 This week, the County Executive warns against eliminating the Income Tax Offset Credit (ITOC) for homeowners and explains how the County Council's lack of support for differential taxation plans has worked against Montgomery County. He discusses the significant drop in the number of families going unhoused, thanks to innovative solutions implemented by the Department of Health and Human Services. He highlights the devastating impact of a late freeze on farmers across the County, celebrates a new chapter for early childhood learning in Wheaton, and praises Montgomery County police officers for their work to decrease crime in Silver Spring. The County Executive honors a Montgomery County resident whose work resonated throughout the science world, shines a spotlight on the positive national attention our area continues to get, and encourages everyone to recognize Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
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Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, and Council Vice President Marilyn Balcombe Celebrate Completion of Nation’s Largest Transit Depot Microgrid
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, County Council Vice President Marilyn Balcombe, AlphaStruxure, and federal, state, and local officials today announced the successful completion of the largest transit depot microgrid in the nation at the County’s David F. Bone Equipment Maintenance and Transit Operation Center (EMTOC) in Derwood. Located at 16700 Crabbs Branch Way, the new 6.8-megawatt microgrid features 9,800 solar panels spread across 16 canopies, enough generation to power about 500 Maryland homes for one year and will support charging a fleet of 200 Ride On buses and five buildings.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Natali Fani-González have announced that Silver Branch Brewing Company and its complementary restaurant concept, Mosaic Pizza, have signed a lease to become the first retail tenant at the Maryland-National Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC ) Wheaton Headquarters Building.
This milestone marks a significant step in expanding offerings at the Wheaton Town Square and advancing the County’s vision for a vibrant, mixed-use downtown Wheaton. The new concept will bring a full-service brewery, restaurant, family-friendly dining destination, and dedicated private event venue to the heart of downtown.
The Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships (OCP) and the Asian American Health Initiative (AAHI) will host the fifth annual Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, at Seneca Valley High School, located at 19401 Crystal Rock Drive in Germantown. The 2026 event has been planned with assistance from 18 local nonprofits serving the AAPI community.
This free, family-friendly event is open to the public. Registration is not required.
Montgomery Parks will host the third annual Sligo Creek Fest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, along Sligo Creek Parkway between University Boulevard and Dennis Avenue in Silver Spring. The free event will feature live music on three stages, including performances by Dupont Brass and Capital Effect, as well as a children’s stage with family favorites Rocknoceros, and Culture Queen. Attendees can also enjoy nature and kids’ activities, inflatable games, and a variety of local food and brewery options. Roving entertainers, including hula hoopers, stilt walkers, living statues, and Double Dutch jump ropers, will appear throughout the festival. Visitors are encouraged to walk or bike to Sligo Creek Fest. Bike valet parking will be available. The event is ADA accessible.
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If you find an injured, sick, or orphaned wild animal, there’s now a dedicated place to turn. The Second Chance Wildlife Center in Clarksburg is officially Maryland’s first and only licensed veterinary hospital exclusively for wildlife.
The Center treats more than 2,500 animals each year, including birds, small mammals, and reptiles, and is open for patient admissions daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., including weekends and holidays.
What you should do:
- Do not attempt to treat or keep wildlife yourself.
- Limit handling and keep the animal in a quiet, secure container.
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Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.
The Center’s new facility allows for advanced medical care like surgery, x-rays, and specialized rehabilitation, helping more animals recover and return to the wild.
The public has a chance to weigh in on the 2026 Countywide Strategic Plan. The Public Input Survey is open now. In 2021, the Montgomery County Council passed a law designating the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation to lead the development of a countywide economic development strategic plan. Updated every four years, the plan serves as a roadmap to align economic development efforts, drive business growth and job creation, strengthen the talent pipeline, and advance long-term economic resilience and competitiveness for the County.
