Extreme Cold Continues: Be Prepared With a Winter Weather Plan - Newsletter from Council President Fani-González

Neighbors:

Thank you to the County’s storm operations team, MCDOT crews, first responders, and everyone who stepped up to help out and keep our community safe during last week’s winter storm. As extreme cold temperatures continue this week, residents are encouraged to subscribe to Alert Montgomery to stay informed this winter season. 

Throughout the last week, we have been contacting MCDOT about unsafe roadway and sidewalk conditions due to the winter storm. While crews continued their dedicated cleanup efforts, it became apparent that the County's online Snow Portal did not accurately reflect snowplowing on neighborhood streets. Residents are encouraged to report unplowed streets via the County website.

I have scheduled a Council briefing on Winter Storm and Snow Operations tomorrow, Feb. 3 at 1:30 p.m. Officials from the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Department of Transportation, Department of General Services, Montgomery County Public Schools, and Parks will answer questions from Council members regarding snow removal procedures. Residents can tune in on the Council’s YouTube or Facebook Live.

If you are in need of non-emergency assistance, 311 is likely to be the best place to call. My office is also here to help. Please reach out to us at: [email protected].

You’re Invited: Feb. 3 Community Forum on Data Centers

Please join us for a Community Forum on Data Center Legislation and Policies on Tuesday, Feb. 3 from 7-9 p.m. at the Leggett Executive Office Building Auditorium (101 Monroe St., Rockville, Md.) (or tune in online). The forum, hosted by County Executive Marc Elrich, along, Vice President Marilyn Balcombe, Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles, and myself offers community members an opportunity to join this important discussion about the future of data center development in Montgomery County.

This conversation comes as we recently introduced a zoning measure to establish clear standards for data center development, including buffers from residential areas, noise mitigation and environmental protections. As a County, we must have responsible rules for data center development that reflect community input without stifling economic growth. We want to hear from residents as we shape policies that reflect community values and climate goals.

Happy Black History Month

February is Black History Month, and there are a multitude of events throughout Montgomery County this month commemorating Black History Month. The Council will hold its annual commemoration tomorrow with a special video tribute. This year’s theme is, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” celebrating the 100th anniversary of the official establishment of Black History Month and its impact locally, nationally and globally. The Council’s video tribute features local leaders making history, including former County Executive Ike Leggett. Tune in to the Council session tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. to watch the commemoration live.

As our nation witnesses political violence and attacks on immigrant communities and communities of color, I’m proud to live in a County where diversity is celebrated, representation matters, and history is valued. In Montgomery County, we recognize that Black history is American history, and we will not let it be erased or denied. We must continue to learn from our past in order to build a better future for everyone.

Capital Budget Public Hearings on Feb. 9 and Feb. 10

The Council will hold afternoon and evening public hearings on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Budget and FY 2027-2032 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) on Feb. 9 and Feb. 10 at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The deadline to sign up to testify live is Feb. 6 at noon or residents can submit written, audio or video testimony. Following public hearings, the Council will begin a holistic review process, strategically assessing short-term needs and long-term priorities in the County. We will balance investments in capital projects to support our schools, housing, economic development, public safety and transportation. I look forward to hearing from community members and encourage robust public input as we take up the budget process.

Let’s End 287(g) Immigration Enforcement Agreements in 2026

I was proud to testify in Annapolis in support of a proposed bill sponsored by Sen. Will Smith that would prohibit local law enforcement from entering into immigration enforcement agreements with ICE -- also known as 287(g) agreements. Immigration enforcement is, and must remain, a federal responsibility. When local law enforcement is drawn into civil immigration matters, it blurs lines and diverts limited resources away from core public safety priorities, crime prevention, emergency response, and community trust and cooperation. I am hopeful that 2026 is the year we can advance this measure and keep our communities safe.

Watch my testimony calling for statewide action to end 287(g) agreements. 

Happy Year of the Fire Horse!

Lunar New Year officially begins on Feb. 17, welcoming in the Year of the Fire Horse. The Year of the Horse symbolizes resilience, bravery and hard work. The Council will commemorate the Lunar New Year at its session on Feb. 10. Plus, bring the family to enjoy arts and musical performances at Westfield Montgomery’s annual Lunar New Year celebration on Sunday, Feb. 15. We hope to see you there!

VITA Kickoff and Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day

The Community Action Agency, in partnership with the Universities at Shady Grove (USG), the Equity Center, and County Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, invites community members to the VITA Kick Off and EITC Awareness Day event on Friday, Feb. 6 at The Universities at Shady Grove. The event will include a resource fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a formal program at noon with remarks from elected officials and County leaders. I hope to see you there. RSVP.

Montgomery History Hosts Program on Immigrant Rights

Montgomery History, in partnership with League of Women Voters of Montgomery County, will host a Zoom program on Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. on “Immigrant Rights in Montgomery County: What Does Due Process Look Like?” This is a great opportunity for residents to learn more about the status of civil and human rights for immigrant and refugee populations in Montgomery County. I hope you tune in for this valuable program. Learn more and register.

Student Registration for the National History Day Competition Begins Feb. 9

The National History Day Competition is an opportunity for middle and high school students to learn about history hands-on by creating and presenting projects centered around a theme. The 2026 Montgomery County National History Day Competition will be held at Sligo Middle School on March 7. Student registration for the competition starts on Monday, Feb. 9 and ends on Friday, Feb. 13.

The County's National History Day Competition is also looking for 230 volunteers for the event. Learn more about the event and register.

Sincerely,

Natali Fani-González
Council President
Councilmember, District 6
Chair, Economic Development Committee