State's Attorney seeks county funding to replace lost grants and expand evidence‑review tools State's Attorney John McCarthy told the committee that the office needs $314,000 to replace four grant-funded evidence-review positions and $225,000 for prosecutor-access licenses after procurement rules prevented piggybacking on the police contract; he said both items are necessary to reduce discovery delays and improve disclosure.

State's Attorney John McCarthy is calling for $1.3 million in county funding to tackle delays in digital evidence review and replace critical positions lost to grant funding.

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#MontgomeryCounty #MD #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #MontgomeryCountyEvidenceReview

Montgomery County committee advances 'Vehicle Recovery Act' to help families reclaim impounded cars County committees forwarded Expedited Bill 14-26, the Vehicle Recovery Act, to full council after debate over acceptable alternative documentation for non-owners to redeem impounded vehicles; staff emphasized operational safeguards and the need to balance property rights and family reunification.

Montgomery County is taking a significant step forward with the Vehicle Recovery Act, aiming to help families reclaim their impounded cars while balancing property rights and operational clarity for towing companies.

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#MontgomeryCounty #MD #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal

Montgomery County commissioners approve zoning changes, amend sheriff budget and adopt retirement resolutions At its April 13 meeting, the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners approved two zoning rezonings, amended and approved a sheriff's office budget adjustment after a contested amendment, proclaimed April as National Donate Life Month and adopted resolutions establishing mandatory retirement provisions, with votes recorded for each item.

Montgomery County's latest commissioners meeting saw critical budget amendments, significant zoning approvals, and a heartfelt proclamation for National Donate Life Month!

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#MontgomeryCounty #TN #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #MontgomeryCountyCommissioners

DHCA budget debate zeroes in on eviction-notification staffing, short-term rental revenue correction and a proposed $4 million CIP boost for affordable housing DHCA presented a FY27 operating plan and HIF outlook; the committee discussed two bill-tied positions for eviction notifications, an overestimate in short-term rental revenue that required data cleanup, federal grant caps shifting personnel costs to the general fund, and a committee-backed proposal to add $4 million in taxable bonds to the Affordable Housing Acquisition & Preservation CIP to restore prior-year level of effort.

The DHCA's FY27 budget review reveals a $5.9 million cut and crucial staffing needs to tackle eviction notifications amid a backdrop of fluctuating short-term rental revenues and pressing safety concerns.

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#MontgomeryCounty #MD #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal

Committee hears Snow Creek cleanup topped $40 million; weather-response baseline held DOT and OMB told the Transportation and Environment Committee that Snow Creek cleanup costs exceeded $40 million in FY26; the committee left the weather-response non‑departmental account unchanged at $2,884,990 and asked staff to provide historical supplemental averages for budgeting context.

Montgomery County's cleanup costs from the Snow Creek storm skyrocketed to over $40 million, far exceeding the budgeted response funds for the year.

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#MontgomeryCounty #MD #BudgetPlanning #CitizenPortal #MontgomeryCountyWeatherResponse #FiscalAccountability #DisasterManagement

Committee reviews MCDOT budget, urges council to fund essential operating items The Montgomery County Transportation and Environment Committee reviewed the FY27 transportation general fund on April 13, endorsing most executive recommendations while urging the council president not to place safety-critical operating items — notably uninterruptible power system maintenance and capital-related operating impacts — on the reconciliation list.

Montgomery County's Transportation Committee is pushing back against proposed budget cuts, insisting that crucial safety-related items must be prioritized over discretionary spending.

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#MontgomeryCounty #MD #MontgomeryCountyTransportation #InfrastructureImprovement

Public hearing on Montgomery County’s $285.7M FY2027 budget spotlights school funding and staffing debates At an April 9 public hearing on the advertised FY2027 $285,739,377 budget, residents debated school staffing proposals, per‑student costs, and county expenditure growth; commenters urged collaboration with the school board and state on finance formula changes.

Montgomery County's budget hearing revealed a fierce debate over a proposed $4.1 million transfer to schools, with residents divided on the need for increased taxes to support education and essential services.

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#MontgomeryCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #MontgomeryCountyEducation

Residents urge Montgomery County supervisors to reject 5¢ real‑estate tax increase At an April 9 public hearing, Montgomery County residents told the Board of Supervisors a proposed 5¢ increase in the real‑estate tax (from $0.76 to $0.81 per $100 assessed value) would harm seniors and low‑income households; supporters said the increase funds schools and services.

