[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6094263,"mediaKeyId","2844466-10b9b2f0927b4085449ac2ef74a3948a","parentId",2844466,"title","Council reviews Montgomery College and library CIP amendments, committee recommends approval","audioSeconds",384,"startMs",1578000,"endMs",1962000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2844466-10b9b2f0927b4085449ac2ef74a3948a&start=1578&end=1962","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2844466-10b9b2f0927b4085449ac2ef74a3948a/thumbnail_1578000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6094263/Montgomery-County/Maryland/Council-reviews-Montgomery-College-and-library-CIP-amendments-committee-recommends-approval","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6094263-474b135b2fb6931ff4c260960b2732fd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770758096&Signature=Yjz5fpWc77m2TgVokin1s4NLQ6sFwuLqZllEO8~heS0MokcWTBQfemUEKJVtJ1BPwVexVXtbfaSIqjMPHQnucTSPYGkg5wOixcbEc8sUObHeGy7j0UckKGSfVWzzq7PTCJvN6XzW-4e8KZcPd0~R1IdASjNoWdObYuoROdBg647eZvdLo1EBXB4pd6mfqeH6sV76sjS7HFe5Q9IeCqeB4g4M1O5ZTHGssp4Vf7ixtGKCXSgEewNpYLVE~-Y0~BvukM1h7cvscFomkw~Ot1GByY0XP1gL1~r2yykkvbYfXT-4klY2SjZ4eHrpNGT23HYZh-6ss53ORlrRtJBU9u5ukw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Montgomery County, MD","date","2025-04-02T06:38:18Z","article","Montgomery County Council work sessions on the FY26 capital improvements program reviewed amendments for Montgomery College and the county public library system.

Vice President Jiwanda (committee chair) said the Education and Culture Committee on March 20 unanimously recommended amendments to Montgomery College’s proposed CIP that increased the previously approved CIP by about $12,400,000 for a total of $410,600,000. The committee cited upgrades including renovations at the Germantown and Rockville campuses, library renovations, and capital renewal projects. Montgomery College President Dr. Williams said the projects support workforce development and student access, noting recent events such as a life‑sciences job fair for displaced federal workers and a World of Work event that hosted more than 5,000 eighth graders.

Separately, the committee reviewed Montgomery County Public Libraries’ refurbishment program and recommended a modest increase of approximately $1,860,000 (about 6.8%) to keep branches modern and accessible. Director Darcel Graham told the council library buildings are seeing greater engagement and require improvements to HVAC, furniture, lighting, and digital services. The Clarksburg Library project received a small cost reduction of about $180,000 based on updated estimates. The committee deferred consideration of a separate 21st Century Library Enhancements amendment that has operating budget impacts so it can be addressed in the operating budget process.

Committee members and presenters described unanimous recommendations on the CIP amendments and noted the projects’ roles in workforce training, college enrollment growth, and community services. No final appropriation votes were recorded in the work sessions; the items will proceed through the regular capital budget approval process.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 1, 2025 - Council Session (pm)","oneSentenceSummary","Montgomery County Council work sessions recommended amendments to the FY26 capital improvement program for Montgomery College and county libraries, citing workforce and community benefits.","taxTitle","Montgomery County, Maryland","taxId",3351,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6094257,"Council approves technical corrections, public safety EMS changes, homeowners tax credit expansion, and consumer protection measure in roll call votes",1328,876000,2204000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2844466-10b9b2f0927b4085449ac2ef74a3948a&start=876&end=2204","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2844466-10b9b2f0927b4085449ac2ef74a3948a/thumbnail_876000.jpg","/articles/6094257/Montgomery-County/Maryland/Council-approves-technical-corrections-public-safety-EMS-changes-homeowners-tax-credit-expansion-and-consumer-protection-measure-in-roll-call-votes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6094257-3bc4b728b9a8a95342efe577400d65ed/orig.mp4?Expires=1770758096&Signature=A6V4hwbR1VfWLOKHbUwiu~H51cFDzEpX87lEe9zP9WSODsCFp1D41~H0KiWN~JkHaPK~odEtzBjDY-cLWtEomiTMGdaFG98DKr~f8T-q8CvnZPC8ZJjsJBk0yEuh41veRuOUaQDlJA9~D~DB7Q0KGuU09qT4gJuUYcuxhIJ9OC65UDFOAbHFcA5fK1o~9Ys5DMZq2xPiuqgEijSBMfw7xKzvmHWSPYeKk4U84vztPAWv6iOGxonRSXfSlcQ90R9aqXAMmaPck5Wlg2D3wLxM1nq0oLuqEdhLxaS7Zhw7yeAwFhtZuuUVGnUAFmcxLLG7uolD7iZl3XZ-NxgyOcMlfg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Montgomery County Council took multiple final actions during its legislative session.

