MoCo Government

Through the new web portal, visitors can see the County’s climate progress, planning, partners, plans, reports, news, information, public resources and ways to everyone can get involved. Key documents have been translated into six different languages. “Just over a year ago, we launched one of the most aggressive Climate Action Plans in the nation with the goal of eliminating 100 percent of our greenhouse gas emissions by 2035,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Since then, we have passed important legislation, such as Building Energy Performance Standards, and committed historic levels of funding to our efforts to combat climate change. Our efforts are being assisted by new federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the recently enacted Inflation Reduction Act. This new web portal provides a better understanding and transparency of our policies, reforms, events, and activities while tracking the progress made toward our goals. When it comes to saving our environment, every moment counts and communication is key.”

In June 2021, Montgomery County released its Climate Action Plan (CAP), a strategic plan to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 80 percent by 2027 and 100 percent by 2035. The plan details the effects of the changing climate on the County and includes strategies to reduce GHG emissions and climate-related risks to residents, businesses and the built and natural environment.


MoCo Government

Computer distribution events also provide in-person assistance to help eligible families get free home or mobile internet service so they can better use the computers.

“Everyone deserves to be part of the digital world—it is a necessity,” said County Executive Elrich. “Montgomery County was focused on digital equity before the pandemic, and it is critical to our economic and educational recovery efforts. I appreciate the Federal, State and private sector entities for these investments and am proud of what Montgomery Connects is doing to bring much needed funding to expand digital equity programs for our residents most in need.”


Montgomery College

The committee consists of two members appointed by the County Executive, one by the Montgomery College Alumni Association and two by the County Council. The current Council representatives on the committee are Kenneth Jones and Althea Lloyd-White. The terms are for two years.  The Nominating Committee was established by state law and has no limit to the number of terms members can serve.

The committee reviews applications for vacancies on the Board of Trustees of Montgomery College and submits recommendations to the Governor, who makes the appointment.  Approximately three committee meetings are held each year. Meeting dates and locations are arranged at the convenience of the entire committee. In the past, the committee chairperson has requested that committee members also attend several Board of Trustees meetings.


Derwood

As a Best Friends Network Partner, the Office of Animal Services (OAS) received a request for aid. Working together with the Best Friends Emergency Response team, OAS was able to accept 10 cats and three dogs from the Humane Society of Pinellas, which acted as a transport hub for dogs and cats to move out of Florida in the wake of the hurricane to create more room in local shelters for displaced pets. Animals from the transport originally came from multiple Florida shelters, but primarily from Manatee County Animal Services.

The cats and dogs were given several days to relax and recover from their long road trip. They were then evaluated medically and behaviorally in preparation for eventual adoption at MCASAC. The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) provides high-standard sheltering and care to the homeless, abused and neglected animals and ensures the safety and welfare of the County’s residents. The Center is the County’s only open-admission, municipal shelter.


MoCo Government

Councilmember Navarro initiated the creation of the Council’s multicultural commemorations and has led the Council’s Hispanic Heritage Month commemoration throughout her tenure on the Council to honor local leaders and celebrate important initiatives that affect the County’s Latino community. The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Latinas: Leadership Without Borders,” and will include a special video program and Council proclamation.

The video program will feature community leaders Carmen Hernandez, Monica Braden, and Angelica Zaragoza.


Maryland

Internet Service Providers, Local Jurisdictions Can Apply for Grants to Connect Unserved and Underserved Areas

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan announced that applications open today for $95 million in funding to expand high-speed internet access across the state through Connect Maryland, an initiative to supercharge the state’s investment in broadband and address the digital divide. Through the program, an historic $400 million in funding has been dedicated to address broadband access in unserved and underserved communities.


Maryland

“By reaching and exceeding our energy efficiency goals for state buildings several years ahead of schedule, we are lowering both costs and emissions,” said Governor Hogan. “In addition to leading by example, we continue to encourage families and businesses to look at ways to become more energy efficient.”

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has ranked Maryland among the best states in the nation for efforts to reduce energy use through efficiency. Prominent in ACEEE’s report was Maryland state government’s lead-by-example initiatives, including HB 662, which was enacted in 2020 and incorporated into statute the governor’s 2019 Executive Order setting new energy savings goals for state-owned buildings and calling for 10% savings by 2029 over a fiscal year 2018 baseline.


MoCo Government

The County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Montgomery County Recreation, the Department of Health and Human Services, Montgomery County Public Libraries and community partners are working together to provide opportunities and information to move to electric energy and lower energy costs.

There will be an Electrify theme for each week in October:


MoCo Government

On Tuesday, the Council released the following press release: Montgomery County Council President Gabe Albornoz released the following Council statement about issuing reprimands for inappropriate conduct in the workplace for Montgomery County Planning Board Chair Casey Anderson, Vice Chair Partap Verma and Planning Board Commissioner Carol Rubin: “The Council is extremely disappointed in the violations of Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) policy by Planning Board Chair Casey Anderson, as detailed in an advisory memorandum from M-NCPPC’s inspector general. The memorandum also found violations of Commission policy by Vice Chair Partap Verma and Planning Board Commissioner Carol Rubin.


MoCo Government

The Best Practices Awards program was launched in 2015 to recognize control state agencies that are leading the industry in innovation, education and enforcement. Any beverage control agency from the U.S. and Canada is eligible to enter the awards, which are presented in eight categories with one standout selected as the overall winner and serving as a model for other agencies to follow.

“ABS has acted nimbly and has remained steadfast in its commitment to customer service, even as it has faced rapidly changing conditions over the past couple of years,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “I congratulate ABS and our hard-working employees on this well-deserved award.”


MoCo Government

Since September, the Maryland Health Care for All! Coalition and AARP Maryland have been behind a series of community forums across the state. Members of Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board have presented their work to the public at these community gatherings. The forums have also focused on public education, receiving input from consumers and elevating patient stories.

“We are excited to hear about the proposals and recommendations that will save Marylanders money at the drug store,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “When we started this push to convince state lawmakers to establish the Prescription Drug Affordability Board in 2019 we were desperate for ways to bring down prescription drug costs. Very little has changed in the market since then so we anticipate these measures, when adopted by lawmakers, will have a massive impact in the lives of Marylanders.”


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