Message from the County Executive Marc Elrich

Dear Friends,

We had a great event on Monday renaming the County’s Executive Office Building to honor former County Executive Isiah “Ike” Leggett. We honored a leader whose vision and integrity shaped Montgomery County’s future— it is a fitting tribute to a man whose life’s work embodies the very spirit of this community.

Ike led with the understanding that government should be a force for good—a tool to lift people up, expand opportunity and create a community where everyone has a fair shot.

As a Councilmember and later as County Executive, he made space for voices too often unheard. Soon after he became County Executive, he presented a capital budget and highlighted the injustice of budgeting that had left Black neighborhoods with crumbling recreation centers. He said no more and prioritized those long overdue investments in those centers. We talked about that in my conversation with Ike from 2024.

I – like so many others - appreciated his willingness to hear from people. Early in his first term, his administration presented a report on rental housing and a group of us found it flawed because tenants had not been represented. I asked him to create a new task force that would bring the voice of tenants to the table. He could have said no, but he didn’t, and the result was major tenant legislation that, for the first time, really brought tenant voices to the table. That was remarkable.

On the major issue of raising the minimum wage, Ike came around to support the bill that helped secure a $15 minimum wage that adjusts for inflation. He could have stayed away but he didn’t; in fact, he pulled his support from a report that inaccurately criticized raising the minimum wage, and by his actions, he made it possible for us to get a majority on the Council to pass legislation that has impacted thousands of people and families in the County at the bottom of the economic ladder.

Those are only some his acts of courage, acts that made it clear that he would support big decisions that would have profound impacts on the lives of people who are often never heard.

You could see the appreciation for his leadership at Monday’s event by everyone from our Congressional delegation to former colleagues and employees. We also had a chance to appreciate his wife and partner in community leadership, Catherine Leggett.

As Montgomery County was transforming into one of the most diverse communities in the nation, Ike ensured that the government met that change with inclusivity, equity and opportunity. His famous words—"If there aren’t enough seats at the table, we’ll make a bigger table"—were not just rhetoric; they were a promise he kept.

While the Executive Office Building now bears his name, Ike’s true legacy is in our neighborhoods, our schools, our parks and our community centers across Montgomery County. He carried the immense weight of this job with grace, always putting people first.

I served on the County Council for the 12 years that Ike was County Executive, but I had known him for many years before that as a civic activist. We appreciated him as someone who would meet with us and take our concerns seriously. And now, serving in the job he once had, I’ve seen the challenges of governing first-hand, experienced the pain of making difficult decisions and the need for flexibility. Ike navigated the great recession, two years of Trump, a slow recovery, and the need to increase the inclusivity and social commitment in a rapidly diversifying community, and he did it all with grace, humility and determination.

A new name for the Executive Office Building will remind us of Ike's standard—one of courage, compassion and a deep love for the people he served.

South Korean Sister City Daejeon Opens Global Business Center in Montgomery County

This week we helped launch the U.S. Global Business Center in Rockville, established by leaders from our South Korean sister city of Daejeon. My office was honored to host key leaders of the project and the center’s new executive director on Monday.

The city has a history of interest in international trade and this office will create a launching pad for Korean businesses in Montgomery County’s innovation centers.

This new venture will allow the Daejeon group to strengthen international trade relations and, in their words, reshape its global business landscape.

The seeds for this partnership began in 2017 when then County Executive Ike Leggett led a delegation to Daejeon. Within the past few years, we have strengthened those relationships with a trip involving Chief Administrative Officer Rich Madaleno and then-Council President Evan Glass. I have also made multiple trips to South Korea with economic development and business leaders from our area. This is an example of how our work to grow those relationships through the BIO Korea and Smart City conferences and visits with government and university leaders will continue to be mutually beneficial.

I know our counterparts in Daejeon are also very excited about the opening of this international trade office. They believe it marks a decisive milestone, and we are happy to have a role in that. It shows other cities in that region of the world how serious we are in establishing connections with innovative companies looking to expand into the U.S. market.