Expedited Bill 9‑25 (Technical corrections): The council enacted a technical corrections bill to clean up typographical, grammatical, cross‑reference, and codification drafting issues across county law. The cover sheet correction that had been proposed was withdrawn and the council voted on the bill as introduced. The roll call vote was recorded as unanimously in favor.

Bill 1‑25 (Public safety — Emergency Medical Services insurance reimbursement amendments): The council enacted amendments to county law concerning insurance reimbursement information for fire and rescue personnel, intended to conform to recommendations from the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Systems and the Maryland Health Care Commission. The Public Safety Committee recommended the bill and the council approved it in a roll call vote recorded as unanimous.

Bill 3‑25 (Homeowners tax credit — county supplement amendments): The council enacted amendments expanding eligibility for the county portion of the state‑administered Homeowners Tax Credit. Committee sponsors said the change will make approximately 13,000 additional households eligible for the county supplement and said the expansion targets residents on fixed or limited incomes. The council approved the bill by roll call vote.

Bill 6‑25 (Consumer protection — defective tenancies as deceptive trade practices): The council enacted a bill to expand the Office of Consumer Protection’s authority to investigate and enforce landlord–tenant issues that may involve unfair or deceptive trade practices. The Public Safety Committee requested and received an updated fiscal impact statement that included adding two investigator/admin positions; committee members recommended a memorandum of understanding between departments to avoid duplicative enforcement. The council approved Bill 6‑25 on roll call and the bill will take effect 91 days after enactment, giving departments time to implement interagency procedures.

Other actions taken during the meeting included approval of a supplemental appropriation and an affirmation resolution:

- Supplemental Appropriation 25‑37 (FY25 Streets and Roads — Roadside Trees Protection): The council approved a $79,950 supplemental appropriation from the Street Tree Planting Fund for Montgomery County Department of Transportation street tree protection and planting. Council Member Glass moved the motion; Council Member Katz seconded; the council voted unanimously.

- Resolution affirming Fair Housing Month: The council approved a resolution recognizing April as Fair Housing Month and affirming the county’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Council Member Glass was the lead sponsor; the council approved the resolution unanimously.

Votes, procedure and next steps: All final readings described above were taken by roll call and recorded as unanimous at the time of the meeting. Several items (for example, the consumer protection bill) require administrative steps for implementation; the council and executive staff indicated follow‑up actions such as staffing, memoranda of understanding, and budget amendments will be pursued in the coming weeks.","The Montgomery County Council enacted four bills at final reading—technical corrections, EMS reimbursement amendments, homeowners tax credit expansion, and consumer protection for defective tenancies—and approved a supplemental appropriation and a Fair Housing Month resolution.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6094269,"Supporters of hiring preference for displaced federal workers urge council to approve bill 10‑25",100,904000,1004000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2844466-10b9b2f0927b4085449ac2ef74a3948a&start=904&end=1004","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2844466-10b9b2f0927b4085449ac2ef74a3948a/thumbnail_904000.jpg","/articles/6094269/Montgomery-County/Maryland/Supporters-of-hiring-preference-for-displaced-federal-workers-urge-council-to-approve-bill-1025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6094269-137ec2f8590367915f954294a2d746f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770758096&Signature=UvMNNLwbc-XNU0tg8fgTiYk4Ui2tlBjCGMPyrMFALyN2-ymaW3fW-gSfaUcTtl4pQ-IQ7CMVHdXtgFqgMuqW4lwsmrBQ7iTiu5NCnIYDLpk9Xrl4DEV1u-wrEoslpxqcYo3zkIQL259dTTpZl1ATc2Coi~JbFuoAGoXmNJ2Wlo3FUhZDic0iiD0A-jxzk-fK1HvEePorIgrFP-UPkagJNpBD~wTCEdxWh6letGP1Lfte0UfWWmmejIJI-UpDDBOXxYApeSL1tMahDdQAE6kpK~Mlg8jsRF7UcYwM1HGlFVmEY1K3ZavOLfj1feDGAlbH-Phljy8mXT3dsvwcmN9imA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Montgomery County held a public hearing on Expedited Bill 10‑25, which would establish a county hiring preference for displaced federal workers. Testimony from county staff and displaced federal employees emphasized the bill’s timeliness and benefits, while county officials asked for clarifications about implementation and verification.

Tricia Swanson, director of strategic partnerships speaking on behalf of the County Executive, said the administration supports the bill’s intent but raised three implementation concerns: the potential volume of interviews if many applicants must be individually screened, the verification process for confirming federal separation or layoffs (which sometimes requires coordination with other jurisdictions), and the bill’s place in the county’s hiring preference hierarchy, particularly in relation to veterans’ preferences. Swanson noted the county’s new hiring program created in August 2024 generated a 300% increase in applicants for some positions and gave an example of a data analyst posting that received 251 applicants, 54 of whom were federal workers or former federal workers. She said the administration will work with the sponsor’s office and committee to narrow scope and streamline verification so the bill remains effective.

