Empower Your Voice: Advocating for Your Business with the Montgomery County Council

Building on our previous discussion about engaging with the Montgomery County Council, we want to emphasize the power of direct communication. As entrepreneurs, our voices matter, and reaching out to our council members is a powerful way to get our concerns heard and our needs addressed.

Why Reach Out to Council Members?

Our council members are elected to represent us, the residents and business owners of Montgomery County. They rely on our feedback to make informed decisions that impact our community. By sharing our thoughts, concerns, and ideas directly with them, we can influence policies and legislation that affect our businesses and livelihoods.

How to Reach Out:

Schedule a Meeting: Before the legislative session even begins, consider scheduling a meeting with your council member to discuss issues relevant to your business. This personalized approach allows for in-depth discussions and lets you establish direct relationships.
Attend Hearings: During session, attend hearings that pertain to topics with the potential to affect your business. Be willing to testify, when you can; sharing your perspective and insights directly with the council.
Voice Your Thoughts: Whether in a meeting or a hearing, be prepared to articulate how proposed legislation may impact your business. Share specific examples and offer constructive feedback to help council members better understand the real-world implications of their policymaking.

Why Your Input Matters:

Council members value the input of their constituents, especially when it comes to issues directly affecting local businesses. Give them insight into the challenges and opportunities faced by yours and other community businesses. By voicing your thoughts and concerns, you contribute to more informed decision-making and you can advocate for policies that support the success of Black-owned businesses in Montgomery County.

Example of Advocacy in Action

To get a clear picture of what reaching out to the County Council members looks like, check out our interview from last year with Stacey Brown of Signarama Silver Spring. Stacey gives several examples of times when reaching out directly to her county representative helped shape some significant business decisions.

“Things are happening all the time; decisions are being made (like the Purple Line). I’ve been engaged in some things from Day One. I’ve had to advocate with the County for things that impact the health of my business. I’m not afraid to go in front of the County Council and be heard. You can affect regulations - and, conversely, you can find yourself stuck by your failure to pay attention.” Stacey Brown, Owner of Signarama Silver Spring

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of business ownership, let's remember the importance of active engagement with our local governments. By reaching out to council members and participating in the legislative process, we can amplify our voices and drive positive change for our businesses and our community.

Here are the ways you can connect with our county councilmembers:

Montgomery County Council Members: