 County Executive Elrich focuses on the County Council's FY27 budget and its long-term impacts. He argued the County Council largely agreed with his spending priorities but chose a tax structure that shifts the burden on thousands of homeowners while reducing future recurring revenues. He also discussed reductions to MCPS funding, impacts to economic development and nonprofit programs, and concerns about transparency in the budget process. The County Executive also addressed increased security around Muslim communities following a deadly mosque attack in California, a statewide mail-in ballot printing error, Montgomery County’s 26% reduction in homelessness, heat safety awareness efforts, EMS Week, permitting and building safety initiatives, graduation season, and upcoming Memorial Day events and commemorations across the County.
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The Maryland State Board of Elections is mailing replacement mail-in ballots to voters who requested ballots for the 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election after a printing error caused some voters to receive incorrect party ballots.
Replacement ballots will be mailed from now until May 29 and will be clearly labeled “REPLACEMENT BALLOT INSIDE.” Voters should destroy their original ballot and use only the replacement ballot packet.
Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has amended the health advisory for the Potomac River following continued water monitoring that showed bacterial levels have returned to acceptable Environmental Protection Agency safety standards after the recent sewage leak caused by the Potomac Interceptor collapse.
Residents are still advised to avoid contact with shoreline sediment between Lock 11 and the shoreline surrounding Minnie’s Island and to keep children and pets away from affected areas. DHHS also reminded residents that bacteria levels in natural waterways can increase after heavy rainfall and encouraged the public to avoid ingesting river water and protect open cuts or wounds when near the water.
Montgomery County Recreation’s seven outdoor pools will open for the pre-season beginning Saturday, May 23.
Pools will open weekends from noon-6 p.m. and on Memorial Day from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 3-6 p.m. Regular summer hours begin June 20. Summer pool passes are now available for purchase.
For pool locations, membership information, and hours, visit the Recreation Department’s website.
 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and Howard County Executive Calvin Ball joined transportation officials and local leaders Thursday for a groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the Montgomery County Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line into Howard County along US Route 29/Colesville Road. The project will add four additional bus stops on the north end of the route in Howard County and provide Flash BRT service to these stops during weekday rush-hour periods. Howard County will construct four new Flash stations serving Downtown Columbia, Merriweather Drive, Maple Lawn, and the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. Montgomery County purchased four electric buses to service this expansion. Funding was provided by the Federal Transit Administration.
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The Montgomery County Commission for Women and Montgomery County Public Libraries are continuing their free virtual financial seminar series focused on helping residents navigate important financial topics with the final two Zoom sessions coming up from 7-8:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 26 — Preparing to Leave Federal Service: Learn about retirement planning for federal employees, including FERS, TSP, FEHB and more.
- Tuesday, June 2 — Divorce and Money: Explore the financial impacts of divorce and how to prepare for long-term financial stability.
The seminars are led by financial and investment advisors Jamie Lapin and Thiago Glieger.
The second annual “Legion of Laughs” comedy show will be held on Friday, May 29 at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post 41, located at 905 Sligo Ave. in Silver Spring. Featuring comedians who are also military vets, Haywood Turnipseed (Air Force) hosts the show with Monica Daly (Army) and Keith Becker (Marines). There will be surprise guests and Post 41 offers a variety of food and drink at affordable prices. This program is presented by Silver Spring Town Center Inc. and made possible with generous support from the Walter Reed Society.
In the latest episode of the Montgomery County Black Coffee podcast, host Frederick Hawkins is joined by County Executive Marc Elrich for a conversation on leadership, economic opportunity, housing, youth engagement, and the future of Montgomery County.
The Black Coffee podcast is focused on community conversations, culture, and uplifting Black voices throughout Montgomery County and Hawkins, the African American community liaison with the Office of Community Partnerships, started the podcast as a way to foster meaningful dialogue, strengthen community connections, and highlight issues impacting residents across the County. The podcast is available on the County’s YouTube page and website. New episodes will be released monthly. It is also available on several podcast platforms, including Apple and Spotify. Subscribe to the podcast by selecting the “follow” or “plus” button on your provider’s podcast platform.
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The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), Manna Food Center, and Montgomery County Public Libraries are hosting the 33rd Annual Food Drive from Friday, May 22, to Sunday, May 31. Non-perishable food items can be dropped off on all Ride On, extRa, Flex and Flash buses or at ten participating Montgomery County Public Libraries, and the Leggett Executive Office Building and Council Office Building in Rockville.
Fans will have the opportunity to meet LA Knight, one of World Wrestling Entertainment's popular wrestling personalities, during a special meet-and-greet event from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, June 14. The event, presented by Wheatley American Vodka and WWE, will be held at the County’s Oak, Barrel & Vine White Oak store, located at 12259 Prosperity Drive in Silver Spring.
