 This week, the County Executive discusses an announcement by Maryland Governor Wes Moore focused on delivering more affordable and reliable energy. He highlights the reasons why a new law extending notification requirements on evictions can benefit the community. The County Executive explains why he supports the Bring Your Own Bag Law and why this update is needed. He reflects on the impact of antisemitic acts in Australia, reacts to troubling test results tied to the County incinerator, and introduces residents to the new president and CEO of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation. The County Executive marks an exciting new development within the Department of Permitting Services and an important distinction for the County regarding older adults. He encourages families to continue giving to local organizations and ends with a holiday message.
Montgomery County Government offices and many programs and services that impact County residents will observe schedule and program changes for Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25, and New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1. County officials encourage residents to check individual department schedules in advance, as some services may be closed, operate on a modified schedule or offer limited availability on those holidays. The Montgomery County Government and programs and services impacting County residents, will have schedule and program changes for Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25, and New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1.
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Montgomery County has been recognized by AARP as the second-best place for older residents to live among communities of 500,000 or more, as measured by the AARP Livability Index. San Francisco was recognized as the top place for older residents among communities of similar size. The achievement validates the County's 10-year commitment as a World Health Organization and AARP Age-Friendly Community.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich is encouraging residents to participate in the Montgomery Gives Local campaign as the holiday season begins. The campaign highlights local nonprofit organizations that continue to face increased demand for services.
 Montgomery County Government and the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) have announced the names of 55 early-stage companies that will receive grants to support their technology commercialization activities through the County’s Technology Innovation and Founders Funds program. The awards are designed to support the business growth of companies developing proprietary technology and other technology entrepreneurs from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
 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.
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.
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.
Montgomery County marks 10 years since joining the World Health Organization and AARP’s Age-Friendly Communities Network and County officials are seeking to better understand the needs of older residents now and in the future.
The Washington Region Alcohol Program (WARP) will release its first 2025 Holiday SoberRide code at 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19. The code is valid for one ride per user nightly from 10 p.m. on December 19 until 4 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, with limited quantities available. A second code will be released at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31. Riders can enter the code in the Lyft app under the “Payment” tab, using the “Add Lyft Pass” option, to receive up to $15 off a ride home within the Washington D.C. coverage area.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is offering free parking in all County-operated garages and lots on Saturday, Dec. 20, as part of Super Saturday. The initiative supports local small businesses during the busy holiday shopping season. Parking fees at on-street meters will still be enforced to ensure turnover and maintain access to nearby businesses.
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Montgomery Parks has reopened a portion of Sligo Creek Parkway between Piney Branch Road and Wayne Avenue following a two-month closure for construction associated with the Maryland Transit Administration’s Purple Line light rail project. The work included installing light rail tracks and reconfiguring the intersection with the parkway. During the closure, Montgomery Parks coordinated with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation to complete additional parkway improvements, including culvert replacements, traffic-calming measures, new signage, and guardrail repairs. Montgomery Parks is also rehabilitating sections of the Sligo Creek Trail north and south of Wayne Avenue to connect with the new Silver Spring Greenway Trail.
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Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich is seeking applicants to fill six vacancies on the Commission on Landlord-Tenant Affairs. The quasi-judicial body was established to assist in resolving complaints lodged by landlords or tenants. Open positions are available for interested landlords, tenants, and members of the public looking to fill at-large seats on the commission. The County Executive encourages minority participation on the County’s boards, committees, and commissions to ensure that a variety of issues, concerns, and viewpoints are considered. Anyone interested in applying must be a resident of Montgomery County.
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Do you want to build a snowman? How about watching him spring to life in front of you for one day of adventures before he melts away? In this merry wintertime romp, chock-full of chuckles and comic antics, Frosty gallops into the hearts of kids and adults alike- even the heart of one skeptical cop– through his uproarious antics. The William Francis play is directed by Danny Tippett, with musical arrangements and original songs by Kenny Neal. General admission tickets are $28 and can be purchased here. The show runs 40 minutes. Note that strobe lighting effects are used in this production.
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.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich joined the Montgomery al Día radio show for a conversation about the County’s progress in 2025 and the challenges that remain. During the bilingual interview, Elrich discussed key goals achieved over the past year, ongoing issues facing residents, and his top priorities for 2026, including efforts to strengthen public services, support working families, and advance equity across Montgomery County.
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.
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will adjust 36 Ride On bus route schedules, effective 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.
Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) encourages residents to check the Montgomery County Snow Portal during winter weather events. The County’s storm information website provides storm response updates and any service adjustments for the Ride On bus system to help residents. MCDOT will treat and plow County roads during storms and will post information updates at the top of the page.
 Montgomery County invites residents to join the 2026 MLK Day of Service & Volunteer Fair on Monday, Jan. 19, at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, located at 5701 Marinelli Road in Rockville. The event runs from 2 to 4 p.m., with doors opening at 1:30 p.m. Volunteers will participate in service projects benefiting people and communities across the County and can connect with local nonprofit organizations to learn about year‑round volunteer opportunities. Registration is required.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is encouraging residents to snap a picture of a Flash Lights bus when they see one running along US 29/Colesville Road and post it on their X, Bluesky, Instagram, Threads, or Facebook account, and follow and tag @MCDOTNow for a chance to win a $35 Amazon gift card in a weekly, random draw. The contest will run until Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.
Montgomery County Recreation is now accepting applications for its financial assistance program, Rec Assist. The 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.
Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will modify Sunday service at some branches, beginning 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.
The Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) encourages County residents to subscribe to Alert Montgomery this winter season. The free notification system delivers accurate, timely emergency information directly from Montgomery County to residents by text message, email, or voice call to cell, work, or home phones. Subscribers can receive alerts about government and public-school closures or delays, weather-related emergencies, infrastructure issues such as water or power outages, and severe traffic incidents, including major accidents and prolonged road closures that may affect their home, workplace, or child’s school.
 Families are invited to join Montgomery County Recreation at its free Summer Camp Fairs in January 2026. These events offer an opportunity to explore a diverse range of camp programs being offered. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet with recreation staff and instructors, ask questions, enjoy games, arts and crafts, and more!
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