About MoCoGap
MoCoGap.org is a high-energy, data-driven advocacy project exposing Montgomery County, Maryland's fiscal performance gap relative to peer counties. We turn a dry budget analysis into an engaging, shareable, interactive experience that motivates civic action. We are confident, data-forward, and precise — not partisan, not angry.
Methodology
Per capita spending is total county-controlled operating budget divided by population. We include MCPS, WSSC Water, transit, and general government operations. We exclude federal pass-throughs and one-time capital projects. Peer counties are selected by population, median household income, and metro proximity to D.C. Known limitations: different fiscal year timing, state vs. local education funding differences (e.g., Virginia), and Census data release lags.
Data Sources
- Montgomery County FY2026 Adopted Budget
- Fairfax County FY2026 Adopted Budget
- Howard County FY2026 Proposed Operating Budget
- Prince George's County FY2026 Adopted Budget
- Nassau County Budget (NIFA)
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 1-Year Estimates
- Montgomery County OIG Publications
- Maryland Department of Legislative Services Reports
- Montgomery County OLO Reports
FAQ
- Are you a political organization?
- No. We're a data project. We don't endorse candidates or parties. We publish numbers and primary sources.
- Why do you compare MoCo to Fairfax?
- Same beltway, same talent pool, similar size. Fairfax is the natural benchmark. The gap only makes sense in context.
- Doesn't MoCo's AAA bond rating prove it's well-managed?
- Bond ratings measure solvency — can the county pay its debt? We're focused on efficiency and value: spending per capita and outcomes relative to peers.
- Isn't some of this spending mandated by the state?
- Yes. Blueprint and MOE (maintenance of effort) constrain education spending. We still compare total per capita and administrative overhead; other counties face similar mandates.