At its Monday, October 28, 2024 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will discuss Fiscal Year 2026 budget, another hearing on the Town Center Master Plan, and a worksession for a master plan on the adaptive re-use of the King Farm Farmstead Park Complex. On the Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion) are funding emergency management facilities, energy-efficient lighting, office upgrades, and electricity supply contracts. Reminder: Council meetings now start at 6:30 pm.

This meeting is an important opportunity for you to stay informed and engaged with the decisions that shape our community.

Key Agenda Items:

Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget (pages 266-422). This is an early opportunity for community members to provide input on the city’s Operating Budget and Capital Improvements Program (CIP). As mandated by Ordinance No. 03-23, this hearing allows for public feedback prior to the City Manager’s budget proposal, ensuring that resident priorities and project ideas are considered in initial budget planning. Feedback gathered here, along with input from the Propose-A-Project initiative and an ongoing budget survey, will guide staff in preparing the proposed budget, which will be presented in March 2025, followed by additional hearings in the spring.

Public Hearing on the Town Center Master Plan (423+). This is an opportunity to respond to strategies to transform Rockville’s Town Center into a vibrant, inclusive, and transit-friendly area by 2040. The plan focuses on adding 2,000 new residential units with a mix of housing options, enhancing pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, improving bus access, and reducing parking requirements. It also includes initiatives to diversify retail, activate public spaces with events and greenery, and promote sustainability through eco-friendly building practices and climate-resilient spaces. This update will amend the Rockville 2040 Comprehensive Plan, informed by extensive community feedback.

Worksession on the King Farm Farmstead (677+). Staff is seeking Council direction on the adaptive reuse for the historic site that would preserve the site’s historic integrity while exploring potential uses like a community center, arts venue, event space, or educational hub. Public engagement will occur in phases to gather input on preferred uses, and the selected concept will be presented for City Council approval. This project aligns with the city’s strategic goals of resource stewardship, economic development, and public access to recreational spaces.

How to Participate:

Attend in Person: The meeting will be held at City Hall, 111 Maryland Avenue (downtown, behind the Maryland District Courthouse). We encourage residents to attend and voice their opinions during Community Forum.

Watch Online: If you can’t make it in person, you can watch the live stream on the city’s website at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/157/Rockville-11.

Submit Comments: You can submit your comments or questions in advance by emailing MayorAndCouncil@RockvilleMD.gov by no later than 10:00 a.m. on the date of the meeting.

Your participation is crucial in shaping the future of our city. Whether you have specific concerns or just want to stay informed, we hope to see you at the meeting.

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Thank you for being an active and engaged member of our community. More details in the 715-page agenda packet are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10282024-7317.