Keeping Up With Kate - Sept. 10, 2025 (English)

Dear Friends,

The Council is back in session this fall with a packed schedule.

We are taking up many important issues, including the University Boulevard Corridor Plan, which addresses traffic safety, environmental sustainability, growth and economic development along the University Boulevard corridor. Evening public hearings will be held on Sept. 10 at Montgomery Blair High School and Sept. 16 at the Council Office Building beginning at 7 p.m.

Additionally, the Council's Audit Committee will conduct oversight hearings starting on Friday, Sept. 26, regarding the findings in the Office of Inspector General’s report on gaps in MCPS’ background check process and a backlog of employee background checks. Subsequent Education and Culture Committee meetings will be held this fall.

Stay tuned this fall as we review matters impacting our schools, utility and energy costs, Purple Line updates, and more.

PLUS: Join us for our third annual Buckets and Beats: Silver Spring Youth Block Party on Friday, Sept. 26 from 2-6 p.m. at Veterans Plaza in Downtown Silver Spring. We will host a basketball tournament and have games, arts activities and youth programming information. To tie it all together, we will have a live DJ and free food for youth participants, along with a variety of prizes to win. Middle and high schoolers interested in participating in the basketball tournament can sign up on Active Montgomery. We hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Kate Stewart

Council President

Kate in the Community

Team Stewart connected with many friends and neighbors in the community this summer. Here are a few highlights:

Supporting the Unhoused Community

Montgomery County is preparing for the impact of National Guard deployment in Washington D.C. and the federal administration’s directives to clear areas where unhoused people gather. Read The Baltimore Sun’s coverage on how our efforts are focused on providing robust services and treating people with dignity and respect.

My team recently visited the Takoma East Silver Spring (TESS) Community Action Center, a walk-in site serving residents seeking health and social service assistance. We also spent time serving lunch at Shepherd's Table in Downtown Silver Spring. Thank you to both of these organizations for hosting us and showing us all the work that goes into feeding and supporting our community members in myriad ways.

International Overdose Awareness Day

I joined community members on International Overdose Awareness Day for a candlelight vigil to honor those who have lost their lives to drug overdoses and commit our continued support for individuals in recovery. Our work and collaboration continue as we raise awareness and reduce stigma on substance use disorder.

Montgomery County Council Summer Fellows

I had a great conversation with the Council’s 2025 Summer Fellows cohort. The annual paid fellowship offers students the opportunity to have real life impact in the County's diverse communities and hands-on local government experience. Check out highlights from the 2025 Summer Fellows Program.

Immigrant Workers Rights and a Guide for Employers

We know there is a great deal of uncertainty and concern in our community as with the cruel actions and policies from the Federal Administration. This summer I teamed up with CASA and over 100 volunteers to speak with and provide resources to local business owners on how they can protect and prepare themselves and their employees in the event of encounters with immigration officials. More information on how you can get involved. 

Moco Pride Center Opens!

The Montgomery County Pride Center is now open! It is so important that we have a physical space for our LGBTQIA+ community to find resources and support. Here in Montgomery County, we will always defend and provide support for our thriving LGBTQIA+ community. The MoCo Pride Center is open 7 days a week!

Watch the grand opening celebration and learn more about volunteer opportunities.

Ethiopian Day Festival

It was wonderful to celebrate the diversity and rich cultural heritage of Ethiopia at the Ethiopian Day Festival in Downtown Silver Spring. Thank you to the Ethiopian Community Center of Maryland and everyone who made the day possible.

Purple Line Tour

As the local elected official representing the district with the most Purple Line stops, I am excited to see the project moving forward. We know how hard the construction has been for our residents and businesses and will continue to advocate for the community. I recently had the exciting opportunity to see some of the great progress being made!

Montgomery County Kicks Off 250th Anniversary Celebration

Did you know: Montgomery County celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026? I joined Montgomery History this summer to kick off the year-long celebration with an ice cream social.

Please join us next week for a special panel event to discuss Montgomery County’s 250th anniversary and reflect on its history and future on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 1 p.m. at the Council Office Building in Rockville. Learn more.

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Mental Health Corner

Ellie Mental Health

Ellie Mental Health in Rockville is an inclusive and community-rooted clinic dedicated to making quality mental health care more accessible for all. Ellie provides therapy for individuals, couples, children, and families in a compassionate environment where every person is met with respect and care. The clinic’s diverse team of licensed professionals, including counselors and social workers, are equipped to support a broad range of mental health needs. The Rockville clinic offers on-site art therapy, and is proudly partnering with the Montgomery County Pride Center to host support groups and community yoga classes beginning this fall.

Learn more.

The Heartwood Program

At the Heartwood Program, the Gender Wellness Clinic offers gender-affirming therapy, support groups, and clinical assessments tailored to the needs of LGBTQ+ youth, including those who are transgender, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, intersex, and questioning. The Gender Wellness Clinic takes the time to understand your story and provides personalized recommendations for the next steps in your mental health journey. The clinic serves LGBTQ+ adolescents and young adults. 

Learn more about The Heartwood Program's Gender Wellness Clinic.