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Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Making Progress on Early Childcare 

Councilmember Luedtke attends the ribbon cutting ceremony for The Well Center, with founder Ben Wikner (left).

I had the honor last week of attending the ribbon cutting for The Well Center — a new early childhood education center in Gaithersburg and beautiful example of what's possible when a community leader with a vision gets the right support.

Ben Wikner and his team at Cross Community have worked tirelessly to bring The Well Center to life. From our earliest conversations about what it would take to get a childcare, entrepreneurship training, and wellness center off the ground, we were able to connect The Well Center with State and County funding opportunities. The need for more affordable early childcare seats is one of the most critical challenges facing our community.

It took persistence — and some creative problem-solving along the way — but seeing the finished result, and hearing Ben speak so passionately about the families this center will serve, made every step worthwhile.

This is why expanding access to affordable, high-quality early childcare is one of my top priorities. Finding a safe, nurturing, and affordable space for children shouldn't be a privilege — it should be a given. We still have a long way to go, but we are making real progress. Progress that includes the first cohort of awardees from the County's Early Care and Education (ECE) Facility Loan Program announced last week.

This first-of-its-kind initiative provides forgivable and zero-interest loans to help child care providers expand and improve their facilities.

More than 100 applicants sought support in the first cycle. Nineteen projects were approved for a total of $2.2 million in funding, and when complete, these projects are projected to create 178 new licensed child care seats — with providers located primarily in the areas of our community with the greatest shortages. This is exactly the kind of investment in our future that makes a lasting difference for working families.

Interstate 270, via County Council

Your Input Needed on Infrastructure Funding

The County's Infrastructure Funding Workgroup is hosting listening sessions open to the community throughout June. Here's why this matters:

• Current infrastructure funding is not keeping pace with needs, with the County estimated to require $600 million per year just to adequately maintain our existing sidewalks, roads, bikeways, curbs, storm drains, and more.
• Growth has slowed, resulting in less revenue at the same time construction costs continue to rise.
• The County estimates we will need $14 billion in investments over the next 20 years to support future anticipated growth.

Montgomery County needs your input on how we fund these priorities. Check out one of the upcoming listening sessions or simply provide your feedback right now!

Your Vote Matters! Get Out and Vote!

The 2026 Primary Election early voting period runs June 11 through June 18, with polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day, including Saturday and Sunday. There are 14 early voting centers across the County. Election day is June 23 and you can find your election day polling place here.

Getting to the polls is easier than you might think. All Ride On buses are free for every rider, and Metrobus offers free and reduced-fare programs for seniors 65+, people with disabilities, and students 18 and under. Use the Ride On Trip Planner app to find the best route to your nearest voting center.

For a full list of early voting locations, visit the early voting information page. For general voting information and to register, visit the County Elections website.

In the Community...

Toast2Peace of Peace Day Event Flyer

Toast2Peace on Peace Day — Saturday, July 11 in Rockville

Join us for a party with a purpose! Toast2Peace on Peace Day celebrates what would have been Mattie Stepanek's 36th birthday with food, music, and community at World of Beer (196 E. Montgomery Ave., Rockville) from 2–5 p.m. The event features emcee Tommy McFly, live music from Ocho de Bastos, The Blarney Bench, ZamDance, and Jimmy Alexander, plus free crafts and activities for all ages — and an inaugural Cornhole for Peace tournament. A portion of restaurant sales supports the Mattie Stepanek Peace Foundation. I'll be there and hope to see you too! Sign up for the cornhole tournament here.

Important Changes to the Federal Pell Grant Program — July 1 Deadline

Families with college-bound students should be aware of upcoming changes to the Federal Pell Grant program taking effect July 1, 2026. Starting then, students who receive non-federal grants or scholarships that cover the full cost of attendance may become ineligible for Pell Grants. The Pell Grant is one of the most critical tools for first-generation and lower-income college students — families should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible and contact their student's financial aid office. Learn more at StudentAid.gov.

Gaithersburg SummerFest — Saturday, June 27

Gaithersburg's annual SummerFest is a free day of family fun with live music, food trucks, pop-up activities, and open access to the Water Park, Mini Golf, and Skate Park — capping off with fireworks and the SummerGlo After Party.

Pride at Black Hill Discovery Center — Germantown

Montgomery Parks is hosting two Pride Month events at Black Hill Discovery Center in Germantown: a Pride Lake Tour by Kayak on June 20 (6:30–8:30 p.m., $30) and a Pride on the Pontoon sunset cruise on June 30 (7–8:30 p.m., $8). Open to the LGBTQIA+ community and allies.

Free Summer Performances at Southeast Olney Local Park

Montgomery Parks is hosting free, live shows at Southeast Olney Local Park all summer through the Parks Playhouse Junior series (10–11 a.m.):

• June 25 — The Puppet Co.: "The Three Billy Goats Gruff"
• July 9 — Rocknoceros
• July 24 — The Great Zucchini (ages 2–7)

Check Montgomery Parks on Facebook for weather updates.

If you would like to get in touch with me, please email me at Councilmember.Luedtke@montgomerycountymd.gov or call my office at 240-777-7860.

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