12.1.2023 Montgomery County FY25 Operating Budget Forum was held successfully at CCACC

The Montgomery County Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget Forum was successfully held on the evening of November 27, 2023, at the CCACC Art Gallery, Chinese Culture and Community Service Center (CCACC). This forum is an important platform that brings together county government officials, financial experts, community leaders and residents to discuss issues such as budget allocation, taxation and expenditure in Montgomery County.

The County Executive actively cares for the Chinese community

At the beginning of the forum, the moderator, Dr. Yuchi Huang, CCACC Board member and a senior volunteer, introduced CCACC Executive Director Ms. Rita Lewi, who is also a full-time volunteer. Mr. Huang said: "This year, the county government has held a total of 10 operating budget forums from September 14 to December 11. This forum was held at CCACC, which shows the County Executive Marc Elrich actively cares for the Chinese community."

Dr. Yuchi Huang introduced the seven divisions of CCACC, which provides various services in different fields, those divisions are Adult Day Healthcare Center, Home Care Center, Health Center, Community Services Center, Academy, Sports Center, and Art Gallery.

Financial planning reports are transparent and clear

Ms. Pofen Salem, Ph.D., Chief of Division of Finance and Administration, Department of Housing and Community Affairs, gave a presentation in Chinese, the topic was Montgomery County Office of Budget Management (OBM) Budget. She elaborated on the county government’s primary considerations in financial planning, focusing on the two major financial areas of community services and public facilities. She pointed out that the government's budget formulation is not just a combination of numbers, but also based on comprehensive considerations of many factors. From revenue estimates, credits, and capital investments to the latest changes in state and federal laws, governments must make smart decisions to ensure the health of our communities.

The forum promotes effective community conversation

During the forum, County Executive Marc Elrich explained the actual funding figures for Montgomery County Public Schools from fiscal years 2001 to 2024, and provided corresponding figures adjusted for inflation. He mentioned that the FY 2024 budget establishes a foundation for COVID-19 response, continues to fund major programs, and implements the new Ending Child Hunger Strategy.

On the issue of community building in Montgomery County, Mr. Elrich proposed to make Montgomery County more equitable and inclusive through seven services, which include  

child care facilities, the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice, the Racial Equity and Social Justice Impact Assessment, the Montgomery County Workforce Resource Corporation, providing funding to support the production and preservation of affordable housing, promoting uninsured or underinsured residents to access essential health care resources, and funding of community-based services.

During the Q & A, CCACC Board member Chih-Hsiang Li, Yuchi Huang, CCACC Health Center Director Kate Lu and other guests at the scene asked many questions, Mr. Elrich patiently answered them one by one. The end time of the forum was extended from the scheduled 8:30 to 9:00.

This forum provides an open platform and effectively promotes dialogue between the government and the community. We hope we can work together to pursue a more inclusive and prosperous community.

The Montgomery County FY 2025 Operating Budget Forum was held at the CCACC Art Gallery.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich attaches great importance to environmental protection. Forum moderator Dr. Yuchi Huang (Director of CCACC) specially prepared tea in glass bottles for him.

There are Chinese and English translations in the forum, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich wore headphones to listen and answer.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich (second row, third from right) and his staff take a group photo with CCACC Executive Director Ms. Rita Lewi (front row, middle), CCACC Board members and colleagues