Emergency Funding to Protect Vital Services for Montgomery County
Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles Joins County Executive Marc Elrich and Community Leaders to Announce Protections for Critical Health and Human Services
On January 12, I announced a Special Appropriation at the Silver Spring Civic Center to stabilize critical health and human services for Montgomery County’s most vulnerable residents. Joined by County Executive Marc Elrich and key community leaders, we underscored an urgent priority: protect essential services for seniors, families, and those most in need.
This $1 million one-time investment will prevent service disruptions, support frontline staff, reduce homecare waitlists, expand senior nutrition, and strengthen respite care for family caregivers—delivering immediate relief while maintaining long-term fiscal responsibility.
Momentum Is Building. Now We Need Your Voice.
Momentum is strong. The announcement received major media coverage (MCM, Baltimore Banner, Bethesda Today, WTOP, WUSA9), and the Arizona Governor’s Office is tracking this effort as a potential national model. Photos available here.
The initiative was formally introduced on January 13 with four Council co-sponsors: Council President Natali Fani-González and Councilmembers Will Jawando, Sidney Katz, and Kristin Mink, but we still need at least seven to secure passage.
The public hearing was held on January 27. A joint Health and Human Services/Government Operations Committee Meeting is scheduled for February 9. Submit your testimony via email at county.council@montgomerycountymd.gov to show your support for this Special Appropriation and help move it forward.
Montgomery County Launches Regional Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)
Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles Joins DHHS Leaders and Community Partners to Launch Montgomery County’s New Community Health Improvement Plan
Following my Special Appropriation press conference, I joined County Executive Marc Elrich, Health Officer Dr. Kisha Davis, hospital leaders, and community partners to kick off the launch of Montgomery County’s Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). This new public-private partnership is designed to improve health data sharing, care coordination, and outcomes across the county.
The CHIP is built on a Community Health Needs Assessment completed in January 2026, which identified our top priorities: Access to comprehensive care, Healthy living and well-being, and Essential community services.
Partners, including Adventist HealthCare, Holy Cross Health, MedStar Health, Suburban Hospital, Healthy Montgomery, and DHHS, worked together to develop regional workplans, and we’re building a shared dashboard to track progress and improve accountability.
As Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, I stressed the need for continued investment in community health, especially for those facing the greatest barriers to care. This collaborative effort shows what we can achieve when government, healthcare, and community leaders work together to create a healthier Montgomery County.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Weekend of Service Celebrations
Councilmember Sayles Joins Congressman Jamie Raskin, Montgomery County Office of Human Rights, and Her Fellow Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Sisters to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy
This year’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend centered on service, reflection, and community. Through storytelling, music, and service projects, we honored Dr. King’s enduring call for equity, justice, and shared humanity. As the Council’s lead on eliminating disparities, I remain committed to ensuring every resident feels seen, valued, and empowered. Thank you to the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights and my fellow Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., members for organizing impactful MLK Weekend of Service activities, and encouraging us to celebrate our county’s diversity and mobilizing hundreds of volunteers across more than 25 service projects. It was an honor to serve alongside Congressman Jamie Raskin and our community in the spirit of Dr. King’s legacy.
Councilmember Sayles Attends Opening Day of the Maryland General Assembly with Legislative Colleagues
I was energized to attend Opening Day of the 2026 Maryland General Assembly in Annapolis, where lawmakers commenced a new 90-day session focused on the state’s most pressing priorities. Despite fiscal challenges, there’s real momentum to invest in education, public safety, housing, transportation, and economic opportunity, all critical to our community’s future.
The atmosphere in Annapolis was filled with purpose and urgency as newly re‑elected and newly appointed leaders stepped into their roles, including House Speaker Joseline Peña‑Melnyk, guiding the chamber during this critical time.
I met with state legislators and local leaders to ensure Montgomery County’s priorities remain front and center, from strengthening our schools and expanding access to health care to advancing transit and economic initiatives. I’m optimistic that through strong collaboration and shared focus, we can deliver meaningful results for every resident. The energy, focus, and momentum on opening day reminded me that even in challenging times, collective leadership and community‑driven solutions can move Maryland forward.
Muslim American Heritage Month
Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles Joins the County Council and Muslim Community Leaders to Celebrate Muslim American Heritage Month in Montgomery County
I was proud to celebrate Muslim American Heritage Month with the Montgomery County Council and members of our Muslim community. At a time when Islamophobia is on the rise nationally, it’s more important than ever to stand with and support the Muslims who call Montgomery County home.
I joined my fellow Councilmembers for the Council’s proclamation event, enjoying a wonderful breakfast catered by the Islamic Center of Maryland, and later participated in a meet-and-greet at the Islamic Center of Potomac. Our Muslim community contributes so much to the life and well-being of our county, and I especially want to recognize the Islamic Center of Maryland for its vital work providing healthcare through the ICM Clinic.