Black History Month Concludes with Business Tour

Speaking of business, this past Friday, I had a chance to visit three entrepreneurs on a business tour highlighting Black History Month.

My first stop was The Tot Space, an appointment-only activity studio for children that gives parents the opportunity to leave their kids for imaginative and interactive activities. The Rockville-based business was started by a Bethesda-Chevy Chase high school graduate.

Next, I visited Hardy’s BBQ Truck, based at the Montgomery Women’s Farm Co-Op in Bethesda. The truck only sells out of that location on Saturdays, but the owner stays busy with catering gigs and takes the truck out on Thursday and Friday nights. She also works another job in which she helps support families. Still, she keeps the food truck going and plenty of sauce on hand for the smoked chicken and pork.

Finally, I went to The Oaks Bed and Breakfast in Bethesda. The husband-and-wife team had a vision that they successfully brought to market.

I know they are already planning a business expansion into other parts of the County, and I encouraged them to utilize the resources of our Business Center to make it happen. On montgomerycountymd.gov/business you can find resources for your small business that can help you start, expand or move your business. We have listened to the needs of the business community and made it easier to do business in Montgomery County.

I know from first-hand experience that Montgomery County is known across the world as a welcoming and inclusive place, but it took a lot of work to get us here. During Black History Month, it is important to recognize that one reason people start businesses in Montgomery County is because they feel they can do things here they would not have the opportunity to do in other places. We have been supporting small, Black businesses here for quite some time. Diversity is an asset, and it helps build a strong and connected community.

I want to thank every business owner who has shared some of their valuable time with me. On these visits, I always encourage them to reach out to me directly or the business center team because we want to be a partner in finding solutions.

BEPS Regulations Enacted

I want to thank the County Council for unanimously approving the Building Energy Performance Standards Regulation this week. This is a major step forward in our Climate Action Plan.

In 2022, the Council passed this landmark legislation (picture of the bill signing above), which expands the County’s benchmarking requirements and sets minimum energy performance standards for existing buildings. Buildings are the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions here, and this is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy demand and carbon pollution. These regulations cover buildings 25,000 square feet or larger and account for about 15 percent of total countywide greenhouse gas emissions.

I am glad that through these new regulations, we will be able to realize energy improvements for large apartment, condo and commercial buildings, which will reduce utility costs and create green local jobs.

I appreciate the work done by our Department of Environmental Protection and the Council’s Transportation and Environment Committee to address questions from stakeholder groups who want to be environmentally conscious and comply with these new standards. There were multiple meetings over the last year to ensure we got this right.

We have many partners to acknowledge in helping our community prepare for this transition, including the Montgomery County Green Bank, multiple state agencies and the U.S. Department of Energy for helping mitigate the financial impact of this transition for some of our local businesses.

Discussion about the new BEPS regulations will be one focus of the upcoming Montgomery County Energy Summit on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 8 and 9 in Silver Spring. Building owners, property managers, developers and industry leaders are encouraged to attend and collaborate on energy efficiency, sustainability and strategies.

With Tuesday’s action by the Council, we will now be able to track and report energy use, catalog and track effective conservation methods, and move towards long-term energy efficiency standards that help create a greener Montgomery County.

Ramadan Begins

Tonight begins a holy month for Muslims observing Ramadan. This month involves daily fasting and prayer, with the hope of feeling a common bond within the community, especially with the poor and needy.

Ramadan Mubarak to all who are celebrating, I am looking forward to spending time celebrating with the Muslim community at several iftars this year.

Supporting a Beleaguered Federal Workforce

Montgomery County’s efforts to provide up-to-date information on resources to those impacted by federal layoffs and funding cuts continued this week. Tuesday night, I participated in the virtual United In Service and Support Townhall. The Council and I were joined by Sen. Chris Van Hollen to answer questions from the public.

The Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts have a direct impact on many of our residents and their ability to earn a living. It is better to refer to the work as DOGE because it really has nothing to do with efficiency.

As I have mentioned before, companies that receive funding from the federal government, mostly through the U.S. Agency for International Development have notified the Maryland Department of Labor about layoffs. These actions will continue to have a ripple effect in Montgomery County. So far, the job losses from these companies are more than 1000.

As I said at the virtual gathering, it is flat-out wrong and unnecessary that our community is facing this level of uncertainty and stress. The changing federal landscape has left many of our residents anxious about what’s next. And I know it is exhausting—because just when you think things might settle down, something else shifts. The willful destruction of our federal government—and its role of being the protectors/guardians of the American people—is setting up enormous tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy.

At the County, we are trying to focus on communication with residents and providing reliable information. We have updated our resources website and will continue to provide regular updates through webinars, newsletters, community meetings and other channels. I strongly encourage you to stay connected to these updates—because as many of you know, the news is constantly changing, and unfortunately, rumors and scams thrive in this kind of uncertainty. Please verify anything you hear or see before acting. 

While we cannot solve all the problems this administration is creating, we will continue our programs that may be of assistance.  

On employment, our libraries offer resume-building help and access to job-seeking tools like classes, computers and printers. WorkSource Montgomery also provides resources for job searches and interview prep while being a source of information about open jobs. A Support for Federal Workers Resource Hub was just launched by them.

As of now, we only have a few dozen non-public safety jobs listed on work4mcg.com, but we would welcome any laid-off federal, NGO or contract workers to explore those options and see if they are a match for some of the jobs.

I also want to emphasize the importance of mental health. These are stressful times, and no one should feel like they must navigate it alone. Our Crisis Center is available 24/7 by phone at 240-777-4000. On Thursday and Friday, our Office of Community Partnerships co-hosted workshops that, in part, focused on coping with uncertainty. I will share more opportunities like this in the future.

We have some housing support programs, including limited eviction prevention funds for residents at risk.

For families facing food insecurity, through our Office of Food Systems Resilience, we partner with 49 organizations to get food into the hands of those who need it, and this funding is stable into the upcoming fiscal year. Over 60 MCPS schools have food distribution programs, coordinated through partnerships funded by our School-Based Food Assistance program. And through our Farm to Food Bank network, local farms—thanks to our collaboration with Manna Food Center—are providing fresh produce directly to families in need.

At my media briefing this week, Department of Health and Human Services leaders encouraged anyone impacted by these cuts to contact them and determine if they are eligible for Medicaid or other assistance. The Office of Eligibility and Support Services can be reached by calling 240-777-1003 or by emailing OESS.MoCo@montgomerycountymd.gov.  

I also want to hear from you: What can Montgomery County government do to better support those impacted by federal cuts? Would an in-person community meeting be helpful as we navigate these challenges together? Visit montgomerycountymd.gov/exec where you can watch my latest media briefing and send me a message.

We have weathered tough times before by sticking together, and we will do it again.

Easy and Affordable Transit for Federal Employees Returning to In-Person Work

Federal employees heading back to the office can take advantage of Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) accessible and budget-friendly transit options. Ride On buses provide convenient connections to major federal offices, Metro stations, and transit hubs, with a fare of just $1. Plus, Metrobus and rail riders get free same-day transfers to Ride On.

Public transit includes higher-frequency buses recently added along key corridors and dedicated bus lanes planned to reduce congestion for bus riders. We are working to improve public transit and make it easier to travel from home to work on the bus.

Ridership is on the rise, and MCDOT hopes returning employees will keep the momentum going. Ride On serves key federal workplaces, including the National Institutes of Health, Walter Reed and the Food and Drug Administration. Transit options like the Flash Bus Rapid Transit system give commuters access to Wi-Fi so they can work and travel while the new Great Seneca Transit Network provides reliable service in a key sector near the Shady Grove Metro Station to serve our medical community, university students and others.

