This page documents resident engagement strategies and bill summaries related to the 2024 Maryland legislative session. It is provided for historical reference only and does not reflect current action opportunities. Repost from MD 4 Safe Tech Saturday, February 10, 2024 Summary of legislation (download pdf version here) What you can do: HOW TO SUBMIT TESTIMONY HB 505 / SB 682 increases oversight of the political activities of public utilities. The bill a) expands the list […]
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Rick Meyer Testimony Opposing Bill 18-23 and Urging Council to Fully Fund the Office of the People’s Counsel
Archived News (2023) This post is preserved as part of the public record and historical documentation of community engagement at that time. For broader regulatory and governance context, see: Restore full funding to the statutorily mandated Office of the People’s Counsel (OPC) Testimony of W. E. “Rick” Meyer Public Hearing. Bill 18-23, Structure of County Government – Community Zoning and Land Use Resource Officer April 18, 2023 Watch all of the public testimonies:Montgomery County Council […]
Continue readingTake 1 Minute Action to Strengthen Cell Tower Rules! (By 3/31/23)
20 years ago. March 25, 2003. That was the last time the County updated its rules for reviewing cell tower applications. And the process is notoriously opaque and residents are largely excluded from participating. Thankfully, the County Executive is now proposing to revise these outdated regulations. Click here BEFORE the deadline this Friday, March 31, to urge the County Executive to propose meaningful reform in how the County reviews applications — and bring greater transparency […]
Continue readingMark your calendar! Oct 11 (New date) Rally to Stop Cell Towers 30 Feet From Homes Meet at 11:30 am, Tuesday, Oct. 11th
UPDATED MEDIA ADVISORY: NEW DATE DUE TO WEATHER “No Cell Towers 30 Feet from Homes!” – Residents to Rally At Montgomery County Council Building Oct. 11th at 11:30 am Mark your calendar! Oct. 11th (new date) Rally to Stop Cell Towers 30 Feet From Homes ***RALLY RESCHEDULED DUE TO WEATHER*** Check back on this webpage (https://actionnetwork.org/letters/stop-zta-22-01) for updates to our Rally plans to stop the proposed ZTA 22-01! Meet at 11:30 am, Tuesday, Oct. 11th […]
Continue readingThrive Montgomery 2050 accelerates deployment of 5G –– Tell the Council to Hit Pause –– and Add Equity
This post is preserved as part of the public record and historical documentation of community engagement at that time. For broader regulatory and governance context, see: We are sharing this August 16th article and Action Alert by Montgomery Countryside Alliance (mocoalliance.org) Thrive 2050: What it Says, What it Will Do, and Why We Have to Hit Pause OF NOTE related to the proliferation of close-proximity small cells from that article, please find this linked PDF: […]
Continue readingElection Alert: Electronic touchscreen ballots divide candidate choices up via second screens not available unless clicked
A problem has already been reported with voting on the touchscreen for (some) races with multiple candidates in that the voter has to view two screens to see all of the names of candidates running for that position. When there’s a split screen, make sure to click again to see the second screen. Many of the candidates themselves are unaware of these screen issues. David Lublin of Seventh State has also alerted that the electronic ballot divides the candidates on two pages […]
Continue readingURGENT: Act Now to Give the Public a Voice in Licensing of Wireless Facilities on Poles
The County recently released a draft Pole Attachment License Agreement (PLA) that would provide authorization for companies to attach wireless facilities on or in existing or replacement County-owned streetlight poles. Because a licensee can request authorization to attach to any streetlight pole, the PLA poses significant impacts for residents and County at-large. The PLA was released on the Transmission Facilities Coordination Group (TFCG) web page with little or no public notice and only three weeks […]
Continue readingBreaking News & Action Alert: County Executive Calls For Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Working Group For Cell Towers Siting in Residential Areas
“My staff and I have talked with many residents and industry representatives, and we have found them to be knowledgeable and willing to help improve the process. I would like to propose that we convene a working group comprised of a diverse group of stakeholders, including industry, residents, municipalities and homeowner/tenant associations and/or non-profit organizations. Staff support would be provided by Executive and Council staff. The group would have a limited time – perhaps 75 […]
Continue readingWatch Now: PRESS BRIEFING June 28, 2021 – MoCo Residents Protest Radical ZTA 19-07
This post is preserved as part of the public record and historical documentation of community engagement at that time. For broader regulatory and governance context, see: PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, JUNE 28, 11:15 AM Montgomery County Coalition to Protect Neighborhoods Montgomery County Residents Protest Radical Bill ZTA 19-07 That Impose Cell Towers Near Homes — MoCo Council Poised for Straw Vote Who: Residents, Community Groups, Advocacy Groups What: Press Conference on Resident Opposition to “Small” Cell-Tower […]
Continue readingURGENT-OPPOSE CELL ANTENNAS IN FRONT OF OUR HOMES – Info, Flyers & Sample Letters (Updated 3/30/21)
Action Alert (March 2021): This post was published during ongoing public debate over ZTA-19-07 and reflects resident advocacy efforts at that time. Montgomery County Council will vote soon on ZTA 19-07. Without a public hearing or your permission, telecom carriers could install a 4G/5G wireless cell tower 30 feet from your home. With a special permit, cell towers would be allowed far closer. Added March 30, 2021. Email County Council TODAY with our Online Action […]
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