Residents are rallying against a proposed 5¢ increase in Montgomery County's real-estate tax, fearing it will burden seniors and low-income families while supporters argue it's essential for funding schools and services.

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#MontgomeryCounty #VA #MontgomeryCountyTaxpayers

Montgomery County Board of Elections seeks $809,341 increase for FY27 as officials prepare for June primary County staff recommended an $809,341 increase for the Board of Elections’ FY27 operating budget to cover stipends, seasonal workers, software licensing and overtime; BOE leaders also briefed the committee on a statewide risk-limiting audit pilot, language-access requirements and outreach plans ahead of the June 23 primary.

Montgomery County's Board of Elections is requesting an $809,341 budget boost to ensure smooth operations for the upcoming June primary, highlighting a commitment to voter access and transparency.

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#MontgomeryCounty #MD #ElectionAccess #CitizenPortal #CivicTransparency

Native Plant & Seed Share When: Saturday, May 9, 2026, 1-3pmWhere: 7719 Chicago Ave, Takoma Park, MD (new location as of last fall!)RSVP: Optional, at this RSVP Link or on Facebook Let’s support each other in growing our ga…

Native Plant & Seed Share on May 9, from 1-3pm, at 7719 Chicago Ave, Takoma Park MD

sstpmutualaid.wordpress.com/native-plant...

#Maryland #Montgomerycounty #moco #Takomapark #silverspring #pgcounty #nativeplants

Presenters mark Montgomery County's 1967 fair-housing milestone and say segregation persists At a Montgomery County event, presenters recalled the county's leadership on fair housing dating to 1967 and warned that segregation and homeownership gaps for Black and Latino residents remain major challenges; speakers said the county remains committed to ensuring stable, healthy housing.

Montgomery County celebrates over 50 years of fair housing leadership, but challenges like segregation and homeownership gaps persist for Black and Latino residents.

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#MontgomeryCounty #MD #RacialJustice #MontgomeryCountyFairHousing #CitizenPortal #CommunityInclusion

HIV testing today! Fast, free + easy HIV -- just a fingerprick! Results in 1 minute Wednesday, Apr. 8, 8:30am-4pm LONG BRANCH/LANGLEY Park Clifton Park Baptist Church 8818 Piney Branch Rd Silver Spring MD 20903 Walk in, no appointment needed At University Boulevard and Piney Branch Road: Ride On Bus: 14, 15, 16, 20, 24 Metro Bus: M12

HAPPENING NOW!

FREE HIV testing today:

Wednesday, Apr. 8, 8:30am-4pm

Clifton Park Baptist Church
8818 Piney Branch Rd, Silver Spring MD 20903

#HIVTesting #longbranch #LangleyPark #silverspring #montgomerycounty #montgomerycountymd #DoItForYouMC

Council unanimously approves native‑plant restrictions, changes to OLO reporting, agriculture clarifications and arts council governance On final reading the council passed four bills unanimously: the Native Plant Protection Act (invasive running bamboo rules with amendments), a bill removing the OLO minimum‑wage annual report requirement, agriculture building clarifications, and expedited reforms to Arts and Humanities Council governance.

Montgomery County Council just passed four significant bills, including new rules on invasive plants and streamlined agricultural approvals—what does this mean for the community?

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#MontgomeryCounty #MD #AgriculturalReform #InvasiveSpecies #CitizenPortal

Council hears FY27 budget briefing; members spar over proposed tax increases and use of reserves Council staff presented the executive’s FY27 recommended operating budget, including a proposed 6.3¢ property tax increase for MCPS and income‑tax rise from 3.2% to 3.3%. Council members debated use of one‑time reserves, a projected FY28 structural gap of roughly $257.3M, and options if taxes are not approved.

Montgomery County's proposed FY27 budget is making waves with a controversial 6.3¢ property tax increase and a looming structural deficit of $257.3 million—sparking a heated debate among council members!

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#MontgomeryCounty #MD #TaxPolicy #CitizenPortal #CommunityInvestment

Montgomery County marks Fair Housing Month as officials recall discrimination cases and legal protections The county council and Planning, Housing and Parks Committee proclaimed April as Fair Housing Month; Office of Human Rights Director Jim Stowe recounted personal experience with housing discrimination and staff noted the county averages 10–20 discrimination complaints annually in 2026.

Montgomery County is taking a stand for Fair Housing Month, highlighting the ongoing fight against discrimination and the importance of community awareness.

Learn more here!

#MontgomeryCounty #MD #CommunityEducation #MontgomeryCountyFairHousing #CitizenPortal #HousingDiscrimination #CivilRights

Montgomery County committee reviews recreation CIP, accepts staff recommendations The Planning, Housing and Parks joint committee reviewed 11 recreation capital projects — from pool refurbishments to a proposed North Potomac grass field — and accepted council staff recommendations without objection after staff cautioned several cost estimates remain preliminary.

Montgomery County's Recreation Department is set for a transformative makeover, with exciting new projects and a commitment to modern, sustainable facilities for residents!

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#MontgomeryCounty #MD #CommunityEngagement #RecreationImprovements #CitizenPortal #EquityConsiderations

Committees advance Western County Recreation Center; design to begin in FY28 with 1,000‑sq‑ft medical suite A joint Montgomery County committee session unanimously approved advancing the Western County Recreation Center project, which includes a roughly 1,000‑square‑foot medical suite; design is scheduled to start in fiscal 2028 and committees will return for programming and equipment decisions.

Exciting news for Poolesville! A new Recreation Center with a medical suite is on the way, aiming to tackle health disparities in the area.

Learn more here!

#MontgomeryCounty #MD #CitizenPortal #HealthDisparities #MontgomeryCountyRecreation #CommunityServices #TransportationAccess

TUES Apr. 7 8:30am–4pm WHEATON/SILVER SPRING Hughes United Methodist Church 10700 Georgia Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902 TUES Apr. 7 11am–5pm BETHESDA MoCo Pride Center 4805 Edgemoor Ln, 2nd Floor, Bethesda, MD 20814 WEDS Apr. 8 8:30am–4pm LONG BRANCH/LANGLEY PARK Clifton Park Baptist Church 8818 Piney Branch Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20903 FRI Apr. 10 10am–6pm SILVER SPRING/WHEATON Dennis Avenue Health Center 2000 Dennis Ave, Ste 24, Silver Spring, MD 20902 Free gift card for first 20 ages 13–21 FRI Apr. 10 10am–6pm GERMANTOWN Upcounty Regional Services Center 12900 Middlebrook Road, 2nd floor, Germantown, MD 20874 Free gift card for first 20 ages 13–21

#HIVtesting this week in #MontgomeryCounty!
It's fast, free and easy -- just a fingerprick, and results in 1 minute.

Locations in #SilverSpring #Wheaton #Bethesda #LongBranch #LangleyPark and #Germantown. Two locations this Friday for #NYHAAD - free gift card for first 20 ages 13-21 to get tested

Montgomery County officials and unions back bill to let charter counties adopt supplemental property tax for public safety Testifiers told the Ways and Means Committee March 31 that SB 520 would give charter counties a narrowly tailored option to exceed local property tax caps for public safety funding; supporters framed it as an enabling tool, while members raised affordability and outreach concerns.

Montgomery County is pushing for a new bill that could reshape public safety funding, offering local officials the flexibility to implement a supplemental property tax when needed.

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#MD #CitizenPortal #LocalFiscalFlexibility #PublicSafety #MontgomeryCounty #MentalHealthInvestment

Montgomery County Police urge immigrants to report crimes, stressed they do not act as immigration agents Mariela León, spokesperson for the Montgomery County Police Department, told listeners the department does not enforce federal immigration law and urged residents to report crimes to 911 or the non-emergency number (301-279-8000); she described a new MCPD patch to help identify county officers.

Montgomery County Police are reassuring immigrant residents that they won't act as immigration agents and are urging everyone to report crimes to build a safer community.

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#MontgomeryCounty #MD #CitizenPortal #MontgomeryCountyPolice #CommunityTrust #CivicEngagement

We Are Casa details legal, language, health and tax help for Montgomery County immigrants We Are Casa director Pablo Blanc described legal assistance for citizenship and green-card services, English and job-training programs, a multilingual health hotline and tax-preparation help; the nonprofit will offer practice interviews and year-round assistance including some weekend sessions.

We Are Casa is transforming lives in Montgomery County by providing essential services like legal aid, health navigation, and tax assistance to immigrants.

