery County?
As "SepticSmart Week" approaches (Sept. 15-19), the Department of Permitting Services encourages homeowners to learn how their septic system works and how to properly maintain it. The topic was recently featured on “Montgomery al Día,” the County’s Spanish-language radio show. Additional tips are included in the press release.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich will participate in several special events from Monday, Sept. 15, through Wednesday, Oct. 15, as the County observes National Hispanic Heritage Month. The month-long celebration honors the culture, history and achievements of Hispanic and Latino Americans, including the many immigrants who make meaningful contributions to their communities. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Latino residents make up 20.5% of Montgomery County’s population, totaling 217,409 residents.
 Montgomery County residents are invited to attend free Medicare information sessions hosted by the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) this month at local libraries. The Montgomery County SHIP director will provide expert, unbiased guidance on Medicare enrollment, coverage options, deadlines, and how to avoid penalties.
Upcoming sessions:
- Tuesday, Sept. 16, 6–8 p.m., Maggie Nightingale Library, 19633 Fisher Ave., Poolesville
- Monday, Sept. 29, 6–8 p.m., Potomac Library, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac
Montgomery County’s enforcement efforts and tenant protections have led to a 69% drop in rental units listed as “troubled,” according to the Department of Housing and Community Affairs’ Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Troubled Properties Report.
Following FY25 inspections, 67 properties comprising 2,264 units were identified as troubled, down from 93 properties with 7,269 units in FY24. The number of At-Risk Properties also fell, from 76 properties with 6,375 units in FY24 to 55 properties with 2,740 units in FY25. The report highlights the County’s ongoing commitment to improving housing quality and safety for renters.
Jobseekers age 50 and older are invited to a free virtual Employment Expo from 10 a.m.—2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16. Participants can connect with age-friendly employers, explore full-time and part-time opportunities, and receive expert advice on job searching, resume writing, and career transitions. Registration is required.
 |
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation is alerting residents that as of Tuesday, July 1, drivers are prohibited from making right turns at red traffic signals in designated downtown and town center areas of Montgomery County. Drivers who violate the ban on right turns at red lights may face a $90 fine and one point on their driver’s license, consistent with other locations within the State. In Maryland, a right turn on red is allowed unless there is a sign explicitly prohibiting it. More than 200 of these signs have been placed. The no-right-on-red measure was passed by County Council as part of the Safe Streets Act of 2023 (Bill 11-23) to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety on Montgomery County roadways.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich is seeking applicants to fill 11 vacancies on the Commission on Veterans Affairs. Four vacancies are for members of the general public, including non-veteran family members and caregivers.
The Commission advises the County Executive and County Council on programs and services that support veterans and their families. It also promotes veterans’ rights and opportunities through public education, community events and policy recommendations.
Residents of all backgrounds, professions, abilities and ages are encouraged to apply. The deadline for applying is Friday, Sept. 26.
Families are invited to enjoy a day of outdoor discovery and hands-on fun at Children’s Day, held from 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21, at Brookside Gardens. Kids will explore the science and art of gardening by rotating through interactive activity stations designed to educate and inspire. It’s a great outing for families, friends and budding nature lovers of all ages. Picnics are allowed during the event, which is one of the few times they are permitted at the Gardens. Registration is encouraged but not required.
 The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection has released a new episode of its Consumer Connection podcast titled “Exposing Gold Bar Scams.” The episode features special guest Detective Sean Petty of the Montgomery County Department and explores the details of these sophisticated crimes, which have impacted County residents and led to significant financial losses.
Raise a glass to fall fun! Montgomery Parks’ Ale Trail Festival is back at Lake Needwood from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20. This family-friendly event features live music, local craft beer, food vendors and scenic hiking trails—offering something for everyone. Highlights include a mid-hike beer garden for adults, Oktoberfest-themed living statues and a roaming accordion player along the trail.
 Montgomery Parks will temporarily close Sligo Creek Parkway between Piney Branch Road and Wayne Ave. for approximately two months, beginning on or about Monday, Sept. 22. The closure will support Purple Line construction and related roadway improvements.
During construction, detour signs will guide both vehicle and pedestrian traffic around the work zone.
The Sligo Creek Trail will remain open, but users are advised to use caution and follow detour signage.
Full Purple Line construction updates are available on the Maryland Department of Transportation Purple Line website.
 The 2025 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest will take place Thursday and Friday, Sept. 18–19, at the National Wildlife Visitor Center at Patuxent Research Refuge in Laurel, Md. The event is free and open to the public.
