Dear Friends–
Hope you are doing great! I would like to brief you on what I have been up to. Let’s start with my favorite subject:
What’s coming up for the ECON Committee
I am very excited about the upcoming schedule for the Council’s Economic Development (ECON) Committee that I Chair. We will kick off the fall schedule on September 11 with a panel discussion of experts on the County’s sputtering office market. The problem of weak demand for office space is not purely a Montgomery County phenomenon–it’s a problem regionally and nationally–but we need to better understand our local market conditions to see what tools we can use to make a difference. We will also have an oversight worksession on business attraction by the County’s designated economic development entity (MCEDC). And that’s only the beginning; the full schedule is below.
Sep 11
- Discussion: Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) – Business Attraction
- Update: Office Market
Oct 9
- Discussion: Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) Business Retention
Oct 23
- Discussion: Retail Market
- Worksession #2: Urban Districts, including OLO’s 2023 Evaluation of the Bethesda Urban Partnership
Nov 6 (session to be held UpCounty, exact location TBA)
- Discussion: Agritourism
Nov 20
- Discussion: Economic Opportunities in the Sports/Sport Tourism Industry
- Discussion: Restaurant Sector
It is the first week of school!
I wish every student, educator, staff person and parent a safe and enriching school year.
As we start this new school year, we cannot ignore what has recently transpired at MCPS–I share the concerns of educators, parents, and community members who have reached out over the past few weeks to express their disbelief and frustration about Mr. Joel Beidleman’s promotion to High School principal despite multiple reported sexual harassment allegations.
MCPS shared that they have retained the Jackson Lewis law firm to conduct the external investigation. While I have no jurisdiction over this investigation, I contacted Montgomery County’s Inspector General on August 14 to ask for their assistance on this case. The Inspector General assured me that she will review the findings of the external investigation upon its completion in September. Meanwhile, I will continue to closely monitor the case and its progression. As we start the new school year, we must ensure that our educators, children, and everyone in the building feel safe and supported.
MCPS Attendance Action Plan
Last week, MCPS unveiled its attendance action plan to tackle chronic absenteeism in our schools. As someone who has followed this issue closely, I am happy to see that MCPS is committed to combating chronic absenteeism, as this is a factor that hinders students’ academic success and well-being. As Chair of the Economic Development Committee, I have previously shared my concerns about the low literacy and math scores of MCPS students and what this means for our future workforce. I look forward to continuing these conversations with MCPS to ensure our students are present in the classroom and flourish academically.
You can find more information about the “ALL TOGETHER NOW, In School Together, Learn Together, Achieve Together” plan here.
Cabin Branch Elementary School
One of the very last issues I voted on when I was on the Planning Board was giving Forest Conservation Plan approval to build Cabin Branch Elementary School (July 2021). Now this gorgeous school is built! I am proud to have voted to increase resources for school construction in the most recent budget as well as voting yes on the increased recordation tax for school construction projects. Those resources allow us to celebrate the opening of this fantastic school and much more to come.
My first bill became law
In July the County Council approved–and the County Executive signed–landmark legislation to protect tenants and stabilize rents countywide. I am proud to not only have authored the original bill, my very first bill as a Councilmember, but also offered the critical compromise amendments to secure passage with a vote of 7-4.
I am so proud to live in a County that cares for families and our entire workforce, not only with words but with legislation that protects the most economically vulnerable to work and live in Montgomery County. While the debate on this legislation was fierce, my approach was to bring people together to pass a meaningful and workable solution. We have done just that.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities to Engage
Join us at the Kensington Labor Day Parade
Monday, Sep 4th at 10am | Website
T&E Worksession on Pedestrian Master Plan
Monday, Sept 11 at 1:30pm | Stream
I have received many emails in support of keeping Beach Dr and Sligo Parkway permanently open to pedestrians and cyclists on the weekends. I contacted the Parks Department to confirm that they will keep these parkways open on the weekends, and I was delighted to learn that they will. The Pedestrian Master Plan recommends that Open Parkways remain permanent, on their current schedules. I will support this recommendation when the Pedestrian Master Plan comes before the full Council this Fall.
Public Safety: A special presentation of Drone as First Responder
Tuesday, September 12 at 6:30pm for appetizers, 7pm for program
Wheaton Library and Recreation Center
I will be joining the Wheaton Urban District Advisory Committee (WUDAC) and the Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board as MCPD will make a presentation, Drone as First Responder Pilot Program, to improve public safety in the Wheaton/Glenmont area. The meeting is a good opportunity for residents to ask questions and learn how MCPD would like to use cutting-edge technology to enhance public safety and reduce response times.
Minority Contractor Summit hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Montgomery County
Wednesday, September 13 from 7:00am – 12:00pm | Website
Bethesda North Hotel & Conference Center, 5701 Marinelli Rd., North Bethesda, MD 20852
Supporting small business contractors in Montgomery County and fostering opportunities through collaboration and partnership with general contractors is always a win for everyone. We thank the HCCCM for bringing leaders and experts together to help create a more equitable and inclusive Montgomery County.
I would love to hear from you! Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns by emailing me directly at Councilmember.Fani-Gonzalez@montgomerycountymd.gov or by calling 240.777.7870.
Sincerely,
Natali Fani-González
Councilmember, District 6
Chair of Economic Development Committee