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Dear Friends,
Next week, I conclude my term as Council President and the Council votes to elect new leadership. I’m proud of the significant accomplishments we achieved this year, while overcoming obstacles and lessening the harm inflicted on our communities by the Trump administration.
Under my leadership, the Council has stepped up to help and protect our community members being targeted by this administration. We’ve worked in lockstep with our state and federal partners to safeguard democracy, and we’ve joined residents to rally for our neighbors and stand up for our constitutional rights.
Despite a challenging economic landscape, we passed a robust budget, maintaining the County’s longstanding Triple-A bond rating and without raising tax rates. We delivered for residents and businesses, and upheld the values of being a welcoming and inclusive community for all.
Plus, here are a few highlights of progress we made together.
Response to Federal Administration
Throughout the year, we have been united in service and support for our residents to ensure everyone in Montgomery County has their basic needs met and rights preserved.
My team led and organized the United in Service and Support Community Resource Fair and a 12-part webinar series to support families and workers impacted by federal actions and mass federal layoffs.
To support federal workers, we championed the creation of the new Mobilize Montgomery Federal Workforce Career Center, the nation’s first career center dedicated to helping displaced federal workers find gainful employment created in partnership with WorkSource Montgomery.
I was proud that the Council approved a $7.75 million Public Service Support Resolution. This spending package will provide greater assistance to residents and non-profits adversely affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown and the federal administration’s policies.
Investments in Critical Community Services
Central to my work this year was the Council President’s Mental Health Initiative. As a part of this initiative, we held mental health convenings with hundreds of providers and met with numerous groups to uplift mental health services. We met with many groups of young people and students to better understand how we can boost support for youth mental health needs.
In this year’s budget, we prioritized resources for social safety net programs. We pushed for improved safety for individuals experiencing homelessness by allocating funds for security officers at Progress Place. We increased Behavioral Health and Crisis Services funding to promote mental wellness and ensure access to comprehensive treatment and effective services for children, youth and families, and adults and seniors with behavioral health needs.
We celebrated the historic opening of the MoCo Pride Center, the first ever physical space in the County dedicated to serving the LGBTQ+ community. And my team hosted the third annual Buckets & Beats Youth Block Party and supported countless events throughout the community.
 County leaders cut a pink ribbon at the opening of the MoCo Pride Center.
Early Care & Education
We passed legislation to establish discounted parking permit rates for childcare and other nonprofit providers and expanded property tax credits for child care providers. The $7.6 billion budget included a record $3.6 billion for public schools and $345 million to fully fund Montgomery College.
 Council President Stewart joins county leaders and students in a classroom.
Climate, Infrastructure & Housing
This year, we advanced infrastructure, housing and climate initiatives that strengthen our efforts to build for a safe and sustainable future. We made Ride On buses free for all riders, promoting ridership and strengthening our climate resiliency. I led and the Council passed the Bring Your Own Bag bill, encouraging people to shop with reusable bags and reduce plastic use. And we passed legislation to move us closer to creating a Community Choice Aggregation pilot program, expanding competitively priced, renewable energy options for residents.
We supported increased investments in rental assistance and in the construction and preservation of affordable housing. We celebrated the progress of major affordable housing developments across the County.
 Our office continues to advocate for and work with residents and local businesses impacted by the construction of the Purple Line. Following discussions with impacted small businesses, we pushed for improvements to the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Small Business Grant Program. We participated in numerous community safety walks and joined with Purple Line Transit Partners and safe streets advocates to strengthen pedestrian safety along the Purple Line corridor.
 Group tours Purple Line construction site.
This year, we proudly worked together to support the common good. I look forward to continuing our work together in the year ahead.
Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving and a safe and restful holiday season!
Sincerely,
 Kate Stewart
Council President
 Officials launch confetti at the Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade ribbon-cutting ceremony in Silver Spring.
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Office of Council President Kate Stewart
