MoCo Government

Montgomery County Planning Board Commissioners Resign

By Patrick Herron

“The Montgomery County Council is united in taking the steps necessary to ensure that the Montgomery County Planning Board can serve its critical functions and oversee the Planning and Parks Departments’ important work for our community,” said Council President Gabe Albornoz. “The Council has lost confidence in the Montgomery County Planning Board and accepted these resignations to reset operations. We are acting with deliberate speed to appoint new commissioners to move Montgomery County forward. We thank the commissioners for their service to our County.”

“The Council is confident that the Planning Department’s newly appointed Acting Director Tanya Stern will provide steady leadership in the weeks ahead. The Council also appreciates and supports Park and Planning staff.”

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County Announces New Website Links on Climate Planning, Progress and Action

By Patrick Herron

Through the new web portal, visitors can see the County’s climate progress, planning, partners, plans, reports, news, information, public resources and ways to everyone can get involved. Key documents have been translated into six different languages. “Just over a year ago, we launched one of the most aggressive Climate Action Plans in the nation with the goal of eliminating 100 percent of our greenhouse gas emissions by 2035,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Since then, we have passed important legislation, such as Building Energy Performance Standards, and committed historic levels of funding to our efforts to combat climate change. Our efforts are being assisted by new federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the recently enacted Inflation Reduction Act. This new web portal provides a better understanding and transparency of our policies, reforms, events, and activities while tracking the progress made toward our goals. When it comes to saving our environment, every moment counts and communication is key.”

In June 2021, Montgomery County released its Climate Action Plan (CAP), a strategic plan to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 80 percent by 2027 and 100 percent by 2035. The plan details the effects of the changing climate on the County and includes strategies to reduce GHG emissions and climate-related risks to residents, businesses and the built and natural environment.

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MDOT Officials to Meet With MoCo Officials to Discuss FY 2023-2028 Consolidated Transportation Program Draft (October 11)

By MCS Staff
MDOT OG Image

Officials from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) will meet with Montgomery County officials to discuss MDOT’s Draft FY 2023-2028 Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP), which details a record $19.9 billion six-year capital budget investment in the state’s transportation network. The meeting is part of MDOT’s tour of 23 Maryland counties and Baltimore City to update local officials and the public on the CTP. MDOT Secretary James F. Ports, Jr. and other MDOT officials will outline the state’s investments and discuss Montgomery County’s transportation priorities.

WHO: MDOT Secretary’s Office: Secretary James F. Ports, Jr.;  MDOT State Highway Administration: Administrator Tim Smith; MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration: Administrator Chrissy Nizer; MDOT Maryland Transit Administration: Administrator Holly Arnold; MDOT Maryland Aviation Administration: Division of Planning and Engineering Chief Paul Shank; andMaryland Transportation Authority: Executive Director William Pines.

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Montgomery County Providing 50,000 Loaner Computers to Low-Income Residents; Receives Additional $22.6 Million in Digital Equity Grants

By Patrick Herron

Computer distribution events also provide in-person assistance to help eligible families get free home or mobile internet service so they can better use the computers.

“Everyone deserves to be part of the digital world—it is a necessity,” said County Executive Elrich. “Montgomery County was focused on digital equity before the pandemic, and it is critical to our economic and educational recovery efforts. I appreciate the Federal, State and private sector entities for these investments and am proud of what Montgomery Connects is doing to bring much needed funding to expand digital equity programs for our residents most in need.”

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Montgomery County Councilmember Navarro and Council President Albornoz to Host Council’s Hispanic Heritage Month Commemoration

By Patrick Herron

Councilmember Navarro initiated the creation of the Council’s multicultural commemorations and has led the Council’s Hispanic Heritage Month commemoration throughout her tenure on the Council to honor local leaders and celebrate important initiatives that affect the County’s Latino community. The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Latinas: Leadership Without Borders,” and will include a special video program and Council proclamation.

The video program will feature community leaders Carmen Hernandez, Monica Braden, and Angelica Zaragoza.

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Proclamation Signed Recognizing October as Filipino American History Month in Montgomery County

By MCS Staff

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich signed a proclamation at the beginning of this month, recognizing October as Filipino American History Month. Per the proclamation:

“Filipino Americans make up a significant percentage of the total Asian population in Montgomery County. The first recorded arrival of Filipinos in the Continental United States was on October 18, 1587, when sailors called “Luzon’s Indio’s” on a Spanish galleon docked at what it now Morrow Bay, California. Over 250,000 Filipino and Filipino American soldiers served, sacrificed, and fought bravely against the enemies of the United States during World War II.

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Remembering Journalist and Radio Host Mike Causey

By Cordell Pugh

Esteemed Federal Government columnist and radio host Norman “Mike” Causey passed away late last month at the age of 82.

At the Federal News Network and WTOP Radio studios in Friendship Heights, Causey had wrapped up recording a radio segment when he was found unresponsive in his office by a colleague. Valiant bystander CPR, as well as attempts from Montgomery County Fire & Rescue, proved unsuccessful.

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October Is Being Celebrated as ‘Energy Action Month’ With Many Events to Inspire Going Electric and Lowering Energy Costs

By Patrick Herron

The County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Montgomery County Recreation, the Department of Health and Human Services, Montgomery County Public Libraries and community partners are working together to provide opportunities and information to move to electric energy and lower energy costs.

There will be an Electrify theme for each week in October:

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