Economic development is more than business growth. It is the engine that funds and sustains public priorities. As the economy grows, so does the County’s ability to deliver services. A strong, growing economy can strengthen the community and enhance quality of life by expanding tax revenues, creating more job opportunities, and driving investment across our County.
SRI and MCEDC are seeking community input to develop clear, actionable goals that drive sustainable growth and opportunity across Montgomery County. Learn more and participate by clicking the link below.
 The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) has released a new episode of the Consumer Connection podcast featuring Larissa Johnson, residential energy program manager with the County’s Department of Environmental Protection. The episode, “Sustainable Living for the Savvy Consumer,” outlines practical and cost‑effective strategies for reducing energy use, preparing homes for warmer weather, cutting down on waste, and identifying greenwashing and energy‑related scams. The conversation highlights simple actions and County resources that can help residents make sustainable choices and save money. Consumer Connection is available on various podcast platforms and can be viewed on OCP’s YouTube channel or on County Cable Montgomery on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
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The Wheaton Arts Parade (WAP) is now accepting submissions for its 10th Anniversary Poster Contest, inviting Montgomery County artists, students, and teachers to help design the official poster and t-shirt for this year’s celebration scheduled forSeptember 27. The contest calls for original artwork that reflects the community’s diverse cultures and the vibrant, fun-filled spirit of the annual arts parade and festival. The selected artist will receive a $500 commission and may designate a Montgomery County school to receive $100 for art supplies.
All entries must be original (no AI or stock images) and follow specific color and format guidelines. The winning artist will also have the opportunity to work with a graphic designer to finalize the design for countywide promotion. The submission deadline is Wednesday, May 27.
County Executive Marc Elrich is seeking applicants to fill 13 vacancies on the Agricultural Advisory Committee, including 10 farmers to represent the agriculture community. Three open positions are reserved for non-farmers.
The committee advises the County Executive and County Council on all matters affecting agriculture in the County. Members serve without compensation but are eligible for reimbursement for travel and dependent care for in-person meetings attended. Meetings are currently held virtually by video- and teleconference on the third Tuesday evening of each month. In the past, the Committee met in Germantown and that is expected to resume if needed.
Applicants representing small and large farms from across the County are encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications is Friday, May 8.
The Community Action Board, an anti-poverty group that advocates for policies that address the needs of lower-income County residents, has at least one open seat for a representative of the low‑income community.
To qualify for this seat, applicants must:
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Live in Montgomery County.
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Have a modest income (someone who struggles to pay basic necessities like food, housing, and child care).
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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 Friday, May 8, for consideration.
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is rolling out its spring sidewalk construction schedule, with approximately 10 miles of new sidewalks in the active planning or construction phase across the County.
MCDOT currently has 30 sidewalk projects, totaling six miles of new walkways, in the active planning or construction phase under the Annual Sidewalk Program. An additional four sidewalk projects, totaling 1.3 miles, are in progress and will be combined with additional pedestrian safety improvements such as crosswalks and signage under the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program. Construction has already been completed on a sidewalk near Travilah Elementary School as part of SRTS. The County is also proposing 2.7 miles of new sidewalk to connect residents to the upcoming Purple Line light rail, which is scheduled to open in winter 2027, under the Purple Line Bicycle and Pedestrian Priority Areas (BiPPA) program.
These projects represent an investment of nearly $10 million in pedestrian safety and mobility.
Mid-Century Modern Spotlight: The Goodman Homes
Join us for the next event in the year-long Goodman75 celebration! This year Glenmont Forest Neighbors Civic Association (GFNCA), a Recreation Department partner, is presenting a series of events to showcase the 75th anniversary of Charles Goodman Mid Century Modern homes in our community. The next event features historians, architects, appraisers, and others discussing the relevance and impact of the Goodman homes in the region.
The event takes place at the Wheaton Recreation Center Art Room (2nd floor) from 1 – 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 16. .
