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Thursday, November 20, 2025

Update on the Ride On Flex Route 918

Ride On Public Forum on Introduction of a New On Demand Service, Flex Route 918, will be held on Monday, December 8

Many have reached out about the loss of the Metrobus Z2 route and the impact it has had on Ashton, Sandy Spring, and Olney. I’m happy to share that County Ride On is set to move forward with filling part of the gap with a new service called Flex Route 918.

This is a result of our collective advocacy and would bring on-demand service to these areas, including Sherwood High School, to connect with the New Hampshire Avenue Corridor.

If you would like to speak at the December 8 public forum, email your name, home address, phone number, and organization (if applicable) by December 4, and bring a printed copy of your testimony. If you prefer to submit written comments, you can email them by 5 PM on December 18. 

I’ll continue advocating for transit access that reflects the needs of District 7 communities, including expanded coverage into Olney. In the meantime, I encourage residents to weigh in – your comments will help ensure that Flex best serves the neighborhoods that depend on it most. 

Thank you, Olney!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Olney Public Safety Town Hall.

We're especially grateful to the Olney Chamber of Commerce, 4th District Police Commander Dave Smith, Services to End and Prevent Homelessness Chief Christine Hong, and everyone who helped make the conversation meaningful and productive. Your thoughtful questions and feedback –particularly around pedestrian safety, traffic enforcement, and community well-being –continue to guide out work and ensure that District 7 remains a safe, connected place for all. We appreciate every resident who took the time to engage with us, share concerns, and help strengthen public safety across our community.

Councilmember Luedtke listening to pedestrian safety concerns from two residents of Olney.

Next Up: Damascus!

We hope you’ll join us for our next Public Safety Town Hall on December 4 at 7 PM at Damascus High School’s cafeteria. This event will bring together the MCPD 5th District and behavioral health services for an open conversation about safety priorities, community concerns, and ongoing initiatives in and around Damascus. All residents are welcome–come ask questions, share your experiences, and hear directly from local officials working to keep our community safe.

Pepco Customer Relief Fund: Support Available for District 7 Residents 

There are resources available right now to help with rising utility costs.

Pepco's Customer Relief Fund, administered by the Salvation Army, offers up to $300 in assistance for eligible limited- and moderate-income residents. Pepco recently shared that nearly 1,000 Montgomery County households have already been approved for relief–totaling nearly $300,000 in assistance – including 12 households here in DIstrict 7, who have collectively received up to $3,600. If you or someone you know is struggling to manage rising energy costs, you can review eligibility and apply online through the Customer Relief Fund.

In addition, Senator Angela Alsobrooks is hosting a Utility and Internet Resource Fair on November 22 from 11 AM to 1:30 PM at the East County Community Recreation Center (3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring). This event will bring together partners and service providers who can directly help residents access utility assistance, internet affordability programs, and other cost-saving resources.

Residents are encouraged to attend, learn more about available support, and speak directly with agencies who can help. RSVP today.

In The Community...

Top: Councilmember Luedtke at the Restoring the Ranks event. Bottom left and right: More photos from the Olney Public Safety Town Hall.

MoCo Summer Fellows Application is Open! 

The ten-week Montgomery County Council Summer Fellows Program offers graduate students an unparalleled paid opportunity to work directly in real-life policy making with elected officials, senior management, and community organizations in a local jurisdiction adjacent to Washington, D.C. Graduate students in the following fields are invited to apply: public policy, public administration, planning, public health, law, or related subjects. This opportunity is open to current graduate students who will not have graduated by summer 2026. Apply before the January 9 deadline.

Two Ways to Help Animals This Holiday Season

The Montgomery County Animal Shelter in Derwood is accepting donations for animals at the facility. Learn more to see how you can help.

The Montgomery County Humane Society is taking donations of unopened, non-prescription cat and dog food for their pet food pantry. Donations may be dropped off every day but holidays between 11 AM and 5 PM. Those needing assistance with the cost of pet food can visit and pick up on Wednesdays from 11 AM to 4 PM. 

Take the Faith Community Survey

Montgomery County is inviting representatives from all faiths to participate in the 2025 Faith Community Survey, a vital initiative designed to strengthen communication, enhance emergency preparedness, and improve access to grants and resources for local faith communities. Take the survey to help Montgomery County build a stronger partnership with your faith community!

MoCo is marking 10 years as an Age-Friendly Community

Montgomery County is marking 10 years as part of the World Health Organization's and AARP’s Age-Friendly Communities Network, and officials are seeking resident input to shape the next decade of programs, policies, and public spaces that support older adults. With residents over 60 making up more than 20% of the County – and projected to exceed 25% by 2030 – the County is hosting a series of listening sessions, both online and in-person, to hear directly from older adults. Residents who cannot attend a session are encouraged to complete the online Age-Friendly Community Needs Assessment by Sunday, December 14. 

Nominations Open for the 2026 Women Making History Award 

The Montgomery County Women Making History Award – presented by the Commission for Women and Montgomery Women – honors outstanding women who have made a lasting impact in their professions and communities. Established in 2021, the award celebrated exceptional leadership, civic engagement, and social change across Montgomery County. Nominations for the 2026 are open now and due by December 5. 

If you would like to get in touch with me, please email me at Councilmember.Luedtke@montgomerycountymd.gov or call my office at 240-777-7860.

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