2026 Montgomery County, PA: Year in Review

On February 11, 2026, at the Montgomery County Community College Theatre Center, the County Commissioners reviewed the past year and outlined their vision and plan for 2026. Montgomery County, Pennsylvania houses 868 thousand residents and has a 1+ billion budget. The three County Commissioners, Jamilla Winder (Chair), Neil Makhija (Vice-Chair), and DiBello took turns to present to residents the accomplishments and the progress on their goals in their first year in office from January 2024 through December 2025, as well as their plans for the current year. The Commissioners stated that County residents are their top priority. Their achievements were primarily in these service areas:

• Communities for All

• Opportunities for All

• Public Safety for All

• Government for All.

In her address to attendees, Commissioner Winder stated that affordable housing for Montgomery residents was her top priority, and that the Commissioners have worked diligently with the boroughs and townships to ensure that residents have a safe place to live. “Without the foundation of a safe place to live, the odds are stacked against anyone trying to succeed and live a fulfilling life” said Commissioner Winder. She mentioned that the County's “Homes for All” plan has advanced affordable housing.  Lansdale Borough will soon open a year-round short-term transitional facility for residents without permanent homes. Both Norristown borough and Pottstown municipality are moving in the same direction. The County has also budgeted $2 million for year-round shelters. Other recognizable progress is in the “Flagship Development Program” which has been expanded and the “Whole Home Repairs” program, she mentioned. Commissioner Winder also stated that “Montgomery County is modeling a government that’s constantly improving, measuring and innovating”.  Additional key highlight mentioned by Commissioner Winder is the creation of the “Office of Diversity, Equity’, and Inclusion which works to create opportunities to embrace diversity and foster inclusion”, as well as the new “Office of Immigrant Affairs”.

Commissioner Jamila Winder

Commissioner Neil stated that Montgomery County's 2024-2025 funding is unprecedented and is shaping the county's present and future for all residents. Commissioner Thomas Diebold said that completing the first phase of the Ridge Pike Project will improve traffic flow and public safety for over 30,000 daily bridge users.  

The Commissioners shared key advances made in family health and well-being such as implementing paid family leave, promoting affordable wages by raising minimum wage for County employees, supporting domestic violence victims, Montco 2040 grant program that ensures investment in smart, sustainable growth in communities across the County, and using the Pandemic Fund to help the most affected areas. The Commissioners are actively investing in the County’s Public Defenders Office to address current and future needs of residents. One of the new initiatives the Commissioners mentioned is ‘the “THRIVE” program spearheaded by the Commerce Department to spur economic growth within the County’s business sector; and continued investments in transitional housing and mental health.’ 

Overall, the three Commissioners delivered a comprehensive and informative presentation outlining their achievements during their first year in office, as well as key initiatives planned for the County's future.  The turnout for the meeting on a frigid cold winter morning was huge.

For detailed information about the “Montgomery State of the County 2026”, click on the link -Montgomery County, PA - Official Website | Official Website.

Commissioners Jamila Wider (Chair), Neil Makhija (Vice-Chair, Thomas DiBello

Montgomery County, PA

Dr. Bernadine Ahonkhai is a resident of Montgomery County and the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Coalition4Justice. www.coalition4justice.com