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Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Winter Storm Response – What Went Wrong and How We Do Better

Since the snow and ice two weekends ago, we have been in near-constant communication with constituents dealing with the impacts. County frontline employees were faced with a unique mix of snow and ice and working as quickly as possible for long hours. They deserve our gratitude, and I want to thank the many constituents who sent along well wishes and kudos to employees for the things that went right.

The best part of our work over the past 10 days has been when we were able to relay these messages to the people making it happen!

Yesterday, the Council held a briefing with County agencies and departments involved in storm response that focused on the things that went wrong. That is our responsibility as an oversight body and one I take seriously.

Our office will be following up with County DOT with all streets, courts, and parts of streets that were missed for plowing or only partially cleared, figuring out exactly what went wrong for each and flagging these streets so we do better next time. It is also clear the County's Winter Storm Information Portal must be upgraded and the protocol fixed for entering plowing information into it because too many reported no plowing activity at the same time the County was reporting all roads had been touched.

Snowy and icy street after the January 25 winter storm

Perhaps the biggest area in need of improvement is coordination between the departments and agencies involved. That was the major theme of the Council briefing, especially after MCPS revealed it took until Sunday, February 1 (a week after the storm) to reach out to County DOT with a list of road and access concerns. If this communication had happened earlier, County DOT and State Highway could have worked with the school system and other partners to address these priority areas so schools could open on Monday. 

This was unacceptable. We must have the full and active participation of the school system in coordination with our Office of Emergency Management & Homeland Security and other County agencies for future weather emergencies. We will push for that moving forward.

Please do not hesitate to reach out with your thoughts and comments. If you see a sidewalk in need of clean-up, contact the County. The County's goal is to work with the adjacent property owner to get it cleaned before any penalty is assessed.

Stand Up for District 7 — Testify for the CIP!

It’s time to make your voice heard in the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budget process. The CIP funds critical investments that impact our daily lives — from school construction and road safety improvements to parks, recreation centers, and community facilities across Upcounty. I’ve heard from so many residents about the priorities that matter most, and now is the moment to speak up.

Public hearings on the CIP are next week, Feb. 9 and Feb. 10 — and you can testify in person or virtually. Every piece of testimony helps show strong community support for the projects our neighborhoods need, whether it’s modern schools, safer streets, or enhanced recreational spaces.

Visit the Montgomery County Council website to sign up, see the CIP docket, and find details on how to participate. Let’s work together to ensure your community's priorities are fully funded and moving forward!

Supporting Volunteers & Investing in Climate Resilience

Councilmember Luedtke at Council.

This week along with my colleagues on the Council's Public Safety Committee, we introduced legislation to ensure the County continues to support the volunteer firefighters and EMS technicians so crucial to our combined volunteer-career fire rescue services.

EMS reimbursement revenues help support enhancements to that system, including staffing, training, equipment and facilities. The legislation clarifies that a portion of these funds may be distributed through the authorized local fire and rescue department representative and used for defined public safety purposes such as apparatus, facilities, volunteer training, gear and equipment, recruitment and retention, and administrative support tied directly to emergency services.

We will continue to make smart investments to protect our communities and support those who take care of all of us!

In The Community...

New Ride On Flex Service Now Available in Sandy Spring & Ashton

The new on-demand Ride On Flex service from the Montgomery County Department of Transportation is now up and running. This flexible transit option lets riders book trips within the service zone using an app or phone call, providing convenient connections to local destinations and regional transit. It’s designed to improve mobility in areas where fixed bus routes are limited — making it easier to get to work, school, appointments, and shopping. Visit the Ride On Flex webpage for service hours, zone maps, and instructions on how to book your ride.

Celebrate Black History Month!

Celebrate local Black history at the History Makers of Prathertown event on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 2–4 p.m. at the Gaithersburg Public Library (Upstairs Medium Room 3). Meet trailblazing residents who have shaped Prathertown, hear their stories, and join a community conversation on past and present social, economic, and cultural issues. Connect with neighbors and leaders working to honor and uplift Prathertown’s legacy. Register on Eventbrite to attend.

Advocating for your Heart Health!

Join the 24th Annual Women’s Health Symposium on Wednesday, February 18 from 1–2 p.m. (virtual) for a conversation on how women can better understand and advocate for their heart health. Hear from Tina Zhang of Johns Hopkins Medicine and Yolandra Hancock of the American Heart Association as they share clear, trusted guidance to help women navigate care, ask the right questions, and prioritize cardiovascular wellness. Register online to attend.

Immigrant Rights in MoCo

Montgomery History, in partnership with League of Women Voters of Montgomery County, will host a Zoom program on Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. on “Immigrant Rights in Montgomery County: What Does Due Process Look Like?” This is a great opportunity for residents to learn more about the status of civil and human rights for immigrant and refugee populations in Montgomery County. I hope you tune in for this valuable program. Learn more and register.

Free Caregiver Support Support

Montgomery County caregivers will soon have a new free source of support. The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is partnering with Trualta to launch an online Care4MC portal on February 9, 2026, offering caregivers complimentary access to practical training, short tutorials, and tools to manage stress and burnout. Caregivers can sign up starting launch day, February 9, to get trusted, on-demand help whenever they need it.

Donate Blood Today

Winter weather can delay deliveries of life-saving blood and platelets, making a strong local supply more important than ever. Eligible residents are encouraged to donate and help keep Montgomery County’s healthcare system prepared when conditions impact transportation and logistics. Find a nearby drive and schedule an appointment through the American Red Cross. 

Free Shade Trees!

Looking to add more shade to your neighborhood? Montgomery Planning is accepting applications for its free shade tree program from February 1–8 for the Fall 2026 planting season. The program prioritizes properties in Equity Focus Areas, with remaining spots filled by random drawing. Only one application per address or HOA property is allowed, and past applicants must reapply to be considered. Selected participants will be notified by the end of February and scheduled for a site visit to assess planting conditions and tree recommendations.

If you would like to get in touch with me, please email me at Councilmember.Luedtke@montgomerycountymd.gov or call my office at 240-777-7860.

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