The East County Regional Office links Montgomery County government with citizens and businesses in the Eastern areas of the County that include:

Burtonsville, Briggs Chaney, Burnt Mills, Calverton, Colesville, Cloverly, Fairland, Hillandale, Ashton/Sandy Spring (pt.), Spencerville and White Oak.

East County Citizens Advisory Board (ECCAB)

The ECCAB is an eighteen-member board appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the Council to advise, advocate for and make recommendations to the Executive, Council and East County Regional Director on needs and issues impacting residents and communities of East County.

The Full Board and its Committees Meet Monthly Except in July and August.

Please Note:

The next ECCAB meeting will be on December 6, 2023, 7:00 pm.

Agenda to be Announced Soon.

For questions about the board and full meeting agenda please contact-Eastco.citizens@montgomerycountymd.gov

240-777-8414

November Food Distributions

Grab 'n Go

Saturday November 18, 2023 from 9AM

Please note that our East County Rec Center food distribution is now walk-in only, except for special events. Those driving must park in the parking lot and come in to receive their food. Assistance will be available for those needing help with food to their cars.

Other County News

Montgomery County Schedule for Thanksgiving Weekend on Thursday-Friday, Nov. 23-24

The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will have schedule and program changes for Thanksgiving Weekend, Thursday-Friday, Nov. 23-24. Read more.

Transportation Holiday Schedule for the Thanksgiving Holiday, Thursday-Friday, Nov. 23-24

Below are Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) and partners’ transportation-related schedule changes for the Thanksgiving holiday, Thursday-Friday, Nov. 23-24.

• MCDOT, MC311 and County offices - Closed on Nov. 23.
• Ride On bus service - Will operate on a Sunday service schedule on Nov. 23 and a regular Weekday schedule on Nov. 24. View route schedules here.
• Ride On Flex and Ride On extRa bus service - Will not be in service on Nov. 23 and regular service on Nov. 24.
• Flash bus service - Will operate on a Weekend and Holiday service for the Orange Route on Nov. 23. The Blue Route will not be in service. Both routes will operate on regular weekday schedule on Nov. 24.
• TRiPS Silver Spring commuter store - Will be closed on Nov. 23 and open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Nov. 24.
• TRiPS mobile commuter store - Will be closed on Nov. 23 and open on Nov. 24. View the schedule here
• Public parking garages, lots and curbside meters - Will be free on Nov. 23. Resuming regular rates on Nov. 24.
• Metrobus - Will operate on a Sunday schedule on Nov. 23 and will operate on a regular Friday schedule on Nov. 24. View timetables at wmata.com/schedules/timetables/index.cfm.
• Metrorail - Will operate on a Sunday Holiday schedule, with trains running 7 a.m.-midnight on Nov. 23 and on a regular Friday schedule on Nov. 24 with trains running 5 a.m.-1 a.m. View timetables at wmata.com/schedules/timetables/index.cfm.
• MTA commuter bus - Will not be in service on Nov. 23 and Nov. 24, with the exception of Route 201 (Gaithersburg-BWI Business Dist.), which will operate on a Weekend/Holiday schedule both days. Learn more at mta.maryland.gov/thanksgiving-day-service.
• MARC train - No service on Nov. 23 and will operate on Saturday schedule on Nov. 24 on the Penn Line only. There will be no Camden or Brunswick Line service. Learn more at mta.maryland.gov/thanksgiving-day-service.
• MTA stores – Will be closed on Nov. 23.

For a full listing of the County’s holiday schedule click here.

DPS Stakeholders Forum Set for Dec. 6

at Wheaton Office Building Auditorium

from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Save the date! The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) is holding a Stakeholders Forum on Wednesday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to noon (doors open at 8:30 a.m. for a meet and greet) at the second-floor auditorium at 2425 Reedie Drive in Wheaton.

DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan encourages architects, builders, contractors, designers, engineers, land use attorneys, permit expediters and other professionals to attend. Space is limited to 200 seats. Reserve your spot online today!

