 This week, the County Executive responds to recent revenue projections and explains where we are in the process. He shares his disappointment about the University Boulevard Corridor Plan, which was passed by the County Council this week. The County Executive welcomes our new director for the Recreation Department and a new Councilmember. He celebrates a new affordable housing opening and weighs in on troubling federal changes set to impact us. The County Executive also highlights the new leader of CASA and its contributions and partnership, as well as how the County is helping to give back to the community during the holidays.
 Montgomery County’s amended Bring Your Own Bag law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2026. The amended law changes the County’s current rules on plastic and paper carryout bags.
The most significant changes include an increase in the bag tax to 10 cents, of which retailers keep five cents, and a prohibition on the use of plastic carryout bags. Some businesses in certain municipalities within Montgomery County are exempt from the plastic bag prohibition.
The law aims to reduce waste, protect waterways, and encourage residents to bring their own reusable bags when shopping.
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will adjust 36 Ride On bus route schedules starting Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, to improve efficiency and on-time performance. MCDOT’s Transit Division adjusts Ride On bus schedules at least three times a year, to shift resources, allowing for more reliable service where demand is higher. The new schedules will be available at rideonbus.com and in print.
Route changes include:
- Thirty-one (31) routes have timetable changes: 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 37, 45, 46, 55, 61, 65, 73, 76, 78, 79, 90, 101, extRa Lime, and extRa Pink
- Six (6) routes have bus bay changes: 34, 36, 42, 70, 81, and extRa Pink
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich has announced the launch of the County’s new Flood Risk Explorer, an interactive mapping tool that identifies flood-prone areas within the Sligo Creek watershed. The tool is available on the County’s flooding website and highlights areas at higher risk of flooding during extreme rainstorms—both now and in the future.
While Sligo Creek is the first watershed to be mapped, 10 additional watersheds will be modeled in the coming years as part of the County’s Comprehensive Flood Management Plan (CFMP), a multi-agency initiative aimed at improving flood prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.
The Flood Risk Explorer helps residents understand the relative risk of flooding in their homes, neighborhoods, and commutes, empowering them to take proactive steps to stay safe.
 The Montgomery County Council unanimously confirmed the appointment of Gabe Albornoz as Director of the Department of Recreation on Tuesday. Albornoz returns to the role after serving seven years as an at-large member of the County Council.
County Executive Marc Elrich emphasized the Department’s importance to community well-being, noting its high utilization and commitment to inclusive, diverse programming. The public can expect the new director to focus on programmatic accessibility, community health, and operational improvements, building on his strong leadership background and prior success with the Department.
Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will begin offering free daily printing at all branches starting Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, with the exception of Noyes Library for Young Children. Customers will be able to print up to 15 black-and-white pages or two color pages per day at no cost.
This service enhancement supports MCPL’s transition to a cashless system and reflects the library system’s commitment to equity, access, and operational efficiency. As part of this change, select items such as earbuds and flash drives will also be available free of charge to Montgomery County residents on a limited basis.
Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) in Derwood will host a “Home for the Holidays” pet adoption event on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20–21, with adoption fees waived for all available animals.
To help reduce wait times, MCASAC will use an appointment system on Saturday, Dec. 20. Walk-ins will be welcome on Sunday, Dec. 21, based on counselor availability. Appointments can be scheduled beginning Sunday, Dec. 14 via the “How to Adopt” page and on the shelter’s social media accounts.
MCASAC is open from noon to 5 p.m. both days and is located at 7315 Muncaster Mill Road in Derwood.
 This week, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich celebrated the grand opening of Bracken Square, a 98-unit affordable housing development in Silver Spring. County Executive Elrich participated in the ribbon cutting alongside other elected officials and community leaders, including State Delegate Lorig Charkoudian (District 20), Councilmember Kate Stewart, and housing developers TM Associates and Green Street Housing. The County’s Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) provided $9.5 million in financing to support the construction of Bracken Square.
 Montgomery Parks will host a ribbon-cutting and celebration for the opening of its newest park, Springfield Park, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13. The 20,000 square-foot park is located at 5388 Westbard Circle in Bethesda, adjacent to the new Westbard Square development. The new park features a large playground, picnic shelter and tables, an open lawn area for informal play, benches, and a bike rack.
Photo from Montgomery History
Montgomery History will host a guided hike from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, at Dickerson Conservation Park to explore the lost history of Potomac Marble—the stone used to help rebuild Washington, D.C., after the British invasion of 1814.
Local historian Paul Kreingold will lead a walk along the C&O Canal towpath to the 200-year-old marble quarries featured in his book, Potomac Marble: A History of the Search for the Ideal Stone. Kreingold serves as conservation director of the Loudoun County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League and is a Virginia master naturalist.
Participants will hike approximately 4.4 miles round trip, including a steep climb into the quarry. The group will meet at the Dickerson Conservation Area parking lot (20700 Martinsburg Rd, Dickerson) at 11 a.m. In case of inclement weather, the rain date is Saturday, Dec. 20.
Montgomery Parks will temporarily close its bike parks for the winter season starting Friday, Dec. 12, to protect trail surfaces and reduce the risk of injuries caused by frozen and slippery features. The following parks will be closed to riders until conditions improve in mid-March:
- Wheaton Gravity Park
- The Pit at Fairland Bike Park
- South Germantown Bike Park
Reopening announcements will be shared in the spring via Montgomery Parks’ website and social media channels. While bike parks are closed, Montgomery Parks continues to offer more than 230 miles of year-round biking trails, including over 160 miles of natural surface trails and 75 miles of paved trails. During inclement weather, residents are encouraged to check the Montgomery Parks Rainout Line at 240-270-0008 to get the status before heading out to ensure trail availability.
