 This week, the County Executive and Council President held a bill signing ceremony for the Montgomery County Trust Act. The County Executive highlights the first report on Montgomery County's Rent Stabilization law that demonstrates progress in stabilizing rent and improving properties. He addresses the DC Water sewage spill, emphasizing that the County's drinking water is safe, and urges residents to avoid contact with river water or shorelines in affected areas, and discusses the importance of gun safety after a tragic accident. He also invites residents to upcoming public forums on waste management, reminds everyone of important Black History Month events to close out February, and reflects on the life of Rev. Jesse Jackson.
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The Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) has released its first report on the Rent Stabilization law enacted in July 2023, showing the policy is delivering stable, predictable rent and fee increases while improving housing conditions for tenants across the County. The Office of Rent Stabilization report details how the law has curbed excessive rent hikes, reduced the risk of displacement, and provided families with greater financial certainty, particularly in lower-income communities, communities of color, and among seniors and residents with disabilities living on fixed incomes. At the same time, the law preserves landlords’ ability to earn a fair return on their investments and complete necessary property repairs, reflecting a balanced approach that supports both housing stability and responsible property management.
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Montgomery County health officials have been notified of a Virginia resident with a confirmed case of measles who visited a building at 7200 Wisconsin Ave. in Bethesda on Tuesday, Feb. 10, between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Anyone who visited this building during that time period may have been exposed to measles. Read the Virginia Department of Health's press release for additional information.
Those who may have been exposed may also call the Montgomery County Health and Human Services’ Disease Control Office at 240-777-1755 to determine their risk of contracting measles.
Montgomery County is at a crossroads, and we need your input! Decisions could affect solid waste fees, environmental justice, and greenhouse gas emissions. Join the County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) at an upcoming open house and share your feedback:
- Monday, March 2, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sidney Kramer Upcounty Regional Services Center 12900 Middlebrook Road, Germantown.
- Wednesday, March 4, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Isiah “Ike” Leggett Executive Office Building Auditorium, 101 Monroe Street, Rockville.
- Thursday, March 5, 6 to 8:30 p.m. (Virtual) Register for the virtual open house here.
Email Openhouse@raftelis.com by Feb. 25 to request an interpreter. County residents who cannot attend these open houses can still take the survey and be part of the solution.
The Montgomery County Department of Police will host an open house and hiring workshop from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Public Safety Training Academy located at 8751 Snouffer School Road in Gaithersburg. Individuals interested in a career with the Department will have the opportunity to meet officers, learn about the hiring process, and get their questions answered. The event is designed to provide insight into a career in law enforcement and the steps required to join the Montgomery County Police.
Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) presented a $95,224.83 check to the March of Dimes on behalf of customers who donated during the recent five-week “Labor of Love” campaign. The check presentation took place on Feb. 18 at ABS's Olney retail store, which was the campaign's top performing store for the third consecutive year.
ABS's “Labor of Love” campaign supports the March of Dimes’ mission to improve maternal health, promote healthy pregnancies, and reduce disparities through research, education, and advocacy. ABS and UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO, the County's employee labor union, organized the campaign with the support of County Executive Marc Elrich.
The campaign ran from Nov. 23 through Dec. 31, 2025. During that time, employees at ABS’s 27 retail stores invited customers to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar or make a larger donation. In addition to customer contributions, Tito’s Handmade Vodka pledged $10,000 and William Grant & Sons pledged $5,000, bringing the total donation to more than $110,000 to ensure every mother and baby gets the best possible start.
The City of Rockville will celebrate Lunar New Year at a free event from 1-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21. The event recognizes Rockville’s Asian cultures with performances, interactive displays, kids’ crafts, and to-go snack boxes (while supplies last). Organized in partnership with the Asian Pacific American Task Force, the annual Lunar New Year Celebration is a source of pride for the city’s Asian community and an educational opportunity for neighbors to learn about Asian culture.