Topics to be discussed at the Stakeholders Forum include: public dashboards with turnaround times; pending code changes, recommendations from the Development Review Process Workgroup; new DPS vision and customer service initiatives; impact taxes, fee study; Fast Track Program; outreach and community engagement activities; Peer Review Program; community engagement activities (including the new DPS Podcast); and a questions and answers session to obtain stakeholder feedback for improvement.

If you have questions about the Stakeholders Forum, email leah.ortiz@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 240-777-6364.

Montgomery County Grant Program Seeks Providers to Assist Disabled, Older Adults and Low-Income Residents with Transportation Needs

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation is soliciting applications for the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Enhanced Mobility Grants Program from qualified organizations to provide direct transportation services in the County. This program aims to increase access to transportation services for County residents who are disabled, individuals with limited incomes, older adults and other vulnerable populations (specifically in underserved communities). A total of $800,000 in funding is available for FY24. 

County Executive Marc Elrich proposed, and the County Council approved, $800,000 for a joint capital and operating grant program. Of that amount, $640,000 was allocated to capital expenses and $160,000 to operating expenses. At present, the funding is available for one year, so all funded activities must be implemented within 12 months. 

The deadline for potential transportation providers to apply for grants is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 8. An MS Teams Live online grant program information session will be held from 2-3:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 20. To join the online session, register here. 

“Last year, we saw strong interest and utilization from our nonprofit organizations for our inaugural Mobility Grants Program,” said County Executive Elrich. “Access to transportation options is critical for our disabled, older adults and low-income residents. Furthermore, ensuring that underserved communities have access to reliable and affordable transportation options is a matter of social justice. I encourage nonprofit organizations serving residents with transportation needs to consider applying for these grants.”

The grants program will prioritize funding to nonprofit organizations that aim to increase access to transportation for residents who are:

• Individuals with physical, emotional and/or intellectual disabilities.
• Older adults 63 years old and older (same eligibility for MCDOT’s Call-n-Ride Program).
• Individuals with limited incomes aged 18-62.
• Other vulnerable populations residing in Montgomery County, specifically in underserved communities. Organizations are encouraged to consider and apply for support from the FY23 TSM Capital and Operating Grant Programs.

“I am thankful for the Transportation Services Improvement Fund for funding this program for a second year,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “The program helps address transportation disparities by supporting transportation providers and our community nonprofits in their vital work. These services have a significant impact on the overall quality of life for these residents.”

More information about the FY24 Enhanced Mobility Program is available at the Montgomery County Grants Application portal.

Key dates for these programs are:

• Program opens for applications: Monday, Nov. 13.
• MS Teams Live online grant program information session: Monday, Nov. 20. 2-3:30 p.m.
• Submission deadline: Monday, Jan. 8. 11:59 p.m.

Applicants with questions about the application process should contact Olga Kravets in the Office of Grants Management by calling 240-773-3344 or by email at grants@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Montgomery County Announces New Security Camera Incentive Program for Businesses and Residents in Select Areas

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, Councilmembers Sidney Katz and Gabe Albornoz and the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) announced a new public safety program that will reimburse residents and businesses in select areas of the County who install security cameras in their homes and businesses to help reduce crime. The Police-Private Security Camera Program will reimburse eligible residents up to $250 for a security camera installation, and eligible businesses and nonprofits up to $1,250. The program launched on November 15 with $255,000 in funding for the current fiscal year that County officials say could lead to over 1,000 new cameras installed in key areas with increased crime around the County.  

To determine eligibility click here to view an interactive map of eligible areas. 

“These security camera rebates will help our residents and businesses protect their homes, establishments, and communities,” said County Executive Elrich. “Security cameras can deter as well as solve crimes. This program will improve public safety in MCPD’s priority areas. I appreciate the Montgomery County Council for passing this legislation and encourage all eligible residents and businesses to apply for these rebates.” 

The new program comes out of Council Bill 14-22, which was enacted in July 2022 and sponsored by Councilmembers Sidney Katz and Gabe Albornoz and former Councilmember Craig Rice. MCPD then developed guidelines for the program that can be found in Executive Regulation 04-23. 

 "This program is a valuable tool in both deterring criminal activity and helping police in solving crimes in areas that have the greatest need," said Councilmember Sidney Katz. "I believe our residents and businesses will see it as a proactive approach that will heighten community efforts in addressing safety and security in our neighborhoods. 

