Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich is embarking on a series of Community Conversations with the region's Citizen Advisory Boards to discuss fiscal strategies and solicit public input on the Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budget. According to an announcement, these discussions are an effort to shape long-term county priorities, with a focus on capital projects that could range from improvements in public schools to transportation and parks.
The series, which started in March, will continue through May, invites the community to participate in person or virtually. Elrich's office announced the upcoming Bethesda event scheduled for April 3 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Office. With a virtual conversation slated for May 6, the county aims to offer a variety of platforms for residents to weigh in on the county's fiscal future. The CIP outlines broader investments in the county infrastructure and is distinct from the operating budget, which covers annual spending needs.
"I invite residents to participate in the process and attend one of our community conversations to give their thoughts on the County’s capital projects and budget priorities," Elrich said in regards to the upcoming forums. The events are expected to allow county residents to voice their opinions and offer ideas that could influence the development of the Recommended FY27 Capital Budget and the broader FY27 -32 Capital Improvements Program.
The Community Conversations will feature a presentation by County Executive Elrich, followed by breakout sessions focused on specific areas such as education, the environment, and transportation. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with staff from various county departments, like the Department of Environmental Protection and Montgomery County Public Schools. The Montgomery County announcement details the schedule and venues for these gatherings, with the next installment in Bethesda welcoming residents to partake in the dialogue about the community's future. The schedule and sites for the FY27 Citizens Advisory Board CIP Community Conversations are all available online.
For those unable to attend in person, the meetings will be broadcast live on County Cable Montgomery and live-streamed on the county's official Facebook page and YouTube channel. This open channel of communication marks a two-year interval where the public's pulse on long-term planning can directly reach county management, shaping the decisions on essential local infrastructure and initiatives.