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February is Black History Month, and Montgomery Parks invites the community to honor the occasion with events and programs designed to educate, engage, and inspire. From family-friendly activities and concerts to thought-provoking exhibits and book discussions, there is something for everyone. Highlights include free booklets on African American history and culture available at the Josiah Henson Museum and Park, located at 11401 Old Georgetown Road in North Bethesda; the “Life at Dawn” Family Day on Saturday, Feb. 28, at Josiah Henson Museum and Park; and “Wood and Wine at Oakley Cabin” on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Oakley Cabin African American Museum and Park, 3610 Brookeville Road in Olney. The Wood and Wine program is for adults ages 21 and older.
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Don’t miss an opportunity to support young voices and celebrate creativity in our community. The annual Youth Anti-Racist Film Festival, presented by The Minority Scholars Program (MSP), will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center in Silver Spring on Saturday, Feb. 21.
MSP is a student-led initiative focused on advocacy, equity, and educational empowerment. It is active within Montgomery County Public Schools, helping teenagers and young adults engage in anti-racist work, including contributing their voice in policymaking.
Experience powerful, student-created films that spark conversation and inspire change.
Join Silver Spring Town Center Inc. for a special, free, and open-to-the-public book talk, “My Name Is Not Tom: The Life of Reverend Josiah Henson,” with author Susan Cooke Soderberg from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21. The program, presented in collaboration with Montgomery Preservation, will take place at the B&O Railroad Station, 8100 Georgia Ave. in Downtown Silver Spring. This recent biography uncovers extensive new information about Henson’s life, experiences, values, and aspirations, revealing a man far different from previous portrayals. Books will be available for sale and signing on site.
 County residents are invited to attend a Ramadan Iftar Celebration on Tuesday, March 3 at 5 p.m. at the Isiah Leggett Executive Office Building cafeteria, located at 101 Monroe St. in Rockville.
The event is co-hosted by the County Executive’s Office of Community Partnerships and Office of Human Rights, the Montgomery County Muslim Foundation, and the Montgomery County Muslim Council.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, during which Muslims fast and observe other restraints during daylight hours. It is also a time of worship and contemplation when Muslims concentrate on their faith. Iftar is the evening meal when Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset. This year, the month of Ramadan began on the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 17, and will end on Thursday, March 19. More than one billion Muslims worldwide, including more than 70,000 Muslims in Montgomery County, observe Ramadan.
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Montgomery Parks invites couples to embrace sustainability at its Upcycled Wedding Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22 at Rockwood Manor, 1101 MacArthur Blvd. in Potomac. The event features recently married couples selling like-new wedding essentials, making it easy to save money, reduce waste, and plan a beautiful celebration with a lighter environmental footprint. Guests can shop for unique and affordable decor, consult with wedding planning experts, and explore the Manor House and its picturesque grounds. Registration is free on ActiveMontgomery.
 The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) will hold its annual Stakeholders Forum at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3, at the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) building, 2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton. The forum runs until 11:30 a.m., and doors open at 8:30 a.m.
Advance registration is required by Friday, Feb. 27.
This event brings together architects, builders, contractors, designers, developers, engineers, homeowners, and other industry professionals to hear important updates and engage directly with DPS leaders. Topics include permitting trends, energy and fire code updates, housing initiatives, and technology improvements. An interactive panel discussion will provide an opportunity for feedback and Q&A.
 The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection will host a community forum from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Thursday, March 5, at the Rockville Memorial Library. The forum will be held in the second floor meeting room of the library, located at 21 Maryland Ave. in Rockville.
This in-person event is designed to bring the community together for a facilitated, interactive discussion that prioritizes community dialogue and hearing directly from residents about consumer concerns impacting the County.
Advance registration is required by Monday, March 2. Register now.
