Friends–
As the Council wraps up our work on the budget this week and next, below are a few updates.
The finish line on the budget is in sight
The County Council has been meeting for the past month and a half to finalize the budget for the upcoming year. The budget sent to us from the County Executive posed a number of difficult decisions, including a proposed 10% property tax increase, but we have dug deeply into each and every budget to identify efficiencies and more properly align resources with priorities. I appreciate hearing from my constituents about matters that are important to them.
While we are not done yet, my focus has been on ensuring we deliver outstanding services for our county residents while holding all departments and agencies accountable. Specifically, I have been working diligently to provide a world-class education for our students, to fully fund contracts with first responders, county staff, teachers, and administrators, and to minimize any increase of the tax burden on residents–I recognize that rising costs across the board are putting tremendous pressure on working families.
A quick word on MCPS. I appreciate all the hard work the Board of Education, MCPS leadership, frontline teachers, and paraeducators do on behalf of our children. But we are failing a sizable cohort of our students. The latest data presented to the Board of Education on March 28, 2023 showed that only 32% of third-grade students meet the district standards for literacy, with worse outcomes for students of color coming from low-income families. These are shameful results, and I recently wrote a letter to MCPS leadership asking for a plan with measurable outcomes.
The Council will tentatively vote on the budget this Thursday, May 18, with a final vote expected on May 25.
Improving safety in our late night businesses
Today the Council approved legislation that addresses the recent spate of violence occurring in the late evening hours. The legislation, Bill 14-23, increases the collaboration between businesses open late night and the Police Department, so they can proactively address safety issues. At its core, the legislation requires these businesses to get a “late night safety plan” approved by the County, which minimally includes items like an evacuation plan, 24 hour contact information, and may include exterior lighting and security personnel. You can read more details in the Council staff memo.
The Council carefully considered testimony and made a number of amendments to address concerns raised by stakeholders. I personally visited businesses that open late night in my District to hear their views on this issue and one thing was very clear: every business I talked to wants to be part of the solution of addressing crime, and I believe this legislation will make a positive difference without unduly burdening these same businesses.
Supporting School Construction and Rental Assistance in the County
Last Tuesday, I joined the majority of my colleagues on the Council to approve Bill 17-23, which increases resources to fund school construction, other capital projects, and rental resistance through a progressive increase in recordation tax rates. I sponsored an amendment to the legislation with Councilmembers Stewart and Katz that established new categories to make the tax more progressive and leave the tax unchanged for any home sale below $600,000.
These funds will help us keep pace with growing enrollment in MCPS and the many infrastructure needs in our county. They also will provide needed assistance to renters across the county. You can read more about the recordation tax decision here.
Artie Harris for Planning Board Chair, Josh Linden for Planning Board Member
I enthusiastically nominated Mr. Artie Harris to be Planning Board Chair, and I supported Mr. Josh Linden to be a new member to the Planning Board. I am happy to share with you that they both were approved by the Council.
I have personally known Mr. Harris for many years. He offers strong expertise in the development of real estate projects and knowledge of the land use approval process, including commercial, mixed-use, market rate housing, and deeply affordable housing. He is someone who uses his intelligence and heart to improve the quality of life for people from every walk of life.
Celebrating Local Craft Brewers
I was thrilled to join Councilmember Dawn Luedtke in a joint proclamation to recognize local craft brewers and breweries on American Craft Beer Week. Local craft breweries are a lot of fun and contribute so much to the quality of life of our residents, including providing investment and jobs into our community.
Sincerely,
Natali Fani-González