An Indian American-led county in Pennsylvania, Montgomery County, with a population of about 865,000, has unanimously passed its 2026 budget. This marks the first bipartisan county budget in nearly ten years. The $1.2 billion budget includes significant investments in housing, public health, infrastructure, and workforce development.
The approved budget allocates $5.3 million to expand housing and homelessness solutions, focusing on new transitional housing across the county. Public health and safety initiatives will receive $7.2 million to enhance emergency communications systems and crisis response. Infrastructure maintenance and upgrades, including 131 bridges and 75 miles of roads, will be funded with $35 million to ensure safety and economic activity.
Moreover, the budget sets aside $16.6 million for the maintenance of parks, trails, and historic sites spanning nearly 6,000 acres. Additionally, over $1.5 million will support a fairer county workforce and improve operational efficiency. The budget, overseen by County Commissioner Neil Makhija, remains balanced and incorporates cost-saving measures to redirect savings towards community needs.
Makhija, who chairs the Board of Commissioners, leads approximately 3,000 county employees responsible for various sectors. He has a background in election law and has been involved in litigation against pharmaceutical companies over the opioid crisis. The bipartisan budget reflects the county’s ability to deliver results amidst political polarization, positioning it for future challenges and demands on public services.
