Maryland

“As the country continues to deal with an inflation crisis, we are again taking steps to provide relief to Marylanders,” said Governor Hogan. “Our SmartBuy initiative—the first of its kind in the country—has established a national model for removing persistent roadblocks to homeownership and financial security, and this expansion will allow us to help even more families.”

Up to $50,000 In Student Debt Payoff Assistance. Through the SmartBuy 3.0 product, buyers purchasing an eligible home through the Maryland Mortgage Program can receive either 15% of their home purchase price or $50,000 in student debt payoff assistance—whichever is lower.


MoCo Government

In Round 2, Solar United Neighbors (SUN) continues to work with more than a dozen local jurisdictions and organizations around the Capital Area in encouraging residents to put solar panels on their homes.

By joining the #CapitalAreaSolarCoop, residents will join neighbors in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. in the quest to lower energy costs, become energy independent and participate in the renewable revolution.


MoCo Government

Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., Standard & Poor’s, and Fitch Ratings all affirmed the Triple-A rating—the highest achievable—for the County. Montgomery County has earned Triple-A ratings from Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. every year since 1973 (50 consecutive years); from Standard & Poor’s every year since 1976 (47 consecutive years) and from Fitch every year since 1991 (32 consecutive years).

All three rating agencies emphasized Montgomery County’s large and diverse tax base, proximity to the District of Columbia, growing commercial and residential development as well as the County’s strong fiscal management policies and strong financial position.


MoCo Government

A business could be eligible to receive assistance from this program if it:

The SBRA program application, eligibility requirements, frequently asked questions and registration for informational webinars Tuesday, Aug. 16, and Friday, Aug. 19,, are available at Montgomery County Small Business Rental Assistance Program – Phase 2.


MoCo

This growth is welcome news for the County’s carbon emissions goals. The Climate Action Plan identified transitioning to electric vehicles as a key action for reducing emissions in the County – along with reducing driving overall with increased use of transit, waking, and bicycling. With EVs only making up 1.5 percent of registered vehicles, there is a long way to go.

According to a Bloomberg News study of EV adoption around the world, once a market reaches 5 percent of new vehicle sales, demand starts to accelerate rapidly. The United States recently passed this milestone, and Montgomery County is ahead of the curve.


MoCo Government

The analysis, conducted by Emerald Cities Collaborativeand its subcontractors, Inclusive Economics and Health Care Without Harm, focuses on the need to actively align the County workforce and small business ecosystems. It also recommends leveraging partnerships with large “anchor institutions” to advance climate action and economic inclusion.

“We can’t reach our climate change goals without addressing systemic inequities and we can’t build a robust and resilient economy without considering climate change,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “While climate change is no doubt an extraordinary threat to our very livelihood, it also presents an historic opportunity to boost our economic development and address racial economic disparities. We intend to seize that opportunity.”


MoCo Government

Letters of application must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 7.

In additional to Ms. Chiles (Democrat), other members of the Board are Harriet Davidson (Democrat), and Barbara S. Fredericks (Unaffiliated). By law, no more than two of the three members of the Merit System Protection Board may be of the same political party. The appointee for this position may be Republican, Democrat, someone who declines to affiliate with a party, or a member of another party officially recognized by the Board of Elections.


Highways / Interstates

“This decision sends a message that our federal partners are united with us in our commitment to multi-modal, environmentally friendly, 21st century traffic solutions that actually work.

“After four years of organizing and advocacy for our County taxpayers, this is a big win for commuters, taxpayers and the environment. This decision reflects all the information Congressman Anthony Brown and I conveyed to Sec. Pete Buttigieg. I’m grateful to my Council colleagues, County Executive Marc Elrich and Planning Board Chair Casey Anderson, who have been consistent advocates for common-sense traffic solutions and community input. I am equally grateful to all the community members and stakeholders who have provided input and voiced their concerns throughout this process.


Bethesda

On Friday, August 5, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan did a tour of Montgomery County, visiting several local businesses.  He started the day off  at the Glen Echo Fire Department, which is scheduled to undergo major renovations after receiving a state grant.  He then toured Maxim Biomedical on E. Gude Dr. in Rockville, one of the few companies that produce American-made COVID-19 rapid antigen tests, followed by a tour of Twin Valley Distillers, also on E Gude. Twin Valley was the first distillery to open in MoCo in over 100 years and owner Edgardo Zuniga tells us Twin valley was,  “honored having the Governor visit when he presented us a proclamation for small business in Maryland.”

Hogan then spent the afternoon in Poolesville visiting the Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary, McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area, and having lunch at the recently reopened Bassett’s Restaurant.


MoCo Government

Register for the Community Forum

If you have not done so already, please also consider responding to the Thrive 2050 community survey. The survey, which will remain open for community feedback until Aug. 19, 2022, will be used to inform a racial equity and social justice review of Thrive 2050 and the development of a new racial equity and social justice chapter for the plan.


MoCo Government

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, Maryland House Majority Leader Eric Luedtke, and State Delegate Ariana Kelly announced Wednesday that they sent letters to the leaders of 10 major companies to invite them to relocate to Montgomery County. Each of these companies are located in states with laws that outlaw abortion services. Five of these companies have reaffirmed their commitment to the health of their employees by offering to cover the cost associated with the interstate travel necessary to receive these vital procedures. These companies are:

Recognizing that abortion care is an essential component of healthcare, the following healthcare companies headquartered in these prohibition states were contacted:


View More Stories