Hosted by Friends of Patuxent, the contest selects artwork for the 2026–2027 Federal Duck Stamp, a key tool in U.S. wetland conservation efforts.
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will hold public outreach events to share information and gather community feedback on a proposed robot pilot program at the Town Square Parking Garage in Silver Spring.
The five-foot-tall robot, Parker, navigates the garage using 360-degree security cameras and lidar sensors. Lidar technology allows robots to detect and avoid objects in its path.
The one-year pilot is part of MCDOT’s ongoing efforts to enhance safety in County garages, which have seen expanded camera installations over the past three years. The program aims to assess whether the robot’s presence helps deter crime.
Residents are encouraged to attend the events, ask questions and share input.
Silver Spring Town Center Inc. will host the 12th Annual Harvest Moon Festival from 1-7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21, at Veterans Plaza in downtown Silver Spring. The event will feature live entertainment, cultural performances and seasonal festivities. The event is free.
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, and Montgomery County Public Libraries is encouraging residents to discover all the benefits a free library card provides. With just one card, residents can access research databases, early literacy programs, workforce development resources, streaming services, and the new mobile app. Library cards also open the door to cultural passes, language-learning tools, and thousands of e-books and audiobooks. Sign up today to Read. Learn. Grow.
 Donated bicycles can make a big difference for local community members. The Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) annual Bicycle Donation Drive from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, will make it easy to donate previously owned bikes and ensure they will have a continued impact. Bikes will be collected, rain or shine, outside of the Montgomery County Council Office Building Garage at the corner of E. Jefferson and Monroe St. in Rockville.
Bicycles should be in good working condition or in need of only minor repairs. Rockville Bike Hub volunteers will refurbish the bikes and MCDOT will place them with children and adults in the County through the MCDOT Bike Match Program or through the Rockville Terrific Kids program. A portion of the bikes are also collected by Bikes for the World and donated to communities around the world. Bikes that are not salvageable are recycled.
Bethesda is a vibrant, growing community—but it lacks a dedicated indoor recreation space. A new civic and recreation center could provide a hub for health, youth activities, and community connections.
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will offer low-cost adult bike classes and free e-scooter drop-in sessions throughout September, October and November. The lineup includes 11 Learn to Ride classes, one Basic Skills class and one more walk-up e-scooter classes. Bike classes are $10 for County residents and free for Washington Area Bicyclist Association and Capital Bikeshare for All members, though registration is required. Bikes and helmets are provided. Classes are open to adults 18 and older and fill up quickly. E-scooter classes will follow bike sessions on Nov. 2. No registration is needed for scooters—just bring a valid ID.
 |
The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection will host the 2025 H2O Summit from noon–4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the M-NCPPC’s Wheaton Headquarters, located at 2425 Reedie Drive in Wheaton. The event will feature expert presentations, networking opportunities and hands-on ideas to help protect local waterways and build more resilient communities. Registration is open.
 The new school year is in full swing, and Montgomery County Recreation is helping students stay active, social and supported beyond the classroom.
The popular “Club Adventure” after-school program is available at 10 recreation centers across the County. Designed for elementary school students, the program offers a variety of supervised activities in a safe, welcoming environment. At just $75 per month, “Club Adventure” is an affordable, high-quality alternative to traditional daycare—led by a team of professional, caring staff. Register now through ActiveMONTGOMERY.
Also returning this fall is the “Kids Day Out” series, offering fun-filled, well-organized activities on select days when schools are closed. Held at several recreation centers, it’s a great option for families looking for structured programming during the school year. The first “Kids Day Out” takes place on Thursday, Oct. 2, and registration is now open.
Join early childhood educators, association leaders, and policy experts for a full day of learning, storytelling and inspiration on Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza.
This annual conference offers a valuable opportunity to connect with others in the early childhood education field, gain new insights and grow professionally. Multilingual breakout sessions will return this year, offered in English, Spanish, Farsi, Amharic and Urdu to support broader community participation.
This year’s theme is “Your Story, Your Voice: Craft Your Narrative to Spark Change.”
 The Pike District Partnership has extended its free “Yoga in the Park” series with extendYoga every Saturday morning through Sept. 27.
Classes are held from 8–8:45 a.m. at the Pike District Pop-Up Park, located at Grand Park Avenue and Banneker Street—next to the Montgomery County Conference Center parking garage and behind the Bethesda North Marriott. Pre-registration is required.
|
