Issues - Kate Stewart - Councilmember - Montgomery County Council, Maryland

Kate on the Issues

Explore the issue areas Kate cares deeply about. For more information, contact us at 240-777-7968 or via email at [email protected]

Co-led the FAITH ZTA to assist faith-based institutions in building affordable housing on their land.
Spearheaded the Tenant Protection and Notification Act requiring landlords to notify residents of emergency plans, insurance, and maintenance.
Advanced rent stabilization to ensure predictability and stability for residents.
Led and advanced changes to make County tax policy more progressive and increase funding for rental assistance and school construction.

Advocated for the more than $224 million to complete the construction of Charles W. Woodward High School with full amenities.
Led and passed legislation to establish discounted parking permits for employees of child care facilities and nonprofits serving the unhoused population.
Introduced a bill to increase property tax credits for child care facilities.
Organized annual youth block party, “Buckets and Beats,” in Silver Spring with public and private partnerships that connect hundreds of youth to community programs.

Led the passage of the Bring Your Own Bag Bill to reduce the trash caused by single use plastic bags.
Updated tree canopy laws to protect mature trees and promote more plantings.
Authored legislation for more renewable energy options at competitive prices (CCA).
Regularly organizes transportation safety walks with residents and County and state staff to address concerns and pedestrian and bike improvements.
Convened stakeholders and Comptroller Lierman to tour the Purple Line route, focusing on community needs.

Worked with residents, businesses, and the police to improve public safety efforts and address concerns about safety in downtown areas.
Supported the Drone as First Responder (DFR) Pilot Program to improve emergency response time through better call triage while protecting residents' privacy and civil liberties.
Championed the Late Night Businesses Closing Time and Late Night Safety Plan bills to enhance public safety in central business districts.
Passed County law authorizing a pilot for automated enforcement of modified exhausts – “noise cameras.”

Spearheaded an increase in the Homeowners Tax Credit (HOTC).
Supported the UMD Institute for Health Computing to expand and attract new life sciences and technology jobs.
Supported WMATA North Bethesda joint development.
Established infrastructure funding work group to reform our impact tax system and grow jobs.
Supported new and existing small businesses with issues such as permitting, taxes, and other needs.
Secured local and state funding for businesses affected by Purple Line construction and advocated for resident safety.

Works with community members to make sure the County is a safe, welcoming, and affirming place for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Requested the first Council report on Transgender Healthcare in Montgomery County and convened a roundtable discussion with state and County officials and community leaders to discuss challenges faced in accessing life-saving gender-affirming healthcare.
Secured the County’s first ever sustained funding for the MoCo Pride Center.