The Montgomery County Board of Elections is encouraging middle and high school students to participate in its award-winning “Future Vote” program, which promotes civic engagement and gives students firsthand experience with the democratic process.
Students in grades 6-12 can serve as “Future Vote Ambassadors” at polling places during elections while earning Student Service Learning (SSL) hours. High school students who are age 16 or older may also qualify to serve as paid election workers.
Montgomery County’s Working Parents Assistance (WPA) Program helps eligible County residents pay for child care while parents work or attend school.
The program supports families with children from birth to age 13, or up to age 19 for children with disabilities who require care. To qualify, applicants must meet income guidelines and work at least 25 hours per week, attend school full time, or a combination of both.
Immigration status is not a requirement for participation. Applications for the WPA program can be completed online.
 Summer camp is not just for kids. Registration is now open on ActiveMontgomery for Trail Mix: An Adult Summer Camp, a fun-filled weekend from Friday, June 12, through Sunday, June 14. Participants will enjoy campfires, hikes, field games, crafts, fishing, kayaking, campfire cooking, nature photography, indoor rock climbing, and one night of camping on Saturday. Tents will be provided, but participants should bring their own sleeping gear. Spots are limited, so sign up today to reserve your place and experience a summer camp adventure designed just for adults.
 Montgomery County’s Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) will open registration at 9 a.m. on Monday, June 1, for a limited-availability whiskey sales event scheduled for Wednesday, June 10. Registrants will have the opportunity to purchase one highly sought-after bottle of whiskey. ABS expects to offer more than 150 bottles for purchase and there are no residency requirements. Online registration will remain open until all slots are filled. Participants are encouraged to register early, as the event is expected to fill up quickly. Participants must be 21 or older.
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The Metropolitan Council of Governments’ 2026 Point-in-Time count, found an overall decrease in the number of people experiencing homelessness in the County, including declines among families, veterans, transition-age youth, and unsheltered residents. Conducted in February as part of a regional and national effort, this year’s count identified 1,120 adults and children experiencing homelessness in shelters, transitional housing, or unsheltered locations in Montgomery County. Officials said the decrease was driven in part by expanded investments in housing programs for families experiencing homelessness, including the Short-Term Housing and Resolution Program (SHaRP), which helps families move more quickly from shelters into permanent housing. While the report showed progress in several areas, increases were reported among older adults and individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.
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The Montgomery County Office of Animal Services, in partnership with MCPAW, continues offering its Pet Food Pantry to support residents in need of pet food assistance. Food distribution is available at two locations in Rockville and Derwood on select dates through June. No appointment is required at either location. The program helps Montgomery County residents care for their pets by providing access to free pet food and supplies while strengthening community support for animal welfare.
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Montgomery County’s Community Action Board recently celebrated the 28 graduates of its free Community Advocacy Institute, marking the program’s 10th anniversary. Since its launch, the bilingual leadership training program has graduated nearly 200 residents and helped participants build skills in public speaking, advocacy, storytelling, and civic engagement. The program is offered in English and Spanish and is designed for income-eligible County residents interested in becoming stronger advocates for their communities.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich is seeking applicants to fill six vacancies on the Commission for Women (CFW), which advises County leaders and agencies on issues impacting women throughout the community.
The commission focuses on education and outreach, connecting women with resources, and legislative and policy advocacy. Two positions are open to individual community members, while four positions require endorsement from a County-based organization focused on women’s issues.
The application deadline is Monday, June 15. Board members are not paid, but certain meeting-related expenses may be reimbursed.
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. Participants can register online now 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.
Montgomery County Recreation and the Department of Health and Human Services invite residents ages 55 and older to celebrate Older Americans Month on Friday, May 29, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Long Branch Community Recreation Center, located at 8700 Piney Branch Road in Silver Spring. This year’s theme, Champion Your Health, focuses on the power of staying active and connected.
This free celebration features fitness demonstrations, live music, and various vendor tables.
Participants can create an account and register online at ActiveMontgomery.org using the activity code R07107 and section code 370. For more information, please call 240-777-6840.
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.
Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services has announced the winners of its 2025-26 student prevention contests, which encourage young people to promote safe, alcohol-free choices among their peers. The annual Keeping It Safe Student Video Contest challenges middle and high school students to create public service announcements about the risks of underage alcohol use, while the new Sober Vibes Essay Contest invited high school juniors and seniors to write persuasive letters encouraging classmates to avoid alcohol before, during, and after prom.
The contests are part of the County’s ongoing efforts to prevent underage alcohol use through youth engagement, education, and peer-to-peer messaging. Winning students represented schools from across Montgomery County.
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.
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