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#MontgomeryCounty #MD #CitizenPortal #LegalAssistance #MontgomeryCountyImmigrants #HealthAccess #EconomicSupport

Montgomery County council president promotes free citizenship clinics and highlights new Values/Trust Act protections On a Spanish-language Montgomery County radio special, the county council president (District 6) announced a free citizenship clinic April 11 at the Wheaton library with pro bono immigration attorneys and described a recently adopted Values/Trust Act that limits immigration enforcement in county buildings and requires a reporting portal and staff training.

A free citizenship clinic on April 11 at Wheaton Library will provide essential legal support to immigrants, ensuring you won't have to navigate the process alone!

Get the details!

#MontgomeryCounty #MD #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #LegalAssistance #PublicSafety

Affordable housing developer tells Montgomery County council expedited process helped deliver new Silver Spring project A developer told the Montgomery County Council that expedited permitting helped deliver a 100% affordable apartment community in Silver Spring after a five-year delivery timeline, and cited a Neville Street project approved in 64 days as evidence the legislation can speed housing production.

A developer reveals that while a new 100% affordable community in Silver Spring was successfully completed, multi-year delays remain a significant hurdle for future projects.

Get the details!

#MontgomeryCounty #MD #LegislativeReform #CitizenPortal #AffordableHousing #CommunityDevelopment

Board adopts parts 1–4 of "Montgomery Matters" comprehensive plan after extensive public engagement The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted parts 1–4 of the "Montgomery Matters" comprehensive plan. Staff said the plan is the product of 18 months of engagement, and village‑level maps (part 5) will return for review before adoption.

Montgomery County just took a giant leap forward by unanimously adopting a transformative comprehensive plan that prioritizes community input and sustainable growth!

Learn more here

#MontgomeryCounty #VA #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #UrbanPlanning #SustainableDevelopment

Montgomery County to participate in remnant opioid settlement claims, board approves The board approved staff and outside counsel recommendations that Montgomery County participate in a national settlement for remnant opioid defendants, authorizing acceptance of the county's allocated share of roughly $97,600,000 in the settlement pool as applied nationally.

Montgomery County supervisors have unanimously voted to join a national settlement that could bring in a staggering $97.6 million for opioid recovery efforts.

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#MontgomeryCounty #VA #CivicAccountability #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #MontgomeryCountyOpioids #CommunitySupport

Falafel Inc Opens Permanent Location in Montgomery County, MD - WTF WIRE Falafel Inc Rockville location opens in Montgomery County, expanding its DMV footprint with popular falafel, hummus and shawarma.

Falafel Inc #Rockville location opens in #MontgomeryCounty, expanding its #DMV footprint with popular falafel, #hummus and shawarma.

#WTFWire, #FalafelInc, #DMVFood, #RestaurantOpening, #FoodNews, #Falafel, #Shawarma, #FastCasual, #Foodie,

www.wtfwire.com/food/falafel...

City of Rockville City of Rockville

City services, simplified! 💻🏡 Permits, recycling schedules, utility info, and more — Rockville makes it easy to manage everything online. Visit rockvillemd.gov and get it done from home. ✅

#Rockville #RockvilleMD #CityServices #CityOfRockville #SmartCity #MontgomeryCounty #OnlineGov #RecyclingRocks

City of Rockville City of Rockville

City services, simplified! 💻🏡 Permits, recycling schedules, utility info, and more — Rockville makes it easy to manage everything online. Visit rockvillemd.gov and get it done from home. ✅

#Rockville #RockvilleMD #CityServices #CityOfRockville #SmartCity #MontgomeryCounty #OnlineGov #RecyclingRocks

Image reads "Trans Day of Visibility @ The MoCo Pride Center, THEN, NOW & FOREVER, TUESDAY MARCH 31ST 2026" and includes logos of Life In Your Truth, MoCo Pride Center, Trans Maryland, and Montgomery County Maryland

Happening TOMORROW Tues. 5/31/26! MoCo Pride Center Trans Day of Visibility Celebration in Bethesda, Md. 5pm vendor fair, 6-8:30pm celebration + dinner. Plus we’ll be there doing free HIV rapid tests. More info/register: liveinyourtruth.org/tdov2026 #TDOV #HIVTests #MontgomeryCounty #TransHealth

A MOMENT IN MARCH

A view of a neighbor's lot in the warming spring sun

22” x 17” oil on canvas

Available here:
www.etsy.com/listing/1737...

#oilpaint
#art
#oilpainting #arte
#impressionism
#spring
#montgomerycounty
#bluegrass
#modernart
#fineart
#contemporaryart