Councilmember Sayles Speaking at the Press Conference for the Introduction of Bill 3-26 County Values Act and Bill 5-26 Unmask ICE Act
Council Action Updates: Council Session Highlights from January 2026 include bills that I Cosponsored or Co-Led.
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Data Center ZTA: In our second week back, I joined Council President Fani‑González and Vice President Balcombe in introducing Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 26-01, limiting where data centers can locate and requiring a thorough review of noise, environmental, and other impacts for all future applications. This is the first step toward building a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure data centers entering our county will truly benefit, not harm, residents.
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Standing Against ICE’s Lawlessness: The recent murders of Renee Nicole Good and Keith Porter Jr., along with the detention of a five‑year‑old in Minneapolis, highlight ICE’s threat to the safety and rights of our residents. I stood with community leaders and Councilmembers Kristin Mink and Will Jawando at a press conference to announce two important bills. Bill 3-26, the County Values Act, ensures County staff are trained to protect residents’ rights, and Bill 5-26, the Unmask ICE Act, limits masking by law enforcement. These bills show our commitment to supporting immigrant communities during this crisis. You can watch the full press conference here.
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Accelerating Affordability: I introduced Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 26-04 with Councilmember Friedson to update our O.P.E.N. ZTA 23-02, the first legislation I presented as a County Councilmember in 2023. This amendment establishes an expedited permitting process for projects that provide deeply affordable housing. After two years, Planning can now handle more projects, and this ZTA offers flexibility while setting higher housing targets for developers to meet.
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Strengthening Council Collaboration and Governance at the 2026 Council Retreat: I participated in the Montgomery County Council’s January 2026 retreat, led by Council President Natali Fani-González. We focused on aligning our legislative processes and enhancing transparency, accountability, and governance as we prepare for the FY27 budget and our legislative priorities. Congressman Jamie Raskin shared his insights on leadership during challenging times, highlighting our responsibility as public servants to support vulnerable communities. I remain committed to a collaborative leadership approach that prioritizes equity and effective stewardship of Montgomery County’s resources.
Strengthen 21st Century Learning from Cradle to Career and Beyond
Team Sayles Joins Educators at MCEA Legislative Reception
Team Sayles Joins Educators and Union Leaders at the Montgomery County Education Association Legislative Reception
Team Sayles joined educators, union leaders, and advocates at the Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA) 2026 Legislative Session and FY2027 Budget. With real fiscal constraints ahead, I remains firm that budget solutions cannot come at the expense of students, teachers, or classroom quality.
Across our county, students are learning in crowded classrooms, aging facilities, and with insufficient support for multilingual learners and students with special needs. We share MCEA’s priorities to protect education funding, strengthen student supports, and give school leaders the tools and flexibility they need to drive student success.
We are aligned in a simple goal: put students and educators first, even in tough budget years.
Make Living in Montgomery County More Affordable
Clarksburg Gateway Sector Plan: Listening to the Community
Councilmember At-Large Laurie-Anne Sayles Engages with Residents and
Planning Staff During Review Activities for the Clarksburg Gateway Sector Master Plan
The Council recently received the Clarksburg Gateway Sector Master Draft Plan, which lays out a vision to expand transportation options, increase housing opportunities, improve public safety, and support sustainable economic growth, while preserving Clarksburg’s environmental and cultural character.
My team and I joined Montgomery Planning and Parks for a tour of the plan area to better understand potential development sites and the real challenges facing the community. I also joined colleagues at a public hearing, where Clarksburg residents and stakeholders shared powerful and thoughtful input about the plan’s future.
The feedback we heard will directly shape my work as the Council refines this plan. My goal is to ensure the final version reflects community voices, responsible growth, and a future that works for Clarksburg families and businesses.
Advance Sustainable Local Food Production in the Ag Reserve
Building Workforce Pathways Through the Rising Chefs Program
Celebrating the Newest Graduates of the Rising Chefs Culinary Skills Training Program at
Shepherd’s Table
Team Sayles joined Shepherd’s Table to celebrate graduates of the Rising Chefs Culinary Skills Training Program, honoring new culinary professionals entering stable, livable-wage careers. For more than 40 years, Shepherd’s Table has addressed food insecurity and homelessness in Montgomery County, and this program shows how workforce development and economic opportunity go hand in hand. It also underscores the importance of strengthening farm-to-food-bank pipelines, connecting our Agricultural Reserve to shelters and food providers so that fresh, local food reaches residents who need it most while supporting local farmers and our regional economy.
