Record Education, Housing Budgets Approved By MOCO Council For 2023

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — The 2023 Operating Budget and 2023-29 Capital Improvements Program approved by the Montgomery County Council has record investments in education, affordable housing and climate initiatives, but will not result in a tax increase for residents, the county said in a news release.

"This budget makes historic investments while not raising taxes on our residents during these volatile economic times," said County Executive Marc Elrich in a news release. "Additionally, the FY23-28 CIP assumes $868 million in State aid—a $342 million increase over last year. We are very appreciative and grateful to our State Senate and House delegations for their efforts to achieve this significant level of State aid."

The council approved 99.8 percent of the budget proposed by Elrich, the release says.

Some 2023 Operating Budget designations to note:

• $2.9 billion for Montgomery County Public Schools
• $1 million to provide incentives for residential, multifamily and commercial buildings to replace fossil fuel equipment and appliances with electric
• $296 million for the Montgomery County Police Department ( a 4.5 percent increase from last year)
• $49 million in capital and operating funds to support production and preservation of affordable housing through the Housing Initiative Fund

Some 2023 to 2028 Capital Improvement Program designations to note:

• $1.77 billion for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) capital projects over the six-year period
• $335.8 million for Montgomery College projects
• $139.4 million FY23 funding for affordable housing projects

“Montgomery County’s $6.3 billion operating budget and six-year capital budget create the foundation for what is most important to us: a community with excellent schools, housing for all our residents, strong economic development, green spaces for recreation and relaxation, safe neighborhoods, robust libraries, strong public health services, resources for older adults to age in place with grace, a healthy environment and an essential safety net for our most vulnerable residents,” said Council President Gabe Albornoz in a statement.

See more information on the approved budgets on the County Council's website.