Commonsense immigration policies coming, More Jobs! - Newsletter from Council President Fani-González

Neighbors:

In light of the illegal immigration crackdowns by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents (ICE) that are unfolding across American cities, local and state elected officials are working within our authority to keep Maryland communities safe. Immigration enforcement is, and must remain, a federal responsibility. When local law enforcement is drawn into civil immigration matters, it blurs jurisdictional lines and diverts limited resources away from core public-safety priorities, crime prevention, emergency response, and community trust and cooperation. 

The Montgomery County Council has taken up several bills that address ICE’s impact on our communities, including the recently passed Trust Act, the Values Act, the ICE Out Act, the Vehicle Recovery Act, and the Unmask ICE Act (note that the Council already took a favorable position for the state-wide bill to ban face coverings for law enforcement; we are actively tracking that measure, which already passed the Senate in the Maryland General Assembly). 

And speaking of state-wide efforts, we are so proud of the Montgomery County Delegation in the Maryland General Assembly. They are working hard to push forward commonsense legislation that prioritizes public safety without compromising on community trust. I was proud to testify in Annapolis in strong support of SB245, sponsored by Senator Will Smith, which bans local law enforcement agencies in Maryland from having 287(g) agreements with ICE. This bill was so critical to ensuring that our community members feel safe traveling throughout the state that, immediately after its approval, lawmakers enacted it as emergency legislation, allowing Governor Wes Moore to sign it into law without delay.

If you or someone you know is in need of immigration assistance, help is available. 

You can also reach out to my office for assistance by calling 240-777-7870 or emailing us at

[email protected].

New Zoning Initiative Aims to Boost Job Growth and Spur Economic Development

On Tuesday, I am formally introducing The Job Creation Project zoning measure (ZTA 26-05), which aims to attract major employers in strategic industries, spur new job creation projects and boost economic development. The measure would provide expedited approvals for “Job Creation Projects,” which either are in strategic industries, as defined in the County’s Economic Development Strategic Plan, or generate at least 200 jobs. I am proud to have worked with the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) and business leaders who are supportive of this measure. The public hearing will be in the summer.

Citizenship Clinic on April 11

In partnership with the Governor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, the County's Office of Community Partnerships, and the County's Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center, we will host a free Citizenship Clinic on April 11 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center. Stop by to check your eligibility and receive free, confidential legal assistance with your naturalization application from trained experts, with multilingual services available in seven languages. Space is limited; advance registration is required. Register here or by calling 240-777-4940. A follow‑up application assistance event will be held on May 2.

Big Economic Development Opportunity in North Bethesda takes another step forward

As I shared last Spring, a major life-sciences and mixed-use project is coming to North Bethesda. It will also be the home of the University of Maryland’s Institute for Health Computing, a research hub uniting computational expertise, clinical expertise, biomedical innovation, health data and academic resources.

Today, the Council’s Economic Development Committee, which I chair, advanced two capital projects to help make this transformative project a reality. We approved $12 million to fund infrastructure work to make the site “pad ready” for development. We also approved $50 million to support the construction of the building that will house the University of Maryland’s Institute for Health Computing (IHC). Read more in the Council staff report. The IHC will be a key asset as we seek to become the #1 life sciences cluster in the entire country. More broadly, new jobs, homes, and amenities will be a wonderful addition to this part of the County!

Happy Women’s History Month

The Montgomery County Council proudly kicked off Women’s History Month by adopting a resolution in support of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). CEDAW is often described as an international Bill of Rights for women, as it aims to establish a comprehensive framework to eliminate discrimination against women and advance gender equity. The resolution affirms the County’s intention to continue work to advance gender equity, including expanding access to high-quality early care and education, while working closely with the Montgomery County Commission for Women and other trusted community partners.

Middle Eastern American Heritage Month

This week, the Council held a proclamation celebrating Middle Eastern American Heritage Month. In Montgomery County, the Middle Eastern community is a vibrant and diverse mosaic of cultures, languages, and traditions that make our County one of the best places in the world to call home. Middle Eastern American Heritage Month offers us an opportunity to recognize the contributions that strengthen our economy, civic and cultural life. Happy Middle Eastern American Heritage Month!

Six Steps to Prepare for Montgomery County Grants

Is your organization interested in applying for Montgomery County grants? Here are six steps to ensure you are prepared and informed about grant opportunities:

1. Visit the Office of Grant Management (OGM) Website.

2. Create a Profile in the Euna Grants (eCivis) Platform.

3. Subscribe to the OGM Newsletter.

4. Maintain Good Standing with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT).

5. Register with the County’s Vendor Registration Systems (CVRS).

Maintain Current or Exempt registration status with the Maryland Secretary of State OneStop – Charities Public Registry.

Work With MCPD

Interested in a career in law enforcement? With strong opportunities for growth, specialized training, and leadership development, the Montgomery County Police Department is a great place to build a career with opportunities for growth, mentorship and a focus on work-life balance. Make your mark while building a rewarding and lasting career. Explore careers with MCPD.

Higher Winter Energy Bills: Support is Available

This season has brought the coldest December and January in a decade, resulting in extended periods of extreme temperatures across the region. Combined with recent increases in regional energy supply costs, many households are experiencing higher winter bills. Pepco offers programs and tools to help residents manage energy use and stay current on their bills, including:

• Financial assistance programs, such as LIHEAP and local utility assistance funds for income-eligible households

• Flexible payment arrangements for customers needing additional time

• Energy efficiency programs that help reduce energy usage

• My Account tools that allow customers to track, understand, and better manage their energy consumption

You can visit pepco.com/Bill Support, or log into My Account to explore these resources, learn more about your bill and find ways to manage or reduce usage.

Don’t Leave Money on the Table

Many Marylanders qualify for the Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)—up to $4,000—but you must file your tax return to claim it. Visit the Comptroller of Maryland’s website to check eligibility and find free tax help.

Washingtonian Magazine: March Issue

In case you missed it, check out my profile in the Washingtonian Magazine’s March issue (print edition only)! I discuss my upbringing, my early career and what I want to accomplish in 2026. Pick up a copy today to read the profile. 

Sincerely,

Natali Fani-González

Council President

Councilmember, District 6

Chair, Economic Development Committee