For schedules, routes, and trip planning, download the Ride On Trip Planner App or visit montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-transit.

As always, my appreciation for all of you,



Marc Elrich

County Executive

Office of Consumer Protection Recognizes National Consumer Protection Week March 2-8

Looking to protect yourself from fraud, identity theft, and scams? The Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) has information for you during National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), March 2–8, and any time of the year.

NCPW is a time when government agencies, consumer protection groups and organizations work together to educate consumers about their rights and help people learn to spot, report and avoid scams.

Throughout the week, OCP will be sharing valuable consumer protection tips on X, Facebook, and Instagram, covering topics such as recognizing scams, protecting personal information and understanding consumer rights. OCP will also highlight key insights from its podcast, Consumer Connection – a must-listen for anyone looking to stay informed on consumer issues.

On Friday, March 7, OCP will release a special episode of Consumer Connection featuring staff from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). They’ll discuss the FTC’s role in protecting consumers, scams to watch out for and how you can safeguard your personal information.

The episode will be available on various platforms. including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music. To stay updated, subscribe by tapping the “Follow” button on your preferred podcast app.

Message from the County Executive Marc Elrich

 

Dear Friends,

Last week, I talked about the sheer scale of our community’s connection to the federal government—77,550 federal employees call Montgomery County home, and 48,433 federal jobs are based right here. That’s a massive part of our local economy. It supports families, businesses and the public services that residents depend on.

But what’s happening now under the Trump Administration is starting to shake that foundation.

Just this month, the National Institutes of Health laid off 1,000 workers and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has fired an estimated 5,200 probationary employees. That is thousands of people who did critical work on our behalf who are now without a job.

And it doesn’t stop there.

We have received Work Adjustment and Retraining Notification notices—legal requirements companies must file when there are going to be mass layoffs—from four major firms that work closely with USAID: DAI Global in Bethesda, ABT Global in Rockville, Creative Associates International in Chevy Chase and EnCompass LLC in Silver Spring. Together, that is another 808 jobs lost.

We cannot calculate how many of those individuals are Montgomery County residents, but we do know that the impact does not stop at our borders. We have neighboring jurisdictions with federal workers, contractors and nongovernmental organizations that are feeling these cuts too. Many of those workers are Montgomery County residents. It all adds up.

Behind every one of these layoffs is a an individual or family. A person wondering how they are going to pay rent next month. Parents with kids who still need food on the table and clothes on their backs. Mortgages, medical bills and car payments—none of that goes away just because the paycheck stops.

These layoffs do not just hit the families—they hit all of us. Income tax revenue, sales tax revenue—when people have less to spend, local businesses suffer. Restaurants, dry cleaners, coffee shops, child care centers—businesses that depend on these workers—are going to feel the squeeze. Some already are. And this is just the beginning.

We could be looking at a loss of tens of thousands of jobs in our region by the time these cuts fully take effect. That is a seismic shock to Montgomery County, to our region and to Maryland’s economy.

The worst part of all of this is the approach being taken by the Trump administration. I could see that finding efficiencies could well lead to some job loss, but this approach of shuttering agencies, dismissing thousands of workers and dismantling science research has nothing to do with finding efficiencies. Firing all probationary workers, defined as new employees, is not the same as evaluating the structure of their agencies to determine whether there could be improvements.

The administration has done no analysis of how to do the work better; their only goal is to shut down programs. And whether it is probationary employees or permanent employees, the cuts are about bringing government work to a stop. When you consider the element of comparing political contributions to employee lists and targeting employees who are Democrats, it is essentially a political purge unprecedented in the Federal government since the end of the McCarthy-era witch-hunts in the 1950s.

