Council President Kate Stewart (Photo/Juan Arango Millan)
Montgomery County Council President Kate Stewart hosted a media availability Monday addressing recent U.S. involvement in Iran and announced new projects. Along with events closing out Pride Month celebrations, Stewart discussed supporting those needing mental health services and working to alleviate growing homelessness countywide.
National News
In her opening statement, Stewart said the Montgomery County Police Department would be taking ‘proactive action’ to ensure the safety of Montgomery County residents. This announcement comes in response to President Trump’s “decision to abandon U.S. diplomacy and attack Iran without congressional authorization.”
According to Stewart, while there are no known threats to Montgomery County, in an abundance of caution, MCPD will be keeping a visible presence near religious sites and is in regular contact with partners in both local and state law enforcement.
She also expressed a ‘deep disappointment’ with the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 18 decision on United States v. Skrmetti, upholding the Tennessee law ‘banning gender-affirming care for minors.’ On the effects of the ruling, Stewart called it a “stunning setback for the rights and wellbeing of transgender youth and their parents.”
Pride Month
The Council will hold its annual Pride Month commemoration tomorrow, June 24, at 11:30 a.m.
In the afternoon of June 29, Pride in the Plaza will take place at Veterans Plaza in Downtown Silver Spring to close out the County’s Pride Month celebrations.
Montgomery County Mental Health
“Mental health is [a] central priority to my council presidency, and I recognize that addressing this critical issue requires collective effort and action,” Stewart said, prefacing her pertinent agenda items.
She announced she would be hosting a convening of mental health providers today – following up on last week’s report from the Office of Legislative Oversight – to discuss behavioral healthcare for youth. This is the second in a series of meetings aiming to identify best practices for addressing Montgomery County communities’ mental health needs, especially focusing on the present youth mental health crisis.
Finally, Health and Human Services Committee Chair Gabe Albornoz will present a council proclamation tomorrow in a council session, recognizing National Mental Health Awareness Month officially.
2025 Point in Time Report
Stewart expressed concern over findings in last month’s Point in Time report, which said Montgomery County had the “greatest increase in persons experiencing homelessness in the region. Specifically, the region saw a 32% increase from 2024, with more than 1,500 area individuals now experiencing homelessness.
The Council’s fiscal year 2026 operating budget includes a 25% increase in funding from FY25 – a total of nearly $62 million – to help combat this growing problem. This comes in tandem with supplemental funding to “support shelter service expansion, the county’s Rental Assistance Program and the Short-term Housing and Resolution Program,” according to Stewart.
To learn more, watch toady’s full media availability.
