on the issues
Economic Opportunity
We must improve our local economy. Regional competition has accelerated and the Trump administration is making things even worse for our federal workers and contractors.
Evan knows that we need to expand economic opportunities for all residents.
That’s why he established the Council’s Economic Development Committee and championed the Make Office Vacancy Extinct (MOVE) Act, which, in its first year, helped more than 55 companies relocate to or expand within Montgomery County.
Evan has made it easier for new restaurants to open by streamlining the application processes.
As County Executive, he will reform the permitting system so more people can start and successfully run their businesses.
Housing Affordability
It is too expensive to live in Montgomery County. That’s why Evan has supported record levels of funding for affordable housing while also passing legislation to reduce the cost to build new housing.
He also championed the Housing Justice Act and initiated the COVID Emergency Rental Relief Fund, which helped keep 12,000 families safely in their homes during the pandemic.
Evan was an advocate even before joining the Council, serving as Vice Chair of Montgomery Housing Partnership, which is the county’s largest nonprofit developer of affordable housing.
Public Safety
It’s important that we feel safe in our homes and neighborhoods. Public safety is a core responsibility of local government.
When communities are safe, schools thrive and economies grow.
Evan has consistently supported our police, fire and rescue agencies and personnel.
He doubled the size of the police department’s Cadet Program, which strengthens our community policing efforts while also reflecting Montgomery County’s diversity.
Good Government
As a former CNN journalist, Evan has championed efforts to protect our democracy by increasing transparency, accountability and ethical decision-making in Rockville.
He led the effort to expand the size of the Council to better represent Montgomery County’s growing population. This initiative resulted in the most diverse and representative Council in the County’s history — including a majority-female body.
He is running a people-powered campaign — rejecting corporate donations, PAC contributions, and special interest money by participating in the county’s public financing system.
Education & Schools
Public education is the foundation of a strong community. Many families move to Montgomery County for our high quality schools. Our students deserve the best education possible.
Evan has consistently supported the MCPS budget with record funding every year while also demanding greater budget transparency, asking the tough questions of the superintendent and the school board.
Our students, educators, parents and taxpayers deserve it.
Transportation & Road Safety
Ensuring that every resident can safely and easily get to school and work is one of Evan’s top priorities.
As chair of the Transportation & Environment Committee, Evan he led the effort to make RideOn buses free for everyone and passed the Safe Streets Act, which has increased road safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers – everyone.
The Environment
Protecting our natural resources and ensuring a sustainable environment for future generations is a moral obligation.
Evan has successfully led initiatives protecting our tree canopy, strengthening the county’s green building codes, expanding food composting programs, and securing critical investments in the Green Bank.
President Biden acknowledged Evan’s strong environmental leadership by appointing him to serve on the EPA’s Local Government Advisory Committee.
Equal Rights & Equal Pay
Diversity, equity and inclusion are vital for creating a safe and thriving community.
The first piece of legislation Evan passed at the County Council was the Pay Equity Act, which eliminated the gender and racial wage gap that existed in Montgomery County government.
He also created the Anti-Hate Task Force, working with our most vulnerable communities who are experiencing a rise in hate crimes and violence.
Evan will fight to ensure everyone feels welcome, safe and valued in Montgomery County.