Locally in government, we do not consider anyone’s political affiliation. We make decisions based on merit in both hiring and promotions. The federal decisions being made are based on revenge, a plan to shrink the government’s responsibility to protect its citizens and to cripple science and health research that many corporations feel impedes their ability to maximize profits. Those watchdogs are in place because we have seen some corporations choose processes or products over the safety of our people or the health of our planet. We should not forget that it was President Richard Nixon who created the Environmental Protection Agency because he saw the need for it.

I want to encourage everyone who is or could be impacted to check out the list of resources we have provided on our website montgomerycountymd.gov. Next Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 6:30 p.m., I will join our County Council, Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Rep. Jamie Raskin in hosting a virtual meeting via Zoom to speak about the uncertainty and difficulty at the federal level. There will be opportunities to submit questions in advance and during the virtual meeting. We cannot solve all the problems created at the federal level, but we do think it is important to be in touch and communicate.

One of our most essential tools in helping displaced workers is WorkSource Montgomery. They have been on the front lines helping workers navigate these challenges and they are ramping up efforts to meet this moment. I invited the Anthony Featherstone, the executive director, to my media briefing this week to discuss their operation and how they can assist job seekers.

Office of Consumer Protection Warns of Housing Scams Amid Federal Shake-ups

In the middle of all this chaos and uncertainty for the federal workforce, something has come to my attention that I find disturbing.

Lately, there have been social media posts claiming that federal workforce reductions are causing a big sell-off of homes in our area. There is no solid evidence backing these claims. Unfortunately, when rumors like this spread, they can create unnecessary worry for homeowners and renters.

We have seen time and again that scammers will pounce when they feel there is an opportunity to take advantage of anxiety, panic and fear. Our Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is keeping a close eye on these issues, and I want to highlight a few ways scammers might try to trick you:

• Market Manipulation: Unverified social media posts may pressure homeowners to sell quickly or deter buyers from entering the market. Always validate real estate trends through trusted sources.
• Fake Listings: Scammers may create fraudulent ads for properties, enticing buyers with deals that seem too good to be true and demanding deposits or application fees upfront. Work with licensed real estate professionals to verify property details.
• Phantom Rentals: Fraudulent rental listings may solicit deposits for homes that are not actually available. Never send money without verifying the property and landlord in person.
• Deceptive Financing Offers: Be wary of fake mortgage relief programs, predatory refinancing or fast-cash offers that undervalue properties. Consult with trusted lenders and obtain multiple evaluations before making financial decisions.
• Impersonation Scams: Scammers may pose as government agencies, lenders or housing assistance programs to steal personal information. Always confirm identities before sharing sensitive details.

I cannot stress this enough—staying informed and cautious is your best defense. Check the facts behind any financial move and verify information through reputable sources like government agencies, licensed real estate professionals or trusted news outlets. Do not rely on viral social media posts as your only source of information.

If something feels off, or if you think you have come across a scam, reach out to OCP by dialing 311 or calling 240-777-0311 if you're outside the area. You can also visit their office at 100 Maryland Avenue, Suite 3600, in Rockville. Walk-in hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The office was created to protect you. Montgomery County is committed to giving you the tools and resources to make smart, informed decisions. By staying vigilant and working together, we can keep scams from impacting our residents and keep our community safe.

Protecting Families with Just Cause Eviction Standards

Too many people who rent their homes and apartments risk losing their place without a valid reason. That is why I went to Annapolis this week to testify on behalf of new legislation (House Bill 709/Senate Bill 651) that would require a landlord to have "just cause" for evicting a tenant.

Since a moratorium on evictions was lifted following the pandemic, end-of-lease evictions have surged beyond levels we saw before 2020. Without just cause protections across Maryland, landlords can refuse to renew leases for no reason, leaving families scrambling with little notice. This kind of instability harms families—affecting jobs, education and health—and pushes some toward homelessness.