 “Today we implemented our Private Security Camera Incentive Program, created to protect Montgomery County businesses and residents in areas experiencing relatively high incidences of crime,” said Councilmember Gabe Albornoz. “Last year, my Council colleagues and I passed Bill 14-22, an opt-in program that lets businesses and individuals apply to receive a voucher or rebate to offset the cost of a security camera on their property. We are currently facing heightened security issues in every aspect of our daily lives. This program is even more important today than it was when it was passed a year ago. We look forward to working with MCPD to provide additional support to our businesses and residents with the greatest need.” 

The Police-Private Security Camera Program Camera Incentive Program will be led by MCPD to help curb crime in areas around the County where there have been higher incidents of crime. These areas were selected based on public safety indicators, including crime levels. Areas in the program are identified on an interactive mapping tool located on the MCPD website. 

"This program not only empowers residents and business owners but also establishes a collaborative partnership between our community and law enforcement,” said Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones. “By installing surveillance cameras, participants can actively assist law enforcement in ensuring public safety. Together, we are fostering a more secure community." 

Security cameras purchased under this program are required to meet minimum technical and video quality standards as outlined on the MCPD website. If approved for the program, participants must retain video footage for seven days, and cameras must be installed on the exterior of a building and be waterproof to ensure optimal use. Additionally, applicants must agree in writing that the security camera will not be used for the purpose of recording private property not owned by the applicant. If the applicant is a business or a nonprofit organization, they must agree in writing to post notice prominently to alert visitors of the existence of the security camera. 

To participate, individuals, businesses, or nonprofit organizations must register online. Vulnerable areas, identified during the registration process, will determine eligibility for the program. Residents must purchase and install their security cameras before applying for reimbursement.  

For more information on the program, including an interactive map of eligible areas, visit the MCPD website. 

Montgomery County Charter Review Commission Solicits Public Input on County Charter

The Montgomery County Charter Review Commission is soliciting public comments on what matters the Commission should consider for possible revisions to the County’s Charter.    

The County Charter is the constitutional framework for the County Government. The County Council, in coordination with the County Executive, appoints an eleven-member, bi-partisan, Charter Review Commission to study the County Charter and recommend changes. The Council recently appointed new Commission members in July 2023.

The Commission is required to submit a report to the County Council on its activities in every even-numbered year, on or before May 1. The report must include the Commission’s recommendations for possible Charter revisions, if any. Those recommendations can lead to proposed Charter amendments being adopted by the Council and submitted for voter approval at the next election.

The Commission currently is seeking suggestions from the public on the topics it should study, with particular focus on matters that could be the subject of recommendations included in its report due by May 1, 2024. The Commission requests that those comments be submitted before its meeting scheduled for January 10, 2024. Suggestions for other matters that might be appropriate for longer-term study and inclusion in its May 2026 report are also welcomed. Comments received after the January 10 meeting will be considered in a subsequent report.           

Public comments can be submitted by email to:  charterreview.commission@ montgomerycountymd.gov.  

Comments sent by postal mail should be addressed to:

Charter Review Commission

Council Office Building

100 Maryland Ave., 6^th Floor

Rockville, MD 20850

The Commission also expects to hold public listening sessions early in 2024 to receive input on the possible charter revisions being considered by the Commission.  

Previous reports of the Charter Review Commission, the minutes and recordings of prior meetings, and a link that can be used to access a copy of the County Charter can be viewed here: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/crc/index.html

Montgomery County Board Vacancies

Apply Online at Links Below 

County Executive Marc Elrich is committed to representation on all of the County’s boards, committees, and commissions that is reflective of, and responsive to, our County’s residents. Public participation contributes to the work of County government and provides an important service to the community when a variety of issues, concerns, and viewpoints are presented. 

You may access information regarding boards, committees, and commissions, including application instructions here. Please carefully read application instructions on that page. Then select View and Apply for Vacancies for all currently posted notices.

 Currently, there is a valuable opportunity to serve on the following: 

• Agricultural Advisory Committee 
• Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board
• Commission on People with Disabilities
• Advisory Commission on Policing
• Commission on Veterans Affairs

 Please share this notice with anyone who may be interested. 

