 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich responded to the County Council’s FY27 budget decisions, arguing they rely on regressive property tax increases and one-time funding measures that will hurt homeowners, reduce long-term County revenues, and leave Montgomery County Public Schools underfunded. He also honored the efforts of law enforcement officers during National Police Week. The County Executive condemned racist remarks made by Republican Delegates Mark N. Fisher and Brian Chisholm, and reaffirmed support for diversity and inclusion in Montgomery County.
Story Keys:
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, County Councilmember Kate Stewart, other County Councilmembers, Kensington Mayor Tracey Furman, and State and local elected officials hosted the community at a groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation of the Noyes Library for Young Children on Saturday, May 9.
Located at 10237 Carroll Place in Kensington, the Noyes Library is a small, historically designated library dedicated to pre-kindergarten and early literacy education. Its small scale creates a signature experience for young children. However, the current building is not accessible and lacks adequate staff space, restroom facilities, and meeting space to fully support its mission. The renovation project will make critical, equitable and inclusive improvements to upgrade the historic library, while preserving its unique, small-scale character.
 Join community and state health leaders, WSSC, and DC Water for an update on the Potomac Interceptor clean-up on Monday, May 18, at Glen Echo Town Hall, located at 6106 Harvard Ave. Organizers emphasize they are moving beyond sharing information about the sewer line break back in January and focusing instead on long-term restoration.
The latest sampling results will be shared, including a discussion of the recent sediment testing. It will also be an opportunity to learn about the latest developments in ongoing cleanup and remediation efforts.
Bring any lingering concerns, and feel free to share feedback about the plan. The meeting begins at 7 p.m., and those who can only attend virtually can sign up now at www.tinyurl.com/bdhykbf5.
Representatives from the Maryland Department of the Environment, DC Water, and the Maryland Department of Health will attend. Leaders from the County’s Department of Health and Human Services will also be on hand to explain why some restrictions remain in place near the spill site.
The deadline to weigh in on the 2026 Countywide Strategic Plan has been extended to Monday, May 18.
In 2021, the Montgomery County Council passed a law designating the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) 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.
 Residents are invited to join Montgomery Parks for the grand reopening of Ovid Hazen Wells Recreational Park from 2–4 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, in Clarksburg. The celebration will feature free rides on the park’s newly installed carousel, live music, refreshments, and activities for all ages. Guests can also enjoy a skate jam and demonstrations at the park’s new skate park.
Additional new amenities opening to the public include a playground, group swing area, and a slide hill. The reopening event is free and open to the public.
 The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging residents to participate in NAMIWalks 2026 at 9 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, May 16, at Rio in Gaithersburg. The event brings the community together to raise awareness about mental health and support individuals and families affected by mental illness.
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for people impacted by mental health conditions. The Montgomery County chapter is one of more than 600 affiliates nationwide working to expand awareness, advocacy, education, and support services. More than 250 participants have already registered to walk and help raise funds for this important cause.
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will kick off “National Public Works Week” with a free, family-friendly Truck Day event from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. on Saturday, May 16. The event will be held at the MCDOT Truck Depot and Salt Barn, located at 17000 Crabbs Branch Way in Rockville. Public Works Week is nationally recognized from May 17-23.
Truck Day invites members of the community to touch, climb, and explore the many first-response, construction, and transportation vehicles used by public works employees who keep the County running.
 Residents are invited to experience a wide variety of international cuisine at the 5th Annual Crossroads Community Food Fair from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, at the Laurel Avenue streetery in downtown Takoma Park. The event will feature sweet and savory dishes from more than a dozen local businesses, including current entrepreneurs and alumni from Crossroads’ TPSS Community Kitchen program.
Crossroads supports local food entrepreneurs by providing affordable kitchen space and free bilingual business assistance to help them grow successful ventures. Attendees can enjoy everything from pupusas, tacos, and empanadas to Ethiopian and Peruvian stews and gourmet mac-and-cheese, as well as handcrafted cotton candy, Haitian desserts, and locally roasted Guatemalan coffee. The community event offers something for every palate while celebrating the region’s rich cultural diversity and small business community.