A just cause eviction standard simply requires landlords to provide a valid reason for ending a lease. It is a common-sense measure already in place in other states. It does not stop landlords from managing their properties—it simply ensures evictions are fair and justified. The legislation acknowledges all the reasons a landlord could carry out an eviction when the circumstances warrant it. Those reasons are focused on tenant actions that are damaging to the property, disruptive to other tenants’ quiet enjoyment of their living spaces or refusal to pay rent. What it goes after are cases where tenants get evicted for advocating for decent and safe living conditions in the building where they pay rent and should have a reasonable expectation that landlords deliver a livable apartment.

Simply speaking up or offering a voice for the disenfranchised should not put a target on your back. I hope the General Assembly gives counties the authority to adopt just cause eviction laws to protect more families from unnecessary moves.

As a teacher, I learned that family stability can help improve a child’s ability to succeed in the classroom. When children are happy and not dealing with the kind of stress an eviction can bring, hope grows, goals develop and accomplishments are made.

I want to thank Del. Jheanelle Wilkins, Del. Lorig Charkoudian, Del. Linda Foley, Del. Bernice Mireku-North, Del. Julie Palakovich Carr, Del. Vaughn Stewart and Del. Joe Vogel for leading the fight to make housing fair, stable and affordable for all Marylanders.

MHP Hits Fundraising Goal for Affordable Housing

I want to take a moment to recognize and congratulate, MHP, one of our partners in delivering affordable housing in Montgomery County. MHP provides more than 2,800 quality affordable homes in Montgomery County and nearby communities.



Last November, I joined MHP for the groundbreaking of The Chimes at North Bethesda, an affordable housing development consisting of 163 apartments. Ninety percent of the units will be reserved for those making under 60 percent of Area Median Income (AMI), and 100 percent will be reserved for those making under 80 percent of AMI.

Earlier this month, MHP announced that they exceeded their Making Home Possible for All campaign goal, raising an impressive $21.1 million. This is a win for our community and a testament to what we can accomplish when we come together to address the urgent need for affordable housing. I want to thank MHP for their efforts and all the donors who gave to this campaign.

When MHP launched this campaign in 2021, its goal was to double the amount of affordable housing by the end of the decade. Thanks to the generosity of nearly 8,000 donors, they arenow able to expand both housing opportunities and the critical wraparound services that help residents thrive. We are not just building structures; it is about making sure people have the support they need to succeed.

The campaign’s theme—Making Home Possible for All—underscores the inclusive nature of MHP’s work. Whether seniors, working families or individuals just trying to get by, everyone deserves a safe, stable place to call home. Behind every affordable home, there is a story of resilience, hope and the possibility of a better future.

While this is an impressive achievement, we all know that we have not reached the finish line. Our County has approximately 50,000 people making less than $50,000 per year. That speaks to the enormous need we have in this community to help people from being priced out of the community they want to call home.

Too many people are faced with impossible choices between paying rent and meeting other basic needs like food, health care and clothing.

Even with a record amount of money spent in the last few years on affordable housing, we must continue to focus on protecting, preserving and producing units in key places. We are looking out for the future and seizing opportunities along Metro and Flash Bus Rapid Transit routes and along growth sectors like the Great Seneca Transit Network. Affordable housing close to transportation, jobs, schools and essential services strengthens our community.

Since 1989, MHP has been a vital partner in expanding access to quality, affordable housing throughout Montgomery County and beyond. We share the same mission of creating a place where everyone can succeed.

I am proud to support their work and look forward to seeing how this milestone paves the way for even greater progress. You can see the impact they have already made by visiting MHP online. Affordable housing is a foundation for a thriving, equitable community, and together, we are making that vision a reality.

Building Renaming Ceremony Set for Monday, Feb. 24

We will end Black History Month next week by renaming the County’s Executive Office Building after former County Executive Ike Leggett. Ike dedicated more than 45 years of his life to public service starting in 1979. He became the first person of color to be elected Councilmember and County Executive in Montgomery County.

