Montgomery County to Hold Ceremony to Name Executive Office Building in Honor of Former County Executive Isiah “Ike” Leggett on Monday, Feb. 24

For Immediate Release: Thursday, February 6, 2025

The public is invited to attend the Executive Office Building Renaming Ceremony in Honor of Isiah "Ike" Leggett at 3 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 24. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Kate Stewart will be joined by Maryland Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks, U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin, members of the County Council, other elected officials and community members for the ceremony. The ceremony will take place at the Executive Office Building, Terrace Level, located at 101 Monroe St. in Rockville. The program will feature remarks from elected officials and community leaders, a color guard, and musical performances, followed by the unveiling of new signage, a plaque and a proclamation.

"Renaming the Executive Office Building in honor of Ike Leggett pays tribute to his extraordinary legacy and dedication to serving the people of Montgomery County,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Through his leadership and unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion, and opportunity, Ike has shaped the County in profound ways. It is fitting that the renaming ceremony takes place during Black History Month as we honor a man who has celebrated many historic achievements throughout his career. While carrying the Ike Leggett name, this building will serve as an inspiration to the community and stand as a symbol of his remarkable service and the path he forged for future generations of."

Former Montgomery County Executive Leggett made history several times throughout his life and career. In 1986, he became the first person of color elected to the Montgomery County Council. He served four terms on the County Council, was president four times, and held several leadership positions. Leggett was also instrumental in passing significant legislation, including the County’s living wage law and public smoking ban.

“Naming our executive office building in honor of Isiah “Ike” Leggett reinforces his legacy: his commitment to public service, equity in our community, and his strong belief that as public officials we work for every Montgomery County resident,” said County Council President Kate Stewart.  “Ike blazed a trail for many others to follow, as the first African American elected county-wide, for what he accomplished and how he led. Today, we are able to advance our work because of the foundation Ike built. I’m talking about his policies, his spirit of thoughtful collaboration, his common sense, and the knowledge that working together for the greater good creates better public policy and stronger communities. Putting the name Isiah “Ike” Leggett above the doors of this building, the center of County government, is not only an honor to him, but a call to all of us to follow his path in public service.”

In 2006, Leggett became the first person of color elected Montgomery County Executive. As County Executive, he addressed local issues like transportation and immigrant labor. He advocated for a statewide gas tax increase to support County transit projects and established a day laborer center to provide a safe space for workers in Gaithersburg. Voters re-elected Leggett to serve two additional terms, ending his third and final term in 2018.

“In 28 years of elected service to Montgomery County as County Executive, Council President and Councilmember, Ike Leggett guided us with a steady hand through a devastating financial crisis and ensured our County government lived up to our community’s inclusive values,” said Councilmember Andrew Friedson. “Renaming the Executive Office Building for Ike Leggett will serve as an enduring reminder of the essence of public service and what government at its finest can and should be.”

Leggett has dedicated more than 45 years of his life to public service. He began his public service career in 1979 as an appointed member of the Montgomery County Human Relations Committee, later serving as its chair. Leggett is recognized for his leadership and advocacy on key regional issues. Known for his strategic and effective leadership, Leggett has made lasting contributions to both the County and the State.

What: Montgomery County Isiah “Ike” Leggett Executive Office Building Renaming Ceremony

When: Monday, Feb. 24 at 3 p.m.

Where: Executive Office Building/ Terrace Level, 101 Monroe St., Rockville. Limited paid parking is available at the Council Office Building parking garage at 100 Maryland Ave. Additional paid parking is available at 51 Monroe St.

RSVP to [email protected].

• County Cable Montgomery (CCM): Comcast channels 6 and HD 996; RCN channels 6 and HD 1056; and Verizon channel 30
• Montgomery College Television (MCTV): Comcast channels 998 and 10; Verizon channels 10; and RCN channels 10 and HD 1059
• Montgomery County Public School (MCPS TV): Comcast channels 34 and HD 1071; Verizon channel 36; RCN channels 89 and HD 1058
• Montgomery Community Media (MCM): Comcast channels 21 and HD 995; RCN channels 21 and HD 1055; and Verizon channel 21
• Takoma Park City TV: Comcast channel 13; RCN channels 13 and HD 1060; and Verizon channel 28

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Release ID: 25-062
Media Contact: Mark Roper 240-962-1743
Categories: Executive Office