On the latest episode of “50+ in Montgomery County,” a television program produced by the Montgomery County Commission on Aging to share news and information of interest to older adults, Katie Smith, host, speaks with Ken Stern, founder and chair of the Longevity Project, about how increased life expectancy is transforming communities, healthcare, work, and retirement.
Stern discusses the opportunities and challenges that come with longer lives and the importance of planning for an aging population, while also highlighting ways older adults can remain engaged, connected, and active as they age.
“50+ in Montgomery County” airs on Comcast channels 6 and 996 (HD), RCN channels 6 and 1056 (HD), and Verizon channel 30 throughout the week. For more information about senior services and resources in Montgomery County, visit the Montgomery County Government website.
 Residents and visitors can sample a variety of international flavors during the “Taste the World in Fenton Village” family-friendly event from 1–5 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, in downtown Silver Spring. Participating restaurants throughout the neighborhood will feature cuisine from around the world while guests enjoy a passport challenge with opportunities to win prizes. The event highlights Fenton Village’s diverse restaurant scene and vibrant small business community.
 Montgomery County continues to accept 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 our 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.
 The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) has released a new podcast episode, “Permitting 101: Understanding the Basics,” as part of the County’s Building Safety Month campaign. Hosted by DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas, the episode features DPS Permitting Manager Crystal Roberts discussing when permits are required for residential construction projects and what residents should know before beginning the application process.
The episode covers topics such as deck and swimming pool permits, zoning and setback requirements, the importance of working with licensed contractors, and how to avoid delays during the permitting process.
 There are only two days left to experience the flavors of Wheaton-Kensington Restaurant Week, which continues through Sunday, May 17. Residents and visitors still have time to explore the area’s diverse dining scene and take advantage of special offers from participating restaurants and markets.
Whether you are craving dim sum, pollo a la brasa, moussaka, fish and chips, or something entirely new, Wheaton and Kensington offer a wide variety of cuisines to discover. Participating restaurants may offer prix-fixe menus or restaurant-specific promotions, including discounts and featured dishes.
 Book lovers of all ages are invited to the 17th annual Gaithersburg Book Festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, May 16, at Bohrer Park. The popular event brings together authors, readers, and aspiring writers for a full day of literary activities, discussions, and family-friendly fun.
Festival highlights include workshops for aspiring authors, a children’s village designed to spark creativity and imagination, and the announcement of this year’s poetry contest winners. More than 120 student entries were submitted from Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Admission is free, and complimentary shuttle service will be available from the Shady Grove Metro Station and the Montgomery County Fairgrounds.
Montgomery County will host a Residential Permitting Open House from 4:30–8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20. Located in the auditorium of the Isiah “Ike” Leggett Executive Office Building at 101 Monroe Street in Rockville, the open house will bring together several County departments and partner agencies, including WSSC Water and the cities of Gaithersburg and Rockville.
Obtaining proper permits for your home during improvements, ensuring code-compliant work, and keeping up with property maintenance are key elements to community safety. The event will allow residents and contractors to get permitting questions answered directly by the Department of Permitting Staff (DPS). Families are encouraged to attend with their children for fun lessons about the importance of building safety and resilience.
DPS headquarters are in Wheaton at 2425 Reedie Dr., 7th floor. They are open to the public each weekday from 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
 Families, students, and lifelong learners across Montgomery County are invited to embark on a summer adventure as Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) launches its 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, “Unearth A Story,” beginning Saturday, June 13. Inspired by dinosaurs, archaeology, and paleontology, this year’s theme encourages residents of all ages to explore new worlds through books, hands-on activities, STEM programming, music, and more. Participants will work together toward a countywide goal of reading 100,000 hours while earning prizes along the way. Pre-registration opens Friday, May 15, online and at all MCPL branches.
