At a Montgomery County Council Economic Development Committee work session, staff briefed members that the Move program — a grant that helps businesses sign first commercial office leases or expand their existing offices — has outpaced the FY26 allocation and is effectively oversubscribed.

County staff said the FY26 ongoing allocation was increased from $750,000 to $1,650,000 and that the Council approved a one‑time $500,000 supplement, bringing the FY26 program size stated in the packet to $2,150,000. Staff reported roughly $1.6 million has been encumbered or dispersed and that about $600,000 of approved awards remain unfunded pending available resources; the county updated online messaging after community feedback to reflect the supplemental funding and ongoing application reviews.

Ken Hartman and county executive staff described how the Move program accepts applications year‑round and therefore can become oversubscribed when applicants qualify but timing prevents immediate payment. Staff said they triage applicants by timing (who needs funds first) and eligibility and manage expectations for applicants not receiving immediate payment.

An MCEDC representative told the committee the executive branch anticipates needing an additional $1,500,000 to cover already‑received applications for the remainder of the fiscal year. “We anticipate a need for an additional $1,500,000,” the representative said, noting the executive will finalize the CIP and operating budget in January.

Council President Natalie Fani Gonzales said Move and the Jobs Initiative serve different goals and should remain separate budget items. She suggested an operating‑budget ask in the $2 million range for Move while cautioning against setting unrealistic expectations amid broader budget pressures.

Council members pressed staff on program metrics and effectiveness: some members said Move appears to be a cost‑effective recruitment tool; others urged measuring whether the grant is the decisive factor in companies’ relocation decisions. Staff offered to bring more detailed data on applications and timing in future briefings.

Next steps: staff will provide additional data to inform the executive’s recommended budget and the committee may consider a supplemental appropriation or a FY27 funding recommendation during the January budget cycle.