Recap of Council President Kate Stewart’s Q&A with Nonprofit Montgomery

On Monday, January 6, Nonprofit Montgomery kicked off 2025 with a conversation with Council President Kate Stewart. Council President Stewart shared updates on the the county’s plans for protecting residents in the context of the new federal administration, county budget process, the council’s oversight of grants, and her general priorities for 2025.

County Council Budget Advocacy Timeline:

  • County Executive’s Recommended Budget is released in mid-March

  • The County Council begins work sessions in April and May

  • The County Council votes on the budget before Memorial Day.

Nonprofit Montgomery’s County Budget Advocacy:

  • After the County Executive’s budget is released, Nonprofit Montgomery will share our suggested talking points with our members as well as information on how to sign up for testimony. Additionally, we will be arranging appointment with councilmembers to discuss nonprofits’ concerns, and will share signup information to join those appointments.

  • Additionally, our State of Nonprofits in Montgomery County 2025 Report will inform our budget advocacy. Our kickoff event for this report is on March 20. This will be followed by a series of fireside chats to explore the recommendations in the report more fully.

MCPS Budget Advocacy:

Superintendent Thomas Taylor has proposed a $3.61 billion Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2026. The recommendation reflects a “Focus on Fundamentals” approach that targets investments directly to schools, supports student success and addresses structural deficits within the system.

The Board of Education will now hold public hearings and work sessions on the budget. The timeline follows:

  • Public Hearings: Thursday, Jan. 16, and Monday, Jan. 27, 2025.

  • Work Sessions: Tuesday, Jan. 14, Thursday, Jan. 23, and Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025.

  • Board Approval: Tentative adoption of operating budget; Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025.

  • Final Adoption: Adjustments based on revenue projections will follow, with final adoption expected Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

More information can be found on the Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget website