The Trachtenberg Office was represented by Legislative Aide Laurie Edberg at the final class of the Emerging Nonprofit Workshop Series 2010. The series of lectures for nonprofits was sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington (JCRC). Today’s workshop was presented by Justin Pollock, Managing Director of Maryland Nonprofits. The two hour class focused on Finance Management for the nonprofit community and included topics such as financial leadership, financial literacy, nonprofit budgets, cash flow issues and internal controls. This lecture was the final one in a series presented by JCRC.
At the end of the lecture, all participants received a certificate from Isiah Leggett, County Executive of Montgomery County and Ron Halber, President of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington. Legislative Aide Laurie Edberg accepted the Certificate of Completion on behalf of the Montgomery County Council.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
The Trachtenberg Office Attends Silver Spring Action
The Trachtenberg Office was represented at “Silver Spring Action,” an annual community engagement program produced by Impact Silver Spring. This year’s program was co-sponsored by the Silver Spring Regional Center and Silver Spring Town Center, Inc.
The objective of the program was to solicit broad community input and opinion about the use of public space in Silver Spring. After an entertaining introduction segment, participants joined “break out” groups to develop an inventory of public spaces, and to suggest creative uses of the community spaces and alternatives ways of paying for it.
The meeting was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Silver Spring. Our Chief of Staff Alan Bowser attended on behalf of Councilmember Trachtenberg.
The objective of the program was to solicit broad community input and opinion about the use of public space in Silver Spring. After an entertaining introduction segment, participants joined “break out” groups to develop an inventory of public spaces, and to suggest creative uses of the community spaces and alternatives ways of paying for it.
The meeting was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Silver Spring. Our Chief of Staff Alan Bowser attended on behalf of Councilmember Trachtenberg.
Councilmember Trachtenberg Meets with Students from Wheaton High School’s Learning for Independence Program
LEARNING FOR INDEPENDENCE … Students from Wheaton High School’s Learning for Independence Program visited the Montgomery County Council on March 2. They toured the Council Office Building and had a question-and-answer session with Councilmembers Phil Andrews, Duchy Trachtenberg and Marc Elrich. The students said they hoped the County would maintain the funding that helps support their program.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Health and Human Services Holds Briefing on Fiscal Year 2011 Recommended Operating Budget
The public is invited to attend a briefing on Wednesday, March 17, to discuss the County Executive’s FY 2011 recommended operating budget for the Department of Health and Human Services. The event will begin at 6 p.m. in the auditorium of the Children’s Resource Center, located at 332 West Edmonston Drive in Rockville. Free parking is available.
Department of Health and Human Services Director Uma Ahluwalia and senior leadership staff will brief residents and interested parties on the department’s portion of the recommended budget.
To request sign language interpreter services or other assistance to participate in this meeting, call Karen Ricucci at 240-777-1211 (voice), 240-777-1245 (TTY) or email to Karen.Ricucci@montgomerycountymd.gov by March 12.
Department of Health and Human Services Director Uma Ahluwalia and senior leadership staff will brief residents and interested parties on the department’s portion of the recommended budget.
To request sign language interpreter services or other assistance to participate in this meeting, call Karen Ricucci at 240-777-1211 (voice), 240-777-1245 (TTY) or email to Karen.Ricucci@montgomerycountymd.gov by March 12.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
County Council Votes Unanimously for Trachtenberg Amendment to Provide Enhanced Accessibility for the Disabled
Today the Montgomery County Council unanimously approved an amendment proposed by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg (D-At Large) that will provide new housing opportunities for the County’s disabled population.
The “Enhanced Accessibility for the Disabled” amendment introduced by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, Chair of the Management and Fiscal Policy Committee, and member of the Health and Human Services Committee, was endorsed by the Chair of the Planning Board and the Executive Branch. Trachtenberg’s amendment adds an additional public benefit in the “Diversity of Activities and Uses” category to the new “Commercial/Residential (CR) Zone” passed by the Council today.
Zoning Text Amendment 09-08, creating a new family of Commercial/Residential (CR) Zones, will allow some future redeveloped areas designated in master plans to become more dense mixed-use communities that will encourage residents and businesses to be less dependent on automobiles and more reliant on public transit.
Trachtenberg’s amendment will provide incentives to developers who opt to provide dwelling unit modifications for disabled persons, which will exceed County requirements and satisfy the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A117.1 Residential Type A standards—specifically established for wheelchair-bound individuals; and incorporates larger kitchens and bathrooms for wheelchair turns and lower counter heights to accommodate wheelchair heights.
