MoCo

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.

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.

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

“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.

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.

“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.”

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.”

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.