Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich made a special appearance this Tuesday, celebrating the 13th anniversary of the "Montgomery al Día" radio show alongside host Lorna Virgilí. The program, which has been a key information source for the county's Hispanic and Latino communities since April 2012, broadcasts every Tuesday at 2 p.m. on Radio America WACA 900 AM. It also streams live on the County's Spanish-language Facebook page, a statement from the Montgomery County Government.
"Montgomery al Día is an essential part of our communications strategy and equity efforts, helping ensure that our growing Hispanic and Latino communities have access to timely, relevant information in their own language," Elrich said. He also praised Virgilí's commitment over the past 13 years, saying, "Her dedication has made it easier for Spanish-speaking residents to connect with County government and get the support and resources they need." Elrich shared these comments during the celebratory event, as detailed in the press release.
The show has been a platform for more than 400 guests since its inception and has earned national recognition from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for its innovative approach to multilingual outreach. It has played a pivotal role in increasing Hispanic engagement with County services, which include public forums and the MC311 helpline, the county's one-stop service for community questions and requests.
In its efforts to expand its Spanish-language outreach, the County's Office of Public Information has implemented daily news briefs, PSAs, and weekly public agendas. These are featured on Calentando la Mañana (Warming Up the Morning), which is the longest-running talk show on WACA 900 AM. This outreach is part of the County's ongoing commitment to ensuring all residents, regardless of language preference, are well-informed and engaged in community affairs, the press release stated.