The County requires compliance with Federal Housing Administration (FHA) guidelines for accessibility for all multi-family buildings and dwellings. All residential multi-family buildings and all units in those buildings must satisfy those standards. The amendment is an addition to the County’s Commercial Residential (CR) Zone, and is one of 28 possible public benefits. If the amendment is adopted for future plans, the Planning Board would then determine the percentage of Type A units necessary to receive density increases.
“Adding enhanced accessibility for disabled persons is a very important public benefit,” says Councilmember Trachtenberg. “Today’s decision by the Council will go a long way in extending equitable access for the disabled community.
The “Enhanced Accessibility for the Disabled” amendment introduced by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, Chair of the Management and Fiscal Policy Committee, and member of the Health and Human Services Committee, was endorsed by the Chair of the Planning Board and the Executive Branch. Trachtenberg’s amendment adds an additional public benefit in the “Diversity of Activities and Uses” category to the new “Commercial/Residential (CR) Zone” passed by the Council today.
Zoning Text Amendment 09-08, creating a new family of Commercial/Residential (CR) Zones, will allow some future redeveloped areas designated in master plans to become more dense mixed-use communities that will encourage residents and businesses to be less dependent on automobiles and more reliant on public transit.
Trachtenberg’s amendment will provide incentives to developers who opt to provide dwelling unit modifications for disabled persons, which will exceed County requirements and satisfy the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A117.1 Residential Type A standards—specifically established for wheelchair-bound individuals; and incorporates larger kitchens and bathrooms for wheelchair turns and lower counter heights to accommodate wheelchair heights.
The County requires compliance with Federal Housing Administration (FHA) guidelines for accessibility for all multi-family buildings and dwellings. All residential multi-family buildings and all units in those buildings must satisfy those standards. The amendment is an addition to the County’s Commercial Residential (CR) Zone, and is one of 28 possible public benefits. If the amendment is adopted for future plans, the Planning Board would then determine the percentage of Type A units necessary to receive density increases.
“Adding enhanced accessibility for disabled persons is a very important public benefit,” says Councilmember Trachtenberg. “Today’s decision by the Council will go a long way in extending equitable access for the disabled community.
# # #
Montgomery Councilmember Trachtenberg To Speak at March 3 Rally in Annapolis in Support of Increasing Maryland Alcohol Tax
Proposed 10 cent Per Drink Increase Would Support Addiction Treatment Programs and Persons with Mental Illnesses
ROCKVILLE, Md., March 2, 2010—Montgomery County Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg (D-At Large) on Wednesday, March 3, will join a broad coalition of human services, health care and business groups in Annapolis to urge an increase in the tax the state imposes on alcohol. Revenue from the proposed 10-cent per drink increase would be dedicated to funding services for people with alcohol and substance addictions, developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, and health care for the uninsured.
The rally urging support of the increase will be held at noon, at Lawyers Mall, in front of the State House. Councilmember Trachtenberg, who chairs the Council’s Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, and is a member of its Health and Human Services Committee, will speak at the event. Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett will be one of several expected guests.
Maryland has not increased its tax on wine and beer since 1972 or its tax on liquor and spirits since 1955. Maryland taxes on these beverages are the fourth lowest among the 50 states.
According to an Opinion Works poll, released this week by the Maryland Chapter of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, 72 percent of responding Marylanders said they would support the increase. Budget reductions taken by the state’s Board of Public Works since the start of the 2010 fiscal year have reduced funding for addiction treatment and prevention by $4.7 million across the state. Hundreds of treatment slots have been lost and dozens of people have been laid off.
“As chair of the County Council’s MFP Committee that oversees many of the County’s budget issues, no one is more familiar with the budget dilemma faced by the state and local governments than I am,” said Councilmember Trachtenberg. “That is why this proposal makes so much sense. The impact on a consumer of an additional 10 cents per drink is negligible. However, collectively, the revenue raised will have a major impact on the people who need the services that will be supported by this measure. The state has not changed this tax in decades. Now is the right time to do it.”
The revenue raised will support the unmet needs of people with developmental disabilities and mental health problems, and support programs dedicated to the prevention and treatment of substance abuse. It will additionally fund health care access for childless adults.
ROCKVILLE, Md., March 2, 2010—Montgomery County Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg (D-At Large) on Wednesday, March 3, will join a broad coalition of human services, health care and business groups in Annapolis to urge an increase in the tax the state imposes on alcohol. Revenue from the proposed 10-cent per drink increase would be dedicated to funding services for people with alcohol and substance addictions, developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, and health care for the uninsured.
The rally urging support of the increase will be held at noon, at Lawyers Mall, in front of the State House. Councilmember Trachtenberg, who chairs the Council’s Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, and is a member of its Health and Human Services Committee, will speak at the event. Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett will be one of several expected guests.
Maryland has not increased its tax on wine and beer since 1972 or its tax on liquor and spirits since 1955. Maryland taxes on these beverages are the fourth lowest among the 50 states.
According to an Opinion Works poll, released this week by the Maryland Chapter of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, 72 percent of responding Marylanders said they would support the increase. Budget reductions taken by the state’s Board of Public Works since the start of the 2010 fiscal year have reduced funding for addiction treatment and prevention by $4.7 million across the state. Hundreds of treatment slots have been lost and dozens of people have been laid off.
“As chair of the County Council’s MFP Committee that oversees many of the County’s budget issues, no one is more familiar with the budget dilemma faced by the state and local governments than I am,” said Councilmember Trachtenberg. “That is why this proposal makes so much sense. The impact on a consumer of an additional 10 cents per drink is negligible. However, collectively, the revenue raised will have a major impact on the people who need the services that will be supported by this measure. The state has not changed this tax in decades. Now is the right time to do it.”
The revenue raised will support the unmet needs of people with developmental disabilities and mental health problems, and support programs dedicated to the prevention and treatment of substance abuse. It will additionally fund health care access for childless adults.
# # # #
Montgomery Council Approves Zoning Change to Allow Creation of More Urban, Walkable, Transit-Supported Communities
The Montgomery County Council today unanimously approved Zoning Text Amendment 09-08 creating a new family of Commercial/Residential (CR) Zones that will allow some future redeveloped areas designated in master plans to become more dense mixed-use communities that will encourage residents and businesses to be less dependent on automobiles and more reliant on increased public transit. The CR Zone could have significant impact on the redevelopment of the White Flint area of North Bethesda that includes the White Flint Metrorail station.
Provisions of CR Zones include “optional methods of development.” Optional methods of development are allowed in local zoning codes to grant developers considerations beyond what is allowed by a standard method of development (such as greater heights for buildings or increased density) in exchange for other amenities that would benefit the community. Under CR Zones, some buildings in the White Flint area could be built as high as 300 feet (approximately 30 stories) with four square feet of floor area for every one foot of land area.
Among the provisions of CR Zones is allowance for increased density if properties are developed near public transit and provide other public benefits. This would encourage greater use of transit, control sprawl, reduce vehicle miles traveled, reduce congestion, and reduce carbon emissions.
In addition to awarding increased density for projects built near transit, CR Zones could allow increased density by providing other public benefits for improved building designs, buildings with environmental programs (including green roofs, green walls, creating vegetative areas and energy production), buildings that provide easy connections to services, projects that include affordable housing alternatives, residential projects that include units that are fully wheel chair accessible and projects that help solve traffic problems beyond their regulator requirements.
The zone lowers the number of parking spaces required and establishes a maximum number of parking spaces.
For more information, click here to read the full Council press release.
Washington Post article: Montgomery County Council approves new building zone
Provisions of CR Zones include “optional methods of development.” Optional methods of development are allowed in local zoning codes to grant developers considerations beyond what is allowed by a standard method of development (such as greater heights for buildings or increased density) in exchange for other amenities that would benefit the community. Under CR Zones, some buildings in the White Flint area could be built as high as 300 feet (approximately 30 stories) with four square feet of floor area for every one foot of land area.
Among the provisions of CR Zones is allowance for increased density if properties are developed near public transit and provide other public benefits. This would encourage greater use of transit, control sprawl, reduce vehicle miles traveled, reduce congestion, and reduce carbon emissions.
In addition to awarding increased density for projects built near transit, CR Zones could allow increased density by providing other public benefits for improved building designs, buildings with environmental programs (including green roofs, green walls, creating vegetative areas and energy production), buildings that provide easy connections to services, projects that include affordable housing alternatives, residential projects that include units that are fully wheel chair accessible and projects that help solve traffic problems beyond their regulator requirements.
The zone lowers the number of parking spaces required and establishes a maximum number of parking spaces.
For more information, click here to read the full Council press release.
