How the Council Works

What is the Legislative Branch?

The legislative branch is one of the three branches of government. The Montgomery County Council is the legislative branch of the County government. The three branches of government are:

• Executive
• Legislative
• Judicial

What is the County Council?

Meet your Councilmembers! There are eleven members of the Council who are elected to represent everyone who lives in Montgomery County. Seven Councilmembers represent each of the County’s districts and four Councilmembers represent the entire County.

The seven Councilmembers who each represent a district in the County are:

• Andrew Friedson (District 1)
• Marilyn Balcombe (District 2)
• Sidney Katz (District 3)
• Kate Stewart (District 4)
• Kristin Mink (District 5)
• Natali Fani-González (District 6)
• Dawn Luedtke (District 7)

The four Councilmembers who represent the entire County are:

• Gabe Albornoz (at-large)
• Evan Glass (at-large)
• Will Jawando (at-large)
• Laurie-Anne Sayles (at-large)

What are the Top Responsibilities of the Council?

The Council has three main responsibilities:

1. Making laws for the County. We call this the legislative process, which we will look at in more detail later.
2. Deciding how to use land in the County and what types of buildings or construction goes within that land.
3. Deciding what the County spends on programs, services and projects in the community.

Every decision the Council makes is important. Even if you can’t vote yet, you have the power to impact the decisions they make.

How Does the Council Work?

Most of the Council’s work happens through committees. There are eight committees that focus on different areas. Each committee is made up of three of four Councilmembers and led by a chair.

Committees are:

• Audit
• Economic Development (ECON)
• Education & Culture (EC)
• Government Operations & Fiscal Policy (GO)
• Health & Human Services (HHS)
• Planning, Housing & Parks (PHP)
• Public Safety (PS)
• Transportation & Environment (TE)

Through each committee, the Council reviews bills, budgets, programs, and proposals.

Let’s Talk About Laws

The Council uses the legislative process to make laws for the County. Laws are rules that guide what we can and cannot do in our community. For example, local laws in the County:

• Limit how much landlords can raise the rent.
• Require restaurants to have healthy meal options for kids.
• Require kids under 18 to wear a helmet when using an e-scooter.

You can influence this process!

How a Bill Becomes the Law

Each law in the County begins as a bill. A bill has to go through the legislative process to become a law. This process can be broken down into six stages.

1. Development: One or more Councilmembers develop an idea into a bill.
2. Introduction: Councilmembers introduce the bill to the public.
3. Public Hearing: Community members share their thoughts on the bill.
4. Worksession: Councilmembers work together to amend the bill.
5. Vote: At least six Councilmembers must vote yes to enact the bill.
6. Implementation: County departments implement the law.

Let’s explore the different stages of the legislative process.

Stage 1: Development

During this stage, a Councilmember turns an idea into a bill. This idea can come from anyone, including you!

Councilmembers work with different groups of people to develop a bill. This includes community members, Council attorneys, and other staff in the County.

You can connect with your Councilmembers to share your idea. Organizing with others can help build support for your idea.

Stage 2: Introduction

During this stage, a Councilmember introduces a bill to the public. This usually happens during Council sessions on Tuesdays.

Bill introductions are also announced on the Council’s e-mail newsletter and social media. After a bill is introduced, you can keep track of its progress in the Legislative Information System.

Stage 3: Public Hearing

During this stage, community members can weigh-in on a bill. Public hearings usually happen during Council sessions on Tuesday afternoons, a few weeks after a bill is introduced.

You can sign-up to speak during a public hearing for a bill in-person or virtually.

You can also upload your testimony for a bill in writing, audio, or video.

Stage 4: Worksession

During this stage, Councilmembers review a bill in a committee. They talk about the original bill and possible changes (called “amendments”).

Let’s look at how a bill moves through committee…

• Calendar: A committee worksession date is scheduled. The date is announced during the bill’s introduction or public hearing.
• Discussion: During the worksession, Councilmembers talk about the bill with each other and others who can help answer questions on specific topics.
• Amendments: Committee members may propose amendments. A majority of them have to vote in favor for amendments to be approved.
• Vote: Committee members vote in favor or against the bill. If the bill is approved, it goes to the full Council for consideration and a final vote.

Stage 5: Vote

During this stage, all Councilmembers vote on whether or not to pass a bill. The final vote on a bill usually happens during Council sessions on Tuesdays.

Let’s look at how a bill moves through full Council…

• Amendments: Councilmembers discuss the Committee’s recommendation. They may introduce and vote on new amendments to the bill.
• Vote: Once ready for a vote, at least six Councilmembers have to vote yes for the bill to pass. Fast-tracked (“expedited legislation”) needs seven votes.
• Bill → Law: If the bill passes, it will take effect 91 days later, unless another date is chosen.
• Veto Power: The County Executive has ten days to approve or veto the bill. If they veto the Bill, the Council has 60 days to override it with seven votes.

Stage 6: Implementation

During this stage, the executive branch makes sure the law is followed. A bill will typically say the office that is responsible for its implementation.

• Sometimes an office has to put together rules to enforce the law. These rules are called “regulations.”
• The Council may have to vote on the regulations before the office can use them.
• The office can make resources to help the community understand the law.
• The Council may hold worksessions to see how the law is working.

Strategies and Tools for Engaging with the Council

Stage 1: Development

Organize with Others

Organizing with others can help you build more support to make the change you want to see a reality.

• Talk and listen to your friends and classmates about what matters to you and them.
• Join a student organization at school or in your community.
• Start a petition and share it with your friends and neighbors.
• Talk to a teacher or a local leader for tips on how to organize.
• Once you have agreed on an issue to tackle set clear goals and make a plan.

Work with Your Group to Develop a Message

Once you have figured out an issue, work with your group to create a message about it. As you develop the message, think about:

• Your concern, who it affects, and its impact.
• A story or an example about your concern.
• Facts and data about your concern.
• A solution for your concern (your “ask”).

Connect with Your Councilmembers

You can directly connect with your Councilmembers to share your message. Here are some ways you can connect with them:

• Write them an e-mail.
• Give them a call.
• Attend a town hall.
• Ask for a meeting.
• Invite them to your community.
• Tag them on social media.

Stay Council-Connected

Plug in to the Council to stay up-to-date on what they are doing to address your concern. You can plug into the Council through:

• E-mail newsletter
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Bluesky
• X