The deadline for application is December 11, 2023. 

Applicants of diverse backgrounds, professions, genders, geography, disabilities, ethnicities, and ages are encouraged to apply. Members of County boards, committees, and commissions may not serve on more than one such group at a time. The County Executive’s appointments are generally subject to confirmation by the County Council. Members must complete training on the Maryland Open Meetings Act, Montgomery County Ethics Law, and basic parliamentary procedure. Members are eligible for reimbursement for travel and dependent care for in-person meetings attended. County boards, committees, and commissions may meet virtually by video and/or teleconference. 

Montgomery County Council Seeks Applicants for the Advisory Commission on Policing

The Montgomery County Council is seeking applicants to fill 11 public member vacancies on the Advisory Commission on Policing. Applications for the three-year appointments are due by 5 p.m. on Dec. 8, 2023.

The Policing Advisory Commission, established in 2019, has been renamed to the Advisory Commission on Policing (ACP). In addition to renaming the Commission, Expedited Bill 32-23 clarified some of the Commission’s duties. The ACP is responsible for advising the Council on policing matters, recommending legislation or regulation for the Council’s consideration, conducting public outreach for community input, and accepting community feedback.

The Commission consists of 11 public members nominated by the Council, with each Councilmember nominating one member. In addition, the County Executive nominates one youth member (25 years of age or younger) and one young adult member (26-35 years of age). The ACP also has two institutional members. All members must be appointed by the Council, and each member must represent either an individual or a community organization that works within the County. The Commission is required to select a Chair and Vice-Chair from its members. Every new member must participate in an orientation program with a menu of training opportunities determined by the Chair in consultation with staff.

Commission members serve three-year terms without compensation but are eligible for mileage reimbursement and dependent care costs at rates established by the County. The Commission must meet as often as necessary to perform its duties, but not less than six times per year. By July 1st, it must submit an annual report to the Executive and Council detailing its functions, activities, accomplishments, and plans.

Members of the Commission should reflect the diversity of Montgomery County, including a range of races, ethnicities, places of origin, socioeconomic status, age, sex – including on the basis of gender identity or orientation, religion, religious creed, disability, or other characteristics, and geographic location, with emphasis on those who are disproportionately impacted by inequities; have a keen interest and/or expertise in policing matters, and want to deliberate on policy guidelines affecting departmental operations to help identify unintended consequences and develop safeguards to mitigate them.

Cover letter expressing interest, including a resume (no more than 4 pages in length) listing professional and civic experience, home address, telephone number, and email address, should be sent via email to Council.Clerk@montgomerycountymd.gov addressed to Council President Glass, or sent via mail to Council President Glass, County Council Office, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850. Letters of application must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Dec. 8. It is the Council’s policy not to consider applications received after the deadline. After the closing date, Councilmembers will review the applications and select applicants to interview.

Council staff may request a redacted resume to include as part of the information shared with the public. Any interviews held are open to the public and will be televised.

Montgomery County Office of Procurement

Active LSBRP Solicitations

Automotive Paint and Body Shop Supplies

IFB # 1158146

Post Adoption Services

RFP # 1138406

Uniform Apparel

IFB # 1163696

Agricultural Social Media Marketing Management

Informal 1155151

OZAH Informal Mini Solicitation for Paralegal/Planner Services

Informal 1165023

Recreation Policy and Strategic Analyst

Informal 1164761

Visit our website for the most updated due dates.

Information is subject to change. The website has the most updated information.

Remember to check our website for Open Solicitations! 

Montgomery County certified local businesses may receive price preference or points. Click here for more details on LBPP.

See Full List of Solicitations



Procurement Fair: Recap

Download the PowerPoint presentation HERE

FYI....Government & Community News

WomenPalante

Mompreneurs

Description of the Women Palante programs Mompreneurs: A business incubator to teach Latina mothers to develop and grow their own business, while learning to take care of themselves and their families, you will need to terminate your business registration if you do not have one. Gourmetpreneurs: A business incubator for women who have a business idea in food or drink products. Nutrition and cooking classes. She needs to register the business and take the certifications at the end of the program. Business Accelerator*: It is a Business Accelerator focused on supporting the graduated improvements of our programs and positioning their ventures. Wellness and Personal Finance Program: Program to improve the mental, physical and financial health of Latinas.