Linda Gutierrez, a career federal employee and Montgomery County resident, described losing her position after 18 years at the U.S. Agency for International Development and urged the council to include displaced workers who have already been separated as well as those who have received layoff notices in the definition of “displaced federal worker.” “This bill gives county residents who are public servants a chance to stay and serve rather than uproot our lives,” Gutierrez said, urging the council to adopt language that covers employees notified of separation within six months.

Council staff announced that a Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee work session will be scheduled at a later date and invited written submissions through April 10, 2025. No final council action on Bill 10‑25 was taken at the hearing; sponsors and administration representatives said they expect to resolve implementation questions in committee before any required committee vote.","At a public hearing on Expedited Bill 10‑25, witnesses including a county executive representative and two displaced federal employees urged the council to adopt a hiring preference for displaced federal workers; county staff flagged implementation and verification concerns to be resolved in committee.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6094273,"Town of Chevy Chase urges staged review as Bethesda overlay zone cap is debated",376,454000,830000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2844466-10b9b2f0927b4085449ac2ef74a3948a&start=454&end=830","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2844466-10b9b2f0927b4085449ac2ef74a3948a/thumbnail_454000.jpg","/articles/6094273/Montgomery-County/Maryland/Town-of-Chevy-Chase-urges-staged-review-as-Bethesda-overlay-zone-cap-is-debated","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6094273-bea697a8e9769c102b8d261739a79ac6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770758096&Signature=ZBbMdOaBGhmkOmnvH3jXLVrKK5dlqIzZV~Kp3GvBpaVTZuhjkC5IXizxfIu0NglNgzW-BalnxCkOjI19oi1KvduO7D6jFoS~sB2csC0EDK1W9fdEI~Ym1Pa077OspBKP-nJMuyhGwxOPZ~puWmoHL9-oO-TI7agUTImeTPK~CNiWe2tmYifYDDvnz9GCKkQ2XNRIOPKd9Shfd4f~yYPcz3XGrE2uXG~P61HS3DkJIpZ03kbc73f6tLVvNkRp8Pa~T2fdbuBmCQU9NyYEyCDuBxlSakfgsHoXqUYhAIwW9D2nZFdqEucZ8P8iE-cn1Yjw3MjgNhzm4N0bFeyt4C87NA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A public hearing on Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 25‑04, which would amend the Bethesda Overlay Zone to implement recommendations in a Downtown Plan minor master plan amendment, drew contrasting testimony about removing the area’s development cap.

Irene Lane, mayor of the Town of Chevy Chase, told the council the town supports the Bethesda Downtown Plan’s goals of encouraging growth while protecting residents’ quality of life but urged caution about eliminating the cap. She said much approved development remains unbuilt and cited traffic delays at Wisconsin Avenue and Bradley Boulevard as evidence the county is already experiencing roadway capacity strains. “If we’re already surpassing roadway capacity, how can we justify removing a tool designed to help manage growth?” Lane asked. She recommended establishing periodic, data‑driven reviews—perhaps every five years—to assess cumulative impacts of development and incorporate community input.

Lane also said removing the cap would eliminate a comprehensive evaluation process she said helps ensure development aligns with plan objectives and allows timely policy adjustments. She pointed to past project‑level reviews that surfaced recommendations, such as increasing the park impact payment and eliminating a “use or lose” provision, which she said would not have emerged without those reviews.

Alex (Alex) Campbell, a University of Maryland student and Bethesda resident, offered the opposing view, urging the council to lift the cap. Campbell said lifting the cap would provide investors greater certainty, spur private investment that funds public recreation centers and deeply affordable housing units at no direct cost to county taxpayers, and increase market‑rate housing supply to address regional housing shortages. “Building more housing lowers housing costs, and not building more housing in dense urban cores contributes to urban sprawl,” Campbell said.

The council president noted a Planning, Housing and Parks Committee work session would be scheduled at a later date and kept the hearing open briefly to allow additional in‑person or virtual testimony. The public hearing record will remain open for written materials through close of business on April 10, 2025, per the council’s instructions.

The testimony at the hearing focused on traffic, school capacity, and the value of an institutional review mechanism versus the argument that removing the cap enables needed housing and investment. No formal council action on ZTA 25‑04 was recorded during the hearing.

The council invited more input and said committee review and additional public engagement would follow before any final council action.","At a Montgomery County Council public hearing on Zoning Text Amendment 25‑04, the Town of Chevy Chase urged keeping a development cap or establishing periodic, data‑driven reviews; other testimony supported lifting the cap to increase housing supply and investment.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council reviews Montgomery College and library CIP amendments, committee recommends approval

Council approves technical corrections, public safety EMS changes, homeowners tax credit expansion, and consumer protection measure in roll call votes

Supporters of hiring preference for displaced federal workers urge council to approve bill 10‑25

Town of Chevy Chase urges staged review as Bethesda overlay zone cap is debated