Government Archives - Page 16 of 114

Published October 18, 2022 at 3:43PM

For 17 months, Councilmembers have been working with staff and listening to suggestions from residents across Montgomery County to develop a general plan for the County’s future. The Thrive Montgomery 2050 Draft Plan contains the text and supporting maps for a comprehensive amendment to Montgomery County’s current General Plan (On Wedges and Corridors).

The document establishes a vision for Montgomery County’s future growth and encompasses broad, countywide policy recommendations for land use, zoning, housing, the economy, equity, transportation, parks and open space, the environment and historic resources.

Gaithersburg

City of Gaithersburg to Hold Community Shredding & Electronics Recycling Event

By Patrick Herron

Published October 18, 2022 at 11:45AM

Visitors will be asked to pop their trunks upon proceeding to the shred truck. Staff will remove boxes without making contact. Acceptable items for shredding include all types of paper, including receipts, tax and medical records, and financial and legal documents. Paper with staples and paperclips (no binder clips) will be accepted, as will envelopes with plastic windows. If paper is in 3-ring binders or is spiral bound, bindings must be removed before coming to the event. Learn more about shredding at www.gtownpaper.com. All shredding will be done on site.

E-waste will be accepted in a designated truck. For the safety of residents, staff and volunteers, only one car may approach the E-waste truck at a time. Visitors will be asked to deposit E-waste into the truck themselves. Please consider donating items before disposing of them. Items that will be accepted include:

MoCo Government

Montgomery County Awards Food Recovery and Food Security Mini-Grants to Nine Nonprofit Organizations

By Patrick Herron

Published October 18, 2022 at 11:41AM

The mini-grants support the recommendations of the County’s Food Security Plan, which set forth a vision for Montgomery County in which all people always have access to safe, enough, nutritious food, with dignity. The organizations selected to receive grants will use the funding for specific efforts designed to increase the capacity and/or infrastructure for food recovery and food security in the community. The funded projects must also increase the efficiency and effectiveness of efforts to reduce food insecurity in the county using partnerships and collaborations.

The nonprofit organizations receiving CFR mini-grants are: AfriThrive, Clopper Mill Elementary School, First Alliance Church, Food and Friends, Kings and Priests Court, Mid County United Ministries, Rainbow Community Development Center, Small Things Matter, and The UpCounty Hub.

MoCo Government

Montgomery County Council Meets on October 18 at 9 a.m. to Review the Ten-Year Comprehensive Water Supply and Sewerage Systems Plan and Several Zoning Measures

By Patrick Herron

Published October 17, 2022 at 7:20PM

Review: The Council will hold a work session to review the 2022-2031 Ten-Year Comprehensive Water Supply and Sewerage Systems Plan. The purpose of the plan is to provide an overview of the planning policies, needs, issues and planned infrastructure related to community and individual water and sewerage systems.

Merit System Protection Board

Education

Applications Now Being Accepted for Student Debt Relief

By Patrick Herron

Published October 17, 2022 at 12:58PM | Updated October 17, 2022 at 3:30PM

President Biden, Vice President Harris, and the U.S. Department of Education have announced a three-part plan to help working and middle-class federal student loan borrowers transition back to regular payment as pandemic-related support expires. This plan includes loan forgiveness of up to $20,000. Many borrowers and families may be asking themselves “what do I have to do to claim this relief?” This page is a resource to answer those questions and more. There will be more details announced in the coming weeks. To be notified when the process has officially opened, sign up at the Department of Education subscription page. You’ll have until Dec. 31, 2023 to apply.

Due to the economic challenges created by the pandemic, the Biden-Harris Administration has extended the student loan repayment pause a number of times. Because of this, no one with a federally held loan has had to pay a single dollar in loan payments since President Biden took office.

MoCo Government

‘Find Your Boo:’ Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center and FMCA to Hold Fee-Waived Adoption Event for Dogs Oct. 15-31

By Patrick Herron

Published October 14, 2022 at 6:11PM

“Adopting a dog from our shelter can provide families with years of joy and unconditional love,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “I want to thank the Friends of Montgomery County Animals for sponsoring this event that will waive dog adoption fees throughout the rest of this month. If you are considering adding a dog to your family, please visit our shelter and have our staff help you find the perfect furry friend for your home.”

The adoption process can be started online by filling out the adoption questionnaire and sending in the documents required. The questionnaire, required documents, and more information on the adoption process can be found at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/adoption/howtoadopt.html.

Maryland

Governor Hogan Names Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford To Oversee Gubernatorial Transition

By Patrick Herron

Published October 14, 2022 at 9:41AM

“We are fully committed to a smooth, orderly transition in Maryland and look forward to working closely with the incoming administration,” said Governor Hogan. “Whoever is elected will inherit a strong recovery, record fiscal reserves, and a Maryland truly changed for the better.” To prepare for the transition, the lieutenant governor has tasked Cabinet secretaries and state agencies with preparing reports to be handed over to the incoming governor after a winner is declared.

“Ensuring that this transition is the most professional and efficient process in our state’s history, is a top priority for myself and our administration,” said Lt. Governor Rutherford. “I am honored to oversee this gubernatorial transition, as I will use my federal and state experience with administrative transitions to make sure all essential reports and additional guidance is provided to help Maryland’s incoming leadership succeed.”

Bethesda

Free Electric Scooter Clinics for Those 18-and-Older Will Be Available in October and November

By Patrick Herron

Published October 12, 2022 at 9:06PM

The clinics generally will last about two-to-four hours and e-scooters will be available at each site. Those interested in e-scooters can stop in at any time during the clinic.

Participants must have a valid driver’s license or ID. No registration is required to attend a clinic and walk-ups are welcome. Check tinyurl.com/5n8adjaj for cancelations due to inclement weather.

MoCo Government

Montgomery County Holiday Giving Project Seeking Partners to Help During This Year’s Campaign

By Patrick Herron

Published October 12, 2022 at 9:03PM

Each year the project comes closer to assigning all referred families in need, but some zip codes still struggle to meet demand. Zip codes in great need this year include Aspen Hill (20906), Wheaton (20902), Bethesda-Chevy Chase (20814, 20815, 20817), Burtonsville (20866), Clarksburg (20871), Damascus (20872) and Rockville (20850, 20851, 20852, 20853).

Individuals or groups interested in joining the partnership should email HGP coordinators at [email protected]to discuss how they can be paired with families in need. HGP is seeking to have partnerships lined by Friday, Oct 21.

MoCo

Board of Elections Installs 55 Drop Boxes for Deposit of Mail-in Ballots for November Election

By Patrick Herron

Published October 12, 2022 at 9:01PM

To be counted, mail-in ballots must be postmarked no later than Nov. 8 and the oath on the postage-paid return envelope that arrives with the ballot must be signed. Those who choose to cast their votes using ballot drop boxes must submit their completed ballots by the final collection time of 8 p.m. on Nov. 8 for their ballot to count.

To identify the nearest ballot drop box and post office locator, text BOX plus a zip code (example: BOX 20879) to 77788 or visit 777vote.org. To request a mail-in ballot, text VBM to 77788 or visit 777vote.org.

MoCo Government

Montgomery County Planning Board Commissioners Resign

By Patrick Herron

Published October 12, 2022 at 2:20PM

“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.”