 This week, with the County Executive in Taiwan, he uses his video to highlight the 51st Public Safety Awards held on the Friday before he left. The County has partially lifted its health advisory on the Potomac River and has new recommendations for residents. He checks in from Taipei and provides an update on the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which is meant to help current recipients with increased needs due to the war in Iran. The County Executive details his support for the largest contribution ever to the MCPS budget through his recommended operating budget. He encourages residents to enjoy MoComCon on Saturday in Germantown and offers well wishes as Ramadan comes to a close and Nowruz is celebrated.
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Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Natali Fani-González announced Wednesday that the County will provide $500,000 in supplemental funding to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program directed towards current recipients experiencing increased security staffing needs as a result of escalating hostilities in the Middle East.
The additional funding comes in the wake of last week's terror attack at a synagogue in Michigan and at a time when many local organizations are reporting increased fear, threats, and concern among congregants, staff, and community members.
Montgomery County’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program is one of the few locally funded initiatives of its kind in the nation and has become a critical tool in helping community organizations prevent and respond to hate-based threats. Since Fiscal Year 2019, the County has committed more than $6.5 million to support security enhancements for nonprofit and faith-based institutions.
 Last week, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich released his recommended Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget. The proposal continues investments in public education, affordable housing, public safety, health and human services, transportation, climate action, and economic opportunity while maintaining the County’s long-term fiscal stability amid growing economic uncertainty.
The proposed budget reflects rising costs in housing, health care and other household necessities, continued pressure on County services, and reductions in certain federal funding streams that support local programs and nonprofit partners.
Every year, thieves use tax season as a reason to reach out to potential victims with promises of big returns, quick cash, or to steal their tax refund. They also know that some victims may be worried about the tax bill they owe and use that to threaten and intimidate victims.
If you get an unexpected call, email, or text claiming to be from the IRS—especially one demanding payment or personal information—it’s likely a scam.
The IRS will not call to threaten arrest or demand immediate payment. They will not ask for payments by wire transfer or prepaid card. When in doubt, hang up and contact the IRS directly at 1‑800‑829‑1040.
Common Scams to Watch for:
- “You owe back taxes” phone calls.
- Fake IRS refund emails or texts.
- Requests to “verify” personal, payroll, or W‑2 information.
- Threats that your Social Security number will be suspended.
How to verify an IRS Contact:
- Hang up and call the IRS directly at the official number: 1-800‑829‑1040.
- Check your online IRS account for any real notices or balances.
- Never use phone numbers given by the caller.
Free tax preparation assistance is available now through April 15 for low-to-moderate income Montgomery County taxpayers at multiple library locations.
Trained volunteers through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program will provide services if you make an appointment and bring the right information with you (i.e., Social Security cards for yourself and every individual on your return, a photo ID, all W-2s.)
Call 240-777-2577 with any questions or follow the link below to set an appointment.
 WSSC Water is committed to providing financial assistance to customers to make their water and sewer bills more affordable. Eligible residential and commercial customers may request a pay plan and some may qualify for a one-time bill assistance payment of up to $750. The total fund exceeds $2 million, but less than half remains. Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you feel like you could qualify, complete a financial assistance questionaire online on the WSSC Water website.
 Step into history with the “Women of Woodlawn” tour on Saturday, March 28, at the Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park in Sandy Spring. This Women’s History Month experience brings to life the stories, struggles, and triumphs of women from the 1800s through the 1970s. Guests will get a rare look at original 19th‑century documents and explore both indoor and outdoor spaces, including optional behind‑the‑scenes areas.
Tours begin at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and last about 45 minutes. Admission is $5, and organizers recommend participants be at least 12 years old.
Register ahead of time before March 25 at 5 p.m. to reserve your spot.
 Montgomery County is developing its Five-Year Consolidated Plan to guide the use of funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Your input on community needs can help shape how the County uses these funds over the next five years.
The County’s Community Needs Assessment Survey is now open to collect your feedback. Residents are invited to complete the survey in English or Spanish. Community stakeholders are invited to complete the survey here on behalf of their organization. Your thoughts on housing, homelessness, neighborhood improvements, and service needs will shape the County’s funding priorities.
The surveys will be open through Sunday, March 29.
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation's (MCDOT) annual street sweeping program is set to begin the first week of April. This effort will run through July and staff will sweep 4,100 lane miles of residential roadways.
MCDOT will post “No Parking” signs a few days before sweeping operations. Cars will not be towed for this effort; however, residents are asked to assist in making sure streets are clear of cars, as street sweepers will not be able to return to re-sweep areas where cars were parked.
 Montgomery County Public Libraries is celebrating 10 years of MoComCon with a full slate of events at Germantown Library and BlackRock Center for the Arts on Saturday, March 21.
MoComCon is a free, family‑friendly celebration of comics, graphic novels, and all your favorite fandoms. There are events for young kids, teens, and adults. Come celebrate a decade of creativity, cosplay, and community. Click below for a full schedule of events.
 The Wheaton Urban District is now accepting applications from restaurants, food vendors, artisans, and community exhibitors to participate in the 30th “Annual Taste of Wheaton: Maryland’s Culinary & Culture Festival.” The festival will take place on Sunday, June 7, at Marian Fryer Town Plaza, located at 2424 Reedie Drive in Wheaton.
Each year, the festival draws thousands of residents and visitors to experience Wheaton’s food scene through tastings from local restaurants, international cuisine, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
Links to applications in English and Spanish are available in the press release.
 The Community Action Board, an anti-poverty group that advocates for policies that address the needs of lower-income County residents, has one open seat for a representative of the low‑income community.
