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Keeping Up With Kate: Celebrating Montgomery County’s vibrant communities

Montgomery County Maryland sent this bulletin at 09/24/2025 09:35 AM EDT

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Dear Friends,

September is a time of celebration, as we commemorate African Heritage Month and Hispanic Heritage Month at the Council.

Did you know? Montgomery County made history as the first County in the nation to officially designate September as African Heritage Month. We proudly celebrated last week with a special fifth annual commemoration and video honoring several community and business leaders who are contributing in unique ways to our community.

Participants and Council members present the African Heritage Month proclamation in the Council chamber.

Plus, Montgomery County proudly celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, which started on Sept. 15 and is celebrated through Oct. 15. I had the honor of attending the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration hosted by the Latin American Advisory Group. Thank you to the leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates, and residents for your contributions and making our County a vibrant community. I look forward to a month of events celebrating the Hispanic community in Montgomery County.

Council President Stewart at the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration with two folkloric dancers in traditional dresses.

Last, I want to wish a Happy New Year to all those who celebrate Rosh Hashanah. I extend my warmest wishes for a year of health, happiness and peace. Shanah Tovah!

Sincerely,

Kate Stewart
Council President

Buckets & Beats

Join us on Friday, Sept. 26 in Downtown Silver Spring for the third annual “Buckets and Beats: Silver Spring Youth Block Party.” The free block party will be held from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Veterans Plaza after an early dismissal day from school. Middle and high school aged students can participate in pickleball and basketball tournaments (sign up), arts activities, and enjoy a live DJ, free food and prizes.

Thank you to the Silver Spring Regional Services Office and all our partners for coming together each year to make this celebration possible. We invite you all to come out and join the fun!

Expanded Tax Credit for Child Care Providers

Last week the Council unanimously voted to pass legislation that will expand property tax credits to Montgomery County child care businesses to help them stay in operation. I was proud to sponsor this legislation, which expands eligibility for the existing child care tax credit and increases the permitted amount of the credit from $3,000 to $10,000. Supporting our child care providers is essential to making sure our residents are able to live and work in our County.

Text: Bill 21-25: Day care & child care property tax credit. What does the bill do? Bill 21-25 will increase affordability

University Boulevard Corridor Plan

The Council recently heard testimony from 80 speakers at two public hearings on the University Boulevard Corridor Plan. The proposed plan addresses traffic safety, environmental sustainability, growth and economic development along a three mile stretch of University Boulevard. The Council’s Planning, Housing and Parks (PHP) Committee is scheduled to begin its review of the plan on Sept. 29. Once the PHP Committee completes its review, the Council will hold worksessions on the plan, with a final vote on Council amendments to the Planning Board’s draft plan expected later this fall.

I want to thank all the speakers and residents who took time out of their busy schedules to join us for the public hearings and share their input on the plan. Additionally, the Council appreciates the Montgomery Blair High School team for their assistance in hosting our Sept. 10 public hearing in the community.

Councilmembers sit at a long table on an auditorium stage in front of an audience.

Historic Montgomery County 250th Anniversary Kick Off Event

Last week I hosted a special panel event, in partnership with Montgomery History, to discuss Montgomery County’s 250th anniversary and reflect on its history and future.

In 2026, Montgomery County and the U.S. will both celebrate their 250th anniversaries. To kick off this milestone in local and national history, I led a panel discussion about the importance of knowing and reflecting on history, how it shapes our County today, and how it can help inform current and future actions that impact our community.

Thanks to panelists Sheena Foster, Commission For Women Chair; Rebeccah Ballo, Acting Historic Preservation Division Chief; and Darcell Graham, Montgomery County Public Libraries Director for sharing what Montgomery County means to them and discussing our collaborative efforts to honor our history while planning for our future.

If you missed it, you can watch the panel discussion here.

Council President Stewart leads Montgomery County’s 250th panel with (L to R) Sheena Foster, Rebeccah Ballo, and Darcell Graham.

Join MCDOT for the Next US 29 Flash Bus Rapid Transit Public Meeting

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will host a public meeting for the US 29 Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Phase 2 Project on Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 6-8 p.m. at Montgomery Blair High School. This project will improve the existing US 29 Flash BRT service by building a dedicated bus lane between Sligo Creek Parkway to Tech Road. MCDOT will present the preliminary design for the project and staff will be on-site to answer questions and discuss the design. Learn more about the project.

Kate in the Community

Pike District Community Clean-Up

My office teamed up with the Pike District Partnership for a Community Clean-Up Day at White Flint Plaza. Thanks to all the volunteers and community members who came out to lend a helping hand. The Pike District is an integral part of Montgomery County, and it is exciting to see this area’s transformation with every passing year.

Community members gather at an outdoor Pike District table with trash bags, gloves and supplies for the community clean-up event.

Long Branch Festival

I enjoyed great food, dance and live music alongside neighbors and friends at the Long Branch Festival! The festival highlighted Long Branch’s vibrant community, featuring a diverse lineup of entertainment, local artisans, and local restaurants and food vendors including El Golfo, El Gavilan, La Casita, Mansa Kunda, Love & Flour Bakery, and Koma Coffee. Thanks to Roxana’s Flora for the great balloons!

Takoma Park Library Reopening

The new Takoma Park Library is now open! This project has been a long time coming and it was so fulfilling to come together with so many members of our community and government partners to see the beautiful new facility and cut the ribbon together. The library not only enhances the quality of life in Takoma Park but also serves as an essential community gathering spot. Additionally, the computer center provides access to the digital world for everyone. Stop by the new location (101 Philadelphia Ave.) to explore the new community space, Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. or Friday through Sunday from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Mental Health Corner

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

This month, we pause to highlight the importance of suicide prevention awareness. Too many of us suffer in silence. By standing together and breaking the silence, spreading awareness, and fostering compassion, we can help create a safer and more supportive community for everyone.

If you or someone you know may be struggling, help is available.

Animation of a group of people. Text: No matter who you are, no matter your story. You matter.

Tree of Hope

Tree of Hope is a peer-led, predominantly volunteer run organization that provides support to the recovery community. Tree of Hope provides peer groups in shelters and treatment centers, as well as individual peer support to thousands of individuals in early recovery. Their goal is to meet people where they are in order to better understand them, and support them as they build their foundation and develop their recovery pathway.

Over the summer, Tree of Hope opened the doors to a new Clubhouse, which has a focus on supporting youth in recovery. Tree of Hope empowers individuals and works to remove the stigma of recovery. Get involved and learn more.

A tree with colorful leaves and shoes hanging off the branches. Text: Tree of Hope Association.

For more community resources, check out Council President Kate Stewart's website.

Seal Office of Council President Kate Stewart
100 Maryland Avenue
Rockville, MD 20850
Email: Councilmember.Stewart@montgomerycountymd.gov
Phone: 240-777-7968
Website: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Stewart/

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