For more information please visit womenpalante.org/mompreneurs. 

Montgomery County Department of Police

Police - Private Security Camera Incentive Program

The Montgomery County Department of Police is committed to working in partnership with the community. It has launched a Police-Private Security Camera Incentive Program (Nov. 15) with the purpose of deterring and solving crime by incentivizing the installation of security cameras in geographic areas experiencing relatively high incidents of crime.

For more information on eligibility and how to apply, click here.

Grants & Funding Opportunities 

Please visit Nonprofit Montgomery's website for information on previously advertised grants. 

Montgomery County Office of Grants Management

FY24 Enhanced Mobility Grants Program

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is soliciting grant applications for the County’s FY 2024 Enhanced Mobility Grants Program from qualified organizations providing direct transportation services in the County. This program aims to increase access to transportation services for Montgomery County residents who are disabled as well as seniors, individuals with limited incomes, and other vulnerable populations, specifically in Underserved Communities.

For more information click here. 

Reading & Resources

• Montgomery County’s Community Action Agency 2023 Self-Sufficiency Standard Report Shows Substantial Increases in Cost of Living

Job Opportunities

Asian American LEAD: Manager of Development and Communications

EveryMind: Director of School-based Services, Workforce Optimization Manager, Child and Family Therapist, Friendly Visitor, Representative Payee

Cut-Off for Reserving Dates During Holiday Season Nov. 2023 through Jan. 2024

The Office of Community Use of Public Facilities would like to remind our community members that the cut-off for reserving dates during the holiday season include a winter and Thanksgiving break.

Winter Break 

Effective December 8, 2023, CUPF will no longer accept new reservation requests for use of School facilities for dates of use December 18, 2023, through January 3, 2024.

For more information, see the blog post at the Community Use Bridge.

Click link: https://cupfmontgomerycountymd.blogspot.com/2023/11/Cut-Off%20for%202023-2024%20Holiday%20Season%20Reservations.html

You may contact our office at 240-777-2725, or by email at cupf@montgomerycountymd.gov.  In case of an emergency or to report a problem that significantly affects use, please contact the Community Use of Public Facilities (CUPF) after hours help line at: 240-490-CUPF (2873)

Information Available on:

Community Use Bridge or CUPF website

Upcoming Events in East County & Elsewhere

Youth Urban Art Expressions

Registration Reminders and Deadlines

Montgomery College offers

7-, 13-, and 15-week courses in distance learning, remote, or on-campus

formats. Please visit the class schedules page

for more information.

Winter semester classes

begin December 18. Registration is open. 

Spring semester classes

begin January 22. Registration is open.

For more dates, visit the

academic calendar and student dates and deadlines.

Employment Opportunities

Visit www.WORK4MCG.com to see all job opportunities

Visit montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19 for Latest COVID-19 Updates

Montgomery County

 Resources Available for Individuals and Families:

Housing:

Resources on Homelessness

Housing Opportunities Commission – Adult and Family Programs

Bethesda Help - Emergency Financial Assistance

Mental Health: 

Everymind – Mental Health

InfoMontgomery Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

Food:

211 – Food Providers in Maryland 

Montgomery County Food Providers

Applying for unemployment or SNAP benefits

Montgomery County Food Council Food Assistance Resource Map

Manna Food Center   

Food Distribution

Montgomery County has various food distribution events across the County this week, including in Rockville, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring and Olney. To find distribution events or food near you, click here. The website also has more information about food resources in multiple languages. For help with getting food, please call the Food Access Call Center at MC311.

Vendor Resources/Business Opportunities

• View PROJections - A new solicitation forecasting feature!
• Introduce your Business to the County through the Vendor Innovation Portal
• Socio-Economic Programs Comparison
• Register your business with the County
• Get Certified as a Minority, Female or Disabled-Owned (MFD) Business
• Get Certified as a Local Small Business