Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Please directly email me at Councilmember.Balcombe@montgomerycountymd.gov or call my office at 240-777-7960 if you would like to contact me about this newsletter.
On Wednesday, July 15th, I joined Council President Natali Fani-González and Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles in announcing a multi-pronged approach regarding data center legislation. You can review our press release with more details on the Council website.
In June, County Executive Marc Elrich announced an executive order imposing a six-month moratorium on data center development in Montgomery County. Following extensive discussion and public input, we believe that we must allow additional space and time to develop comprehensive safeguards on hyperscale data centers. In addition to the executive order, we are proposing that the Council codify the moratorium through legislation.
The Economic Development (ECON) Committee will meet on Wednesday, July 22nd, to review two data center moratorium bills (Bill 19-26 and Bill 24-26). If the committee favors one of the bills, it will proceed to full Council for a work session and action on Tuesday, July 28th.
Also on July 22nd, the Planning, Housing and Parks (PHP) Committee will review Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 26-01, which would establish clear definitions and limitations on data centers. The PHP Committee will review an amendment, put forth by the original co-leads (Fani-González, Balcombe and Sayles), that would prohibit hyperscale data centers in all zones. The amended ZTA will serve as a bridge between the current zoning ordinance and the future ZTA that will comprehensively address all the complex issues.
Developing the appropriate guardrails for where and how data centers should be allowed in Montgomery County has been a very long process and I appreciate all the feedback we have received from the community. We will have more information after the two committee meetings.
Please do not hesitate to let me know if you have any questions.
During this year's budget cycle, the County Council was faced with a significant shortfall. In lieu of the County Executive’s proposed 6.1% increase in property tax, the County Council eliminated the Income Tax Offset Credit (ITOC) of $692. At the same time, we implemented a progressive income tax structure resulting in income tax savings for 95% of our residents. The County’s current income tax rate is 3.2% regardless of income, the new income tax rates will depend on residents’ adjusted gross income (AGI). In the new structure, the first $50,000 of AGI will be taxed at 2.7% and the next $100,000 will be taxed at 3.0%. Income over $150,000 will be taxed at 3.3%. What this means is that households reporting up to $50,000 will receive up to a $250 tax break when compared to the current tax rates. Those earning $50,001 to $150,000 will get up to a $450 tax break.
When evaluating what this means for you, it is important to consider the new income tax savings, the elimination of the ITOC, and the Council’s rejection of the increase in property tax rates. I understand that this change has led to confusion and frustration, and I wanted to take a moment to share some resources and additional information that may be helpful.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly.
Join Montgomery Planning tonight, Tuesday, July 21st from 6-8PM at the BlackRock Center for the Arts (12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown, MD 20874) to learn about the Germantown Sector Plan Amendment and to share your insight.
The Germantown Sector Plan Amendment updates the vision and guidance for Germantown's commercial areas and surrounding neighborhoods on both sides on I-270. Your input will help Montgomery Planning understand what's working, what's not, and what matters most in Germantown. This is critical in making sure that the plan reflects shared values and real-world needs. Your participation helps ensure that future developments and public investments strengthen Germantown.
Everyone is welcome to attend this event, and you can learn more about the Germantown Sector Plan Amendment by visiting the Montgomery Planning website. I hope to see you at the meeting tonight!
Applications for the newly restructured Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County (AHCMC) Board of Directors are now open! This Board will be the first appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council under the AHCMC's new governance structure.
The Board of Directors are responsible for providing governance and strategic oversight for AHCMC. Board members serve three-year terms. Positions are voluntary and unpaid, but members may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses.
Visit the Arts and Humanities Council Board of Directors Section of the Montgomery County website for more information and to apply. Applications must be submitted by Friday, August 7th.
 A flyer advertising the newly restructured Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County Board of Directors. Clicking the image will redirect to the application.
Mark your calendars! Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week will take place from Sunday, August
9th through Saturday, August 15th. During this period, qualifying clothing and footwear
priced $100 or less, along with the first $40 of any backpack or bookbag purchases, are
exempt from Maryland's 6% sales tax. This year's campaign theme, Save on Essentials, highlights the opportunity for families to prepare for the upcoming school year while reducing back-to-school expenses.
Marylanders are also invited to participate in the Maryland Tax-Free Week Video Contest
for a chance to win up to $1,000 toward back-to-school costs. Entries will be accepted between July 15th and August 1st. Contest instructions, eligibility information, and the entry form can be found on the Comptroller of Maryland’s programs webpage.
 A flyer advertising Shop Maryland's Tax-Free Week, which will be held this year between August 9th and August 15th. Clicking the image will redirect to the Comptroller of Maryland website, where more information can be found.
 A graphic of District 2's geographic outline, with the text "District 2 Historical Highlights: Celebrating 250 years of Montgomery County."
