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Neighbors:
The Council is taking up big issues this fall, like the future of Countywide trash disposal, and how Montgomery County plans to strengthen tourism and housing opportunities.
Last week, the Council held our third session on the future of Montgomery County’s waste disposal system, where we are evaluating options for managing trash over the coming decades. The next meeting will happen on Oct. 27, when it will focus on costs, community and environmental impacts, and racial equity and social justice implications.
Provide your feedback on the future of trash disposal options.
Community feedback is essential as we evaluate this once-in-a-generation decision. We encourage all residents to explore the Council webpage to learn more about the options under consideration and share your input with us.
Also on the Council agenda: the Planning, Housing & Parks (PHP) Committee recently reviewed the federal housing landscape and affordable housing production in the Washington metropolitan area. The discussion focused on the housing affordability crisis and steps we are taking in Montgomery County to meet our regional housing goals and move forward with more housing solutions. We are making great progress in converting vacant office buildings into much needed housing. We officially have three office-to-residential projects moving forward in Bethesda, Long Branch and Germantown, with a fourth project on the cusp in Bethesda, and several more conversions in the development pipeline.
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I was proud to lead a proclamation presentation at the Council recognizing Economic Development Week, as well as an Economic Development Committee briefing on Visit Montgomery’s new five-year Strategic Plan to strengthen tourism and boost our local economy. With so much to offer here in Montgomery County, Visit Montgomery aims to promote our amazing arts and cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, dining and agritourism opportunities.
I hope you’ll continue to stay engaged as the Council works through these important matters, and more, this fall.
Post Reports ICE Hiring Surge
I share community concerns regarding news of the dramatic hiring surge of ICE agents. The Washington Post reported last week that ICE is planning to hire 5,000 additional employees in the coming months, following a hiring ramp up that already added thousands of personnel.
With that potential increase in enforcement activity, we are focused on making sure residents know their rights and connecting residents with local nonprofit services. The Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center continues to be our community hub for this work.
Montgomery County officials will continue working in partnership with our public safety departments and municipalities to monitor what is happening on the ground with ICE operations. There is a lot of fear in the community now, and I want to reassure all of our residents that we are doing everything within our power to help keep our residents as safe as possible within our authority. To report ICE activity or a raid and get help, call We Are CASA Rapid Response Hotline at 1-888-214-6016. You can report potential violations of law by ICE agents through the County’s ICE Reporting Portal.
Safe Routes to School
Pedestrian safety improvements are coming to designated intersections across the County, including several high-traffic intersections in District 6. After hearing community concerns, I personally advocated for improvements at Bel Pre Road and Rippling Brook Drive and at Wheaton Woods Elementary School in Aspen Hill and am pleased that MCDOT recently added new traffic signals in these locations. The new traffic signal at the school is part of the Safe Routes to School Program, focused on providing safe and accessible ways for students to walk and bike to school through traffic calming measures, sidewalks, crosswalks, and more.
Montgomery County Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
We proudly embrace and celebrate our Latino culture throughout Hispanic Heritage Month and every day in Montgomery County. It was great to join friends and neighbors at the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration in Wheaton, as well as the annual Council commemoration and other community gatherings.
Watch the Council’s Hispanic Heritage Month video tribute.
Share Your Input: Proposed Changes to the Working Parents Assistance Program
Montgomery County’s Working Parents Assistance Program helps eligible families cover child care costs while parents work or attend school. The Department of Health and Human Services convened a workgroup that has developed recommendations to modernize eligibility requirements and program operations. The recommendations are open for public comment.
View the Proposed Regulations – October 2026 – Montgomery County Register
Written comments must be submitted by Nov. 5, 2026, to:
Leslie Frey, Intergovernmental Relations Legislative Analyst
Department of Health and Human Services
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401 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, MD 20850
240-372-7441 | Leslie.Frey@montgomerycountymd.gov
The Chimes Grand Opening
Montgomery Housing Partnership’s The Chimes at North Bethesda is now open! The new housing development features 163 affordable rental units with exciting amenities for residents and neighbors and easy transit access. Thanks to MHP for their partnership, which is helping transform North Bethesda into a vibrant community to live, work and play.
Montgomery County’s 250th Anniversary
I was thrilled to lead a special commemoration celebrating Montgomery County’s 250th anniversary, joined by County Executive Marc Elrich, former County Executive Ike Leggett, Maryland Secretary of State Susan Lee, and state and County leaders. To honor our 250th anniversary, I encourage all residents to explore the people, places and stories that have shaped our shared history.
Watch the 250th anniversary commemoration.
Council Youth Town Hall
Thanks to all the Montgomery County students and families who joined us for the Council’s annual Youth Town Hall. We were joined by MCPS Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor, Board of Education Members Laura Stewart and Julie Yang, and Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB) Leul Dawit, who kicked off the town hall meeting with the first question. The youth town hall is a great opportunity for young people to share their ideas about issues affecting their lives and communities. Youth voices and perspectives are an important part of the conversation about our shared future, and hearing from students directly helps guide our policies and decision-making.
MoCo Smoke Show BBQ Competition
The MoCo Smoke Show, a new signature BBQ competition and community celebration, is coming to downtown Wheaton this fall on Saturday, Oct. 17! The inaugural MoCo Smoke Show will bring BBQ culture to the heart of Wheaton, one of Montgomery County’s most vibrant and diverse food destinations. This BBQ competition embodies exactly what makes our community so special — it brings people together around delicious food, music and culture. General admission is free. Learn more.
Sincerely,
Natali Fani-González
Council President
Read the original article at mccouncil
