Keeping Up With Kate - July 2, 2025 (English)

Dear Friends,

As we head into the holiday weekend, I’m reflecting on what true patriotism means and how proud I am to represent a County that believes in civic engagement, the democratic process and the power of community.

In Montgomery County, we show our patriotism by showing up for our neighbors, standing up for our constitutional rights, and safeguarding democracy. 

Montgomery County is a community that celebrates our differences and embraces diversity as our greatest strength. Even in the face of adversity and challenges to our fundamental rights, our residents continue to step up and make Montgomery County a beacon of hope for our nation.

This Fourth of July, we celebrate our independence and the values that make our community so special. Together, we celebrate life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and justice for all.

Enjoy a safe and fun-filled Independence Day with parades and events across Montgomery County. Germantown Glory will be hosted at South Germantown Recreational Park on July 4 and Mid-County Sparkles will take place the following evening on July 5 at Albert Einstein High School with free fireworks displays.

I will be walking in the Takoma Park Fourth of July Parade and I hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Kate Stewart

Council President

Mental Health Awareness

Last week, I hosted the second convening of mental health providers to discuss the recent release of the Office of Legislative Oversight’s report covering the availability of youth behavioral health care. Mental health is a central priority to my Council presidency, and I recognize that addressing this critical issue requires collective effort and action. 

Councilmember Gabe Albornoz and I also presented a Council proclamation recognizing National Mental Health Awareness Month. We were proud to be joined by County officials, health care providers and nonprofits, and heard from three BTheOne youth ambassadors on the importance of youth mental health.

Expansion of Child Care Providers Tax Credit

I recently introduced legislation to provide broader and more generous property tax credits to Montgomery County child care businesses to help them stay in operation. The proposed legislation would expand eligibility for the existing child care tax credit and increase the permitted amount of the credit from $3,000 to $10,000. Access to affordable, quality child care is not just a parenting issue but an economic issue. Supporting our child care providers is essential to making sure our residents are able to live and work in our County and is key to our economic growth. A public hearing will be held on July 8. Thank you to Delegate Julie Palokovich Carr for introducing the enabling legislation in Annapolis last session.

Applications Open for Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board and Silver Spring Urban District Advisory Committee

Applications are open to fill 13 vacancies on the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board and eight vacancies on the Silver Spring Urban District Advisory Committee. The Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board acts as a liaison between the Silver Spring communities and the County government by identifying neighborhood and business concerns and making recommendations to County officials. It also advises the Silver Spring Regional Services Center Director on area needs and priorities. The Silver Spring Urban District Advisory Committee provides information and advice to the County government and the Silver Spring Regional Services Center Director regarding promotions, maintenance, service levels, and budgetary guidance for the downtown Silver Spring Urban District.

The deadline to apply for these vacancies is July 4. Check eligibility and apply today.

Kate in the Community:

Juneteenth Celebrations

I want to express my gratitude to the countless County employees, volunteers and community organizers who contributed to making Juneteenth a wonderful celebration across our community. Please join me in congratulating Montgomery County’s six African American community leaders who received the County’s Living Legend Awards at the BlackRock Center for the Arts. James Baker, Dr. Judi Moore Latta, Cathy Matthews, Jo Ann Owens, Dr. Betty Holston Smith and Maryland State Delegate Gregory Wims were honored for their lifelong leadership, advocacy and public service. Their dedication to Montgomery County has uplifted all of our residents, and we thank them for their exceptional service to our community.

MCFRS Promotional Ceremony

I had the honor to attend the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) Promotional Ceremony to celebrate the commitment, hard work, courage, and service of the promotees and their families. Thank you to our outstanding first responders for their service and to Fire Chief Corey Smedley for his leadership.

Pride in the Plaza

We closed out Pride Month with a fun-filled celebration at Pride in the Plaza in Downtown Silver Spring on Sunday. It was an honor to participate in Pride Month celebrations across Montgomery County throughout the month of June. While we formally recognize June as Pride Month, we work every day, alongside excellent community and nonprofits partners, to support, protect and uplift our LGBTQ+ community. Happy Pride!

Check out the Council’s Spotlight on Pride Month.

Mental Health Corner:

JSSA MindCraft Program

JSSA is a trusted community health and social wellness agency partnering with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and the Community Health Resources Commission to bring essential school-based mental health services to students in MCPS through the MindCraft program. The MindCraft program embeds trained JSSA mental health coordinators and clinicians in 90 MCPS schools so that students can access critical mental health services during the school day. Without the MindCraft program, many MCPS students would not have access to the life-changing mental health services they need to thrive in school and at home. 

Mental Health Video Series: WUMCO Help

WUMCO Help, Inc. is a vital nonprofit serving the rural communities of western Montgomery County, including Poolesville, Barnesville, Beallsville, and beyond. Through a strong partnership with Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), WUMCO connects local residents with essential support services, including access to mental health care, food and utility assistance, transportation, and case management. Together, WUMCO and DHHS are working to bridge gaps and bring critical mental health services directly into the community. 

Watch now.