👋🏼 It's Cuneyt, with Town Talker — my weekly column on politics and power.

Affluent and vast, you wouldn’t necessarily think of Montgomery County as withering.

New, glitzy Bethesda towers and urban-ish redevelopment along Rockville Pike have punched up the sprawling Washington suburb that's home to more than a million people.

But withering it is, say economists and opponents of its leader, Marc Elrich — who is running for a second term in next Tuesday’s Democratic primary for county executive.

Why it matters: Montgomery County has long been seen as the economic engine of Maryland, but the place home to armies of civil servants and diverse communities — from dense Silver Spring to farm country around Poolesville — is bleeding jobs and losing pace with the region’s economy.

• Self-funded businessman David Blair lost to Elrich by 77 votes in 2018 and is back to challenge him. At-large council member Hans Riemer is another top contender.
• The election is also a stress test for progressive politics. Elrich hails from the liberal bastion of Takoma Park and is a proud Democratic Socialist. Yes, he is hemmed in by an oppositional county council — he admits he’s not “able to do socialist things, per se.” But the 72-year-old is the Washington region’s most high-profile leftist leader.

What I’m hearing: Critics slam Elrich for having a NIMBY attitude toward new development, particularly market-rate units that would grow the county’s middle class.

Yes, but: “It’s Marc’s to lose,” says Gus Bauman, a former county planning board chair. “He has the edge because he’s the incumbent. People aren’t paying attention. Plus, it’s in July, which is doubly confusing.”

Read the full column.

D.C. public schools’ enrollment growth slowed to a crawl during the pandemic. And it’s not likely to substantially increase in the near future, according to a D.C. Policy Center report released today.

Why it matters: If current enrollment trends continue, there will be big impacts on D.C. public and public charter school budgets.

By the numbers: According to the Policy Center, D.C.’s public schools (DCPS and public charters combined) gained on average 1,598 new students each year from the 2007-08 school year to the 2019-20 school year. 

• The pandemic school years have seen a dramatic drop to an average of 29 new students each year.

What’s happening: Washingtonians are having fewer kids. The birth rate has been dropping since 2017, as more residents of childbearing age leave the city. As a result, there are fewer children entering the District's public school system. 

• The second factor contributing to stagnating enrollment growth is decreased interest in public schools — as evidenced by lower student retention.

What’s next: If these trends continue, the Policy Center predicts that the 2026-27 school year could have 6,000 fewer students than the 2021-22 school year. 

Between the lines: Last month we reported on D.C.’s increased public school enrollment among middle and high school students. This is the result of larger cohorts aging up and fewer dropouts. 

• Yes, but: Currently decreasing enrollment in elementary schools indicates that over time D.C. public schools could see a drop in enrollment among older students, too.

The bottom line: In order for enrollment growth to return to pre-pandemic levels, retention has to go back up, and if it doesn't the birth rate would have to substantially increase, which is unlikely according to the Policy Center’s findings.

The grocery store gods have blessed D.C. with its first Wegmans, which opens today at 9am at the City Ridge development near Tenleytown.

The New York-based grocery chain is known for its huge selection (70,000 items!) and carries way more than just groceries. 

What we're watching: The new store, which will normally be open from 6am to midnight, has multiple grab-and-go options such as a burger bar, pizza shop, fresh sushi, soup station, and coffee shop. It also has a pharmacy and fresh flowers. Shoppers will have their pick of fresh seafood, too, including live lobsters.

Not to mention the beer and wine selections — the store has 500 types of beer and 1,500 wines, along with a wide variety of spirits.

• Plus, there’s indoor and outdoor seating and a 750-car underground parking lot.

Speaking of parking: Don't trust Google — it may direct you to Ridge Square NW. The parking lot entrance is on Wisconsin Avenue just north of Rodman Street.

• Plug 3800 Wisconsin Ave NW into maps and you’ll be set, trust us.  

Bonus: A King Street Oyster Bar and a new Tatte are coming soon across the street.

⛽️ Sorry: Here's why you didn’t get all 36.1 cents of the gas tax holiday in Maryland (WJLA)

🏫 Bowie State University, Maryland’s oldest HBCU, is growing, bucking the trend of Maryland’s public college enrollment decline. (WTOP)

⚽️ Columnists weigh in on what Wayne Rooney can bring to D.C. United (Washington Post, The Athletic)

⚡️ Thunderstorms around D.C. caused widespread damage last night, and even led to fires resulting from downed power lines. (NBC Washington)

⏳ We handpick the best among the rest with our local job listings.

1. Social Media Specialist at Freedom House.
2. Senior Client Strategist at Engage LLC.
3. Communications Associate, Politics at Pew Research Center.
4. Associate Consultant Media Relations at BlueCross BlueShield Association.
5. Program Officer - Maldives at International Republican Institute.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a Job.

Hiya, editor Kayla here!

My good boy Kirby recently got neutered, so after two weeks of bed rest (and the cone of shame), we're ready to make up for lost adventure time.

Here are our favorite dog-friendly walking trails:

Seneca Regional Park in Great Falls is a great walking spot along the Potomac. Stick to the gravel road if you want the easiest route down to the river.

Pro tips: There are several benches by the river. Take some time to rest and reflect.

• The park's gravel parking lot can fill up pretty quickly so arrive early on weekends and consider carpooling if you visit with a friend.

Walker Nature Center in Reston is situated amid several wooded walking trails. This is a great spot to spend time in nature while knowing that you're only a mile or so from a main road or residential area if you get lost.

Pro tips: The nature center has water fountains out back so bring a water bottle and portable dog bowl to fill up.

Where should Kirby and I venture next? I'm sure there are other fantastic walking spots in the Washington area. Reply to this email to tell us which nearby dog-friendly trails we should explore.

• Bonus: Send us a photo of you and your dog (or cat, or horse, or bird…) out enjoying nature and we might share it in an upcoming newsletter.