 This week, the County Executive discusses his proposed $6.6 billion Capital Improvements Program budget and how it helps address longstanding needs. He visits Annapolis for the start of the 2026 General Assembly and explains his support for a supplemental request to the Council that will help ensure that older adults have access to social services despite federal cuts. He champions the Viva White Oak project as it is introduced at Council and joins residents across the County who are concerned and outraged over ICE enforcement actions. Finally, he reminds everyone to take time to honor the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. over the long holiday.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich has transmitted his $6.6 billion Recommended Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Budget and Fiscal Year 2027-2032 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) to the County Council. By law, the CIP must be transmitted to the County Council every other year on Jan. 15, or the next business day on years where the 15th is on a weekend or holiday. Only amendments to the CIP are presented in alternate years.
To see the complete recommended FY27-32 Capital Improvements Program and FY27 Capital Budget, visit the County Office of Management and Budget (OMB) website at: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/omb/publications.html.
 The Montgomery County Government and programs that impact County residents will have holiday schedule and program changes for the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday on Monday, Jan. 19.
 Join Montgomery County for this year’s 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 King’s legacy through music and community. Mark your calendar and join us for an unforgettable afternoon!
 Montgomery Parks is calling on community members to volunteer during the MLK Weekend of Service, Saturday, Jan. 17 through Monday, Jan. 19. Held in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., the national Weekend of Service encourages Americans to give back and strengthen their communities through volunteerism.
This year’s volunteer opportunities include Weed Warrior events to remove non-native invasive plants from local parks, as well as park and stream cleanups to help protect and beautify parks. Registration is required for all volunteer activities.
 The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is recruiting volunteers to assist with the annual Point-In-Time (PIT) Count, which will take place during the overnight hours of Wednesday, Jan. 28. The PIT count is conducted to identify unsheltered individuals and families and to help direct resources and services to those in need.
The effort is organized by the Montgomery County Continuum of Care, the County’s local planning body that coordinates housing, services, and funding for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, in partnership with DHHS and local community service providers.
Volunteers will receive training, be organized in teams, and be deployed to designated locations where unsheltered individuals may be found. Training will fully prepare volunteers to engage respectfully with people experiencing homelessness and to accurately administer the survey.
The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced that registration is open for the 13th annual Montgomery County Energy Summit. The 2026 summit will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, April 28-29, at the Silver Spring Civic Building. Early-bird registration rates are available through Tuesday, Jan. 27.
The Silver Spring Civic Building is located at 1 Veterans Place in Silver Spring.
The summit’s theme, “Elevating Building Performance,” highlights tools, strategies, and real-world guidance to boost building efficiency and navigate building energy performance standards.
 Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Month is a time to raise awareness of the importance of treatment, recovery, and community support for individuals struggling with substance misuse. The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) invites residents to help promote resources and strategies that strengthen sobriety and save lives.
Substance use continues to impact families and communities across Montgomery County. In 2024, the County recorded 83 fatal overdoses, a 40% decrease from 2023, thanks to expanded access to naloxone and community outreach. However, fentanyl remains the leading cause, involved in 48 of those deaths.
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. 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 through 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.
 Montgomery County Recreation is excited to kick off another summer of fun! Registration for summer camps begins Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 6:30 a.m. for County residents. Families can sign up their child from a diverse selection of half- and full-day camps that include arts, dance, music, sports, STEAM, teen leadership (with SSL opportunities), therapeutic recreation, and more. Explore all camp program options in the digital Summer Camps GUIDE and register online at ActiveMONTGOMERY.org starting registration day. Camps will fill up quickly, so plan ahead!
 Montgomery County Recreation invites students in grades K–12 to showcase their artistic talent by creating a poster that highlights the importance of water safety. Posters must be an original design (no copyrighted, stock or AI-generated content or images). Prizes being awarded include an annual pool pass, a Youth 12 Admission Punch Pass or two free family admissions to any Montgomery County Recreation aquatic center. Poster size should be no smaller than 8.5” x 11” and cannot exceed 11" x 17" in size. The deadline to submit poster designs is Sunday, March 15.
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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.
 Combine your love of art and fandom by entering MoComCon’s 2026 Art contest. Celebrating 10-years this March, MoComCon is Montgomery County Public Libraries' FREE celebration of comics, graphic novels, and fandoms. This year’s theme is to draw your own original character. Contestants are challenged to invent their own original character from any fandom, book, television show, movie, or game (board, video, arcade, or other). The contest closes at 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 9.
Entries in the contest will be judged on creativity and originality, technical skill and execution, visual impact, emotional impact and engagement, and overall impression. Prizes will be awarded to 1st-, 2nd-, 3rd-place winners, and to Honorable Mentions in each age group.
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.
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Montgomery Parks summer camps are back this year offering weeks filled with outdoor exploration, adventure-based learning, and sports. Online registration begins at 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20. Families are encouraged to register early to secure spots in these popular programs. New camp options this year include Trail Mix: An Adult Summer Camp, and Performance Pathway, an advanced tennis camp. Returning favorites include Archaeology Camp, Nature Girls On-the Go, and Turtle Shell, an introductory camp for adults and their toddlers. The complete list of camps is available on ActiveMontgomery.
The 2026 Montgomery County National History Day Competition will be held at Sligo Middle School in Silver Spring on March 7. Student registration for the competition starts on Monday, Feb. 9 and ends on Friday, Feb. 13.
For middle and high school students who participate, History Day sparks critical thinking, and helps develop skills in research and analysis, writing, and public speaking. Working solo or in small groups, students create original documentaries, exhibits, performances, research papers or websites exploring a breadth of historical topics within an annual theme.
The County's National History Day Competition is also looking for 230 student, community, and/or parent volunteers for the event. Volunteers who are 18 and older, at least a senior in high school, not competing in the competition, and enjoy history are encouraged to volunteer. Students are encouraged to register and spread the word.
 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.
 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) encourage 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 mobile, 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.
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