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Thursday, September 10, 2026

Weigh In on the Future of Waste Disposal 

The County is facing an important decision: Whether to continue disposing of our trash via the Resource Recovery Facility (RRF) (also known as a waste-to-energy incinerator) or haul waste via truck to out-of-state landfills while investing in a new type of facility called Advanced Waste Processing to reduce the overall amount of trash.

Over the past year, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has briefed the Council on the options. To better understand the questions and concerns of the communities around the Shady Grove Transfer Station, I hosted a town hall last week alongside Councilmember Katz. The Shady Grove Transfer Station, where all waste collected in the County initially goes, would be where trucks come to collect the trash for hauling. Attendees shared thoughtful questions and input. In particular, residents expressed reservations about increased truck traffic, which would occur if the County chooses this new option. Potential impacts on road safety and congestion as well as air and noise pollution are serious considerations. 

Throughout this fall, the Council will hold worksessions - the next will occur on September 15 - and plans to make a decision before the end of the current Council's term in December. Additionally, the County is collecting residents’ feedback via a survey. Make your voice heard and thank you to everyone who was able to attend last week!  

Should the county close or refurbish its aging incinerator (The Banner) 

Residents around Shady Grove Transfer Station want 'Plan C' for waste management (Bethesda Today)

Residents attend a town hall about waste disposal.

Airpark Safety 

There have been far too many safety problems involving aircraft at or near the Montgomery County Airpark. This week, I requested the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) intervene by reviewing a series of severe recent safety incidents tied to the Washington International Flight Academy’s operations. I also asked the FAA issue a comprehensive finding of facts and report back to the public about this flight school's operations, maintenance record, and whether more strict regulation is needed.

I have consistently asked the FAA, which is the entity with authority to regulate pilots and plane operators, to take whatever action is available to prevent the recurrence of what we've seen: An equipment malfunction that led to an emergency "hard" landing, a wing tip that fell off a plane and on to a nearby public safety facility, and other crashes that bring up serious questions as to whether all safety rules are being followed.

I will continue to push for accountability, increased safety, and reduced noise from flight training at the Airpark.

Another part of this broader effort will happen September 22, when the Montgomery County Revenue Authority (MCRA) is hosting an open meeting to review and update the Airpark’s voluntary noise-abatement procedures and "Fly Friendly" guidelines. Fly Friendly guidelines are commonplace at general aviation facilities throughout the country and updating them to ensure pilots are consistently told the least disruptive ways to operate has been a major goal of the County's Airpark Community Advisory Committee, residents around the Airpark, and Airpark users.

The meeting will take place at 18810 Woodfield Road Gaithersburg from 7:00-9:00 pm. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

While the FAA (not MCRA and not the County) controls the airspace, the traffic pattern, and enforcement of flight operations, MCRA can improve what the Airpark publishes, teaches, and asks of the people who fly here. A written summary of what is heard at this meeting will be posted within two weeks of the comment period. Draft revised procedures will be published for a further round of comment by January 1, 2027 and MCRA will publish what changed, what did not change, and why.

The current procedures, the draft Pilot’s Guide, and the noise-sensitive area map are posted at montgomerycountyairpark.com. You can also submit written comments. Please email jbollum@mcra-md.com. Comments will be accepted through October 9.

Requests for interpretation, assistive listening devices, or other accommodations should be made by September 15. Please email jbollum@mcra-md.com. 

Safe Routes to School

After much advocacy and collaboration with community members, students, Councilmember Will Jawando, and the State Highway Administration, a new pedestrian-activated signal and ADA-accessible crosswalk is finally complete on MD 108 near Sherwood High School. Thank you to the residents and community leaders who voiced the need for this significant improvement and District 14 Senator Craig Zucker and Delegates Anne Kaiser, Pam Queen, and Bernice Mireku-North for your partnership in finally getting this done.  This is another example of how persistence, partnership, and hard work can help overcome engineering and funding challenges to make our roads safer.

In The Community...

Councilmember Luedtke and the Montgomery County Green Bank present at the Maryland Association of Counties’ summer conference.

It was an honor to present at the Maryland Association of Counties’ summer conference on the topic of climate resiliency alongside the Montgomery County Green Bank. 

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The Montgomery County Family Justice Center Foundation invites local businesses and organizations to participate in its Make MoCo Purple campaign. Participating can be as simple as displaying a purple window cling or signage, sharing information and resources on social media, or promoting the campaign to customers and employees. If you own or operate a business and would like to participate, my office would be happy to connect you with the Family Justice Center Foundation, which can provide campaign materials and information about ways to get involved. Contact us at councilmember.luedtke@montgomerycountymd.gov. 

Free Landscaper Training Offers Tool Demos, Certifications, and Rebates

Montgomery County landscapers are invited to a hands-on training on battery-powered equipment from 9:00-1:00pm on September 16 in Derwood. The training, offered in English and Spanish, will focus on leaf blowers, string trimmers, and other small equipment to help landscaping businesses prepare for the fall season and improve operations. Participants can test tools and learn from Milwaukee, Makita, STIHL, Husqvarna, and Greenworks, and will have opportunities to get certified, win raffle prizes, and receive a rebate of up to $500 on a leaf blower or battery. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Registration is required.

Heat for Heroes Chili Cook-Off

Turn up the heat with the Montgomery County Police Foundation at the 2nd Annual Heat for Heroes Chili Cook-Off! Join the community at Lone Oak Brewery on September 19 from 12:00-2:45pm as Montgomery County police officers and teams compete for the title of Best Chili in the County. Guests can sample a variety of chili recipes, cast their vote for the People’s Best Chili Award, enjoy family-friendly activities, and connect with local police officers in a relaxed community setting. Tickets, volunteer opportunities, sponsorships, and contestant registration are available online.

Free Legal Workshops for HOC Residents

Maryland Legal Aid and the Housing Opportunities Commission are offering a year-long series of free virtual legal workshops for residents served by HOC. Upcoming topics include housing and tenant rights, eviction defense, expungement, child custody, child support, divorce, and protective and peace orders. Sessions are offered virtually on the third Thursday of the month at either 1:00 PM or 5:00 PM. Registration is required for each session. For questions, including whether a particular member qualifies, contact HOC Adult Education and Workforce Development at AEWD@hocmc.org.  

Septic Smart Week 

Montgomery County recognizes Septic Smart Week, an annual educational campaign to highlight the importance of properly maintaining a septic system. There are nearly 20,000 properties in Montgomery County with septic systems, and it is important to be mindful of what goes down your toilets and drains. Maintaining your septic system is important to prevent a system failure, to protect the environment, and avoid costly repairs. Before starting a home improvement project or conducting repairs of your septic system, contact the Department of Permitting Services (DPS). 

Annual Youth Town Hall 

The Council’s annual youth town hall will take place on September 29. Students can earn two Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for attending! 

Police Recruitment Event 

On September 12, from 9:00am-4:00pm at The Universities at Shady Grove the Montgomery County Police Department will host a recruitment event including testing and interviews, offering candidates the opportunity to complete multiple steps of the hiring process in a single day. 

Information for police recruitment event on September 12.

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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