To celebrate the launch, MCPL will host kickoff events in Damascus, Silver Spring, and Bethesda featuring activities for children, teens, and adults. Participants who register will receive free incentives, including books for youth, canvas bags for adults, and opportunities to win prizes such as Washington Nationals and Washington Spirit tickets, free books, sweet treats, and more. The Summer Reading Challenge runs through Friday, Aug. 21.
 The Montgomery County Commission on Aging will host a public policy forum focused on the vital role of social connections in healthy aging from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, at the Silver Spring Civic Building, One Veterans Place in Silver Spring. On-site registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Advanced registration is encouraged.
The free event will bring together policymakers, County staff, aging experts, service providers, and community members to discuss how relationships and community engagement help older adults maintain health, independence, and overall well-being. Centered on the theme “The Role of Social Connections in Helping Older Adults Age Well and Live Longer,” the forum will feature expert presentations and interactive discussions on addressing challenges such as social isolation and limited mobility. Participants will also explore practical solutions for making connections, including technology, community-based programs, and partnerships that help older adults stay connected and thrive. The Commission on Aging continues to advocate for policies and programs that support Montgomery County’s growing older adult population and foster a more connected, age-friendly community.
KID Museum to Celebrate Innovation at Family Friendly Festival ‘Invent the Future Expo’ on Sunday, May 31
KID Museum in Bethesda will celebrate innovation, science, and hands-on learning at the free family festival “Invent the Future Expo” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 31.
The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center is partnering with KID Museum to host the festival, which will feature robotics, hands-on crafts, virtual reality, sustainability exhibits, and interactive technology demonstrations for families and students of all ages. The event will take place both indoors and outdoors at KID Museum, located at 3 Bethesda Metro Center, adjacent to the Bethesda Metro station. KID Museum is a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to building STEM and creative problem-solving skills through fun, interactive learning experiences.
 Metro riders should plan for major Red Line construction this summer. From Monday, July 6, through Sunday, Sept. 6, the Grosvenor-Strathmore and Medical Center Metro stations will be closed for construction work. Metro will provide free shuttle bus service between stations, including sections with dedicated bus lanes to help reduce travel delays. Free parking will also be available at the North Bethesda and Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro stations during the project.
Residents can use the free Ride On Trip Planner app to identify alternative bus routes during the Metro construction period. All County bus services—including Ride On, Ride On extRa, Flex and Flash—are free. Residents who regularly use Metro are encouraged to access stations on the Wheaton-Glenmont side of the Red Line for travel to and from Washington, D.C. Several Ride On bus routes provide connections to open Metro stations.
 There is now a third opportunity for companies to work with Montgomery County's Business Center to help owners and nonprofit leaders improve their acumen. Montgomery County has opened a new, ongoing solicitation for organizations to run “Business Cohort Training Programs.” These programs help local entrepreneurs, businesses, and nonprofits grow and become more efficient.
This process allows qualified providers to apply at any time. Companies or individuals meeting clear, objective criteria will receive contracts, and work will be assigned on a rotating basis. The goal: a fair, transparent, and predictable way to participate.
The County is building a network of training partners to deliver targeted programs that strengthen operations, improve financial management, support sustainable growth, and help small businesses and nonprofits compete for new opportunities. The first solicitation was issued in February, and another in April.
Current Renters Needed for County’s Commission on Landlord-Tenant Affairs
Volunteers are needed for the Montgomery County Commission on Landlord-Tenant Affairs (COLTA).
COLTA is a quasi-judicial body within the Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Its role is to render decisions regarding complaints filed with the Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs that the department’s investigators are unable to resolve through conciliation. The commission members act as administrative judges and have the power to hold hearings and issue decisions and orders that have the force of law.
Currently, two people are needed to fill tenant roles on the board. That means an applicant must be a current tenant of rental housing in the County to be considered. Anyone who makes a substantial portion of his or her income from rental housing would not be considered to fill the vacancies. Members are required to file a public financial disclosure statement before any appointment and annually thereafter. In addition, applicants to this commission will be sent a questionnaire to complete and include with their application.
The application deadline is Friday, June 5.
|
