For Immediate Release: Tuesday, April 20, 2021
ROCKVILLE, Md., April 20, 2021—The League of Women Voters of Montgomery County will honor Montgomery County Councilmember Nancy Navarro, who is the chair of the Council’s Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee, with the 2020 Lavinia Award for her trailblazing leadership, innovative approach to community engagement and tireless work on behalf of all residents of Montgomery County. The Lavinia Award recognizes community members who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to civic engagement and consistently encourage others to be involved in their communities.
“Preserving democracy and empowering residents to get involved in the public policy decisions that will impact their lives is more important than ever before,” said Councilmember Navarro. “Advocacy organizations, our residents and leaders across all levels of government must continue to work together to protect our fundamental rights and freedoms.
“As the sole woman, and only Latina to ever serve on the Montgomery County Council, I have made it my mission to implement some of the structural changes needed to help eliminate the obstacles to opportunity for our next generation of leaders. We need leadership that represents all members of our community, and while we have made some progress, we certainly have much more work to do.
“I appreciate the support of the League of Women Voters of Montgomery County in these efforts. Also, I’m delighted to be receiving this award along with Maryland State Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Fariba Kassiri who have also dedicated their lives to public service.”
Councilmember Navarro has worked extensively on establishing and overseeing the Public Election Fund, which is a public campaign financing program established to encourage greater voter participation in County elections, increase opportunities for more residents to run for office and reduce the influence of large contributions from businesses, political action groups and other large organizations.
While other jurisdictions have public campaign finance programs, Montgomery County is the first in the U.S. to have a public campaign finance program for a local election, thanks to Councilmember Navarro's leadership. The National Association of Counties (NACo) recognized the establishment and implementation of the fund with its 2019 Achievement Award. The Maryland Public Interest Research Group also recognized the program as a model for the state.
As Council president, Councilmember Navarro authored landmark legislation to establish a Racial Equity and Social Justice Policy for Montgomery County Government which was enacted unanimously on Dec. 2, 2019. Among other things, the law established an Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice in the Executive Branch and requires a racial equity and social justice impact statement for each legislative action and major budget decision. This law was developed by Councilmember Navarro by hosting numerous community conversations across the County about racial equity and social justice, working with experts and community advocates, and conducting surveys to solicit feedback. This law is already having an impact as this year’s budget will be evaluated through a racial equity lens.
Also while serving her first term as Council president in 2013, Councilmember Navarro spearheaded the establishment of a Right to Vote Task Force. The group was charged with reviewing all local laws and practices that impacted the right to vote, making recommendations to uphold voting rights and increasing voter participation, developing plans to take action to promote early voting and same-day registration and making recommendations to the Maryland General Assembly to support the right to vote and improving election practices.
Since her election to the Council in 2009, Councilmember Navarro has consistently advocated and secured the resources needed for the Montgomery County Board of Elections to ensure free and fair elections and conduct culturally competent community outreach activities and voter registration efforts.
Councilmember Navarro also launched the Latino Civic Project in her district in 2012 which she has expanded to a Countywide community engagement program to continue to strengthen the civic participation of the immigrant community in a linguistic and culturally proficient manner. This program is provided through a curriculum, workshops and activities that empower and offer a greater understanding of civic engagement, the importance of advocacy and being part of the decision-making process.
You can learn more about Councilmember Navarro here.
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The League of Women Voters’ Lavinia Award is named after Lavinia Engle, one of the founders of the League of Woman Voters of Montgomery County. Ms. Engle became the first woman from Montgomery County to be elected to the Maryland House of Delegates. She also was the first woman to serve on the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners.
Release ID: 21-162