 Wednesday, February 25, 2026
I've heard from hundreds of constituents over the last few weeks in regard to data centers. I appreciate all the comments and concerns I have received. On February 6th, I hosted a community meeting to speak with residents directly about this important topic. During this meeting, I heard from many residents about their desire to see safeguards and protections when it comes to the establishment of data centers. As of today, there is no definition of data centers in our Montgomery County zoning code and there are very few restrictions as to where they can be built.
Alongside my colleagues, I introduced Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 26-01, Commercial Uses - Data Center, which provides the safeguards and protections the community is asking for. ZTA 26-01 would amend the Zoning Ordinance to define Data Center as a new use subject to zoning requirements, specify the zones where Data Centers may locate in the County as conditional uses, and establish minimum standards for the location of Data Centers in the County. I encourage you to review ZTA 26-01 and provide me with your feedback on the parameters outlined in the text.
Many constituents also asked for a public hearing about this topic. We held a public hearing on ZTA 26-01 yesterday. You can watch a recording on the Council YouTube channel.
Conversations about Data Centers are also taking place at the state level. Below is a list of bills related to Data Centers that I am tracking on the state level.
I had the pleasure of joining The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi on Friday, February 20th to discuss a number of topics including immigration, data centers and solid waste. Thank you to Kojo Nnamdi and Tom Sherwood for the conversation. If you would like to listen to a recording of the show, visit the WAMU website.
 Councilmember Balcombe and Kojo Nnamdi at The Politics Hour.
 A graphic of District 2's geographic outline, with the text "District 2 Historical Highlights: Celebrating 250 years of Montgomery County."
- The B&O Railroad opened up the Western County’s farming community to the rest of the county and nation. It changed agriculture forever and bolstered the dairy industry in Montgomery County. The railroad was used to quickly ship fresh milk to dairies in Washington, DC for processing and selling. Dairy farms opened up all along the B&O spur in Montgomery County, specifically in Gaithersburg and Boyds. Visit the Mooseum in Boyds if you want to learn more about Montgomery County's dairy history!
- While the movie itself is set in Burkittsville, Maryland, did you know that The Blair Witch Project was filmed right here in Montgomery County? Most of the movie was shot across eight days in 1997 along the Seneca Creek Greenway Trail. Don't forget this fun fact next time you go on a hike there!
Economic Development (ECON) Committee
Our next Economic Development (ECON) committee session is scheduled for Thursday, March 5th. We will be discussing the FY27-32 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) and will be focusing on revenue authority and economic development. You can review our staff packet on the County Council website and can watch our work session live or on demand on the Council YouTube channel.
Transportation and Environment Committee
The Transportation and Environment (TE) committee will be meeting tomorrow, February 26th to work on the following FY27-032 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) items: WSSCWater, Recycling and Resource Management, Conservation of Natural Resources - Stormwater Management, and Conservation of Natural Resources - Storm Drains. We will also be looking at a supplemental appropriation that would fund a stormwater management retrofit.
You can watch a recording of our work session on the Council YouTube channel, and can review our staff packet on the Council website.
Council Legislation
On February 25th, the County Council held public hearings on the following bills and ZTAs.
Upcoming Public Hearings
To testify at a Council public hearing or to submit written, audio, or video testimony, please visit the Council website or call 240-777-7803. The deadline to sign up to testify for a 1:30PM public hearing is 2PM the day prior. The deadline to sign up to testify for a 7PM public hearing is 5PM the day prior.
March 3, 2026
March 10, 2026
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9:30AM: Bill 7-26, Buildings - Scope and applicability - Exemptions - Buildings or Structures used exclusively for agricultural purposes - Amendments
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9:30AM: Expedited Bill 10-26, Arts and Humanities Council - Amendments
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9:30AM: Bill 11-26, Fire and Rescue Services - Length of Service Awards Program for Volunteers - Amendments
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9:30AM: Bill 12-26, Finance - Payments to Service Providers for Persons with Developmental Disabilities
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9:30AM: Resolution to approve Supplemental Appropriation #26-59 to the FY26 Operating Budget, Montgomery County Government, Department of Recreation, Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County (AHCMC), $53,788 (Source of Funds: General Funds: Undesignated Reserves)
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1:30PM: Bill 8-26, Landlord-Tenant Relations - Prohibition Against Price Coordination and Rent-Setting Algorithms
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1:30PM: Bill 9-26, Rental Housing - Maintenance Standards and Essential Services - Air-Conditioning
The following County boards, committees, and commissions are seeking applicants:
- The County Executive has proposed closing the incinerator, therefore, we have to consider how to handle our solid waste and recycling moving forward. If you'd like to share your input, I encourage you to attend one of the upcoming open houses.
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Monday, March 2nd from 6-8:30PM at the Upcounty Regional Services Center (12900 Middlebrook Road, Germantown, MD 20874)
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Wednesday, March 4th from 6-8:30PM at the Executive Office Building (101 Monroe Street, Rockville, MD 20850)
- Thursday, March 5th from 6-8:30PM on Zoom
If you would like to get in touch with me regarding anything mentioned in this newsletter or any other concerns you may have, please email me at Councilmember.Balcombe@montgomerycountymd.gov or call my office at 240-777-7960.
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