- In 1980, Montgomery County established the 93,000-acre Agricultural Reserve, equivalent to almost one-third of the county’s land resources. This land was set aside specifically for farming, land conservation, and open space. The Agricultural Reserve is home to nearly 600 farms and more than 10,000 residents, and contributes almost $300 million annually to the County’s economy. From local restaurants, pick-your-own farms, vineyards, and breweries, to nature trails, water sports, artisan studios, and scenic drives, the Agricultural Reserve offers something for everyone.
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On July 14, 1864, Union Major General Horatio Wright's VI Corps traveled through Darnestown in pursuit of Confederate General Jubal Early's army.
Economic Development (ECON) Committee
The Economic Development (ECON) committee will be meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, July 22nd to discuss two bills regarding data centers: Expedited Bill 19-26 and Expedited Bill 24-26. If the committee favors one of the bills, it will proceed to full Council for a work session and action on Tuesday, July 28th. You can review our staff packet for this meeting on the Council website, and can watch our work session live or on-demand on the Council YouTube channel.
The ECON committee will be meeting jointly with the Government Operations (GO) committee to discuss Expedited Bill 13-26, Bond Authorization - VIVA White Oak Development District. The staff packet will be available on the Council website, and you can watch the session on the Council YouTube channel. The committee will receive an update on the Visit Montgomery Strategic Plan during our session on Monday, July 27th.
Transportation and Environment Committee
The Transportation and Environment (TE) committee is not currently scheduled to meet until after summer recess.
Council Legislation
The County Council introduced the following bills, Zoning Text Amendments (ZTAs), and Subdivision Regulation Amendments (SRAs) during its July 21st session.
Upcoming Public Hearings
To testify at a Council public hearing or to submit written, audio, or video testimony, please visit the Council website or call 240-777-7803. The deadline to sign up to testify for a 1:30PM public hearing is 2PM the day prior. The deadline to sign up to testify for a 7PM public hearing is 5PM the day prior.
July 28, 2026
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1:30PM: Resolution to approve Supplemental Appropriation #27-1 to the FY27 Operating Budget, Montgomery County Government, Department of Health and Human Services, Youth Vaping and Nicotine Addiction Response, $390,000, General Fund: HHS Restricted Other (Source of Funds: JUUL/Altria Settlement)
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1:30PM: Resolution to approve Special Appropriation #27-2 to the FY27 Capital Budget and amendment to the FY27-32 Capital Improvements Program, Montgomery County Government, Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions, FiberNet (No. P509651), $4,251,202 (Source of Funds: Federal Aid)
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1:30PM: Resolution to approve Supplemental Appropriation #27-4 to the FY27 Operating Budget, Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland Grow Your Own Educators Grant, $6,049,358 (Source of Funds: State Grant)
The following County boards, committees, and commissions are seeking applicants:
- Are you interested in learning how to advocate for your community? Apply today to the Community Advocacy Institute! This is a free program provided in both English and Spanish, and includes monthly workshops and sessions focused on advocacy and policy change. To be eligible for the program, you must live in Montgomery County and have a combined household income of $71,000 or less. Visit the following page to apply: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CAI2027. More information can be found on the Community Action Board website.
- A new federal law has changed Medicaid eligibility requirements; as a result, some noncitizens in Maryland will lose their Medicaid coverage beginning October 1st. If you will be impacted by the change, you will be receiving a letter from Maryland Health Connection in mid-July. The Maryland Health Connection and the Maryland Department of Health and Human Services will send official notices in August and September regarding their coverage end date. You can visit the Maryland Department of Health website for more information.
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Montgomery County's Mobile Health Clinic is offering free sports physicals this summer for all Montgomery County residents. These walk-in clinics provide an opportunity for students to complete their required athletic physicals before the fall sports season. Students should bring a valid photo ID, proof of Montgomery County residency, their Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation for Athletics form, and parent or legal guardian. For questions, please contact the Mobile Health Clinic at 240-777-1017 or mobilehealthclinic@montgomerycountymd.gov.
- Gaithersburg Library (18330 Montgomery Village Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20879)
Wednesday, July 29th from 10AM-1PM and 2:30-5:30PM
- Clarksburg Neighborhood Park (22501 Wims Road, Clarksburg, MD 20871)
Saturday, August 8th from 11:30AM-2:30PM and 3:30-6:30PM
 A graphic advertising the WSSCWater Water Fund. Clicking the image will redirect to the program website.
- If you need help paying your water or sewer bill, the WSSC Water Fund can help. You can apply online at unitedwaynca.org/wsscwater. If you need in person assistance, you may schedule an appointment at the Montgomery County United Way NCA's Financial Empowerment Center, located at:
- Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) at Worksource Montgomery Office (11510 Georgia Avenue, #100, Silver Spring, MD 20902)
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9AM-5PM
If you would like to get in touch with me regarding anything mentioned in this newsletter or any other concerns you may have, please email me at Councilmember.Balcombe@montgomerycountymd.gov or call my office at 240-777-7960.
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