 This week, the County Executive discusses the upcoming start of the 2026 Maryland General Assembly and highlights some of the County's priorities. He explains the challenges we may face if federal funding for permanent supportive housing programs, which help reduce homelessness, is lost. He updates the community on creating a greener County for everyone, raises concerns about the new childhood vaccine schedule, and discusses new 2026 laws. The County Executive also encourages everyone to prepare for the MLK Day of Service event and the County's birthday tribute, which will highlight the history of civil rights.
 Montgomery County has released its Fiscal Year 2025 Climate Action Plan (CAP) Annual Report, highlighting major progress toward sustainability and resilience. This year, the County initiated 80 of the 84 actions outlined in the CAP, with 63 actions completed, well underway, or integrated into operations. A key achievement includes the installation of the County’s third Mesonet weather station, in partnership with the University of Maryland Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science, to enhance local climate monitoring. The CAP serves as a roadmap to meet climate goals, strengthen resilience to a changing climate, and address environmental inequities.
 Montgomery County invites residents to join the 2026 MLK Day of Service & Volunteer Fair from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Monday, Jan. 19, at the Silver Spring Civic Building, located at 1 Veterans Plaza in Downtown Silver Spring. Volunteers will participate in service projects that benefit people and communities across the County and can connect with local nonprofit organizations to learn about year-round volunteer opportunities.
 Maryland Health Care for All has launched a campaign to highlight the state’s Easy Enrollment program. Through this program, Marylanders can check a box on their state tax return to indicate interest in health insurance. Maryland Health Connection will then follow up with information about affordable or free coverage options.
The campaign was featured by WYPR, WBAL, the Baltimore Sun, Maryland Matters, and the Garrett County Republican. Marylanders also have until Jan. 15 to sign up for health coverage directly at the Maryland Health Connection or by calling 1-855-642-8572 for assistance.
Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will modify Sunday service at some branches, beginning Jan. 11. 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 Commission for Women will host the 2026 Women’s Legislative Briefing on Saturday, Jan. 31, at The Universities at Shady Grove. Maryland’s longest-running women’s policy event will bring together advocates, elected officials, policy experts, and community leaders for a day of dialogue, learning, and action on issues impacting women and girls across the state. Learn more about the event on the Women’s Legislative Briefing website.
 Families are invited to join Montgomery County Recreation at free Summer Camp Fairs this weekend. The fairs 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!
The American Diversity Group (ADG) continues to offer free health clinics every weekend, starting at 9 a.m., to help patients address chronic disease or primary care concerns. The clinic is located at 12210 Plum Orchard Drive, Ste. 214, in Silver Spring. On Saturday, Jan. 10, the clinic will have a pulmonologist on staff for free consultations and offer free pediatric care. On Saturday, Jan. 17, cardiology consultations will be available. Patients are encouraged to bring any current medications and medical records.
ADG aims to foster more inclusive communities by delivering essential health care services, education, and support to underserved populations. They are committed to eliminating health disparities and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or financial status, has access to the resources they need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Call 240-330-9421 or email ADG at amdivgroup@gmail.com for more information.
The Building Lot Termination (BLT) Program helps preserve farmland by permanently eliminating residential development rights—including septic capacity—to protect Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve. Applications are open from Monday, Jan. 12 to Friday, Feb. 13.
Eligibility:
- Located in Agricultural Reserve (AR Zone)
- Minimum 50 acres
- At least 50% USDA Soil Classes I–III
- Outside water/sewer categories 1–3
- Approved sewage disposal area(s) and Well & Septic Approval Letter from the Department of Permitting Services (DPS)
All applicants must request a DPS Letter—even if prior approval exists.
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The Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships invites you to join the first Community Exchange of the year—a virtual town hall focused on connection, resource sharing, and community priorities. The Zoom event will take place from noon – 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 14. Last year, Community Exchange calls drove real progress by hosting more than 20 town halls and exchanges, increasing awareness of County resources and funding opportunities, connecting residents to jobs and workforce development, linking organizations and small businesses to funding, and improving coordination across community calendars.
 Join Montgomery County for this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Concert at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Music Center at Strathmore. This free event will feature inspiring performances under the theme “Every Kind of People…A Blueprint to Unity.” Don’t miss this opportunity to honor Dr. King’s legacy through music and community. Mark your calendar and join us for an unforgettable afternoon!
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The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will hold a hybrid public meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28, to discuss the proposed MacArthur Boulevard Bikeway and Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project in Potomac. The meeting will be available both online and in person. The MacArthur Boulevard Bikeway Planning Study presents two options for 10-foot shared-use paths along MacArthur Boulevard, starting at Old Anglers Inn and extending north to the intersection of MacArthur Boulevard and Falls Road. During the meeting, MCDOT will present project concepts, details, cost estimates, and schedules.
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The Montgomery County African American Advisory Group invites the community to its first Black History Month Kick-Off and Good Trouble Awards Presentation from 6-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 4. Organizers are hosting this inaugural event to launch Black History Month with purpose, honoring a century of Black history while creating space to reflect, connect, and prepare together as a community. The event will be held at the Isiah "Ike" Leggett Office Building, located at 101 Monroe St. in Rockville.
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Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) now offers free daily printing at all branches, except for 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 Parks is celebrating National Skating Month with events and discounts throughout January at the Wheaton Ice Arena and the Cabin John Ice Rink. Activities include themed public skating sessions, open houses, expos, and special promotions such as $8 admission days, discounts on equipment and concessions, and family-friendly programs. Residents are encouraged to view the full schedule and details on the Parks Department website.
 Beginning on Sunday, Feb.1, all Montgomery County taxicabs, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles, will implement a rate change from $2 per mile to $2.50 per mile. Additionally, a nighttime surcharge of $1 is being established for trips between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. There has not been a taxi meter rate change in more than 15 years. The change was adopted to maintain service viability, attract and retain qualified drivers, and in turn, increase reliability.
 According to the organization, Dementia Friendly America, an estimated 7.1 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias—impacting families, friends, neighbors, and communities.
Montgomery County’s certified Dementia Friendly America speakers are available to lead free 45–60 minute sessions (adjustable based on your group’s needs) to help residents better understand and support those living with dementia.
To schedule a session with Montgomery County’s Dementia Friendly Initiative, contact Jocelyn O’Rourke at 301-560-0120 or email Jocelyn.ORourke@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov.
The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) is looking ahead to 2026 with a renewed focus on innovation and service. In a new video on the County’s YouTube channel, DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan shares plans for the year, including the launch of an intuitive permitting system and a commercial fast-track process. Deputy Director Ehsan Motazedi reflects on key accomplishments from 2025. Together, they reaffirm DPS’s commitment to building safety, excellent customer service, and sustainability.
 Can you read a total of 26.2 hours this winter? If so, you can be part of Montgomery County Public Libraries’ Winter Reading Marathon, underway now through Feb. 28. Register to track your reading on ReadSquared and encourage other members of your family to read as well. Everyone who signs up will receive a lanyard. For every four hours read, earn a brag tag or button to celebrate your winter reading journey.
The next virtual job fair aimed at helping those 50 years old and up find a new job or earn extra income is happening Tuesday, Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. The employment expo is free, though registration is required. The opportunity is coordinated by the Jewish Council for the Aging and funded by Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services.
 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.
 Montgomery Parks is hosting GreenScapes, a one-day virtual symposium on sustainable landscaping from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, February 13. The event will feature live sessions with experts in horticulture, ecology, and design to share strategies for creating sustainable and attractive landscapes. Continuing education credits are available from 14 professional organizations. For more details and to register, visit the event website.
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