Washington Post article: Montgomery County Council approves new building zone
Management and Fiscal Policy Committee (MFP) Worksession Summary
The Management and Fiscal Policy Committee (MFP), Chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, met yesterday to discuss three agenda items. At the meeting, the MFP Committee approved Bill 2-10, Personnel-Contracts-Retaliation as well as Executive Regulation 24-09, Financial Disclosure. A good amount of time was spent discussing Bill 12-09, Ethics-Ex Parte Communications. This agenda item was postponed from last week’s MFP Committee meeting. Former Councilmember Esther Gelman was present and gave her input regarding the bill on ex parte communications. Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg abstained from voting to receive more information. The other members of the MFP Committee voted in favor of Bill 12-09, Ethics-Ex Parte Communications.
Legislative Aide Laurie Edberg attended the MFP Committee Meeting.
Legislative Aide Laurie Edberg attended the MFP Committee Meeting.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Emily Hoopes, Saschane Stephenson Join Trachtenberg Staff
We are pleased to welcome Emily Hoopes and Saschane Stephenson to the Trachtenberg Office.
Emily Hoopes, a resident of Washington Grove, previously served as Executive Director of the Montgomery Countryside Alliance and as Advocate & Campaign Director for Environment Colorado/Colorado Public Interest Research Group. A graduate of Northern Arizona University, she also served as a legislative assistant to former Montgomery County Councilmember Nancy Dacek. She will serve as our Legislative Aide for Planning, Housing and Economic Development and Director of Correspondence.
Saschane Stephenson, a resident of Silver Spring, is President of LINK Communications Group, LLC, and former Director, Communications and Marketing for Washington Adventist University (formerly Columbia Union College) in Takoma Park, Maryland. She is a graduate of City University of New York and Andrews University in Michigan. She will serve as our Legislative Aide for Health and Human Services and Director of Communications.
Emily Hoopes, a resident of Washington Grove, previously served as Executive Director of the Montgomery Countryside Alliance and as Advocate & Campaign Director for Environment Colorado/Colorado Public Interest Research Group. A graduate of Northern Arizona University, she also served as a legislative assistant to former Montgomery County Councilmember Nancy Dacek. She will serve as our Legislative Aide for Planning, Housing and Economic Development and Director of Correspondence.
Saschane Stephenson, a resident of Silver Spring, is President of LINK Communications Group, LLC, and former Director, Communications and Marketing for Washington Adventist University (formerly Columbia Union College) in Takoma Park, Maryland. She is a graduate of City University of New York and Andrews University in Michigan. She will serve as our Legislative Aide for Health and Human Services and Director of Communications.
Disaster Assistance for December Snow Storm Available to Private Non-Profit Organizations
Private non-profit organizations in Montgomery County that experienced damage or loss during the severe winter storm that occurred December 18-20, 2009, may be eligible for low interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The loans are available following a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance.
Non-profits may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. The SBA also offers mitigation funds to disaster victims based on 20 percent of the verified physical damage – designed to help borrowers pay for protective measures to minimize damages of the same kind in the future.
Interest rates are as low as 3 percent with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the Small Business Administration and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. The deadline for applications is April 20, 2010 for physical property damage, and November 19, 2010 for economic injury applications.
Non-profit organizations may visit SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ to apply for disaster loans. Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired) Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Applications can also be downloaded from www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
Non-profits may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. The SBA also offers mitigation funds to disaster victims based on 20 percent of the verified physical damage – designed to help borrowers pay for protective measures to minimize damages of the same kind in the future.
Interest rates are as low as 3 percent with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the Small Business Administration and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. The deadline for applications is April 20, 2010 for physical property damage, and November 19, 2010 for economic injury applications.
Non-profit organizations may visit SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ to apply for disaster loans. Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired) Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Applications can also be downloaded from www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
Video: Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg speaks at the signing ceremony of Montgomery County Bill 46-09
Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg speaks at the signing ceremony of Montgomery County Bill 46-09, which establishes a hiring preference for veterans and persons with disabilities for a vacant County merit system position if the candidate is among the highest rated candidates in a normal competitive process. The new law alters an existing hiring preference for veterans, giving the same advantage to people with disabilities. It also creates a new classification—veterans with disabilities. The signing took place this morning at the Executive Office Building on Monroe Street in Rockville.
Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee Meeting
The Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, Chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, will meet today at 2 pm at the Council Office Building. The MFP Committee will be discussing Bill 2-10 Personnel-Contracts-Retaliation, Executive Regulation 24-09 Financial Disclosures and Bill 12-09 Ethics-Ex Parte Communications. The discussion on the last agenda item on Ex Parte Communications was postponed from last week.
Legislative Aide Laurie Edberg will be attending today's MFP meeting as well.
Legislative Aide Laurie Edberg will be attending today's MFP meeting as well.
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