Keeping Up With Kate - Oct. 8, 2025 (English)

Dear Friends,

Last week, I shared information and resources for residents impacted by the federal government shutdown. If you missed it, please find the full message and list of resources here, available in multiple languages. (Español / አማርኛ / 繁體中文 / Français / 한국어 / Tiếng Việt)

The federal shutdown means the sudden loss of income or working without pay for federal employees across our County and jeopardizes the ability of families to pay their rent, groceries, childcare and medical expenses. This is on top of the financial strain already being experienced by former federal workers due to the draconian cuts made by the Trump administration earlier this year. These unanticipated financial burdens also strain our social safety net services and pose fiscal challenges for nonprofit partners serving our community. 

As we have done for the last nine months of this administration, we will continue working together with our state and federal leaders to reduce the harm and provide a wide array of support for residents and families impacted by the actions of the Trump administration. 

As always, feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or need assistance.

Sincerely,

Kate Stewart
Council President

Pedestrian Safety

We are all deeply saddened to have two pedestrians struck and killed at the end of September: 16-year-old James Evert Anderson, who was killed trying to cross the 3600 block of University Boulevard West in Kensington, and 52-year-old New Carrollton resident Ganga Prajapati, who lost her life in a hit and run at Veirs Mill Road in Wheaton. I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of these two individuals whose lives were tragically cut short.

I have been in touch with state representatives to advocate for stepped up speed enforcement in these areas, as well as any other pedestrian safety measures that can be implemented in partnership with our Department of Transportation. We received confirmation that new speed cameras were installed at the University Boulevard West intersection in Kensington. I also want to remind all drivers to slow down, obey posted speed limits, and keep an eye out for pedestrians and bicyclists.

I represent a district with many heavy pedestrian areas, where community members walk, bike or take public transit to get to work, school or shop. Pedestrian safety is an ongoing priority of mine, and of the entire Council. The Transportation and Environment Committee recently held a briefing about bicycle and pedestrian improvements along the Purple Line corridor. As we redesign and rebuild infrastructure, we want to ensure we are planning for a future that keeps pedestrians and cyclists of all ages and abilities safe.

Audit Committee Reviews MCPS Background Screening Process

The Council’s Audit Committee, which I chair, recently held an oversight meeting to receive updates from Montgomery County Public Schools following the release of the Office of the Inspector General’s Review of MCPS Background Screening Office report, which found a significant backlog in background screenings for MCPS employees.

MCPS leadership discussed some of the work underway to address the backlog. These background screenings are essential to safeguard our students and school personnel, so it was important to hear what steps have already been taken to remedy this very serious issue, and question the school system and partners to better understand what more needs to be done, and what the timeline for completion looks like. My colleagues and I get asked questions daily on this from concerned parents, and as a concerned parent myself, this issue is top of mind. The Audit Committee will hold follow-up meetings with MCPS again later this fall.

Community Policing in Montgomery County: Annual Anonymous Survey

MCPD invites you to participate in the 2025 Community Trust Survey to help better serve our communities. In accordance with Bill 45-20, MCPD conducts an annual anonymous survey of both residents and officers to assess police-community relations, including levels of public trust in law enforcement. The results of this survey, along with other required data, will be published in the Police Statistical Data Report in early 2026. The survey takes 1-2 minutes to complete and is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.

Take the survey today.

Pike District Partnership Elects New Leadership

Congratulations to Andrew Shulman, the newly elected board president of the Pike District Partnership, and the new leadership team! I look forward to working with Shulman and the incoming board members to continue the next phase of growth in North Bethesda’s thriving Pike District.

Kate in the Community

$10 Million Investment in Early Childhood Education

I was proud to stand with County Executive Marc Elrich, MCPS Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor, HHS Director Dr. James Bridgers, Head Start parent Gloria Musiimenta, and Antonio Hernandez, President of the Latino Childcare Association, to announce a $10 million investment in early childhood education. This funding is designed to address the disparities identified in our communities, ensuring that children in underserved areas get the fair start they deserve. By building a stronger, more resilient early care and education ecosystem, we are closing opportunity gaps before they widen. This is about building a more equitable and prosperous Montgomery County for everyone.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Last week, the Council held its 12th annual Hispanic Heritage Month commemoration with a special folkloric dance performance by Corazón Folklórico Dance Company. The theme for this year’s commemoration “Legacy in Motion: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” is not just a phrase, it’s a reality we see every single day across our County. This year we recognized community members Jefferson Reyes, Gabriela Romo, and Gustavo Torres, who are the very embodiment of this "legacy in motion," building on the foundation laid by those who came before them to create a brighter future for everyone. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

Watch the video highlight.

Buckets and Beats

We had a great time at the third annual Buckets and Beats block party in Downtown Silver Spring! This is one of my favorite events of the year, and includes lots of fun activities for middle and high school students to enjoy following early dismissal day. I’m happy so many students and parents turned up to the event, and look forward to hosting it again next year with the Silver Spring Regional Services Center! A huge thank to you our many partners who make it such a success: the Department of Recreation, CUPF, the Department of Health and Human Services, MCPD, the Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce, United Therapeutics, the Silver Spring YMCA, CREATE Arts, Radio One, Amazon Fresh, and Peterson Companies.

Mental Health Corner

Did you know that Mobile Medical Care provides Behavioral Health Services? 

Mobile Medical Care, Inc., or "MobileMed," is a federally qualified health center that provides comprehensive primary care to uninsured, low-income insured, and Medicare/Medicaid enrolled residents of Montgomery County. In addition, MobileMed is one of Montgomery County’s largest safety net providers through the Montgomery Cares program. Their mission is to improve the health of low-income people who face the greatest barriers to care access. Every primary care patient is screened for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. If needed and if they choose, patients are referred to a licensed, bilingual behavioral health provider for therapy, medication management, psychiatric assessment, and/or referrals to a higher level of care. MobileMed has clinics in Germantown, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Aspen Hill, and Silver Spring. Behavioral health is available in person or through telehealth. Learn more at www.mobilemedicalcare.org or call 301-493-2400.

Active Aging Week

Montgomery County celebrates “Active Aging Week” (AAW) from Monday, Oct. 6, through Sunday, Oct. 12, as part of an international effort to highlight the benefits of maintaining healthy, active lifestyles—physically, mentally, and socially—for older adults. During the week, explore the many free programs, events, and activities taking place across the County for residents 50 and over. A full calendar of events is available on the County’s website.