A S.M.A.R.T. AGENDA
We are facing challenges from the federal government and uncertainty in our state budget. As your Councilmember, I have worked hard to understand all parts of county government, no matter the district. I aim to keep Montgomery County a great place to live, work, play, and thrive.
As your councilwoman, I am excited to continue building on our S.M.A.R.T. government policy agenda, which has been essential during my first term. With your help, I will continue fighting to:
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Strengthen 21st-century learning from cradle to career and beyond.
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More affordable living in Montgomery County.
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Advance sustainable local food production in the Ag Reserve.
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Revitalize the economy.
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Tackle climate change.
We have achieved a lot in the last few years, and with your help, we can accomplish even more together to create a brighter future for our county!
Strengthening 21st-century learning from cradle to career and beyond
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As your councilwoman dedicated to strengthening 21st-century learning from cradle to career and beyond, I have championed numerous initiatives aimed at empowering our students throughout their educational journeys. I successfully advocated for a $3.3 billion allocation for Montgomery County Public Schools in the FY25 Operating Budget—a $158 million increase that will enhance resources and opportunities for our students.
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In partnership with Montgomery College, I ensured its operating budget was fully funded at $345.2 million, reinforcing our commitment to quality education and training to meet our community's educational needs.
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Acknowledging the urgent infrastructure challenges, I collaborated with educators and community members to identify and prioritize the unmet needs of our schools, including historically underfunded institutions to guarantee that every student has access to a safe and modern learning environment.
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I also initiated public-private partnerships to create apprenticeship programs, equipping students with skills for in-demand careers while closing the digital divide to ensure equitable access to essential learning opportunities. Additionally, I am committed to advancing social-emotional learning and mental health services by working with state and federal partners to secure increased funding that addresses barriers our students and families face.
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As I seek re-election, I remain motivated by past progress and the potential to continue transforming our educational system for future generations. Together, we can further enrich the educational landscape and foster a culture of collaboration, including initiatives like the S.M.A.R.T. Youth Advisory Council, which enhances partnerships between schools and the community, thus enriching our children's educational experiences.
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I will continue advocating for the integration of technology and innovative teaching practices in schools to engage students more effectively. By promoting hands-on learning experiences such as internships and apprenticeships, I aim to help our students transition smoothly into the workforce. Furthermore, I support continuous professional development for educators to create enriching learning environments that rise to the challenges of modern teaching.
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As a member of the County's first Economic Development Committee, I work closely with local businesses and higher education institutions to ensure our youth have access to career-ready programs that meet job market demands. With your support, I am committed to continuing this critical work to strengthen our educational system and ensure every child has the resources and opportunities necessary to thrive!
Making a living in Montgomery County more affordable
As your Councilwoman, I've worked tirelessly to make Montgomery County a more affordable place to call home. Here's what I've accomplished:
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Last July, I passed the Opening Pathways for Economic Necessity (O.P.E.N.) Zoning Text Amendment. This legislation expedites the approval process for affordable mixed-use developments, ensuring that more residents have access to vital amenities and housing options as we work to address the 37,000 people currently on the housing assistance waitlist in our County.
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I championed the production and preservation of affordable housing by securing $57 million for the Housing Initiative Fund (HIF), an $8 million budget for the Housing Opportunities Commission, and allocating over $77 million to the Department of Housing and Community Affairs in the FY24 Operating Budget. This funding preserves and increases the supply of affordable housing, maintains safe living conditions, and supports fair relations between landlords and tenants.
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I co-sponsored Bill 15-23 on Rent Stabilization, which limits rent increases to the lesser of the local annual Consumer Price Index plus three percent or a maximum of six percent of the base rent. This critical legislation balances the needs of tenants and landlords, ensuring long-term affordability amid rising costs.
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In August 2024, I passed Bill 8-24, strengthening the "Ban the Box" legislation further to protect renters from unwarranted disclosures of their criminal history. This law requires housing providers to inform applicants about their rights regarding background checks, fostering a fair rental process for all.
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I advocated for a property tax credit for honorably discharged, disabled veterans in Montgomery County through Bill 6-24. This credit will support our veterans, many of whom face financial challenges, and help them maintain stable housing in our community.
These are just a few highlights of my accomplishments during my first term in office—and I’m just getting started! With your continued support, we can continue to build a community that is inclusive, equitable, and affordable for all residents.
Advancing sustainable local food production in the Agricultural Reserve
As your Councilmember at large, I have taken significant steps to advance sustainable local food production in the Agricultural Reserve, which is essential for feeding our community. Here's what I have accomplished:
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Our collective efforts have led to a significant reduction in our dependence on imported goods and a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. During my first term on the Council, we created the Office of Food Systems Resilience (OFSR). This office helps the Council develop budgets, rules, and operations to make a fair, efficient, and sustainable food system. We aim to ensure everyone can access healthy and culturally appropriate foods without financial stress, all within a flexible system.
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By championing the development of essential infrastructure for local food processing and distribution, we have significantly increased the availability of fresh and affordable food, ensuring that all residents have access regardless of their location or income level.
