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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
 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
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