Let's Move Montgomery County Forward - Together

 Defending Democracy:

Our nation is at a crisis point–across the country, we are seeing rights roll back and an effort from Republicans to take us back to 1900. As a Councilmember, Fatmata will fight to ensure Montgomery County residents feel protected by their local government: 

Ensuring all county and local law enforcement do not work with federal law enforcement to violate civil liberties. This includes not participating in ICE raids, policing protestors or investigating residents for their political views. 

Fighting for residents affected by DOGE and government shutdowns. Fatmata will work with community leaders to make sure residents are aware of county resources and don’t lose their homes or struggle to make ends meet due to undemocratic measures from the Trump Administration. 

Hate has no place in our county. Fatmata wants Montgomery County to remain a diverse and inclusive community free from all forms of racism, hate, discrimination and bigotry. She believes that together, we can build a brighter future for Montgomery County — one where everyone has a fair shot at success, security, and a place to call home. 


Education:
 
As a Special Education Attorney, Fatmata has spent her career fighting for students and families to make sure they have access to a quality education. She understands the needs of parents, students and educators as well as what's needed to ensure all students are able to thrive. As a Councilmember Fatmata will: 

Work with county leaders to ensure the cuts from the Department of Education are not felt by the community. Whether to special education or to community school funding, Fatmata will work to ensure there is a budget reallocation process, so students and families don’t feel the impact. 

Increase funding and resources for ASL and BASL and other language access services to increase accessibility standards 

Champion community schools and fight for resources and community outreach. 

Fatmata believes all students regardless of family circumstance deserve a quality education. Community schools serve some of our county’s most under-resourced communities and need special attention to ensure children aren’t left behind. 

Stand up for educators across the county. Our educators are on the front lines in our communities, many times doing much more than teaching in our school walls. Fatmata will fight to make sure they have access to the resources and support they need as well as work with state legislators to find solutions for the teacher shortage across the state. 

Advocate for revisions to our school planning. So many of our recently rebuilt schools are already approaching capacity again. Fatmata believes we need a better way to predict growth in the county, so we have more kids in classrooms and less kids in trailers.

Affordability: 

Our nation is going through an affordability crisis and Montgomery County is experiencing it as well. For a family of four, the estimated annual income needed to cover basic needs is around $122,943. Median home prices are around $620,000, and one-bedroom apartments rent for roughly $1,800 to $2,200 per month. The average household income is $125,371, meaning many families are living paycheck to paycheck. As the Trump Administration’s policies continue leading to economic uncertainty, layoffs and tariff wars, residents are facing surging prices without increases in wages. Fatmata will take on the war on affordability by: 

Fighting for affordable housing across the county. The only sure economic way to reduce rental prices and increase home ownership is to create more affordable housing and more programs to put residents on a path towards home ownership. Fatmata will work with leaders across the county to ensure residents are not facing increasing rent prices and getting priced out of homeownership. 

Eliminating food deserts to increase the affordability of groceries and everyday needs. Too many county residents live in areas with one grocery store or have to drive more than 15 minutes to find grocery options. The lack of options allows grocers to increase their prices without competition. Fatmata will work to bring more grocery stores and expand more farmers’ markets in the county to year-round in underserved areas. 

Ensuring our retirees, seniors living on fixed income and those with special needs are protected and can stay in their homes. 

Business & Economy: 

Fatmata understands, our county must be open for business. Our small businesses are instrumental creators of economic activity and new jobs and are major contributors to our county and state. By generating revenue and taxes, fostering innovation, and creating a more vibrant and competitive market, they must be the fuel for our local economy. Furthermore, their impact on our communities by providing jobs and sponsoring local events contributes to the unique character of our neighborhoods. Increasing prices and local taxes are driving businesses out of our community to neighboring counties– Fatmata will fight to get them back by: 

Providing incentives to local businesses, especially those employing up to 250 workers, and to businesses that hire locally, driving more economic growth in the county. 

Supporting PLA’s on all county projects ensuring county funds are going to fair wages and working conditions. 

Working with county officials to increase small business loans to residents so more businesses can get off the ground and become profitable. Too many businesses are lost before they start because of a lack of capital. 

Promoting the allocation of small business loans and contracts to minority business owners by ensuring they’re fully informed on the process. Veterans, women, the LGBTQIA+ community and Black, indigenous and people of color are less likely to receive conventional business loans. Fatmata understands that the county must play a role in ensuring these business owners are able to thrive in Montgomery County. 

Transportation: 

The Washington DC Metro area has some of the worst traffic in the country–taking the average resident over an hour to commute every day. Fatmata understands that too many residents are spending too much time in traffic. Furthermore, our public transportation does not meet the needs of all county residents by providing reliable transportation throughout the county. As a Councilmember, Fatmata will: 

Work with regional leaders to improve WMATA access and affordability as well as get a real timeline on the completion of the Purple Line, providing more consistency in car alternatives. 

Increase bike lanes across the county so more people can bike to and from work as well as for leisure. Fatmata will also fight to create more protections for bikers to decrease the danger on major roads. 

Expand RideOn services to more areas of the county and with more frequency. More consistency to public transportation grows ridership, reduces traffic and makes for safer roads. 

Fatmata is aware that many members of the community still drive more often than not. She will work with the state and responsible agencies to promote road safety.

Health:

Access to quality healthcare is essential for strong families and thriving communities. Yet too many Montgomery County residents face rising healthcare costs, limited access to providers, mental health challenges, and barriers to care caused by language, transportation, or insurance gaps. Fatmata believes protecting the health of our residents must be a core priority for local government.

As a Councilmember, Fatmata will work with county leaders, healthcare providers, and community organizations to strengthen healthcare access and public health resources across Montgomery County.

Expanding access to affordable healthcare services.
Fatmata will support investments in community health clinics and partnerships with nonprofit providers to ensure residents—especially working families, seniors, and immigrant communities—can access primary care, preventive care, and essential health services regardless of income or insurance status.

Addressing the youth mental health crisis.
Students and families across Montgomery County are facing growing mental health challenges. Fatmata will advocate for increased investment in school-based mental health professionals, community-based counseling services, and crisis intervention programs so young people receive support before challenges escalate.

Improving maternal health outcomes.
The United States continues to face serious disparities in maternal health, particularly impacting Black women and women of color. Fatmata will support county partnerships with healthcare providers and community organizations to expand maternal health resources, prenatal care access, and postpartum support for families.

Improving language access and culturally competent care.
Montgomery County’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths, but language barriers often prevent residents from accessing healthcare. Fatmata will work to expand interpretation services and culturally responsive care so all residents can receive the support they need.

Supporting seniors and residents with disabilities.
Fatmata believes seniors and residents with disabilities deserve the ability to age with dignity in their communities. She will support programs that expand home-based care, caregiver support, and access to healthcare services that allow residents to remain safely in their homes.

Strengthening public health preparedness.
The COVID-19 pandemic showed the importance of strong local public health systems. Fatmata will support continued investment in Montgomery County’s public health infrastructure so the county is prepared for future health emergencies while protecting vulnerable residents.

Fatmata believes a healthy community is the foundation for a strong county. By expanding access to care, strengthening mental health services, and ensuring healthcare systems meet the needs of all residents, Montgomery County can remain a place where families are safe, supported, and able to thrive.