The ceremony will be held in Rockville on Monday, Feb. 24, starting at 3 p.m. Some of the special guests include Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, Rep. Jamie Raskin and Rep. Glenn Ivey.

More than 300 people have already sent a R.S.V.P. We are prepared to handle the big crowd by providing an overflow room for the ceremony. If you would like to join us, email leggettevent@montgomerycountymd.gov. Limited paid parking is available at the Council Office Building parking garage at 100 Maryland Avenue with additional paid parking available at 51 Monroe Street. Ride On and Metro’s Red Line are also options.

For his part, Ike has been humble about all this. He told MyMCMedia last week that he sees this as a testament to his entire team for the work they did to serve the County during his 12 years as County Executive. We appreciate his humility, but we also recognize that the leadership he provided directed the County government to do work that meaningfully impacted people's lives and helped create a more welcoming and inclusive Montgomery County.

February is Library Lovers Month

We are rounding out February and finishing Library Lovers Month strong.

This weekend, we have a robotics workshop happening in Germantown, a documentary film screening in Kensington and a Broadway and Movies-in-Person concert in Wheaton.

I want to thank the Friends of the Library, library patrons, and other supporters for helping our libraries continue offering a variety of programs and special events for our residents.

You still have time to fill out virtual postcards detailing why you love libraries, which will be given to elected leaders. Social media promotions are also underway so you can share with your friends what you love about our libraries. You can find that on the Friends of the Library website under Library Lovers Month or on montgomerycountymd.gov/library.

We are also about one month away from MoComCon – one of the most popular events of the year. This annual convention for fans of comics, graphic novels and other pop art returns March 22 and 23 at the Germantown Library and Blackrock Center for the Arts. A schedule of events is still being worked on, but applications for the art and essay contests are now open. Learn more and submit your entries online.

Health Report

As I mentioned last week, the number of flu cases is high, while the number of vaccinated residents falls short of previous flu seasons. That could explain why flu is sending more people to the hospital than at any time in the last 15 years. More people are getting seriously ill and dying from the flu this year than from COVID-19, which is a first since COVID-19 appeared in 2020.

I do not want to see more people getting sick or spreading respiratory diseases throughout the County. Getting vaccinated is your best defense and is important to the continued health of our community. Please seek out flu and COVID-19 vaccines at your doctor’s office or nearby pharmacy through the website vaccines.gov. Remember to wash your hands frequently, keep a facemask handy if you need one and, if you do get sick, stay home until you are no longer contagious.

 
As always, my appreciation for all of you,

Marc Elrich
County Executive

The Department of Environmental Protection To Host Landscaping with Batteries Workshop and Field Day on Wednesday, March 12

 

The County's Department of Environmental Protection will host the “Landscaping with Batteries/Jardinería con Baterías” event on Wednesday, March 12 at the Montgomery College Germantown Campus, located at 20200 Observation Drive in Germantown.

The workshop and demonstration are taking place in advance of the County’s ban on gas-powered lawn equipment, which will go into effect on July 1, 2025.

A bilingual workshop for landscapers and gardeners will be held from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. The event is free but registration is required. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for registered professionals, along with Spanish translation services.

From 10:10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., property managers, landscapers and homeowners are invited to a "field day" featuring manufacturers and local dealers showcasing electric tools such as leaf blowers, chainsaws and robotic mowers. Attendees can enjoy demonstrations, discounts and raffles.  

Montgomery County Businesses Can Boost Growth Through ExportMD Grants and Upcoming International Missions

 

Montgomery County businesses looking to expand through exports can connect with customers, suppliers, manufacturers or academic partners with help from the Maryland Department of Commerce's ExportMD Program. Grants can reimburse up to $5,000 for eligible expenses. Applications are open  through Tuesday, March 1 for export-related expenses incurred in April or later this year.

Traditionally, many companies use the ExportMD grants to offset travel expenses related to international marketing. However, these funds can also be applied to other marketing initiatives, including website development and registration costs for virtual trade shows and missions.

