By Adam Pagnucco.
Below are the top ten stories on Montgomery Perspective in February 2025, ranked by page views.
1. Federal Contractors Begin Mass Layoffs
2. Moore Tax Hike Targets MoCo
3. Has MoCo Been Redlined by the National Real Estate Industry?
4. MCPS Partially Terminates Electric Bus Contract
7. How MCPS Can Save Tens of Millions of Dollars (or More)
8. Moore’s Middle Class Tax Hike
10. MCPS Unions Gear Up for Budget Fight
The posts above relate to a number of converging threads that will impact the year to come – and probably longer.
First, President Donald Trump’s federal cutbacks are starting to have an effect on the local economy. (Check out this article on Northern Virginia.) Residents are clearly concerned as last month’s leading column was also about the federal government.
Second, the state’s fiscal problems – which started before Trump resumed office – are going to damage Montgomery County. As they coincide with Trump’s activities, the state’s actions are coming at a bad time.
And third, the county is not ready for either of the above. Rent control is just one component of lasting economic weakness that puts the county in a bad position to absorb additional stress. When you’re running behind, the last thing you want to do is trip.
What comes next in March?