Neighbors:
The 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election is officially underway!
Montgomery County registered voters have several ways to participate in the upcoming election. In-person early voting runs through tomorrow, Thursday, June 18 at 8 p.m. at early voting centers across the County. Find nearby early voting centers and early voting information by texting the letters EV followed by a zip code (for example: EV 20879) to 77788.
Primary Election Day is Tuesday, June 23. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. All voters in line by 8 p.m. are guaranteed the opportunity to cast their ballots. Find your designated polling location here or contact the Montgomery County Board of Elections at 240-777-8500.
If you are voting by mail, you should have received a replacement mail-in ballot from the Maryland State Board of Elections. Please vote and return only the replacement ballot. If you have already returned your original ballot, you should still return your replacement ballot. Only one ballot will be counted. Mail-in ballots must be dropped at one of the County’s 58 ballot drop boxes or returned via mail and postmarked on or before 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23. To locate the nearest drop box or post office, text BOX followed by your zip code (e.g., BOX 20879) to 77788. You can track the status of your mail-in ballot after you’ve returned it.
As we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, voting remains the cornerstone of a healthy, thriving democracy. Remember: voting is an opportunity to have your voice heard and help shape our community and our government. Every vote counts!
For more election information, call 240-777-8500 or visit the Montgomery County Board of Elections webpage.
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Public Hearing on Job Creation Project Measure
The Council recently held a public hearing on the Job Creation Project zoning measure (ZTA 26-05) that I introduced, which would rename the Signature Business Headquarters to the Job Creation Project and amend the definition of the project. The measure would provide expedited approvals for “Job Creation Projects,” which either are in strategic industries or generate at least 200 jobs, making Montgomery County more economically competitive. The measure aims to attract employers in strategic industries, spur job creation and boost economic development. I’m proud that members of the business community came out to share their support for this measure. Watch highlights from the public hearing.
The Planning, Housing and Parks (PHP) Committee will take up this measure at a later date.
County Executive Signs Executive Order Pausing Data Center Development for 6 Months
I welcome the 6-month moratorium announced last Friday by County Executive Elrich, which gives Montgomery County the room we need to chart a responsible and competitive path forward on data centers. These facilities power many of the tools residents and businesses rely on every day, but they also raise serious questions related to energy use, water resources, and community and environmental impacts.
With the moratorium in place, we now have the space to finish up working on the Data Center Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 26-01. The zoning measure, put forward by Council Vice President Marilyn Balcombe, Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles and I, establishes clear definitions and limits data centers to industrial zones under conditional‑use review, with strong standards around siting, noise, environmental protections, and community safeguards. After the public hearing, we committed to strengthen the proposal even further with requirements for 100% clean energy, non‑potable cooling systems, expanded setbacks, security and backup‑power standards, and retroactive applicability for any project without a building permit.
Under these new standards, only one or two locations in the entire County could accommodate a hyperscale facility, ensuring that if such a project ever moves forward, it will do so under strict, community and environmental‑driven rules. This ZTA will start having committee worksessions in July.
Long Term Solid Waste Options
I recently sent a letter to County Executive Elrich regarding the continued operation of the County’s Resource Recovery Facility (RRF). In my letter, I proposed 4 viable waste strategies to consider as we assess next steps, including options for long-haul disposal and potential closure of the facility. The Council will hold a briefing on July 28 on the issue and we plan to hold worksessions this fall to review the County Executive’s recommendations, as well as alternatives. The Council continues to lead a transparent planning process on this subject. We are taking a thoughtful and informed approach to evaluating all long-term waste disposal options.
Montgomery County Celebrates Juneteenth
Celebrate Juneteenth at events across Montgomery County, including the free official Juneteenth Festival on June 20 at BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown. The event will feature music, talks and performances that celebrate the rich culture and history of Juneteenth. Other events include the Juneteenth Opening at Josiah Henson Museum & Park, the annual Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival, and the Juneteenth Black Business Expo. Check out Visit Montgomery’s event guide for more. The Council proudly commemorated Juneteenth during our Tuesday Council session. County government offices will be closed on Friday to observe the federal holiday.
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Happy Pride!
Montgomery County officials and advocates kicked off LGBTQ+ Pride Month with a flag raising ceremony in Rockville and the Council held its annual Pride Month commemoration earlier this week. Pride events continue throughout June, including the annual Pride in the Plaza in Downtown Silver Spring on June 28. We are proud to have an excellent network of nonprofits and community partners working to support the LGBTQ+ community every day here in Montgomery County.
Check out the Council’s Pride Month feature video.
Wheaton Arts & Entertainment District Redesignated as an Arts & Culture Destination
The Maryland Department of Commerce has redesignated the Wheaton Arts & Entertainment District for an additional 10 years, a testament to the creativity and diversity that define our community. I am proud of the longstanding artists, cultural organizations, and signature community events that have helped shape Wheaton into one of the most culturally rich destinations in Montgomery County. As we move forward with the development of the Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, this redesignation strengthens our efforts to invest in the arts as a catalyst for community building, cultural expression and economic vitality in Wheaton.
Wheaton’s vibrant arts community, global culinary scene and strong community spirit were on full display at the annual Taste of Wheaton celebration. The annual event featured a diverse display of local restaurants and vendors, highlighting the cultures, flavors and artisans that make this community so special. A special thanks to the Midcounty Regional Services Center for organizing another great festival and thanks to everyone who turned out!
Kensington Summer Concert Series
Join the Kensington Historical Society for their Summer Concert Series every Saturday at 10 a.m. at Howard Avenue Park across from the farmer’s market. Concerts run weekly through mid-September. Check out the lineup.
Read the original article at mccouncil