Montgomery County Unites to Pass $1.2 Billion 2026 Budget in First Bipartisan County Approval in Nearly a Decade
Washington, D.C. – December 28 – Montgomery County, the state’s third‑largest jurisdiction with a population of about 865,000, delivered its 2026 budget after a unanimous vote, marking the first time a county budget in Pennsylvania has crossed party lines in almost ten years. The $1.2 billion plan, led by Indian‑American County Commissioner Neil Makhija—who also chairs the Board of Commissioners—emphasizes data‑driven spending that prioritizes local needs amid ongoing political gridlock at Washington and in the state.
The decision underscores a rare moment of consensus in a region that more than quadruple the population of Washington, D.C. and the combined populace of four U.S. states. Montgomery’s influence in Pennsylvania—a key swing state for national elections—makes its fiscal choices especially consequential.
Key Allocation Highlights
Housing & Homelessness: $5.3 million is earmarked for expanding affordable housing, including new transitional homes county‑wide. As the suburbials around Philadelphia grapple with rising costs and homelessness, this funding addresses an urgent concern.
Public Health & Safety: A $7.2 million boost targets emergency communications upgrades and crisis‑response improvements, reflecting the county’s priority to safeguard residents.
Infrastructure: $35 million will maintain and upgrade 131 bridges and 75 miles of roads that serve millions daily, a critical investment for safety and economic vitality.
Recreation & Heritage: $16.6 million supports the upkeep of nearly 6,000 acres of parks, trails, and historic sites that attract more than three million visitors annually, reinforcing the county’s environmental assets.
Workforce Development: Over $1.5 million is directed toward building a stronger, fairer county workforce and boosting operational efficiency, including employee support and streamlined operations.
Commissioner Makhija, who has overseen roughly 3,000 county employees across infrastructure, public safety, and human services, said the budget remains balanced thanks to cost‑saving measures spearheaded by the Office of Innovation, Strategy, and Performance. Those savings—achieved through grant identification, redundancy cuts, vendor competition, and philanthropic contributions—were redirected to priority community projects.
A former professor of election law at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, Makhija also represented Pennsylvania counties in opioid‑crisis litigation against pharmaceutical firms and served as executive director of Indian American Impact, a South Asian civic group that promotes civic engagement. His leadership, the county officials say, demonstrates how local governments can deliver tangible results even while broader national debates remain sharply divided.
With the budget approved, Montgomery County is positioned to tackle forthcoming economic uncertainties and heightened public‑service demands head‑on.
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