Montgomery County representatives are traveling to Taiwan from March 17-21 to participate in the Smart City Summit and meet with business prospects. They are also planning a trip to Japan to participate in Medtech Japan and to meet with business prospects is also planned.

County businesses interested in joining County leaders on either of these trips should express their interest via email to BusinessCenter@MontgomeryCountymd.gov. The deadline to join the group headed to Taipei is Monday, Feb. 24, while anyone interested in going to Tokyo is asked to commit by Friday, March 21.

The Maryland ExportMD grant requires a multi-day interview to be completed by March 1, in order to support travel in April or later this year. Companies seeking to use this grant to support travel to Japan should contact Jason Callejas, international trade and investment specialist at the Maryland Department of Commerce, jason.callejas@maryland.gov.

New Park Academy Classes Focus on Mental and Physical Well-Being

 

Spring registration is underway for classes in the Park Academy Series. The program, sponsored by Montgomery Parks, focuses on mental and physical well-being. New classes this session include Storytime Art for Children and Caregivers, Midday Reset Yoga and Partnering Dance 101. Other popular classes such as Canopy Connection-Tree Climbing for teens or 55+ adults are also returning.

The Park Academy Series programs take place in neighborhood parks to bring fitness, wellness and learning classes close to home for participants. Programs are offered for all age groups and are held outdoors in local parks or in park activity buildings.

Visit the Park Academy webpage for a complete listing of classes. There is a registration fee for the classes. To register for Park Academy Series classes, visit ActiveMontgomery and set up a free account to get started.

Montgomery County Recreation’s Spring Registration Now Open

Montgomery County Recreation’s spring registration is now open for County and non-County residents. Registration for Bone Builders, Day Trippers and Senior Outdoor Adventures in Recreation (SOAR) also is open. 

https://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=46544&Dept=72

Montgomery County Seeking Nominations for Unsung Sports Hero Award

Do you know an individual or organization who goes above and beyond to increase sports opportunities for underserved communities in Montgomery County?

The Montgomery County Sports Advisory Committee wants to celebrate their good work with the Unsung Sports Hero Award. Nominees can be individuals or groups involved in coaching, officiating, team management, field maintenance, player transportation, training, equipment donations or any other efforts that promote equitable sports participation in the community.

Winners will be honored at the Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Celebration on Sunday, May 4. Nominations are being accepted now through Friday, Feb. 28. For more information and to nominate someone, visit the Montgomery County Recreation website.

Purple Line Small Business Grants Available Through Maryland Department of Transportation

The Maryland Department of Transportation is accepting grant applications from small businesses impacted by construction along the Purple Line route in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.

The Purple Line Small Business Grants Program will support business operations during construction closures or detours, as well as provide marketing support for businesses along the alignment during construction of the light rail project. The four-year program will invest $4 million in eligible businesses along the Purple Line corridor.

Grant award amounts of up to $50,000 will vary based on location of the business, construction impacts and whether the business is located in areas designated for community and economic development, revitalization and sustainability. Up to three application rounds will take place each year. The first round of applications is due by March 14, 2025.

For a full list of eligibility requirements and a downloadable application visit purplelinemd.com. All completed applications should be returned to business@purplelinemd.com.

Residents Asked to Provide Feedback Through 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment Survey

Residents are invited to provide feedback for the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) survey, to help local hospitals and Healthy Montgomery determine programs and services to best meet the health needs of the community. The survey is conducted every three years and is an important way to learn what priorities are most important to residents. The survey is a project of the Montgomery County Hospital Collaborative, comprised of Adventist HealthCare, Holy Cross Health, MedStar Health and Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital.

The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete, and the information it gathers is essential to ensuring the community’s health needs are met. Find the survey at tinyurl.com/2025CHNAsurvey.

Results from the 2023 CHNA report can be found on the Healthy Montgomery website.