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Neighbors:
We are facing a housing affordability crisis that has been decades in the making — and it’s hitting workers, young professionals and families in our area particularly hard. We simply aren’t building enough housing to meet current or future demand. As a result, over two-thirds of County households cannot afford the median sale price of a single-family home, which has crept over $800,000.
That’s why I am incredibly proud to be part of a Council that understands the urgency of moving forward with more housing solutions. We have increased housing density near transit and amenities. We have helped finance affordable housing projects throughout the County. We have protected renters from unsustainable rent increases when we passed rent stabilization. And just last year in April, we approved a transformative measure to help convert vacant office buildings into much needed housing. The good news is that three projects are officially moving forward in Bethesda, Long Branch and Germantown. A fourth project in Bethesda is on the cusp of approval, with five more conversions in the development pipeline. In the big picture, it’s working.
I am committed to ongoing analysis and improvement of the program so that we continue getting the most benefits while minimizing costs. We now have over a year of experience, and while the feedback is generally positive, there is always room to improve. There are efficiencies to be made in the expedited approval process and clarifications on which projects can qualify. As we transition into the new Council later this fall, I will be exploring legislative updates to this crucial housing affordability legislation. If you have any ideas to share, please send them my way at Councilmember.Fani-Gonzalez@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Best Wishes for Councilmember Jawando
The Council wishes Councilmember Will Jawando a smooth and speedy recovery from his heart attack, which occurred on Sept. 5. I am pleased to share that Councilmember Jawando is making steady progress toward a full recovery, and he remains in good spirits. While Councilmember Jawando continues to focus on his healing, he is staying fully engaged in critical matters and will temporarily participate in Council meetings remotely. His office remains fully operational, and his team is continuing their daily responsibilities and constituent services. The Council is keeping Will, his wife Michele and their children in our thoughts throughout his recovery period.
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Conversations Continue on the Future of Waste Disposal
Next Tuesday, Sept. 15, the Council will continue ongoing discussions on the future of Montgomery County’s waste disposal system, including the Dickerson Resource Recovery Facility, and assess options for managing trash over the coming decades. This fall, we will hold several worksessions to evaluate the environmental, financial and community impacts of each potential approach to put us on the best path forward. I encourage residents to stay engaged and share their feedback, as this will guide our process.
Youth Town Hall on Sept. 29
Calling all students! You are invited to the Council’s annual Youth Town Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 6 p.m. This is an opportunity to meet your local representatives and have your voices heard on issues that matter to you. Students can earn two SSL hours for attending and participating, with options for in-person and Zoom participation. Join us at the Council Office Building in Rockville at 5:30 p.m. for a pizza reception before the Town Hall. Register and learn more.
MCPD Launches Calls for Service Dashboard
The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) has launched a new Public Calls for Service Dashboard, providing the public with timely information about recent police calls for service throughout Montgomery County. The dashboard is part of MCPD’s ongoing efforts to make information regarding police activity more accessible to the public, without disrupting ongoing police operations. The dashboard is updated every 30 minutes.
Environmental Programs Survey
Have you participated in a Montgomery County environmental stewardship program (Tree Montgomery, RainScapes, or Clean Water Montgomery)? Did you start an application for one of these programs, but didn’t finish? Decided not to apply? Never heard of these programs before?
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) wants to hear from you!
Montgomery County is committed to ensuring that all residents can access and benefit from its watershed stewardship programs. DEP is seeking community feedback on how these programs can be more accessible, inclusive and effective. Your feedback will help us better serve all communities.
Take the survey (available in multiple languages).
Early Childhood Education Resources
Finding trusted early care and education resources in Montgomery County should be easy. Thrive By 5 MoCo makes that a reality. Thrive By 5 MoCo is a centralized website that helps families of young children find the tools and programs many local partners offer. Visit the website to learn more about programs and services, family support and financial assistance opportunities.
The Montgomery County Children’s Opportunity Alliance is also seeking feedback from local businesses to learn what benefits employers currently offer, how early childhood education impacts local businesses, and what are some of the solutions that could make the biggest difference for local businesses, families and the economy. The survey is open to employers until Sept. 30.
Talking Transit on 1A
It was great to join NPR’s 1A to discuss the importance of transportation infrastructure that meets today’s reality of safely moving people to places and the vital need of having the federal government to support such projects. Thank you 1A and Emily Badger, reporter with The New York Times, for highlighting Montgomery County!
Listen to the episode if you missed it.
Plus, check out Emily’s piece in The New York Times.
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Upcoming Events:
9/11 Memorial Ceremony
The City of Rockville and Montgomery County will host a memorial ceremony to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks and remember the 11 Montgomery County residents who tragically lost their lives. The ceremony, which is free and open to the public, will be this Friday, Sept. 11 at 9 a.m. at Courthouse Square Park in downtown Rockville.
MCPD Heat for Heroes Chili Cookoff
The Montgomery County Police Foundation is hosting its 2nd annual Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 12 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. at Lone Oak Brewery. The family-friendly event will feature Montgomery County police officers and teams competing for the title of Best Chili in Montgomery County. Enjoy local craft beer, family activities and cast your vote for the People’s Best Chili Award. Plus, come out to see me as I participate in the Dunk Tank and Pie Throwing booths! Get your tickets today.
Wheaton’s Hispanic Heritage Month Unity Festival
Join me in kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month at Wheaton’s Hispanic Heritage Month Unity Festival! Celebrate the rich cultures, traditions and contributions of our diverse and beautiful Hispanic community in the heart of Wheaton on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Community Yard Sale and Electric Vehicle Expo
As part of National Drive Electric Month, the Kenmont Swim & Tennis Club is hosting a Community Yard Sale and Electric Vehicle Expo on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in Kensington (2900 Faulkner Place). Talk to local electric vehicle owners and check out their cars up close. There will be pizza, egg rolls and coffee cooked and brewed by electricity from EVs, plus an ice cream truck and over 20 vendors at the Community Yard Sale. Register here.
Wheaton Arts Parade & Festival on Sept. 27
Mark your calendars! The 10th anniversary of the Wheaton Arts Parade & Festival is taking place on Sunday, Sept. 27. Anyone can walk in the parade — just bring some art, something you can push, pull, carry, wear or perform. Sign up or show up before 9:30 a.m. to walk in the parade. The parade and festival start at 10 a.m. and performances begin at noon. Join us to celebrate the arts and our amazing local artists!
Sincerely,
Natali Fani-González
Council President
Read the original article at mcgov
