|
October 22, 2026
Purple Line Updates
I recently led a Transportation & Environment Committee worksession about the status of the Purple Line, during which state officials provided important updates on the long awaited project. All of the track has been installed and construction is 92% complete. Crews completed the mezzanine at the Bethesda Metro station over the summer and live-wire testing is ongoing.
The contractual date to begin service remains December 2027, however, it may take a few months longer to test the entire line. As safety testing progresses, I have requested that the Maryland Transit Administration and Purple Line Transit Partners maintain clear, consistent communication about the project’s timeline and key milestones with the public.
I know the community is also excited for the reopening of the Capital Crescent Trail. The trail has been delayed due to the ongoing construction, with the first phase, Connecticut Avenue to Elm Street, scheduled to be completed in April 2027. The remaining phases will be finished closer to the time of the Purple Line opening.
 A picture of a presentation slide titled "Purple Line Progress" is shown during the Transportation & Environment Committee session.
Building Sidewalks, Saving Lives
October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and one of my top priorities during my time on the Council has been to make our streets safer for everyone. That’s why I introduced legislation this week to accelerate sidewalk construction and improve pedestrian safety in our neighborhoods.
The legislation removes bureaucratic hurdles and expedites project approval by waiving the public hearing requirement for certain projects. Specifically, the bill lowers the threshold of signatures needed for a petition to waive a public hearing from 50% to 25% of property owners located along the proposed route.
During the first nine months of this year, 335 pedestrians were struck by vehicles in Montgomery County, with 41 serious injuries and 17 fatal crashes. Everyone deserves to feel safe walking around their neighborhoods, and building sidewalks is one of the most effective ways to keep people safe and make progress on our Vision Zero goals.
 Councilmember Glass with two Safe Routes to Schools program ambassadors at an informational table about the program.
A Wider Circle’s 25 Anniversary
It was a joy celebrating A Wider Circle’s 25th anniversary alongside Governor Wes Moore at the annual Neighbor to Neighbor Night.
Since 2001, A Wider Circle has helped nearly half a million people in Montgomery County and the Washington region who are facing economic hardship. It was inspiring to hear Governor Moore talk about leaving no one behind — because that’s exactly what A Wider Circle is all about.
I’m proud to support this incredible work as we keep building a stronger Maryland for everyone. You can learn more about the organization on their website.
 Councilmember Glass and Governor Moore at A Wider Circle's Neighbor to Neighbor Night.
ZiZa Kabob
Congratulations to ZiZa Kabob on the opening of their first Montgomery County location! Now open in the Twinbrook neighborhood of Rockville, ZiZa Kabob offers a contemporary interpretation of traditional Afghan cuisine.
One-third of Montgomery County’s residents are foreign-born, and we are fortunate to have so many different cultures and cuisines represented in our community.
 Councilmember Glass with the owners of ZiZa Kabob.
Voter Information
Election Day is almost here! The Montgomery County Board of Elections has everything you need to know about making sure your vote is counted.
In addition to voting in person on Election Day or at one of the 14 early voting locations, you can return your mail-in ballot to one of the 58 drop boxes located across the county. Early voting begins today and will be open through Thursday, October 29 — including Saturday and Sunday — from 7am - 8pm. Many of the early voting locations are accessible by RideOn buses.
For more information about how to register and where to cast your vote, visit the Board of Elections’ website. You can also call 240-777-8500 if you need additional help.
Constituent Corner
A concerned resident reached out after she noticed a frayed telephone wire while visiting downtown Bethesda. My office shared the photos with the county’s Technology & Enterprise Business Solutions, who worked with Comcast to repair the wiring. I recently received confirmation that the low-hanging cables have been fixed, and shared the news with the resident who initially reported it.
If you need assistance with county services, please email my office or fill out this service request form.
 A photo of a frayed communications wire.
Did You Know?
The Montgomery County Community Action Agency is now recruiting volunteers to help provide assistance during next year’s tax season from January to mid-April. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program helps low-income residents access critical tax credits — last year, VITA helped over 2,000 households in the county, including Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) holders, net a total of $8.6 million.
Volunteers can become IRS-certified VITA tax preparers, schedulers, greeters, quality reviewers and site coordinators — no prior experience necessary! Virtual information sessions for prospective volunteers will be held on Wednesday, November 4 at 11 AM and 6 PM. You can learn more about the program and how to volunteer online.
 A graphic advertising the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program that reads "Volunteers make a difference!"
Please do not reply to this email. To contact my office, email me at Councilmember.Glass@montgomerycountymd.gov.
|
