I appreciate the Council’s collaboration on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and their strong support for public education. I am pleased that we have come together to fund 99.8% of the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) request, resulting in a record $3.58 billion investment. This budget will fund higher salaries, more special education staff and additional school security, meeting urgent needs in our classrooms. 

The Council's decision to use one-time resources by not making a contribution to the MCPS portion of the OPEB trust for FY25 and FY26 - something I proposed previously – was central to closing the gap. While it is a temporary fix, it will fund the urgent needs now and allow time to agree on a long-term solution.  Over the next year, we must work together— the Council, Board of Education, MCPS leadership, and our labor partners—to identify stable, recurring funding sources. 

This year’s budget comes at a time of great uncertainty with federal budget cuts already leading to job losses in our community and threatening key grants for County government and MCPS. At the state level, Maryland is facing a significant fiscal shortfall and was just downgraded by a major Wall Street credit agency. These realities reinforce the need to maintain the County’s fiscal health; reserves at more than 11% will allow a better response to mid-year challenges. 

Even in this tough environment, we’ve made real progress. This budget reflects our shared priorities: 

• $312 million for affordable housing—our largest investment ever 

• $366 million in climate and environmental action  

• A fare-free Ride On system to improve equity and access 

• Increased support for mental and dental health care in underserved areas 

• Expanded public safety and emergency response capacity including the MCPD’s “Drone as First Responder” program

We have also made significant strides in economic development. In recent months, we have seen major announcements that affirm Montgomery County’s potential, including AstraZeneca’s $300 million investment, the Viva White Oak project in East County and the North Bethesda Metro redevelopment anchored by the University of Maryland-Institute for Health Computing. 

This budget supports that momentum: 

• $2 million to recruit a world-class operator for our business incubators

• $918,000 increase for WorkSource Montgomery—including Summer RISE, the Coding Our Way Home with the Department of Corrections Job Center program and Mobilize Montgomery support for displaced federal workers 

• $1.7 million to assist small businesses and entrepreneurs, including federal contractors 

• $590,000 increase to the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) 

I want to thank the Council for funding many of these priorities, and the residents who attended our budget forums last fall, testified, advocated and stayed engaged throughout this process. Your voices mattered. 

Now that this budget is approved, we need to address some of the questions about the future.  What can we do now that will ensure we have the infrastructure, economy and housing needed for a more inclusive, prosperous future? What works and what does not to support working families, build resilience and grow opportunities for everyone? 

The answers may not be easy, but I think if we are focused and honest about the challenges we face, we will find them.  I look forward to that work. 

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