NORRISTOWN, PA — The Montgomery County Commissioners are painting a promising picture of things to come. After their first 100 days in office, the Commissioners have already introduced significant changes in important policy areas such as housing, public safety and economic development. The emphasis on increased community engagement and involvement is a noteworthy aspect of their approach so far.
Chairperson Jamila H. Winder, shares their sense of accomplishment. “We have launched multiple initiatives that directly impact the families who live and work in Montgomery County…We have accomplished a lot in these first hundred days, and we are not stopping there. This is just the beginning of what we aim to accomplish.”
Commissioners Neil Makhija, and Thomas DiBello share similar enthusiasm, focusing on the betterment for all Montgomery County residents, and an openness to government transparency and community involvement respectively.
The commissioners have shown a serious commitment towards housing and human services, prioritizing affordable housing and homelessness. The establishment of last year’s Homelessness Task Force has helped strengthen collaboration with municipalities, leading to significant strides such as an enhanced Code Blue cold-weather response effort and establishing a new call center to connect vulnerable citizens directly to trained County staff.
Further progress includes funding programs designed to help County residents remain in existing homes, and an expansion of the County’s flagship economic development program to support its first ever affordable housing development.
The Commissioners have made the public’s safety a primary concern, demonstrated by the $2 million investment in enhancing the County’s public safety systems, with a focus on modernizing police records management. Montgomery County District Attorney, Kevin Steele, spoke highly of this initiative stating, “Sharing information with the public is our goal. Expanded records management will increase the ability to analyze information to help us on crime trends, geographic areas that are having issues that we can respond to.”
A new tax rebate opportunity for volunteer first responders has been launched, with Chiefs Andrew Rathfon of Fort Washington Fire Company and Blaine W. Leis of Gladwyne Fire Company both speaking in favor of this initiative.
On the workforce front, the Commissioners have implemented what is considered the Commonwealth’s most robust parental leave policy for government employees. More recognition for County employees was shown through various celebratory panel events.
Community and civic engagement has been enhanced with key appointments, the relaunching of the Montgomery County Commission for Women, expanded public comment periods, and the formation of the Food Policy Council. This further emphasizes the Commissioners’ interest in taking a more inclusive approach to decision making.
Additionally, the Board of Elections has worked to promote voting access to ensure fair representation. Expanded Voter Services office hours and drop box access were introduced to facilitate voter participation during the 2024 Primary election.
Looking at the first 100 days, it’s clear that Commissioners Winder, Makhija, and DiBello have marked a promising start by taking on key policy areas and involving the community in the decision-making process. As Commissioner Winder said, “This journey has just begun”. The hard-working people of Montgomery County will no doubt eagerly anticipate their Commissioners’ next steps.
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