 The Montgomery County Government and the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce will host the 51st Annual Public Safety Awards from 8 to 11 a.m. on Friday, March 13, at the Strathmore Music Center, 5301 Tuckerman Lane in North Bethesda. The in-person celebration will recognize the dedication, bravery, and commitment of first responders and public safety professionals who serve and protect the community every day. Community members, and business leaders are invited to join in celebrating the individuals whose work helps keep Montgomery County safe.
 Montgomery County Community Action Agency’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) is offering free income tax preparation for households earning $69,000 or less. Appointments are available at multiple locations and virtually. Certified tax preparers will complete and file 2025 federal and state returns.
Appointments:
- Mondays: 2–8 p.m. – Casey Community Center, 810 S Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg
- Tuesdays: 11 a.m.–5 p.m. & 2–8 p.m. – Community Action Agency, Rockville, 1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 320, Rockville & TESS Center, 8703 Flower Ave, Silver Spring
- Wednesdays: 12–8 p.m. – Community Action Agency, Rockville
- Thursdays: 11 a.m.–5 p.m. – WorkSource Montgomery, 11510 Georgia Avenue, 3rd Floor, Wheaton & Community Action Agency, Rockville
- Fridays: 11 a.m.–5 p.m. – Virtual appointments
All VITA sites serve taxpayers filing with individual tax information numbers (ITINs). Staff can assist with ITIN applications at Community Action Agency VITA and CASA.
From sports and fitness to arts and aquatics, registration for Montgomery County Recreation's spring programs and activities is now open. Registration is also open for all senior programs, including the popular Senior Outdoor Adventures in Recreation (SOAR), Day Trippers, and Bone Builders programs. Check out the full lineup of programs offered this spring in the Digital GUIDE.
The Wheaton Urban District Advisory Committee has been advocating for changes to parking prices in Wheaton, and examining the impact current pricing has had on local businesses and the broader community. The committee wants to ensure that everyone who lives, works, shops, and visits Wheaton has a voice in shaping a parking structure that works for all.
Residents are encouraged to take a few minutes to complete the survey, and share it widely with their networks, community groups, and contacts. Public responses will directly influence the final option considered for Wheaton’s future parking structure. The survey deadline is Sunday, Feb. 28.
Improbable Comedy will present the fourth annual SPRUNG! Comedy Festival March 12–15, at downtown Silver Spring’s Black Box Theatre. Now expanded to 10 shows, the festival features a diverse lineup of performers and programming, including musical comedy duo Griefcat, a full Spanish-language comedy showcase, comedy classes for aspiring performers, and a fundraiser benefiting Manna Food Center. The ADA-accessible venue will offer ASL interpretation for all performances, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion while spotlighting local and regional comedic talent.
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On the latest episode of “Make A Difference,” host Florence Jewell highlights how volunteers are strengthening communities across Montgomery County. Jewell speaks with Saundra Prather, CEO of the Prathertown Community Development Corporation, about the power of service, neighborhood revitalization, and creating opportunities for residents to get involved. The program shows how local volunteers are making a meaningful impact every day. To learn more and explore hundreds of volunteer opportunities by keyword, zip code, interest area, and more, visit www.montgomeryserves.org.
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Join Silver Spring Town Center Inc. for its Annual Around the World Bazaar from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, in the Great Hall of the Silver Spring Civic Building located at 1 Veterans Place. This free, family-friendly event celebrates the County’s diverse community with a global mix of music, dance, storytelling, hands-on art-making, and more. Guests can participate in free workshops, including paper rose creation and scratch-off carnival mask making with teaching artist Liliane Blom, browse an eclectic mix of arts and crafts vendors, and enjoy food from around the world. The event is free and open to everyone.
 Tickets are now on sale for Brookside Gardens’ seasonal butterfly exhibit, which is open April 1 through Sept. 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can experience hundreds of live butterflies from North America, Central America, South America, Africa, and Asia. The exhibit, located in the South Conservatory, offers an up-close view as butterflies glide, swoop, and flutter among vibrant blooms. Brookside Gardens is located at 1800 Glenallen Ave. in Wheaton.
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