Montgomery County’s FY27 Capital Budget and Six-Year CIP
The County Executive’s Recommended FY27 Capital Budget and FY27–32 Capital Improvements Program
I attended the briefing on the County Executive’s recommended FY27 Capital Budget and six-year Capital Improvements Program (CIP), a strategic plan to strengthen our schools, infrastructure, and economic resilience. The proposed $6.6 billion plan represents a 10.6% increase over the previous CIP and includes $2.19 billion in General Obligation bonds to support critical infrastructure and economic growth.
The proposal prioritizes school construction, climate-ready transportation, public safety, and community facilities, reflecting a forward-looking approach to meeting our county’s evolving needs. As the Council reviews the plan in the coming weeks, with public hearings and a final vote on the horizon, this is an important opportunity for community input and collaboration to ensure our investments deliver real impact.
Best of Potomac Awards Ceremony
Councilmember Sayles Joins Potomac Lifestyle Magazine for their 5th Annual Best of Potomac Awards Ceremony
I was delighted to attend the 5th Annual Best of Potomac Awards Ceremony, hosted by Potomac Lifestyle Magazine, where I had the honor of presenting a citation recognizing their leadership in bringing neighbors, local businesses, and community partners together. Congratulations to all of the award recipients, including former Planning Board member Partap Verma, for receiving the Reader’s Choice Best Home Builder Award for his work with Avatar Design Build. The celebration highlighted their dedication to community service, philanthropy, and civic engagement, including partnerships with the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army. With local vendors, tastings, music, and entertainment, the event was a vibrant way to kick off the year while celebrating the strength and spirit of the Potomac community.
Unveiling the 2025 Climate Action Plan Annual Report + Mesonet Station
Team Sayles Joins Local Climate Leaders at the National Capital Trolley Museum in Cloverly to Mark the Release of the County’s FY25 Climate Report and View a New Weather-Monitoring Mesonet Station
My office was proud to join local climate leaders at the National Capital Trolley Museum for the release of the County’s FY25 Annual Climate Report, highlighting strong progress on our climate and resilience goals despite federal setbacks. The County’s Climate Change Officer shared that 80 of 84 Climate Action Plan initiatives are already underway, with major gains in zero-fare transit, EV adoption, building efficiency, urban tree canopy expansion, and clean energy investments.
We also marked the launch of the County’s Third Mesonet Weather Station, a partnership with the University of Maryland and the Maryland Department of Emergency Management that will improve hyper-local, real-time weather monitoring and emergency preparedness. These milestones underscore our continued commitment to building a cleaner, more resilient Montgomery County for every community.
2026 GWRCCC Opening & Winter Reception
Speakers at the GWRCCC Opening Reception Discuss the Health, Economic, and Environmental Benefits of Clean Energy
Team Sayles attended the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition’s opening reception, hosted by Executive Director Antoine Thompson, where regional leaders highlighted the role of clean alternative fuels in powering a more sustainable future. The Councilmember learned about exciting innovations in the electric vehicle market, emerging industry partners, and trade education organizations advancing career readiness across the Washington region. The event also provided a valuable opportunity to engage in thoughtful conversations over refreshments about regional environmental advocacy, workforce development, and the collective actions needed to accelerate our clean energy transition.
Councilmember Sayles with Jimmy Frazier-Bey at Honorary Event
I am proud to celebrate James “Jimmy” Frazier-Bey, Division Manager of Homeless Services for the City of Gaithersburg, as he retires after more than 30 years of extraordinary public service.
Over the years, I have seen Jimmy be a tireless advocate and compassionate leader, ensuring that residents experiencing homelessness are not just served, but truly seen. He has built programs rooted in dignity, opportunity, and partnership—helping people secure housing, gain employment, and achieve long-term stability. Jimmy’s work reminds us all that homelessness is a community responsibility, and that real change comes from collaboration.
He brought together local government, nonprofits, faith groups, employers, and residents themselves to transform how Gaithersburg responds to housing instability. His efforts have opened doors for people who might otherwise have been left behind, creating pathways to success for our most vulnerable neighbors.
I want to personally thank Jimmy for his decades of leadership, heart, and unwavering commitment to our community. His legacy will continue to inspire how Gaithersburg and Montgomery County show up for one another, and I am grateful to have witnessed the difference he has made.
Submit your nominee for next month’s S.M.A.R.T Champion Spotlight here.
Jamaica’s Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Curtis A. Ward
We Remember Curtis A. Ward, Whose Distinguished Career In Diplomacy and Lifelong Commitment to Service Left a Lasting Impact on Jamaica, Maryland, and the Global Community
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Ambassador Curtis A. Ward, who peacefully left us earlier this month in Maryland. Ambassador Ward’s life was a profound gift to the Jamaican diaspora, to Maryland, and to the global community he served with distinction.
