Montgomery County’s new “Bring Your Own Bag” law will take effect on January 1, 2026, banning most plastic carryout bags and increasing the fee for paper bags to 10 cents. The new law, passed earlier this year by the Montgomery County Council, is designed to reduce plastic waste, improve water quality, and encourage the use of reusable bags.
Montgomery County Councilmember Dawn Luedtke, who represents District 7 and is serving her first term, has filed for re-election in the June 23, 2026 Democratic primary.
The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services released its first comprehensive report on chronic diseases, analyzing data from 2010 to 2023 and comparing local health outcomes to state and national benchmarks.
The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) has opened applications for Session 81 police officer candidates, announcing a change to minimum qualifications that removes the requirement for 60 college credits at the time of application.
Montgomery County Councilmembers Kate Stewart and Evan Glass urged MCPS and the Board of Education to improve the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) process, citing inefficiencies, unreliable cost projections, and poor community engagement. They pointed to the $40 million Silver Spring International Middle School project, which failed to address key concerns, as an example of the need for better planning, transparency, and incorporation of community feedback to ensure future school facility upgrades meet actual needs.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and partners will host 12 “Community Conversations” through November to gather input on the FY27 operating budget, with the next meeting for East County on Monday, Oct. 6 from 7–8:30 p.m. at the White Oak Community Recreation Center (1700 April Lane, Silver Spring).
The Montgomery County Council unanimously confirmed Nestor Alvarenga Palacios as Mid-County Regional Services Director, where he will lead government, business, and community collaboration across Wheaton and surrounding Mid-County communities.
The Montgomery County Council unanimously approved Zoning Text Amendment 25-09, introduced by Councilmember Natali Fani-González, to allow alkaline hydrolysis, also known as water cremation as a funeral option in the county, aligning local zoning with state law and industry standards.
At a press conference in Wheaton, Montgomery County and state leaders announced that two new speed enforcement laws will take effect October 1, introducing higher fines for drivers traveling 16 miles per hour or more above the speed limit and allowing automated cameras on high-crash roadways.
On Tuesday, the Montgomery County Council will introduce Expedited Bill 30-25, which seeks to change how the county enforces its ban on gas-powered leaf blowers. (more…)
The Montgomery County Council’s Planning, Housing and Parks Committee will meet on Monday, Sept. 29, to review the University Boulevard Corridor Plan and consider a Subdivision Regulation Amendment that would prohibit the creation of flag lots under workforce housing optional method development. (more…)