Looking for a job? Attend the WorkSource Montgomery Career and Resource Fair from 1 – 4 p.m.on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at the Silver Spring Civic Building. Federal workers and job seekers wanting to meet employers who are looking to hire won’t want to miss this event.
 The newest episode of 50+ in Montgomery County, hosted by Katie Smith, explores how older adults can connect with pets through adoption and volunteer opportunities. This month’s guest, Maria Anselmo, community relations manager at the Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center, shares how residents can get involved and make a meaningful difference.
Adopting a pet can bring joy, companionship, and purpose — especially for older adults. Pets provide emotional comfort, encourage physical activity, and help alleviate feelings of loneliness. Meanwhile, countless animals in our County shelter are waiting for a warm, caring home, making adoption a wonderful way to give back this season.
Tickets are available for Brookside Gardens’ annual Garden of Lights, open through Jan. 4, 2026. The beloved winter tradition transforms the 50-acre Wheaton gardens into a glowing wonderland with more than one million twinkling lights along a half-mile outdoor trail. The Brookside Gardens Gift Shop will be open for seasonal finds, and Catalyst Hot Dogs will serve food onsite throughout the season. Timed-entry tickets are required for guests ages five and older. The event is rain or shine, so bundle up and enjoy the magic!
 The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) is taking inspections to new heights with the release of a new podcast episode titled “DPS Drone Modernizes Inspections.” The episode highlights how DPS is using drone technology to improve inspection safety, efficiency, and staff training.
Hosted by Gail Lucas, division chief at DPS, the episode features Linda Kobylski, land development division chief, and Johnny Campos, field supervisor and certified drone pilot. Together, they discuss how drones are transforming inspections across Montgomery County.
Courtesy photo from Visit Montgomery
Montgomery County residents are invited to visit Artists & Makers Studios in North Bethesda for a month of gallery exhibitions and open studios featuring the Gaithersburg Fine Arts Association (GFAA) and other local artists. The exhibits are open to the public from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily through Thursday, Dec. 19. The studios are located at 11810 Parklawn Drive, Suite 210.
The featured exhibit, "Small Images Bring Joy," showcases work by GFAA members, many of whom have captured travel memories through painting, sketching, and photography. A mini-solo exhibit, Over the Rainbow by Cathy Hirsh and Nancy Jakubowski will be on display in the Lounge Gallery.
During the holiday season, household waste increases by about 25%, with wrapping paper, packaging, decorations, and food waste among the top contributors. The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection encourages residents to reduce their environmental impact by adopting simple, sustainable habits, such as reducing, reusing, and recycling. Celebrate responsibly and carry these eco-friendly practices into the new year.
 The Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office invites middle and high schoolers who live in, or attend school in, Montgomery County, to participate in the “Speak Up, Save a Life” video contest. Create an original PSA about the dangers of opioids and fentanyl for a chance to win prizes up to $5,000. Winners will be announced at the “Save a Student Summit” on Jan. 31, 2026. Participants can also earn 10 SSL hours. The deadline for entries has been extended to Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
 Montgomery County Government is committed to being a leader in addressing climate change. The Climate, Energy, and Air Quality Advisory Committee advises the County Executive and County Council on how to further that goal. It helps develop recommendations to promote and implement immediate and long-range policies and programs aimed at meeting the County’s greenhouse gas emission reduction goals (cutting communitywide emissions 80% by 2027 and 100% by 2035.)
The 15-member committee promotes cleaner, more efficient, and more reliable energy use in all segments of the community. Montgomery County residency is required, and committee members must be technically knowledgeable and have an interest in climate change, energy, and air quality. Individuals with professional experience or education in these fields are particularly encouraged to apply.
Eight vacancies need to be filled. The application deadline is Friday, Jan. 9, 2026.
 Montgomery County Public Schools’ (MCPS) Summer RISE program is back and ready for another exciting summer and Summer RISE 2026 Host Registration is now officially open. Summer RISE (Reimagining an Innovative Student Experience) is an initiative of MCPS, implemented in collaboration with businesses, government agencies, higher education institutions, and nonprofit organizations. The program is for rising MCPS juniors and seniors to participate in a career-based learning opportunity during the summer. Hosts provide participating students with 50 hours of real-world, hands-on career experience.
Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) announces a change that will impact Sunday service, starting Jan. 11, 2026. MCPL will reduce the number of libraries open on Sunday to ensure consistent staffing, sustainable operations, and enhance Sunday programming that benefits the community.
WSSC Water is reinforcing its commitment to providing greater financial relief to customers struggling to pay their water/sewer bills by providing two new temporary assistance programs, the Emergency Customer Relief Fund and the expanded Get Current Temporary Water Bill Assistance Program. In partnership with United Way of the National Capital Area, WSSC Water is providing one-time assistance up to $750 for eligible customers struggling to pay past-due water/sewer bills. Eligible customers are encouraged to act now, as the $2.4 million fund is on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Montgomery County Recreation is now accepting applications for its financial assistance program, Rec Assist. This program offers County residents receiving eligible public assistance the opportunity to receive a scholarship of $400 per eligible family member that can be used toward the cost of most recreation classes, activities, and memberships. Rec Assist funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and will be available for use from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2026, or until the funds are depleted.
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