MoCo Government Archives - Page 178 of 250

Montgomery County Councilmembers Jawando and Rice and Council President Albornoz Host Council’s African Heritage Month Commemoration on Sept. 13

Published September 4, 2022 at 11:59AM

“Montgomery County’s strength is truly derived from its diversity. For centuries, the African diaspora has significantly contributed to our economic, cultural and social fabric and positively influenced many civilizations around the world. I am proud that Montgomery County is celebrating African Heritage Month for the second year in a row, and most importantly that the Council will host our celebration in person for the very first time,” said Council President Albornoz. “It is through hard work, perseverance and determination that the African community sustains our County and fortifies our collective vision to achieve prosperity for all.”

“Fourteen years ago, Montgomery County became the first in the nation to proclaim the month of September as African Heritage Month,” said Councilmember Jawando. “As the son of a Nigerian father, this celebration is important to me as we continue to honor the diverse cultures within the African diaspora and their contributions to our county and nation. This year, we will recognize African leaders from five different countries, celebrating their achievements in the fields of music, dance, art, culinary arts and designing traditional African attire. Montgomery County is home to more than 54,000 Africans, who make up 15 percent of the overall immigrant population. African Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize one of our biggest strengths in Montgomery County, our rich diversity.”

Montgomery County ‘Farm to Food Bank Program’ Had 25 Percent Increase in Total Pounds of Produce in Fiscal Year 2022

By Patrick Herron

Published September 2, 2022 at 12:34PM

The Farm to Food Bank program had 22 farms participating in the past year, but for the current year, an increase of 10 farms from the previous year. That is the highest number of farms participating since the program began in 2020. This allowed the program to benefit about a dozen more food assistance providers than the year prior.

The annual report also showed that $141,553 in grant funds (from the Community Foundation and Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services) were awarded to 20 farms, nine of which are owned by females and/or farmers of color.

Residential Property Owners Must Have Approved Homestead Application on File to be Eligible for $692 Montgomery Property Tax Credit

By MCS Staff

Published September 2, 2022 at 9:43AM

There has been a change in Maryland law that could restrict a homeowner’s eligibility for a $692 Montgomery County property tax credit. The new State law requires all residential property owners to also have an approved Homestead Application on file with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) to be eligible for the County’s Income Tax Offset Credit (ITOC). This credit appears on annual property tax bills.

The one-time application must be completed to keep the ITOC tax credit that was on July 1, 2022, tax bills. If an approved application is not on file by May 1, 2023, State law will require the County to recapture the $692 ITOC that was granted on your tax bill. Additionally, the ITOC tax credit itself will no longer appear on all future tax bills until there is an approved Homestead Application on file with SDAT.

Council President Albornoz Encourages Residents to Complete the Childhood Hunger Survey

By Patrick Herron

Published September 1, 2022 at 7:04PM

“Engaging the expertise and insight of our community is a critical step in creating successful strategies to support our residents,” said Heather Bruskin, executive director of the Montgomery County Food Council. “This five-minute survey will provide an important opportunity for residents to share the challenges they experience in accessing food and directly advise the county on what programs would be of greatest benefit to their families.”

The survey results will help inform program implementation, policy development and future funding priorities. Resident feedback is a key component to adequately understanding and addressing food access challenges that are impacting our children and youth.

Montgomery County Announces Abortion Access Grants to Community Organizations and Service Providers

By Patrick Herron

Published September 1, 2022 at 4:02PM

Resolution 19-1357 provides grant awards from $50,000 to a maximum of $500,000 for an up to one year (12 month) performance period for the County’s FY 2023 Abortion, Reproductive Health, and Related Services Access (ARHRSA) grants program. The target population for the grants are organizations that help women seeking access to abortion, reproductive health, and related services as well as the staff providing these services.

“As soon as the draft opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade was leaked in May, we knew that our reproductive rights and abortion providers were going to need additional support and we announced our intention to provide $1 million in County aid through grants to these organizations,” said County Executive Erich. “I am very pleased that we were able to get this grant process up and running so quickly and appreciate the work and input of the County Council, the Department of Health and Human Services and our new Office of Grants Management. These funds will help the women served by caring and compassionate organizations who are protecting their rights, their health, and their choices.”

County Council Seeks Applicants for the Merit System Protection Board

By Patrick Herron

Published September 1, 2022 at 1:54PM

Letters of application must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 7.

In additional to Ms. Chiles (Democrat), other members of the Board are Harriet Davidson (Democrat), and Barbara S. Fredericks (Unaffiliated). By law, no more than two of the three members of the Merit System Protection Board may be of the same political party. The appointee for this position may be Republican, Democrat, someone who declines to affiliate with a party, or a member of another party officially recognized by the Board of Elections.

Montgomery County to Offer Free Webinar Series on Installing EV Charging Stations in Condos, Co-ops and Townhome Communities on Sept. 6 and Sept. 11

By Patrick Herron

Published September 1, 2022 at 10:39AM

The webinars will take place from 6 -8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6, and from 10 a.m.-noon. on Sunday, Sept. 11.

During the webinars, participants will learn what is needed to install EV charging stations in their communities. Experts will answer questions on subjects including:

Ninth Annual Montgomery County Free ‘Friendship Picnic’ to Celebrate Diverse Cultures and Faiths on Sunday, Sept. 18, in Wheaton

By Patrick Herron

Published August 31, 2022 at 2:16PM

Wheaton Regional Park is located at located at 2000 Shorefield Rd. in Wheaton. A free satellite parking shuttle service to and from the Wheaton Ice Rink and athletic fields will be available.

This free event is an initiative of the Montgomery County Committee Against Hate/Violence (CAHV), which works to eradicate acts of hate and intimidation through community education, advocacy, collaboration and legislation.

Montgomery County Climate Action Annual Report Highlights 75 Accomplishments to Reduce Climate-Related Risks

By Patrick Herron

Published August 30, 2022 at 7:10PM

The Climate Action Plan (CAP) is a strategic plan to cut community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 80 percent by 2027 and 100 percent by 2035, compared to 2005 levels. The plan also seeks to reduce climate-related risks to the County’s residents, businesses and the built and natural environment.

During the first year of CAP implementation, County departments and agencies actively worked on 75 climate actions out of the 86 actions identified in the CAP. In FY23, County departments and agencies intend to make progress on 77 climate actions.

Applications Now Being Accepted to Participate in the 2022 Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade

By Patrick Herron

Published August 30, 2022 at 6:54PM

More information on the parade, and applications to participate, can be found here. There is no fee to participate.

The exciting parade traditionally kicks off the holiday season in the Silver Spring Arts and Entertainment District. The parade steps off from Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street and proceeds south on Georgia Avenue, ending at Silver Spring Avenue. It annually attracts thousands for spectators.

Montgomery County’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program Offers Free Tax Help for Income-Eligible Residents

By Patrick Herron

Published August 29, 2022 at 12:38PM

In-person appointments are available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Community Action Agency office, located at 1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 320 in Rockville. Walk-in appointments are available on a first come, first served basis in Rockville on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m.

Virtual appointments are available Mondays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Assistance with individual tax identification number (ITIN) applications is available on Thursdays. Visit the CASHBACK scheduling page to schedule an appointment or call 240-777-1123.