On Thursday, Councilmember Andrew Friedson stated that the FY26 Operating Budget and FY25–30 Capital Improvements Program represent a balanced effort to maintain affordability, avoid new taxes, invest in housing and public services, and meet long-term community needs without adding financial strain on residents.
Montgomery County government has approved the FY26 budget, investing in transportation including fare-free Ride On buses and expanded transit services, environmental programs, parks and recreation, public safety, workforce compensation, and a six billion dollar six-year capital improvements plan supporting schools, housing, and infrastructure. (more…)
Montgomery County’s homeless population increased by 356 people, a 32% rise from 2024, according to the 2025 Point-in-Time survey. Officials attributed the spike to rising rents, the end of federal rental assistance, and a lack of affordable housing. (more…)
Councilmember Evan Glass issued a statement praising the Fiscal Year 2026 budget for funding education, housing, and fare-free transit without raising taxes, while also criticizing proposed tax hikes and emphasizing the need for transparency, fiscal discipline, and support for vulnerable residents during uncertain economic times. (more…)
Council President Kate Stewart issued a statement praising the Montgomery County Council’s work on the Fiscal Year 2026 operating budget, highlighting its focus on education, mental health, housing, public safety, and economic development. She noted the budget was developed through an inclusive and transparent process and emphasized that it was balanced without raising tax rates, despite economic uncertainty and reduced federal funding. (more…)
Montgomery County and Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland recently enhanced the Allium Place affordable housing community in Silver Spring with sustainable landscaping and shade trees through the County’s RainScapes and Tree Montgomery programs, marking their first integration into new construction.
Creative Wheaton, Inc., a new nonprofit formed to promote Wheaton as a regional arts and culture hub, will officially launch on May 16 with a community event introducing its leadership and vision for strengthening local identity and economic growth. (more…)
Montgomery County Council Vice President Will Jawando issued the following statement regarding the proposal to fund 99.8 percent of the total Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Board of Education request. (more…)
Montgomery County’s Aging and Disability Services, in partnership with Montgomery County Recreation, will host a free community celebration for residents 55 and older on Friday, May 30 at the White Oak Senior Center in Silver Spring to mark Older Americans Month with fitness activities, music, resources, and giveaways. (more…)
The Montgomery County Council will hold a public hearing on May 13 to consider the County Executive’s proposal to increase the County income tax rate from 3.2% to 3.3% for Tax Year 2025.
Students from Watkins Mill High School and Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School won top honors in the 2024–25 Keeping it Safe Coalition video contest, which encourages youth to raise awareness about underage alcohol use through 30-second public service announcements.