Mayor & Council Work Session: February 23, 2026

The Mayor and City Council of Gaithersburg held a work session on February 23, 2026, focusing on three main topics: an update on the city's Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (READY) program, resources and support for immigrant communities, and a debrief of the 2025 city election. The READY program update highlighted significant progress in building internal capacity, aligning policies, and engaging community partnerships to promote equitable outcomes across city departments. The discussion emphasized the importance of inclusivity, equity, and sustained community engagement, especially for immigrant populations facing challenges related to immigration enforcement. The immigrant support segment detailed the city's commitment to providing resources, ensuring public safety without immigration enforcement involvement, and training staff to handle ICE visits appropriately. The election debrief reviewed the successful 2025 hybrid voting model, noting increased voter turnout, expanded mail-in voting, and enhanced voter engagement efforts. Operational challenges, such as mail ballot processing, were addressed with cross-departmental collaboration. The council discussed future election planning, including transitioning to an all-mail voting model in 2027, potential policy amendments, and considerations around voter age and campaign finance transparency. Overall, the meeting underscored the city's dedication to equity, community trust, and effective election administration while preparing for upcoming changes.