Over an extraordinary career in diplomacy and international security, he served as Jamaica’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations. He represented the nation on the United Nations Security Council from 2000 to 2001. He was widely respected for his leadership and expertise in counterterrorism, anti-money laundering, and sanctions enforcement.
As a first-generation Jamaican American, Ambassador Ward’s journey from Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, to the global stage is a testament to faith, perseverance, and the transformative power of public service. His life reflected the enduring spirit of Jamaica’s motto: “Out of Many, One People.”
I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones and honor a life defined by service, purpose, and lasting impact. View my press release here.
Maryland Deaf Community Legislative Needs Session
Team Sayles Joins the Maryland Deaf Community’s Legislative Priorities Session
I was honored to attend the Maryland Deaf Community Center (MDCC) Legislative Needs Session this month, hosted by the Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD) in Frederick. It was a valuable opportunity to listen, learn, and engage directly with Deaf leaders, advocates, and community members about the issues that matter most to them. I appreciate MSD Superintendent John A. Serrano, MDCC President Linda Stolt, and MDCC Board-Outreach Chair Marsha Flowers for inviting me.
We discussed critical needs around health care access, aging in place, insurance coverage, vocational rehabilitation for Deaf youth, emergency communication, and true accessibility from interpreters to open captioning. I also heard strong calls for better representation of Deaf voices in policy decisions and sustained funding for Deaf-serving organizations.
I remain committed to working alongside the Deaf community to advance equity, accessibility, and inclusive policies that ensure everyone in our county has the opportunity to thrive.
Honoring Our Fire and Rescue Professionals at the MCFRS Promotional Ceremony
Team Sayles Joined the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue 2026 Promotional Ceremony
Team Sayles was honored to attend the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services Promotion Ceremony, celebrating the firefighters and emergency responders whose dedication, sacrifice, and service have earned them well-deserved promotions. These brave public safety professionals risk their lives daily to protect our community, exemplifying courage, humility, and leadership. Promotions in the fire service represent not only achievement but a renewed commitment to mentorship and service. We also extend our gratitude to the families, colleagues, and mentors who support them. Congratulations to all those promoted, and thank you, Chief Corey A. Smedley, for your unwavering commitment to keeping our firefighters and Montgomery County safe.
Wellness in Black Life (WIBL) Community Findings & Dinner
Team Sayles Participates in the Wellness In Black Life Community Findings & Dinner
My office joined Council colleagues, DHHS Director Dr. James Bridgers, Montgomery County Collaboration Council Executive Director Elijah Wheeler, 480 Club Executive Director Joseph Hooks, and community leaders for the Wellness in Black Life Community Findings & Dinner, hosted in partnership with the Collaboration Council and the Brookings Institution. The gathering brought together Black men from across Montgomery County to shape community-led definitions of well-being and explore pathways forward. Insights from a year-long series of conversations underscored the importance of safe spaces, workforce development, education and training pathways, mentorship, financial literacy, policy and budget priorities, mental and physical health supports, economic opportunity, and strong community networks. The findings highlight meaningful opportunities ahead, and I look forward to continued dialogue and collaboration as this work moves into its next phase.
Data Centers Public Forum:
- Residents, Community Organizations, and Industry Innovators are invited to attend a Data Centers Public Forum on Tuesday, February 3rd, 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Leggett Executive Office Building at 101 Monroe St, Rockville, MD 20850. As policymakers develop a regulatory framework to guide the development of data centers, this will be a critical opportunity to make your voice heard.
Your Voice Matters:
- Members of the public are encouraged to participate in the County Council’s public hearings in a variety of ways. Residents may provide live testimony by phone, submit written, audio, or video comments, mail testimony to the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Avenue, 6th Floor, Rockville, MD 20850, or testify specifically on the budget by phone at (240) 777-7802. Public input can also be shared through the Council’s social media platforms, including Facebook (in English and Spanish) and X. All testimony, whether live or submitted, is reviewed by Councilmembers.
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Elected Officials’ Resource Pages:
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Montgomery County Resources:
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 Montgomery County is home to thousands of federal workers, contractors, and businesses affected by federal budget cuts. In response, Montgomery County government officials and key partners have launched Mobilize Montgomery, a strategic collaboration designed to support these individuals and businesses. The initiative aims to provide resources, enhance outreach efforts from the Montgomery County government, create toolkits for affected companies, and develop new programs, including weekly webinars and events tailored for employees and employers. The Mobilize Montgomery coalition includes the Montgomery County Government, Maryland Department of Labor, WorkSource Montgomery, Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, the City of Gaithersburg, Rockville Chamber of Commerce, the Maryland Women’s Business Center, Rockville Economic Development, Inc., as well as additional local chambers.
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