Advocate

FY26 Budget Update

Act Now to Restore Critical Funding

We know you love parks as much as we do. That is why we need your voice to advocate for full funding of the parks budget!

The County Executive’s recommended FY26 budget severely cuts the Parks Department’s funding request, affecting programs, operations, and maintenance. The Parks Department requested a 7.2% budget increase to maintain current services and a small amount of funding for increased programming and enhanced maintenance. However, the County Executive recommended only a 3.1% increase. In contrast, other county departments received an average 6.7% increase to maintain the same level of services.

What does this budget cut mean for Parks?

• Reductions to employee compensation and benefits.
• Insufficient funds to keep up with inflation for supplies and materials.
• Reduced maintenance and program offerings.
• No funding to maintain new and expanded parks.
• No new or expanded services or programs.

We know the budget will be tight this year and we want to ensure that Parks is not left behind. That is why we hope you’ll share your love of parks with the County Council. 

In recent years, the County Council has restored funding after hearing from constituents like you. Your support is more important this year than ever. Now is the opportunity to share your stories with the County Council as they deliberate the County Executive’s proposed FY26 budget.

You can register to testify in-person during one of the upcoming Montgomery County Council Public Hearings on April 7 or April 8. Alternatively, you can submit written or recorded testimony here.

Tell us if you plan to testify.

Thank you for your unwavering support of Montgomery Parks!