MoCo

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) has introduced a new podcast series to help residents and businesses become more familiar with the permitting process. The first episode is now available. The DPS podcast will connect listeners to permitting department staff including permit technicians, building inspectors, plan reviewers, the fire marshal, field supervisors and code compliance staff. All who will be featured on the podcasts are experts in their various fields. Collectively, they are known as “first preventers.” These code officials who will provide the latest information from the department, as well as resources and tips.

“DPS continues to streamline its processes to make the permitting process more efficient for customers and sharing information about these improvements is important,” said County Executive Marc Elrich.  “We are always looking for ways to enhance our communication methods and this new podcast is an innovative way to reach customers on the platforms that they use to keep them informed about DPS programs and services.”

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich applauds the Montgomery County State Delegation, the Maryland General Assembly and the administration of Governor Wes Moore and Lt. Governor Aruna Miller for their work during the 2023 General Assembly Legislative Session to pass important laws on issues such as firearm safety, abortion rights and climate control as well as securing hundreds of millions of dollars for Montgomery County. The General Assembly Legislative session ended on Monday, April 10, and it was the first for the Moore/Miller Administration, as well as for several new Delegates and Senators.

“It was clearly a different and more productive General Assembly session under the Moore/Miller Administration. They, along with the General Assembly, clearly understood the needs and priorities of all Marylanders,” said County Executive Elrich. “I want to thank and appreciate the efforts of the Montgomery County House and Senate Delegations under the leadership of Del. Palakovich-Carr and Sen. Kramer, respectively. Our delegation brought in more than one billion dollars in direct aid to Montgomery County, an eight percent increase from last year. It was also able to secure capital funding for key projects like Bus Rapid Transit, the UM Institute for Health Computing, the Bowie Mill Bike Trail, Burtonsville Park and Ride, the Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center and our high school wellness centers. I also appreciate the passage of key legislation that will invest in our students, raise the state minimum wage, combat climate change, protect abortion rights, reduce gun violence and legalize cannabis sales throughout the state. We are very grateful for all the hard work that led to these legislative accomplishments.”

Nominations are now open for the Montgomery Serves Awards, the County’s highest honors for volunteer service.  The annual awards program, coordinated by the Montgomery County Volunteer Center, recognizes volunteer efforts in five categories. The categories, with links to more information about each award and nomination forms, are:

To nominate deserving volunteers, complete the appropriate online nomination forms by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 14. The winners will be honored at ceremonies on June 26 at Imagination Stage in Bethesda. For additional information on the Montgomery Serves Awards, visit the Volunteer Center website at montgomeryserves.org, call 240-777-2600 or email [email protected].