The S.M.A.R.T. AGENDA

Laurie-Anne Sayles’ S.M.A.R.T. agenda is a results-driven plan to strengthen the middle class and build a more sustainable Montgomery County, grounded in her proven record and focused on what comes next.

S: Strengthen Education

Strengthen 21st-Century Learning, From Cradle to Career

As your Councilmember, I’ve delivered record investments in education, securing $3.3 billion for MCPS and fully funding Montgomery College to expand opportunity at every stage of learning. I have worked to address long-standing infrastructure gaps, prioritize historically underfunded schools, and ensure every student learns in a safe, modern environment.
I have advanced public-private partnerships that create apprenticeships, expand career pathways, and close the digital divide, while championing mental health and social-emotional supports for students and families.
As a member of the Economic Development Committee, I am aligning education with workforce needs so our students graduate career-ready.
With your support, I will continue driving innovation, strengthening educator pipelines, and expanding hands-on learning so every child can thrive from cradle to career and beyond.

M: Make Living Affordable

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Make Montgomery County More Affordable to Live In

As Councilmember and now Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, I am leading with urgency to lower costs and expand opportunities for working families.
I passed the O.P.E.N. ZTA to fast-track affordable, mixed-use housing and tackle our housing waitlist. I secured more than $130 million in funding for affordable housing, including major investments in the Housing Initiative Fund, Housing Opportunities Commission, and Department of Housing and Community Affairs to preserve and expand safe, stable homes.
I co-sponsored rent stabilization to cap excessive increases and protect tenants, strengthened “Ban the Box” to ensure fair access to housing, and advanced tax relief for disabled veterans to help them remain in our community.
As Chair, I am building on this progress by connecting housing, health, and human services so residents can not only afford to live here, but thrive.
With your support, I will continue delivering bold, balanced solutions that make Montgomery County more affordable and equitable for all.

A: Advance Equitable Communities

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Advance Food System Resilience and Community Well-Being

As Councilmember At-Large, Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, and a member of the Economic Development Committee, I am leading a comprehensive approach to sustainability that connects food systems, economic opportunity, and health equity while working to eliminate disparities across our community.
I helped establish the Office of Food Systems Resilience to build a more equitable, efficient, and resilient food system so every resident can access healthy, culturally appropriate food. I have advanced infrastructure for local food processing and distribution, increasing access to fresh, affordable food across the County.
Support local agriculture by streamlining farmers’ access to land, permits, and resources, and expanding farm-to-food bank partnerships to reduce food insecurity.
Strengthen our local food system by launching initiatives like the MWCOG Food Challenge, the inaugural Farm to Table Symposium, and an annual Farmers Appreciation Day.
These efforts reduce emissions, strengthen our local economy, and improve public health outcomes.
With your support, I will continue advancing sustainable solutions that grow our economy, protect our environment, and eliminate disparities so every community can thrive.

R: Revitalize Our Economy

Driving Economic Growth Without Raising the Burden

Families and small businesses are facing pressure from rising costs, potential tax increases following mass layoffs, and a growing financial burden being shifted from federal and state governments to local authorities. As a Councilmember At-Large, I am prioritizing the most pressing challenge for our economy: affordability. I am dedicated to protecting residents while ensuring the continuation of essential services. My focus is on implementing smart, balanced solutions that will stimulate economic growth without overburdening taxpayers.
I championed the $20 million J.O.B.S. Initiative to create quality jobs and expand opportunity, co-led the MOVE program to revitalize vacant office space, and strengthened support for minority-owned businesses to drive inclusive growth.
I am advancing workforce development and aligning it with our innovation economy, including our biotech corridor, while investing in the creative economy and small businesses that power our communities.
As Chair of Health and Human Services, I am also addressing the rising cost of living by connecting economic policy with access to healthcare, housing, and critical services, ensuring no one is left behind.
With your support, I will continue fighting to lower costs, grow good-paying jobs, and deliver an economy that works for everyone.

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T: Tackling Climate Change

Transportation and Climate Solutions for the Next Generation

Over the past four years, we have made major investments and delivered measurable progress toward addressing climate change and advancing a more sustainable, multimodal transportation system across Montgomery County.
I have championed safe, complete streets and increased Vision Zero investments, to better protect pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and drivers while improving connectivity between neighborhoods and commercial corridors. I have also advanced critical planning and feasibility studies to target investments, close transit gaps, and expand access to reliable transportation options for all residents.
At the same time, I have supported and helped secure increased investment in green infrastructure, including expanded bike networks, cleaner bus routes, and modernized, energy-efficient traffic systems that reduce emissions and improve daily mobility.
I have been a strong advocate for transformative regional projects such as FLASH, Bus Rapid Transit, the Purple Line, and the Corridor Cities Transitway, which strengthen our economy, connect our biotech corridor and downcounty communities, and improve regional mobility.
As we move forward, I will continue advancing climate solutions through smarter transportation systems, stronger public transit, and expanded clean energy investments that reduce emissions, improve equity, and build a more resilient future for Montgomery County.