Welcoming Cities and Counties Initiative (Video)

Montgomery County has joined 13 local governments across the nation to participate in the Welcoming Cities and Counties initiative with Welcoming America. The initiative signals the growing importance of an innovative and proactive role for local governments and the growing recognition of immigrants as assets in any community.

The Welcoming America organization was formed in 2009 and focuses on helping people who were born in this country understand and appreciate their new neighbors. Under the Welcoming Cities and Counties initiative, Welcoming America and the municipal partners bring U.S. cities and counties together to support locally driven efforts to create more welcoming, immigrant-friendly environments.

“Diversity is more than just a ‘feel-good’ term for Montgomery County,” said County Executive Isiah Leggett. “Because we are committed to becoming America’s most welcoming community, our County has become a magnet for talented people from across the country and around the world. This is Montgomery County’s edge in the global marketplace of the 21st century.”

Participating cities and counties include: Allegheny County, PA; Austin, TX; Baltimore, MD; Boise, ID; Chicago, IL; Columbus, OH; Dayton; OH; High Point, NC; Lincoln, NE; Macomb County, MI; Montgomery County, MD; Philadelphia, PA; City of St. Louis, MO; and St. Louis County, MO. These municipalities will share good ideas, develop new tools and receive recognition for their efforts to create more welcoming communities that improve the quality of life and economic potential for immigrants and non-immigrants alike.

“We invite our residents to participate in the many ethnic heritage events held throughout the year across Montgomery County as a way of building understanding across lines of difference and preparing ourselves to become 21st century global citizens,” said Bruce Adams, director of the County’s Office of Community Partnerships. “I urge all residents to mark their calendars for our annual World of Montgomery Festival which will take place this year on October 20 in Wheaton, or drop by the Rockville Memorial Library anytime in July to view our Montgomery Sister Cities exhibit.”

For more information about the Welcoming Cities and Counties initiative, contact Bruce Adams at bruce.adams@montgomerycountymd.gov.

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