Complete this template and send it to your county council member and the 4 at-large members of the county council.

Please read the template carefully and replace all of the brackets with your own information. Do not send a letter with any brackets in it. This is a fill-in-the-blank template.

 

Dear Councilmember [NAME],

On behalf of [insert business name] [or begin sentence with ‘I’ if individual] I would like to express my deep appreciation for the County’s stalwart support of the arts and humanities in Montgomery County over the last several decades, and most notably, during turbulent times. I am writing today to ask for your continued support of both the County Executive’s recommended funding, and for an additional $500,000 to meet the increased demand for support from our residents.

In Montgomery County, the arts and humanities play a vital role in enhancing public welfare, reducing crime and improving community health. As we contend with major disruptions at the federal and state levels, community fragmentation and a political and pandemic-induced mental health crisis, the benefits of our creative sector are paramount. The arts and humanities foster community pride, build trust, and contribute to public safety goals by enhancing neighborhood livability and reducing violence. Arts and humanities participation correlates with lower rates of juvenile delinquency and truancy, while access to arts and humanities programs is linked to improved health, education, and security.  In FY25, the arts and humanities sector in Montgomery County supported over 3900 jobs, generated over $21M in tax revenue and supported over $141M in household income.

To successfully continue our work, we must address the needs of our expanding cultural sector as well as complications from decreased discretionary spending. 

Today, I’m asking you to continue supporting the arts and humanities in the county’s FY26 Budget to ensure a stable environment in which our diverse cultural sector and the creative workforce we employ in Montgomery County can thrive.

Councilmember [NAME], Please

• Support the County Executive’s proposed 3% increase for AHCMC
• Support the County Executive’s proposed $408,000 for the Public Arts Trust
• Support an additional $500,000 to meet projected grantmaking demand in FY2026

In support of my request, I would like to share a story about the impact of [our/my] work in Montgomery County. [insert personal story of impact or success. Consider a short testimonial that highlights the work you do and the importance your work has to residents in Montgomery County and/or other cultural practitioners. Consider the priorities of your work, the county’s work, and the people who live in Montgomery County.]

Please support the arts and humanities. An increased investment in the cultural sector is a proven investment in our economic stability and the future prosperity of all residents in our community.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Title]

[Your Organization (if applicable)]