Nearly 200 municipal leaders convened on January 10, 2024, at Montgomery County Community College’s Blue Bell campus for a summit organized by the Montgomery County Commissioners. The event aimed to foster “collaborative leadership” and improve access to county programs and services, ultimately enhancing the support available to constituents across the region.
The summit featured presentations from various county departments, including assets and infrastructure, health and human services, and the planning commission. Jamila Winder, Chairwoman of the Montgomery County Commissioners, emphasized the shared goals between the county and its municipal partners. She pointed out that issues such as affordable housing and economic growth are priorities for both levels of government. Winder stated, “This orientation event served to better understand the challenges and opportunities our local leaders are seeing first-hand, while highlighting all the ways our talented county staff can help fulfill their vision for their communities.”
Engaging with technology, the event utilized interactive software to gather insights on local needs. A question-and-answer session allowed for direct communication between county officials and local legislators. The county’s accomplishments were also highlighted, including the establishment of an emergency behavioral health crisis center and various supportive short-term housing projects.
“This first-ever Montgomery County forum brought together elected officials representing 90 percent of Montgomery County and marks an important moment for our community,” said Neil Makhija, Vice Chairman of the Montgomery County Commissioners. He noted that the summit was a significant demonstration of support for municipal partners during a time when collaboration is essential.
Since its inception in 2016, the Montco 2040 Implementation Grant Program has allocated $20 million for various municipal projects. County officials aimed to spotlight the local impacts of these initiatives. Tom DiBello, a Montgomery County Commissioner, remarked, “Each community in Montgomery County has a unique character thanks to our local elected officials and the will of the residents they serve. With this event, we focused on the many ways the county can help preserve and enhance that character by working collaboratively at the local level.”
As the nation prepares for its semiquincentennial celebrations, the summit also included discussions related to America250, setting the stage for partnerships between local and county governments leading up to the July 4 anniversary. Makhija reiterated the importance of local government in driving meaningful change, stating, “When it comes to shared priorities like housing, infrastructure, and public safety, we understand that Montco’s next chapter must be built collaboratively. Our county has so much to offer, and we want every municipality to know what’s available and feel confident putting it to work.”
