 Back to School, Back to Work
September always feels like a fresh start. As students head back to school, the Council is returning for a new session with a full agenda and important work ahead. When I joined the Council, my goal was never just to occupy a seat; it was to make the time count. That’s why I’ve held listening sessions across our community, and I often ask myself: What should listening produce?
For me, listening shapes priorities. It has sharpened my focus on early childhood education and supporting families, strengthening our economy, protecting our environment, and ensuring government remains accountable. It has also reminded me that many people still feel left out of decisions that affect everyone. Their voices matter, and they must be heard.
As I enter the final months of my term, you can continue to expect one thing from me: I will keep turning conversations into action, questions into accountability, and ideas into progress. My aim is to bring everyone along, not just for a final vote, but for thoughtful decisions rooted in real community voices. Listening means asking hard questions, welcoming people into the discussion, and then doing the work to turn what I hear into action.
This newsletter is one of the ways I’m trying to keep you informed about what I’m working on and what still needs to be done.
There is still much to do, and every month counts. Together, let’s get back to work.
 Shebra
Legislation
 The Resource Recovery Facility team in the operations center.
Solid Waste Disposal and the Resource Recovery Facility
Accurately described as a generational decision, the county's solid waste disposal options will be the key topic of discussion before the Council with biweekly worksessions this fall. I recently visited our Resource Recovery Facility (RRF) in Dickerson and truly appreciated the information shared as well as the commitment and expertise of the RRF employees. The RRF receives our trash by rail from the Shady Grove Transfer station and processes about 1,500 tons of waste per day, burning waste to produce electricity. 1,500 tons! That's our first step: reducing the amount of waste we generate. Visit our Department of Environmental Protection website for tips on reducing waste, reusing, and recycling programs.
Again, I urge residents interested in this issue to be careful about misinformation. Our Council analysts will continue providing accurate information. You can find their first packet here.
Local Government
 Celebrating VIVA White Oak with community leaders.
Advancing VIVA White Oak
I was honored to celebrate the passage of Bill 31-26 which authorized the County's first use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF). This financing will fund the necessary infrastructure to support the development of over 4,000 residences as well as commercial and retail spaces. The vision for VIVA White Oak is exciting as it will offer new homes, new jobs, stores, and restaurants in a vibrant community. We look forward to the future VIVA White Oak.
In the Community
 L-R: Mary Hood with her daughter, Burtonsville Elementary principal Loretta Woods; Board of Education members Natalie Zimmerman and Brenda Wolff; Councilmember Evans with members of Altrusa International.
Celebrating New Schools and a New School Year
Architecture and learning spaces matter and I was delighted to tour our newest school facilities: Burtonsville Elementary School, JoAnn Leleck Elementary School at Broad Acres, and Poolesville High School.
Each of these campuses thoughtfully blends quiet areas for focused study with vibrant collaboration spaces, creating environments that welcome students and support a wide range of learning styles.
These buildings reflect a deep commitment to designing spaces where students can thrive. But as impressive as the architecture is, it’s the people inside—our teachers, staff, administrators, parents, and families—who make each school exceptional. Their dedication, care, and daily efforts are what truly shape our students’ learning experiences.
Wishing every one a joyful, successful, and fulfilling school year ahead!
 L-R: Councilmember Evans with Paul Leleck; celebrating the opening of Poolesville High School while being led by the school's Cheer Team.
 Comptroller Lierman, Precious Moments Family Childcare owner Tiffany Jones (holding infant) and Councilmember Evans with children.
A Visit by the Comptroller
I was honored to host Maryland State Comptroller Brooke Lierman for a visit centered on two of my priorities: strengthening early care and education, and supporting local businesses.
We kicked off the day at Precious Moments Family Childcare, where we got an inside look at the daily realities of early learning educators. It was inspiring to see the dedication and care that go into meeting the extensive requirements for high‑quality early education.
From there, we brought together eight local business owners for a lively roundtable conversation. They shared honest, thoughtful insights about the challenges they face and the kinds of support that would make the biggest difference.The conversation was both informative and energizing, offering a clearer picture of how we can continue supporting our business community.
Overall, it was a valuable opportunity to connect with local partners, learn from their experiences, and strengthen collaboration across the community. For more on the visit, please see our press release.
 The business roundtable hosted by Councilmember Evans.
And while we are on the topic of local business and early care and education....
 Employers: Take a workplace policy survey on family-friendly policies
If you’re an employer in Montgomery County, we want to hear from you! The Children's Opportunity Alliance and Maryland Family Network are conducting a comprehensive study of family-friendly workplace policies and child care benefits among Montgomery County employers. This study will examine the benefits that employers currently offer, the barriers that prevent a business from doing more, and solutions that would make the biggest difference.
Please take 5-10 minutes to complete this confidential survey. Your input will help us understand the challenges businesses face and identify practical solutions that work for employers and families alike.
Learn more and complete the survey: https://mocochildren.org/employer-survey
Opportunities for our Residents
 Vaccine-preventable diseases have not gone away. Montgomery County's Department of Health and Human Services is offering free vaccinations for MCPS students regardless of insurance status through September. See the Vaccines for Children website for more infomation.
Share Your Experiences by Taking the State of Black Health Survey
Our Department of Health and Human Services is asking residents from Black diaspora communities to take 5-7 minutes to complete a survey on Black health. The short, anonymous questionnaire has been designed to better understand the health needs, experiences, and priorities of Black diaspora community in Montgomery County. The survey asks about access to care, experiences with bias, insurance coverage, barriers such as cost or transportation, and the most pressing health issues facing the community. The results will help guide future planning, outreach, and culturally informed health initiatives.
 The Maryland Tax Connect for individual taxpayers provides a simpler, more secure way to manage your personal income taxes. The free online portal gives taxpayers one place to file returns, make payments, view account information and filing history, check refund status, access notices, and more. Check it out here.
Changes in Medicaid Eligibility Requirements
A new federal law has changed Medicaid eligibility requirements. As a result, some noncitizens in Maryland will lose their Medicaid coverage effective October 1, 2026. The Maryland Department of Health has launched a dedicated toolkit to help those impacted on their website.
Take advantage of a weeklong series of events from Monday, October 5 through Sunday, October 11 as Montgomery County celebrates Active Aging Week. Look for more information in the weeks to come but in the meantime register for the signature event, "Go, Grow and Get Active," on Monday, October 5, at the Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center. Designed to promote healthy, active and engaged lifestyles for adults ages 55 and older, the event will feature more than 40 activities and workshops including yoga, tai chi, Wii games, dancing, writing, pickleball, health screenings, and information on resources and services.
Also, I highly recommend a terrific resource from the Montgomery County African American Health Program (AAHP): AAHP Self-Care for All Toolkit. Caregiving begins with self-care and this toolkit provides important practices to help. To learn more about AAHP, visit their website.
In recognition of National Preparedness Month in September, you are encouraged to take advantage of the many outreach events throughout the county in the coming weeks. It's a reminder that preparing for emergencies and disasters can keep our families and communities safe. Let's be "Ready Together." For more information, visit the National Preparedness Month website.
Until next time...
I am grateful for the perspectives and priorities our residents share with me. I will always welcome your ideas, questions, and solutions to the challenges you see in our community.
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