Montgomery County’s leaders spent 2024 tackling a host of issues, ranging from making tough decisions about what to spend on county government and schools to addressing housing concerns and even an illegal pool party that drew hundreds to a Potomac mansion last summer. In no particular order, here are 10 of the biggest local government stories from 2024:
- The County Council pushes for more accountability from Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS).
The County Council oversees the annual MCPS operating budget and in 2024 councilmembers embarked on an unprecedented level of scrutiny of the school system’s proposed spending plan. In February, councilmembers probed into the district’s investigation of a 2023 sexual harassment scandal involving a former middle school principal. In May, then-council President Andrew Friedson (D-Dist. 1) introduced the first transparency and oversight measures for the MCPS budget, requiring district leaders to submit reports on spending to the council.
- The Planning Board introduces a “missing middle” housing zoning proposal.
The Planning Board proposed a zoning initiative that would allow duplexes, triplexes and smaller apartment buildings to be built in single-family home neighborhoods. The proposed zoning change has caused significant controversy among residents. Councilmembers began officially discussing the proposal in November, but no formal legislation has been introduced.
- The county government expands the “Drone As First Responder” program.
After seeing success in 2023, the County Council and County Executive Marc Elrich (D) agreed to expand the county police department’s drone policing program beyond Silver Spring and Wheaton to Bethesda, Gaithersburg and Germantown. Police deploy a drone after a 911 call if the dispatcher and drone pilot believe it would be useful for one to respond. Once the drone is on the scene, the police officer remotely piloting the aircraft can assess whether a threat is credible, if more emergency responders are needed, and other details that could help expedite an emergency response, according to police. The program was praised by Gov. Wes Moore (D) during a March visit.
- County Council passes tenant safety legislation following death of woman in Silver Spring apartment fire
Residential leases are now required to include information related to renter’s insurance, automatic sprinkler systems and emergency evacuation and safety plans, after legislation sponsored by then-council Vice President Kate Stewart (D-Dist. 4) was signed into law by County Executive Marc Elrich in August. Stewart was inspired to draft the bill following the death of her constituent, Melanie Diaz, in a February 2023 fire at Arrive Silver Spring, an apartment complex in downtown Silver Spring.
- Elrich, councilmembers expand hate crime prevention program
Elrich and the County Council announced in September another round of grants to help houses of worship and community organizations at risk of hate crimes pay for security guards, cameras and other safety measures. The program started in 2018. In the most recent cycle, the county is awarding $1.2 million in grants, the largest amount of funding the program has distributed. The county reported a 38% increase in applications for grant funding in the cycle awarded in March 2024, with more than 150 organizations applying.
- County Council passes $7.1 billion county budget for fiscal year 2025
After months of deliberation, public hearings and committee work sessions, the Montgomery County Council on May 23 approved a $7.1 billion county budget for fiscal year 2025, which began July 1. Though the budget included the highest-ever amount of funding for Montgomery County Public Schools at $3.3 billion, the council’s decision generated controversy because members chose not to fully fund the district’s spending request.
- “Wet Dreams” Memorial Day party draws attention to illegal house parties in county
An illegal commercial house party that drew an estimated 1,000 attendees to a Potomac mansion in May led county and state officials to investigate ways to prevent similar events. Officials warned that the events could be fire hazards and pose other safety risks, while residents complained of possible illegal drug use, alcohol sales and traffic issues.
- County legislative experts, advocates sound alarm on increased need for LGBTQ+ resources
A county Office of Legislative Oversight report published in in January that the county government could be doing more to support its transgender residents, recommending that officials consider creating a resource center and lobbying the state to require cultural competency training for medical providers. The report, coupled with significant lobbying from LGBTQ+ community organizations and advocates who said their resources were overextended, led councilmembers to approve a special appropriation for health resources specific to the LGBTQ+ community in May.
- County food pantries face budget shortfalls amid growing need
Local officials made a controversial decision during the fiscal year 2025 budget deliberations to not increase the county’s food insecurity budget — despite a documented rise in need. Food pantries struggled to fill in the gaps. According to a report released in September, more than 27,000 county children are facing food insecurity. Meanwhile, the county government made some strides, launching a new program in partnership with Instacart in August that allows recipients of food vouchers to choose their groceries.
- Council passes zoning change, allowing houses of worship and nonprofits to build housing on their land
Houses of worship, nonprofits and private educational institutions are now allowed to build apartments and multi-unit housing on their land under a zoning amendment that the County Council approved unanimously in April. The Facilitating Affordable Inclusive Transformational Housing (FAITH) Zoning Text Amendment aims to increase the supply of affordable housing in the county. It was sponsored by councilmembers Friedson and Stewart.
