Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Please directly email me at Councilmember.Balcombe@montgomerycountymd.gov or call my office at 240-777-7960 if you would like to contact me about this newsletter.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by my weekend Breakfast with Balcombe event on Saturday, April 4th. I love hosting these events where I can hear from constituents in a casual group setting, and this month's event was held on a weekend to accommodate everyone's busy schedules! We discussed the budget, affordable housing, schools, community engagement, and much more. Keep an eye out for my next event, and I hope to see you there!
A special thank you to K2 Cafe for hosting the event! I highly recommend you stop by the restaurant next time you're in Clarksburg for some great food and a fabulous atmosphere!
 A photo of Council Vice President Balcombe alongside community members at Breakfast with Balcombe.
Last week, we heard from hundreds of constituents who came out to participate in our budget public hearings. When it comes to advocacy, public hearings are a great way to have your voice heard. I was so glad to see familiar faces and new speakers from my district, and will continue to share information about public hearings in my biweekly newsletters to encourage participation. If you weren't able to sign up for a public hearing, I hope you will consider sharing your thoughts with the Council via email. It is very important that we hear from the community as we make decisions on your behalf.
Montgomery County GreenFest returns to District 2 this spring! Join me on Saturday, April 25th from 11AM-4PM at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown!
To honor the 250th anniversary of Montgomery County, this year's GreenFest theme centers on legacy and collective action. The organizers encourage residents to celebrate Montgomery County's 250 years by committing to 250 actions that safeguard our environment and public health. To learn more about GreenFest, visit the event website!
 A graphic for GreenFest, which will be held on April 25th from 11AM-4PM at the BlackRock Center for the Arts. Clicking the image will redirect to the event website.
Help shape the future of Germantown! Join Montgomery Planning on Wednesday, April 29th from 6:30-8PM at the Upcounty Regional Services Center (12900 Middlebrook Road, Germantown, MD 20874) for a presentation and open house to hear ideas for transforming Germantown into a better-connected, more complete community. This is an opportunity to learn about the Germantown Sector Plan Amendment, to share your feedback with Montgomery Planning, and to help guide future decisions for Germantown.
Montgomery Planning's Germantown Sector Plan Amendment updates the vision and guidance for Germantown's commercial areas and surrounding neighborhoods on both sides of I-270. Planners are examining land use, zoning, housing, transportation, parks, and the environment to help create a more complete, connected, and livable community that preserves what residents value most.
To learn more, visit Montgomery Planning's Germantown Sector Plan Amendment website. I hope to see you there!
I was so excited to visit The Artsy Farmer this past weekend. This farm is a hidden gem located in Dickerson! The Artsy Farmer is a family-owned multigenerational farm where visitors can explore the farm, meet alpacas, learn about daily farm life, and browse artisan goods and original artwork. Many items at the farm shop are made from alpaca fleece from the farm itself! Springtime is also baby season, with baby alpacas arriving on the farm!
If you're looking for a serene and fun weekend activity, check out The Artsy Farmer! Learn more and book a tour through the farm's website.
 A photo of Council Vice President Balcombe feeding an alpaca. Clicking the image will redirect to The Artsy Farmer website.
 A graphic of District 2's geographic outline, with the text "District 2 Historical Highlights: Celebrating 250 years of Montgomery County."
- Visit Edwards Ferry, an important Potomac River crossing site that was controlled by the Union during the Civil War. Union forces passed through Edwards Ferry during the Battle of Ball's Bluff (which took place in Loudoun County) and again during the Gettysburg campaign. Confederates raided the site on numerous occasions, damaging the site and Union equipment.
- Located in North Potomac, the Pleasant View Historic Site is a physical reminder of the African American community of Quince Orchard. The Pleasant View Methodist Episcopal Church served the African American community, and was one of three churches in the Quince Orchard area. The historical site as it stands currently includes a historic school house that was built in 1868, a church, and a historic cemetery. Visit the Pleasant View Historical Association website to learn more and to plan your visit to this historic site.
- The Rosenwald School Project built more than 5,000 schools for African American children in the early 20th century, and they existed right here in Montgomery County. In November, the Town of Poolesville unveiled a historic marker recognizing the site of a former Rosenwald School in our area. Learn more about Rosenwald Schools in Montgomery County by reading Ralph Buglass' report.
- The town of Sugarland is one of the best-documented historic African American communities in Montgomery County. Located in Poolesville, the Sugarland community was established in the 1870s and came to include a church, a school, and 200 acres of land. The historic 1893 St. Paul Community Church still stands, and is maintained by the Sugarland Ethno-History Project. Visit the project's website to learn more about Sugarland's rich history.
Economic Development (ECON) Committee
The Economic Development (ECON) committee met on Friday, April 10th to begin our review of the FY27 operating budget. We also discussed Expedited Bill 13-26, Building Permits - Immigration Detention Facility (ICE Out Act).
You can review our staff packet on the Council website, and can watch a recording of the session on demand on the Council YouTube channel.
The next ECON session is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22nd.
Transportation and Environment Committee
The Transportation and Environment (TE) committee met on Monday, April 13th to begin reviewing the FY27 Operating Budget and to continue its review of the FY27-32 Capital Improvements Program. We discussed the Department of Transportation's general fund and various non-departmental accounts. Our next TE meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, April 16th. We will be discussing WSSCWater, utilities, the Department of General Services, parking lot districts, the motor pool fund contribution NDA, and FY27 transportation fee changes.
You can review our staff packets on the Council website, and can watch a recording of our sessions on demand on the Council YouTube channel.
Council Legislation
The County Council took final action on the bills below during its April 7th session.
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Bill 26-25, Vegetation - Invasive Plants
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Bill 1-26, Human Rights and Civil Liberties - County Minimum Wage - Actual Impact Analysis - Amendments
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Bill 7-26, Buildings - Scope and applicability - Exemptions - Buildings or Structures used exclusively for agricultural purposes - Amendments
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Expedited Bill 10-26, Arts and Humanities Council - Amendments
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.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
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9:30AM: Resolution to Increase County Income Tax Rate
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9:30AM: FY27 Real Property Tax Rate Increase
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1:30PM: Resolution to approve Supplemental Appropriation #26-64 to the FY26 Operating Budget, Montgomery County Government, Department of Health and Human Services, Continuum of Care (CoC) Planning Activities Grant, $502,167 (Source of Funds: Federal Grant)
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1:30PM: Resolution to approve Supplemental Appropriation #26-56 to the FY26 Operating Budget, Montgomery County Government, Office of Food Systems Resilience FY26 Food Aggregation Grant Program, $300,000 (Source of Funds: Private Grant)
The following County Council appointed boards, committees, and commissions are seeking applicants:
The following County boards, committees, and commissions are seeking applicants:
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Commission on Child Care | DEADLINE: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
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Animal Matters Hearing Board | DEADLINE: Friday, April 17, 2026
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Bethesda Urban Partnership, Inc. Board of Directors | DEADLINE: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
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Montgomery County Sports Advisory Committee | DEADLINE: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
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Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board | DEADLINE: Friday, April 24, 2026
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East County Citizens Advisory Board | DEADLINE: Friday, May 1, 2026
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Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board | DEADLINE: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
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Agricultural Advisory Committee | DEADLINE: Friday, May 8, 2026
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Community Action Board | DEADLINE: Friday, May 8, 2026
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County-wide Recreation and Parks Advisory Board | DEADLINE: Monday, May 11, 2026
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Taxicab Services Commission | DEADLINE: Open Until Filled
- Need a free health screening? Stop by the AAPI Heritage Month Celebration 2026 Health Fair on Sunday, May 3rd at Seneca Valley High School between 11AM-4PM for free walk-in checks. For more information, visit https://aahiinfo.org/aapicelebration/.
- A few months ago, I requested a transportation study that would analyze current and future travel patterns between Montgomery Village and Clarksburg. This study would identify any transportation deficiencies and work with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation to determine what improvements are practical and when they could be implemented. The Montgomery County Planning Board recently approved the scope of work for the study, which is expected to be completed within 12 months.
- Over the course of the year, the team will hold two public meetings, one this fall and another in the winter of 2026/2027. The Planning Board will review the study in spring 2027.
- To learn more about this project, visit Montgomery Planning's website.
- Get ready to raise awareness for mental health during Mental Health Awareness Month with EveryMind's Everymile for EveryMind 5K Run and 1K Walk on May 10th at 8:30AM in Rockville Town Center. Sign up to participate through EveryMind's website.
- Join historian Susan Cooke Soderberg on Saturday, April 18th at the Germantown Historical Society (19330 Mateny Hill Road) for a presentation about Montgomery County's role in the Revolutionary War. This will be a great event, and I encourage you to attend!
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As you prepare to vote in this year’s elections, be aware that you may see or hear dis/misinformation about voting processes and polling places, voting rights or election results. Protect yourself against election dis/misinformation by relying on the Maryland Board of Elections -- not social media sites or anonymous callers. The comprehensive Rumor Control page is the authoritative source that can help you separate fact from fiction on election-related topics. You can report election-related misinformation for Board action here.
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The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will begin a project to resurface MD 109 (Beallsville Road) between MD 28 (Darnestown Road) and Barnesville Road in Dickerson starting Monday, April 6. The project is expected to be completed by late May. The total temporary closures will only occur Sundays through Friday mornings from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. Motorists traveling during the work hours should plan on extra driving time.
- Phase I: MD 109 closed between Barnesville Road and Sellman Road
- Phase II: MD 109 closed between Sellman Road and Big Woods Road
- Phase III: MD 109 closed between Big Woods Road and MD 28
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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