Keeping Up With Kate - March 26, 2025 (English)

Dear friends,

The Council’s busy budget season is officially underway. The County Executive put forth a $7.7 billion budget plan that now comes to the Council for careful review and analysis.

With our values under attack by the Trump administration, budget cuts looming at the federal and state level, and the possibility that the state will shift a portion of budget obligations to the County, including cost-sharing items such as teacher pensions, this year’s budget deliberations will likely be some of the most challenging since the start of the Great Recession.

As we make our way through these uncharted waters, we must carefully examine our resources and plan for the unexpected, so that we are able to continue our unyielding commitment to support education, public safety, and our essential social services.

Our overarching goals will be to preserve the key services that residents rely on every day while dealing with the constantly changing environment in an open and transparent way.

We will continue the tradition of centering community needs while also maintaining the fiscal stewardship that has enabled Montgomery County to weather economic storms and the COVID crisis.

One of the most important aspects of the budget process is hearing from our residents! Your views are instrumental in developing a final budget that benefits everyone who calls Montgomery County home.

Sign up to participate in person or virtually at the Council’s FY26 Operating Budget public hearings on April 7 and April 8 at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. or submit testimony anytime throughout the budget process.

Sincerely,

Kate Stewart

Council President

United in Service and Support Webinar Series

The United in Service and Support webinar series continues with meetings scheduled now through July. This series is hosted by the Council to support the federal workforce and community members impacted by the ongoing challenges at the federal level. Each meeting focuses on a special topic and features expert panelists offering valuable insights, practical resources, and essential information to assist in navigating challenges and accessing the support residents need. The upcoming meeting on Wednesday, April 2 at 7 p.m., will focus on support for workers transitioning from federal employment to new opportunities.

View the full schedule of upcoming webinars.

Bill to Create a Hiring Preference for Displaced Federal Workers

I’m proud to cosponsor legislation introduced by Council Vice President Will Jawando that would create a hiring preference within the Montgomery County government for displaced federal employees. The bill responds to the widespread federal job cuts that have a significant impact on Montgomery County, where an estimated 1,000+ residents have lost jobs under the Trump administration. By offering a hiring preference for displaced federal workers, the legislation aims to provide new opportunities for experienced public servants and help mitigate financial instability. During this unstable time, County leaders are working to provide a wide array of support and opportunities for those impacted by the unpredictable actions of the Trump administration.

A public hearing will be held on April 1.

$3 Million Boost to the County’s Mobile Crisis Outreach Team

The Council continues its efforts to support and bolster mental health services for residents. We recently voted to approve a nearly $3 million appropriation from a state grant that will fund the behavioral health crisis stabilization room and Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) pilot program. The funding will be used to increase the capacity and reach of services through additional staff and the development and implementation of the stabilization room.

I had the opportunity to visit the Crisis Center and participate in a ride along with the Mobile Crisis Team recently and experienced the amazing work they do in our community firsthand. The team responds to behavioral health emergencies 24/7. They provide crisis evaluations, stabilize crises, and make recommendations and referrals regarding treatment and resources. The Crisis Center can be reached by calling (240) 777-4000.

Kate in the Community

MCPD Graduation

Congratulations to the Montgomery County Police Department’s Session 78 graduates! This impressive class of graduates completed the Training Academy and will now begin working to keep residents safe across the County. Thank you to our newest law enforcement officials for your willingness to serve and protect our communities.

Honoring MCCH Executive Director Susie Sinclair-Smith

I was honored to join in celebrating the retirement of the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless Executive Director Susie Sinclair-Smith. Susie has dedicated her entire career to helping others and supporting our most vulnerable residents. The Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless serves approximately 1,600 men, women and children each year with the goal of ensuring that homelessness is a rare, brief and nonrecurring experience. Thank you Susie for your many years of service and support.

Mental Health Corner

AAHP Mindfulness Program

Structural racism and inequality create persistent stressors that can worsen mental health outcomes for the Black community in the U.S. Mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to improve health.

The African American Health Program (AAHP) Mindfulness Program is a free, Zoom-based program designed to support mental and emotional health. It centers around evidence-based Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, which is designed to prevent depression relapse. More than 100 individuals have participated, since the program started in November 2022, and many have seen improvements in their well-being. 

This class is special because individuals learn over a dozen exercises and practices to use daily. 

Program Outcomes:

• 100% of participants would recommend the program to others.

• 94% of participants learned mindfulness practices that supported their mental and emotional wellness.

• 82% of participants increased the time they spent practicing mindfulness and meditation.

The six-week program begins on April 8. Register at https://tinyurl.com/aahpmindful2025.