Government

MoCo Government

County Council Unanimously Approves Legislation to Establish Gender Inclusive Restrooms in Public and County Facilities

By Patrick Herron

“This bill is supported by many advocacy groups including those representing the disability community and the LGBTQ+ community,” said Councilmember Katz, who also serves as chair of the Public Safety Committee. “It is well reasoned, will not be burdensome to implement and will help everyone feel more comfortable.”

Bill 4-22, Human Rights and Civil Liberties – Public Accommodations – Gender Inclusive Restrooms, aims to increase accessibility for anyone to use a single-user restroom, regardless of gender, gender identity, or expression. Existing law allowed an owner of a business or County-owned building to restrict single-occupancy restrooms to a specific gender.

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MoCo Government

County Council Asking Residents to Complete Thrive 2050 Community Survey as Part of Racial Equity and Social Justice Review of the Plan

By Patrick Herron

The Montgomery County Council is currently reviewing the Thrive Montgomery 2050 Draft Plan. Following the guidance of the Office of Legislative Oversight (OLO), the Council has begun a comprehensive racial equity and social justice review of the Plan.

Please consider responding to the Thrive 2050 community survey. The survey 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.

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MoCo Government

Montgomery County Minority Health Initiatives Seek to Raise Awareness of the Importance of Mental Health Through Storytelling and Community Activities

By Patrick Herron

County residents who identify as Asian American or Pacific Islander, African American/Black or Hispanic are encouraged to share their stories at  Minority Voices- Personal Stories. Multiple languages are available by clicking on the drop-down menu at the top of the page.  The stories will be collected through Aug.19.

The stories will be combined into a report to highlight both similar and unique challenges in mental health across minority groups.

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MoCo Government

Montgomery County Leaders and Officials to Announce Resolution to Address and Define Antisemitism

By Patrick Herron

The resolution, introduced by the Council and led by Councilmember Friedson, comes in response to the disturbing rise of antisemitism and acts of assault, vandalism and harassment against Jewish community members and Jewish organizations across the County and nation.

The resolution adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism and reaffirms the Council’s commitment to combat all forms of hate and extremism and reflects the Council’s strong support for and solidarity with Montgomery County’s Jewish community.

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MoCo Government

County Council Seeks Applicants for Policing Advisory Commission

By Patrick Herron

The public members on the Commission should reflect a range of ethnicities, socioeconomic status and places of origin to reflect the racial and economic diversity of the County’s communities, including religious creed, age, sex – including on the basis of gender identity or orientation, disability and geographic location, with emphasis on those disproportionately impacted by inequities; and have an interest or expertise in policing matters. Public members must participate in the Montgomery County Police Department’s Citizen Academy.

The 15-member Commission consists of nine voting public members nominated and appointed by the County Council; four voting public members nominated by the County Executive and appointed by the County Council; and two non-voting ex officio members appointed by the County Council: the Police Chief or the Police Chief’s designee, and the President of an employee organization certified under Article V of Chapter 33 (Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 35) or the President’s designee.

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MoCo Government

Montgomery County Council Committee Meetings on July 25, 2022

By Patrick Herron

The joint Transportation and Environment (T&E) and Public Safety (PS) Committee will meet on Monday, July 25 at 1:30 p.m. to review Bill 36-21, Motor Vehicles and Traffic – E-Scooters – Operation Requirements and Registration.

The PS Committee will meet at 2:30 p.m. to review Bill 14-22, Police – Private Security Camera Incentive Program – Established.

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MoCo Government

Fence Building Guidance Offered by Department of Permitting Services

By Patrick Herron

DPS issues hundreds of permits for fences each year. Generally, a permit is required to install any type of fence in Montgomery County.

To replace an existing fence with the same kind of fence in the same location and at the same height, a fence permit is not required if the original fence was permitted. If the existing fence was not permitted, a fence permit is required for the replacement fence.

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MoCo Government

Montgomery County Launches ‘Reducing Food Waste Begins with You’ Campaign

By Patrick Herron

Montgomery County is committed to reducing waste and recycling more as it aims for zero waste. Reducing food waste is a key objective of the County’s Climate Action Plan, which includes preventing and lessening the amount of food waste created.

“It’s sad to think Montgomery County residents and businesses are throwing away roughly 124,000 tons of food scraps a year, when we have residents who do not have regular access to quality, nutritious food,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “We can help reduce food insecurity and the amount of food that is thrown away by buying only what we need and donating excess edible foods to food rescue organizations, food pantries and shelters. This is just part of look out for those who are most in need, something that is key to having a healthy community.”

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MoCo Government

Montgomery County Commercial Food Scraps Recycling Partnership Program Reaches Milestone of One Million Pounds of Commercial Food Scraps Recycled

By Patrick Herron

DEP has continued to develop and expand programs designed to increase recycling as the County strives to reduce waste and recycle more, aiming for zero waste. The Commercial Food Scraps Recycling Partnership Program collected the first pound of food scraps on May 28, 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 health crisis which has been a very challenging time for food service businesses.

In March 2021, the program surpassed its first significant milestone of recycling more than 200,000 pounds of food scraps. By November of last year, that number had more than tripled to more than 625,000 pounds of commercial food scraps recycled.

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Rockville

Details on Rockville’s RainScapes Rebates Program

By Patrick Herron

Private property owners can play an important role in reducing pollution and flooding, and creating wildlife habitat by installing small-scale stormwater projects.

Single-family homeowners and nonprofits, including religious institutions, private schools, homeowners associations and condominium associations, can receive up to a lifetime maximum of $2,500 in rebates for the approved projects below.

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