 This week, County Executive Marc Elrich responds to the FY27 operating budget counterproposal by Council President Natali Fani-González. He addresses the close of the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session, where Montgomery County secured increased state aid and funding for schools, infrastructure, and community projects. He points to key legislation, including the Maryland Community Trust Act, utility relief to lower energy costs, and new protections tied to healthcare and anti-trafficking efforts. Marc also addresses the horrible arson and vandalism at Bradley Hills Elementary School, the upcoming launch of the County’s redesigned website, and how federal tax cuts will be far greater for most residents than proposed revenue enhancements in his recommended budget. He concludes by acknowledging a tragic domestic violence incident, highlighting prescription drug affordability efforts, and recognizing 911 and 311 staff.
Story Keys:
County Launches New Website April 20
 Montgomery County Government is launching a new, refreshed website on Monday, April 20 that is designed to make it easier than ever for residents, businesses, and visitors to find the information they need. The redesigned site will feature a modern look, simpler navigation, improved search, and enhanced accessibility across all departments. As part of the County’s Web 2.0 Redesign Project, the new site also introduces upgraded technology, faster performance, and multilingual support. Residents will be able to explore the new experience and share feedback following the launch.
The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will receive more than $2.1 million in federal and state awards to advance programs that lower energy costs for low and moderate-income residents, and support planting and caring for new trees to expand the County’s forests and tree canopy.
U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, and Rep. Jamie Raskin secured more than $1.6 million in federal funding for DEP initiatives via congressionally directed spending (Senate) and community project funding (House). The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has also awarded $500,000 to DEP through the FY2026 State Revitalization Programs.
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Montgomery County residents are invited to a free CPR and Naloxone Training from 1–3 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, at the Public Safety Training Academy in Gaithersburg. The hands‑on session is open to ages 12 and older and will cover life‑saving CPR skills and how to administer naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose.
The Montgomery County Office of Procurement will host a free Vendor Connection Summit from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, April 22 at the Silver Spring Civic Building. The event provides businesses with the opportunity to make connections with County’s prime contractors, County departments and local resource organizations. This expo-style networking event features 50 exhibit tables and three hours of networking. Attendees can also attend the vendor registration workshop to get registered in the County's Vendor Registration System.
Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) is expanding its weekend adoption hours to 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, beginning Saturday, April 11. Previous weekend hours were noon–5:00 p.m.
Opening an hour earlier is intended to improve access for residents, ease wait times, and create more opportunities for successful pet adoptions.
 The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces the distinguished speaker lineup for the 13th Annual Montgomery County Energy Summit, taking place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 28-29, at the Silver Spring Civic Building in downtown Silver Spring.
The Silver Spring Civic Building is located at 1 Veterans Plaza.
Day one will begin with opening remarks from County Executive Marc Elrich, joined by Maryland Del. Lorig Charkoudian, and DEP Director Jennifer Macedonia.
Inaugural Taste of Burtonsville Set for Saturday, April 25
 Montgomery County will host the inaugural Taste of Burtonsville on Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center. The new, family-friendly event will bring together residents, local restaurants, and community partners to celebrate the area’s diverse food and culture.
Attendees can sample a variety of international and American cuisine from local vendors, enjoy live music, and participate in children's activities. The event highlights the vibrancy of the Burtonsville community while supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs.
The Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center is located at 14906 Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will host a free family-friendly, student-led “Safety Day” event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 9 at the Carver Educational Services Center (CESC). The CESC is located at 850 Hungerford Drive. The FREE fair will highlight driver, bike, and pedestrian safety with interactive and educational experiences, including safety demonstrations, games, and hands-on activities for all ages. Safety Day is organized and staffed by local high school students participating in the County’s Vision Zero Youth Ambassador program.
 Montgomery County residents are encouraged to participate in the regional Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 15. Online registration is now open. The annual event celebrates bicycling as a fun, healthy, and climate-friendly way to travel. Free pit stop events will be available across the region throughout the morning, including 15 located in Montgomery County. The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will sponsor eight of those pit stops featuring music, snacks, raffles, and vendors.
The first 18,000 bicyclists to register and participate will receive a free t-shirt and be automatically entered into a raffle to win a new bike.
Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Director Chris Conklin has been elected chair of the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC). This comes three years after his appointment by Governor Wes Moore as a WMSC commissioner representing Maryland. The WMSC oversees the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority’s (WMATA’s) rail system safety plans, procedures, and programs.
