Julie’s Policy Priorities
Expand Housing Opportunities With Smart, People - Centered Growth
Housing is deeply personal to me. I have lived in places without running water, without a kitchen or bathroom, and in high-rise buildings with no elevator. For the first ten years of my marriage, my husband and I were renters — always one rent increase away from having to move again.
Those experiences shaped my belief that housing is about dignity, stability, and opportunity. A safe and stable home is the foundation for everything else in life — learning, working, raising a family, and building generational wealth. I carry those lessons with me every day, and they fuel my commitment to creating housing options that let every Montgomery County family put down roots and thrive.
View My Plan for Housing â–¼
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Smart Government & Efficient Approvals
Modernize and streamline the planning, permitting, and approval process so high-quality projects can move forward more quickly — reducing costs, expanding supply, and making homes more affordable and available across the county. -
Workforce Housing on Public Land
Leverage publicly owned sites from government or local churches — without touching parks or green spaces — to create mixed-income workforce housing that allows teachers, police officers, firefighters, nurses, and county employees to live in the communities they serve. -
Countywide Housing Opportunities
Create incentives for development beyond Bethesda and North Bethesda, encouraging well-planned housing in all corners of Montgomery County so families of all incomes can access opportunity, transit, and community amenities. -
Protect Neighborhood Character & Environmental Integrity
Support thoughtful growth that respects the character of our neighborhoods, strengthens infrastructure, expands school and transit capacity, and safeguards our environment with sustainable design and smart land-use planning. -
Strengthen Cross-Sector Partnerships
Bring together public agencies, private developers, nonprofits, and philanthropic partners to preserve affordable units, prevent displacement, and ensure the county’s most vulnerable residents have stable, dignified housing options.​
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Housing
Prioritize Preparing Every Student for the Future
I grew up in a time and place in China where many girls never made it past elementary school. Education changed the course of my life — it opened the world to me and became the greatest equalizer. It’s also the reason my husband and I chose Montgomery County as our home. We raised our two children through MCPS, and I have worked inside the system as an educator and now serve on the Board of Education. I’ve seen firsthand the power of great public schools — and the urgency of strengthening them. My lived experience drives my unwavering belief that every child deserves the same opportunities that transformed my own life.​ With my experience in operations, oversight, and community partnerships, I will help the County Council work hand in hand with MCPS to deliver stronger outcomes for our students and our economy.
View My Plan for Education â–¼
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Align Talent Development With Economic Opportunity
Build deeper partnerships between MCPS, Montgomery College, local employers, and industry leaders so our programs are nimble and responsive. We will listen to businesses, adjust school offerings as needed, and invest in the sectors where our homegrown talent can thrive — keeping more young people living and working right here in Montgomery County. -
Expand Apprenticeships & Career Pathways
Grow hands-on, real-world learning through apprenticeships, internships, and career pathway programs that give students job-ready skills and provide strong, affordable alternatives to a four-year degree. -
Strengthen Early Childhood Education
Expand access to high-quality early learning to ensure school readiness, close achievement gaps, and support working families. -
Support Mental Health & Basic Needs
Increase mental health services for students and staff, and address food insecurity so every child can learn in a safe, supportive, and healthy environment. -
Break Down Silos & Build an Education Ecosystem
Bring together schools, business leaders, workforce agencies, human service providers, and higher education institutions to create a seamless education-to-employment pipeline.​​
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Education
​Build a Thriving, Innovative Montgomery County Through Economic Development
I came to the United States for graduate school and worked four jobs to stay afloat. I know what it means to struggle, to hustle, and to climb — and I know firsthand that upward mobility is possible when the right opportunities exist. My entire journey has been shaped by hard work, access to education, and the chance to build a career. A good job is the strongest social program we can offer, and economic opportunity remains the backbone of a thriving community. I’m running to ensure the next generation has the same — or better — opportunities to build a life here in Montgomery County.
View My Plan for Economic Development â–¼
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Foster an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Create an environment where innovators and small businesses can thrive — with a county government that acts as a true partner by offering timely support, proactive check-ins, and meaningful connections to resources and networks. -
Streamline Permitting & Modernize Processes
Simplify and shorten review timelines by moving toward a more coordinated, “one-stop” approach that reduces red tape while protecting community standards and accelerating responsible development. -
Strengthen Local Procurement
Expand opportunities for local businesses — especially small, minority-owned, women-owned, and immigrant-owned firms — through fairer procurement policies and a strong commitment to “Buy Local, Hire Local.”
Support New Business Growth with Programs & Mentorship
Offer targeted programs, mentorship, technical assistance, and incentives that help new and growing businesses navigate early challenges, access capital, and scale sustainably. -
Leverage Montgomery County’s Innovation Strengths
Build on our unmatched regional assets — from biotechnology and quantum computing to hospitality, engineering, and professional services — to attract investment, grow high-quality jobs, and strengthen our global competitiveness.​​​
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Economic
Development
Ensure Our County Takes Care of Every Neighbor, Improve Our Quality of Life
Quality of life begins with connection — feeling at home, feeling safe, and feeling seen in the place you live. As an immigrant, I know what it means to arrive somewhere new and have to build belonging from the ground up. And for the last 21 years, Montgomery County’s Councilmanic District 1 has not just been where I live — it’s where I’ve grown, served, and built deep community roots. Long before I ever ran for office, I invested myself in the civic life of our neighborhoods. I’ve spent decades involved in 4-H, Girl Scouts, Rotary, local Democratic clubs, and countless PTA and community association partnerships across District 1. These relationships were built by knocking on doors, solving problems, advocating for families, and responding to real issues on the ground. I know our neighborhoods because I’ve lived here, served here, and worked alongside residents for over two decades. I’ve built the infrastructure to stay connected — and I’ve already been doing the work of constituent service: answering emails at midnight, following up on safety concerns, and helping families navigate challenges large and small.
As your County Councilmember, I will ensure that our local government is accessible, responsive, and accountable — the kind of leadership that gets the basics right: fixing potholes, improving lighting, addressing traffic safety, and making sure residents get answers when they need them.
View My Plan to Improve the Quality of Life â–¼
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Support Seniors & Strengthen Community Spaces
Establish a District 1 Community Center, expand community villages, and create a countywide hub to help seniors age in place with access to care, services, and social connections.
Protect the Environment & Build Sustainable Neighborhoods
Advance smart investments in green infrastructure — from algae-to-energy innovations to reduced-cost solar — while promoting walkable, connected neighborhoods that preserve our parks, trees, and waterways. -
Stand with Federal Workers
Support displaced federal employees through targeted hiring incentives and resources for those launching small businesses right here in Montgomery County.
Combat Hate & Protect Vulnerable Communities
Require expert-led training for county staff responding to hate and bias incidents, strengthen security around schools and religious institutions, and speak out clearly against antisemitism and discrimination. -
Uphold and Support Immigrant Communities
Maintain Montgomery County as a welcoming place by refusing cooperation with ICE detainers, expanding grants for immigrant-serving nonprofits, and supporting legal defense efforts that protect due process. -
Strengthen Public Safety Through Partnership
Maintain close collaboration with local law enforcement while expanding community-based programs that build trust and ensure neighbors look out for one another. -
Improve Pedestrian Safety
Move beyond endless studies to implement proven safety measures around schools, transit stops, and high-foot-traffic areas to prevent crashes and protect residents.
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