Montgomery County FY2027 Operating Budget Forum Successfully Held at CCACC Art Gallery

The Montgomery County FY2027 Operating Budget Forum was held at the CCACC Art Gallery on November 17, drawing over 100 residents to engage directly with County Executive Marc Elrich. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the Art Gallery has served as the host venue.

Trilingual Access for Diverse Communities

For the first time, the County provided simultaneous interpretation in Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese, enhancing participation from diverse groups. The newly installed Gallery video wall displayed the County Executive's budget overview clearly for attendees.

Between September and November, Montgomery County hosted 12 community conversations on the FY2027 budget—ten in English, one in Spanish, and one multilingual session, as mentioned above, with most events offered in hybrid format to maximize access.

County Executive Presented Budget Priorities

CCACC Board Chairman Dr. Yuchi Huang opened the forum with a brief overview of the CCACC's mission and services. His lighthearted gift of organic green tea in a repurposed pickle jar to the County Executive added a warm moment to the event.

County Executive Elrich outlined operating and capital budgets, demographic and workforce data, and priorities including reducing health investment disparities, strengthening public and community services, affordable housing, transportation, and Montgomery County Public Schools. He also addressed fiscal challenges, federal impacts, and rising costs, noting Montgomery County maintains the region's lowest property tax rates.

Active Q & A

During the Q&A session, residents queued in an orderly fashion to ask their questions. Attendees raised a wide range of topics, including funding equity, senior services, food assistance, Montgomery County Public Schools resources, job creation, and environmental issues. County Executive Marc Elrich patiently responded to each inquiry, emphasizing the value of public input: "Your feedback shapes our future and guides our decisions for the upcoming fiscal year."

Positive Feedback

The event received strong praise from attendees, including long-time CCACC Evergreen Club member Teresa Yin. She noted that CCACC’s high efficiency and teamwork made the forum feel like a well-organized mini-expo, with clear presentations, orderly Q&A, and smooth trilingual interpretation. As a member for 30 years, she expressed sincere gratitude and pride in CCACC’s continued support for community engagement.

Ongoing Commitment

CCACC continues to support the County's budget forum, ensuring residents have meaningful opportunities to voice concerns and priorities.

(Prepared by the CCACC Administrative Office)

CCACC Chairman Dr. Yuchi Huang (left) humorously introduced Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich (right)

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich used charts to explain priorities

During the Q & A session, participants took turns speaking in an orderly manner

Ms. Kate Lu, CCACC Health Center Director, was the first person to ask questions (right)

Following the Operations Budget Forum, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich (front row, third from right) posed for a group photo with attendees. Also pictured are CCACC Vice Chair Chang Zhao (front row, first from left), CCACC Board Member Hongqing Xu (back row, first from right), CCACC co-founder and current CCACC Sports Center Director, Chih-Hsiang Li (back row, second from right), CCACC Deputy Executive Director Li-Fang Liu (front row, second from left), and CCACC Community Service Center Director Chiao-chiao Liu  (front row, first from right).