The WMSC is an independent agency created in 2017 by Congress and Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. First managed by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), safety oversight of WMATA Metrorail was transferred from FTA to the WMSC in March 2019. Among other responsibilities, the board reviews Metrorail’s safety plans, conducts safety incident investigations, ensures Metrorail’s progress on Corrective Action Plans (CAPs), certifies new safety-critical systems, and sets the Program Standard outlining how WMSC staff conduct their crucial oversight work. The WSMC is comprised of six commissioners and three alternates appointed by Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia and is supported by a staff of around 20 engineering, systems, and administrative professionals. Each commissioner must have experience on transportation safety or related fields.
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Purple Line Construction Updates and Road Closures in April
Purple Line construction continues in Montgomery County this spring, with upcoming road access changes and overnight work in several areas. Crews will install overhead wires along the alignment from Connecticut Avenue to Lyttonsville over the next two months, with some work occurring overnight between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Beginning on or about Monday, April 13, access at the West Shopping Center near University Boulevard will be limited to right turns only for approximately one week. Additional Overnight closures are expected starting on or about Monday, April 20 along Wayne Avenue between Flower Avenue and Sligo Creek Parkway from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Residents and drivers are encouraged to follow posted signage and pedestrian detours.
Montgomery County Ride On to Adjust 18 Bus Routes Beginning Sunday, May 3
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will adjust 18 Ride On bus route schedules starting Sunday, May 3, to improve efficiency and on-time performance. The changes reflect a shift of resources to allow for more reliable service where demand is higher. The new schedules will be available at rideonbus.com and in print.
Route changes include:
- Ten (10) routes will have new trip times: 12, 15, 16, 17, 20, 26, 29, 34, 40, 47
- Eight (8) routes will have adjustments to improve on-time performance: 33, 48, 49, 57, 97, 98, Flash Orange, and Flash Blue
Red Line Construction to Temporarily Close Three Metro Stations This Summer
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 Commission for Women and Montgomery County Public Libraries are pleased to offer a series of financial seminars to help walk you through the ins and outs of "all things money.” Led by financial and investment advisors Jamie Lapin and Thiago Glieger, the sessions are designed to help attendees build confidence in managing their financial future. Classes are free and will be held on Zoom from 7-8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, beginning May 12.
 Are you a problem fixer with a particular interest in improving East County? The East County Citizens Advisory Board (ECCAB) is seeking a few more volunteers to help identify community concerns and recommend possible solutions.
The ECCAB was established to represent the residents of Ashton/Sandy Spring, Burtonsville, Burnt Mills, Briggs Chaney, Calverton, Cloverly, Colesville, Fairland, Hillandale, Spencerville, and White Oak. It also advises the director of the Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center on transportation, economic development, housing, education, human services, environment, recreation, public safety, and other issues of importance to the area.
If you’re interested in helping your community, apply to the 18-member board by Friday, May 1.
 The Montgomery County Sports Advisory Committee seeks volunteers to serve on the board. Of its 26 members, 17 have a voting role representing the public, nonprofit, and for-profit organizations. Board members are responsible for preparing and submitting an annual report regarding sports participation in the County.
Many organizations and groups play a role in the sports athletes play in Montgomery County, including the government. The Montgomery County Sports Advisory Committee helps determine which facilities are open to the public. The County Department of Recreation also offers sports and activities to promote health and wellness.
The MoCo Pride Center, in partnership with Us Helping Us, offers free STI and HIV testing every Tuesday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. through its “Testing Tuesday” program. Tests take just five minutes, and participants receive a free gift card and lunch voucher as a thank-you. Self-test kits and rapid tests are also available throughout the week, with staff on hand to provide guidance.
Prepare for the 2026 Election Which Includes Board of Education Seats
Montgomery County residents are encouraged to get ready for the 2026 election, which includes Board of Education contests that will help shape the future of local public schools.
The Primary Election is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, with early voting taking place June 11–18. Several Board of Education seats will appear on the ballot, allowing voters to help select candidates who will advance to the general election.
Residents can choose to vote by mail, vote early, or vote on Election Day. Voters who wish to receive a mail-in ballot must submit a request by June 16. Those who have already requested a mail-in ballot will receive it by mail ahead of the election and should follow the instructions to return it on time.
Residents are encouraged to check their voter registration status, confirm their voting method, and make a plan to vote. For key dates, registration information, and voting options, visit the Montgomery County Board of Elections website.
The Montgomery County Board of Elections invites registered voters to serve as election judges during Early Voting, June 11-18, and on Primary Election Day, June 23. Individuals of all party affiliations are encouraged to apply, with a particular need for registered Republicans throughout the County.
Given the County's linguistic diversity and in accordance with Title 15.5 of the Maryland Election Law Article, voters who are proficient in languages such as Amharic, Chinese, French, Korean, Vietnamese, and others are needed. Additionally, to comply with Section 203 of the 1975 Voting Rights Act, each polling place must have voters fluent in both English and Spanish to ensure a bilingual Spanish speaker is available.
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