To qualify for this seat, applicants must:
- Live in Montgomery County.
- Have a modest income (someone who struggles to pay basic necessities like food, housing, and child care).
- Be democratically elected by a group made up of low‑income community members. This can be a neighborhood association, faith group, PTA, civic group, tenant association, or similar community organization.
If you're interested in being a voice for the low-income community and an advocate on its behalf, please apply by Monday, April 6, for consideration.
 County Executive Marc Elrich seeks applicants to fill three vacancies on the Historic Preservation Commission. Applicants should be Montgomery County residents and have expertise in the field of history, architecture, preservation, or urban design, or should represent a special geographic area, or a social, economic, or cultural interest in the County.
Owners of historic homes or residents of historic districts are also encouraged to apply. One incumbent may seek to retain their seat.
The nine-member Commission is responsible for approving Historic Area Work Permits and for recommending historic sites and historic districts to the Planning Board and County Council for placement on the Master Plan for Historic Preservation.
The application deadline is Friday, April 10.
A Clinic Without Borders continues to serve the Montgomery County community every weekend with free preventative care. Community health workers are able to help the Spanish-speaking community access resources and services available to all residents, providing support and guidance for the medically uninsured.
The clinic is located at 12220 Plum Orchard Drive. Suite 214, in Silver Spring. Services are available for adults (18+) without an appointment. Patients are seen starting at 9 a.m. on both Saturday and Sundays, according to the American Diversity Group website. On Saturdays, mental health counseling is offered while on a Sundays arthritis specialists are available.
 The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services will host free student vaccination clinics Monday, March 30 through Monday, April 6, during spring break, to help families meet Maryland school immunization requirements and avoid potential exclusion from school. Free vaccines are available to all Montgomery County Public Schools students, regardless of insurance status, including required Tdap and meningococcal (MCV) vaccines for seventh graders, as well as HPV, MMR, varicella, meningococcal B, and COVID-19 vaccines. Parents and guardians should review their child’s immunization records and schedule an appointment.
 The Montgomery County Commission for Women, in partnership with Montgomery County Recreation and Montgomery County Public Libraries, is excited to announce that entries for the annual Girl Power Contest are open and will be accepted until Tuesday, March 31. Open to everyone five and older, this year’s theme asks: Women past and present have shown incredible, real-life superpowers. Who inspires you—whether a historical figure, family member, neighbor, or advocate—and how did she use her powers to make a difference? Submissions can include short stories, drawings, songs, or any other creative outlet. Participants are encouraged to think big, get creative, and celebrate the strength and impact of women and girls. Winners will be invited to a special celebration in June.
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Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services, in partnership with the Keeping It Safe (KIS) Coalition, is sponsoring two student contests to raise awareness about the risks of underage drinking and promote safe, alcohol-free celebrations during prom season. Winners will be recognized at a spring awards reception hosted by the KIS Coalition.
The Sober Vibes Essay Contest and the Keeping It Safe Student Video Contest are open to County public and private school students. The deadline to submit entries is Tuesday, March 31.
Nominations are now open for the Montgomery Serves Awards, the County’s highest honor recognizing outstanding volunteerism. The annual awards celebrate individuals, businesses, and community groups that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to serving others through volunteer work. Residents are encouraged to nominate those who made a meaningful impact through volunteer service in 2025, as well as individuals aged 60 and older who have dedicated a lifetime to helping the community. Nominations must be submitted by Friday, April 3.
The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Section encourages residents to reduce food waste by using free food scrap recycling drop-off bins available at select farmers markets in Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Olney.
The County estimates that approximately 92,300 tons of food scraps were disposed of in the trash last year. Through the “Food Is Too Good to Waste” campaign, residents are encouraged to prevent waste by donating excess edible food—such as prepared foods, produce, and shelf-stable items—to food recovery organizations, helping address food insecurity.
In addition, residents can recycle inedible food scraps at the FreshFarm Downtown Silver Spring market on Saturdays beginning at 9 a.m., and at the Bethesda Central Farm Market and Olney Farmers and Artists Market on Sundays.
Accepted items include fruit and vegetable scraps, cooked foods, dairy (cheese and yogurt), eggshells, meat, fish and bones, and coffee grounds and tea leaves (without filters).
 The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection will host the 13th annual Montgomery County Energy Summit on April 28–29 at the Silver Spring Civic Building. Centered on the theme “Elevating Building Performance,” the summit brings together building owners, property managers, and sustainability professionals for two days of learning, networking, and hands-on innovation.
Paula Glover, president of the Alliance to Save Energy, will deliver the keynote address on Wednesday, April 29. New this year, participants can also join “Let’s Decarbonize! A Hands-on Building Decarbonization Workshop!,” where small groups work through real building scenarios to develop practical decarbonization strategies.
 The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority will conduct major construction on the Red Line from Monday, July 6, through Monday, Sept. 7. During this time, Metrorail service will be suspended between the Grosvenor-Strathmore, Medical Center, and Bethesda stations. Free shuttle buses will replace train service and operate every five to eight minutes during regular Metrorail hours.
 The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection is accepting applications for its summer 2026 Watershed Restoration Internship Program. Interns will support projects that protect local streams, improve water quality, and promote sustainable practices across the County, while gaining hands-on experience and exposure to professionals in engineering, biology, and environmental planning.
Positions offer flexible schedules of 20 to 32 hours per week and pay $18.15 per hour, with work based in Wheaton. The internships are open to current college and graduate students, with preference given to Montgomery County residents. Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, March 31.
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