GreenFest 2026

The Montgomery County GreenFest is the largest environmental festival in Montgomery County, MD, and is made possible thanks to a coalition of public, private and nonprofit partners. Montgomery County GreenFest is going big in 2026! To honor the 250th anniversary of Montgomery County (founded in 1776), this year’s theme centers on legacy and collective action. We invite every resident to celebrate Montgomery County’s 250 years by committing to 250 actions that safeguard our environment and public health. 

• Visit montgomerycountygreenfest.org

Community Forum on Data Center Legislation

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich's Feb. 3 community forum on data centers can be viewed on the County's You Tube channel. Click here to watch. Residents can also provide written comments. Email climate@montgomerycountymd.gov to provide input.

• Read the County Executive Legislative and Policy Recommendations.

Minimum Wage Increase

The Montgomery County minimum wage will increase on July 1 to reflect the region’s inflation rate, as required by County law. For large employers (with 51 or more employees), the minimum wage will increase by 35 cents to $18.00 per hour. For mid-size employers (with 11-50 employees), the minimum wage will increase by 50 cents to $16.50 per hour. For small employers (10 or fewer employees), the rate will increase by 45 cents to $15.95 per hour.

Monitoring DC Water Potomac Interceptor Collapse

Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are actively monitoring the work of DC Water as they address the sanitary sewer overflow near the Clara Barton Parkway, in conjunction with the Maryland Department of the Environment and Maryland Department of Health. Throughout the response period, DEP (through its two DC Water board members) has provided input and proposed questions to DC Water on environmental remediation.

DC Water is responsible for containment, repairs, environmental testing, and remediation related to the sewer overflow. Montgomery County will continue to share updates and health guidance as new information becomes available.

• See for more information

Fire Code Compliance and Emergency Safety Plans

Read the news release about the new safety regulation for multifamily rental apartment buildings in Montgomery County. For more information, visit the Department of Permitting Services website and watch the latest Permitting Services Podcast video.