The Montgomery County Commission for Women will host “From Mixtapes to Meaning: Crafting Your Encore Chapter,” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, May 4, on Zoom. As careers wind down, many professionals face questions that go beyond finances—about identity, purpose, and what comes next. In this interactive session, retirement coach Joy Levin introduces a thoughtful framework for navigating the transition out of full-time work with intention. Using the metaphor of a “mixtape,” participants will reflect on the experiences, strengths, and patterns that have shaped them, and explore how to carry those forward into a meaningful next chapter. Focused on the mindset of retirement, not the bank account, the session offers practical insights and guided reflection for anyone approaching or entering this new phase of life.
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Montgomery County is now accepting nominations for the 2026 African American Living Legends Award, which recognizes African American older residents who have dedicated their lives to service, leadership, and strengthening the community.
County Executive Marc Elrich will host the 11th African American Living Legends Awards to honor distinguished individuals whose lives and work have significantly shaped the cultural and civic landscape of Montgomery County’s African American community.
The nomination deadline is Wednesday, May 20. For more information, visit the Office of Human Rights website.
As the summer season approaches, the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) has released a new podcast episode, “Decks, Patios and Outdoor Projects,” offering practical guidance for homeowners on when permits are required, how to schedule a free residential deck inspection in May, and why working with a licensed contractor is important. The podcast is hosted by DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas, and this episode features DPS Residential Field Supervisor Jeremy Shupp.
Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts & Culture Inc. Board of Directors Seeking New Members
There are two public vacancies on the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts & Culture Inc. board of directors and interested residents are encouraged to join. Board members for the nonprofit organization are responsible for managing and providing stewardship for the park. They also help assure its long-term success and sustainability as an important community institution.
Glen Echo is home to 13 resident artists and organizations. People visit the park regularly for the iconic merry-go-round, children’s theater performances, nature, aquatic life, and dance programs. It also hosts free summer concerts, festivals, and special events.
Some training is required, and appointments are made by the County Executive will be confirmed by the County Council.
The deadline for applicants is Wednesday, May 13.
Metro to Host Red Line Closure Meeting on Wednesday, May 6 in Bethesda
The public is invited to attend an online or in-person Metro Red Line summer closure information meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Service Center, 4805 Edgemoor Lane in Bethesda. Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is asking attendees to RSVP and will lead the meeting, with participation from the Montgomery County Department of Transportation and the Maryland Department of Transportation as partners. Metro’s summer construction is scheduled from July 6 to Sept. 6 between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights.
 The Montgomery County Department of Transportation 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, located at 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville. 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.
 The Department of Environmental Protection invites County-based landscapers to a free training from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, designed to help participants effectively use battery-electric landscaping tools. The session will include both classroom and field instruction. Participants will receive an AGZA “Service Pro” training certificate and a $500 rebate coupon upon completion. The training will be offered in English and Spanish. The location will be shared only with registered participants. Residents are encouraged to share this opportunity with landscapers they know.
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Montgomery County residents are encouraged to participate in the regional Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 15, with activities taking place throughout the morning. Online registration is now open for the annual event, which celebrates bicycling as a fun, healthy, and climate-friendly way to travel. Free pit stops will be available across the region, including 15 in Montgomery County, with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation sponsoring eight locations that will feature music, snacks, raffles, and vendors. The first 18,000 bicyclists to register and participate will receive a free t-shirt, and will be automatically entered into a raffle to win a new bike.
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The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is hosting a FREE, family-friendly MCDOT Truck Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 16 at the MCDOT Depot and Salt Barn, 17000 Crabbs Branch Way in Rockville. The fair-like event will feature hands-on exploration of various County construction vehicles, music, raffle prizes, and children’s activities. The event celebrates National Public Work Week which recognizes the critical role public works professionals play in planning, building, managing, and maintaining the infrastructure that supports our community. Attendees will also get a chance to vote on the plows that were painted by local middle school students. Winners of the Paint the Plow Middle School Contest will be announced at 1 p.m.
 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.
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