Welcome to MoCoGap

MoCoGap.org is a data-driven advocacy project exposing Montgomery County, Maryland's fiscal performance gap relative to peer counties.

We lead with numbers, cite primary sources, and turn budget analysis into an engaging, shareable experience.

Why this matters

Montgomery County spends $7,023 per person — 58% more than Fairfax County ($4,435). Same beltway. Same talent pool. Different priorities.

The county budget grew 32% from FY20 to FY26. Population grew 1.9%. Your income growth ranks 28th of 30 peer counties.

What we'll publish

This blog will update when the data changes:

• Budget Watch — coverage of budget hearings, votes, and amendments
• OIG Reports — summaries when new Inspector General reports drop
• Comparisons — ongoing peer county analysis
• Election 2026 — candidate positions on fiscal accountability
• Data Updates — when new Census, BEA, or budget data becomes available

Your county council votes on a $7.6 billion budget every May. They heard from about 300 residents last year. Out of 1,082,000. Be resident #301.