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Furthermore, I successfully advocated for measures that simplify the processes for farmers to purchase affordable land, obtain permits, and cultivate crops. These measures empower both new and existing farmers to provide healthy food options within our community.
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I have also enhanced the "farm to food bank" initiative. This initiative leverages the Agricultural Reserve to connect local farmers with individuals in need. By effectively bridging the gap between surplus produce and those requiring assistance, this effort ensures that no one in our community goes hungry.
As your Councilwoman, I am committed to continuing the work of building a sustainable future for our Agricultural Reserve. I will ensure that it not only survives but thrives for generations to come by leveraging this region's economic viability to provide a reliable source of fresh, locally grown food, services, and experiences for our neighbors and visitors.
Revitalizing the economy while recovering from the pandemic
As your Councilwoman, I am deeply committed to working closely with federal, state, and local leaders, business owners, and health advocates. Your role as residents, local business owners, and community leaders is crucial in tackling the critical issues highlighted by the COVID-19 crisis, including economic disparities. Together, we can rebuild our economy and enhance our community's resilience to future challenges.
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I strongly support the $20 million Jobs, Opportunities, and Business Support (J.O.B.S.) Initiative. This initiative strategically invests in high-quality job creation, innovation, and equity to strengthen our economy. It is a beacon of hope for our community, promising a brighter future and more opportunities for all.
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To address office vacancies after the pandemic, I co-led the legislation for the Make Office Vacancy Extinct (MOVE) grant program. This program provides financial assistance to businesses that relocate to our County or expand their footprint to fill empty office spaces. In FY23, we assisted 22 companies in revitalizing our commercial areas.
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I passed legislation to extend the County's minority-owned business purchasing program for five more years, contributing to a $30 million increase in business across various sectors this past fiscal year.
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As the Council's Lead for Eliminating Disparities in Public Health, our recovery efforts were inclusive, equitable, and focused on long-term prosperity for all residents. I will continue working tirelessly to ensure the health and well-being of our community. Moreover, as a member of the Economic Development Committee, I have worked closely with the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation to help us regain our status as a leading County in the region.
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I prioritize workforce development by promoting partnerships between the public and private sectors that prepare both young people and adults for future jobs. I connect unemployed and underemployed workers, as well as active retirees, to empowering job opportunities.
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As an active member of the National Association of Counties, I will strengthen our relationships with federal agencies and corporate leaders to create opportunities in our growing biotech corridor to make Montgomery County the premier innovation hub.
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I set clear goals to build healthier communities, such as supporting Congressional Bill HR 1976, which aims to increase access to affordable healthcare. I commit to finding long-term solutions for vulnerable populations affected by the pandemic, including women and non-English-speaking households.
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I also prioritize our creative economy by promoting initiatives that utilize art and culture to drive economic growth in Montgomery County.
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I introduced Bill 4-24 to establish the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund Commission. This commission guides how we use cannabis tax revenues to support communities harmed by the War on Drugs, helping them recover.
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Finally, I proudly supported the Great Seneca Plan, which enhances our BioTech Corridor, the third largest in the nation, and ensures it remains a top destination for research and innovation.
Local government leaders have accomplished a great deal in the past five years since the pandemic. Regardless of who occupies the White House, we will continue to build on these successes to ensure that Montgomery County remains the economic engine of Maryland.
Targeted climate solutions through better transportation, public transit, and renewable energy
As your Councilwoman, I have made significant strides in tackling climate change through equitable transportation initiatives during my first term.
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One of my proudest accomplishments has been championing safe and complete streets to uphold our Vision Zero commitments. I have led efforts to create streets that cater to both drivers and pedestrians, enhancing connectivity between our neighborhoods and business corridors. This work has fostered a more walkable and accessible community for all residents.
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In addition, I initiated and oversaw vital feasibility studies aimed at allocating adequate funding for essential transportation improvement projects. These studies have empowered us to effectively address transit deserts, ensuring that all residents have access to reliable transportation options. By understanding our community's needs, we can make informed decisions that benefit everyone.
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I have also successfully advocated for increased investments in green infrastructure, including expanded cycling paths, eco-friendly traffic signals, and greener bus routes. These initiatives reduce traffic pollution and significantly improve the daily lives of our residents. By prioritizing sustainable transportation options, we are taking necessary steps toward a healthier environment.
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Furthermore, I have strongly supported investments in critical projects such as FLASH, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), the Purple Line, and the Corridor Cities Transitway (CCT). My commitment to these initiatives has been vital for economic growth in our biotech corridor and downcounty for fostering collaboration across jurisdictions. Each project contributes to a robust and efficient transportation network that benefits our entire community.
As I seek re-election, I remain dedicated to ensuring that our transportation systems contribute to a cleaner environment while enhancing mobility for everyone. These accomplishments reaffirm my commitment to equitable transportation solutions that prioritize sustainability and community well-being. I look forward to continuing this important work and building on the progress we've made together.
