At the June 16, 2025 meeting of the Rockville Mayor and Council, more than two dozen residents—many of them renters and students—delivered passionate testimony on the future of our city during Community Forum. Three major themes were emphasized (note: the claims or facts are presented as given by the speakers and were not fact-checked for accuracy or context):

1. Rent Stabilization Dominates Public Concern

The majority of speakers called on the city to adopt rent stabilization policies similar to those in Montgomery County, which caps annual rent increases at 6%. Residents described being priced out of their homes despite working full-time jobs, raising families, or serving in essential roles such as teachers, nurses, and federal employees. Many pointed to:

• Sharp rent hikes of 10–17% over the past year or two.
• Unsafe or neglected apartment conditions.
• Displacement and homelessness among vulnerable groups, especially Black women and children.
• A sense of political frustration with city officials who have declined to move forward on rent stabilization.

While Councilmembers Zola Shaw and David Myles were repeatedly thanked for their support, other council members were criticized for inaction, perceived conflicts of interest, or dismissive behavior toward tenant advocates.

2. Youth Push for Voting Rights at 16

Several articulate high school students—members of Sunrise Rockville, the Youth Commission, and the Vote16 Movement—advocated for lowering the voting age to 16 in municipal elections. Their arguments included:

• Teens already shoulder adult responsibilities (e.g., working jobs, paying taxes, and driving).
• Many are well-versed in civics through AP Government courses.
• Cities like Takoma Park have successfully enfranchised younger voters, showing high turnout among 16- and 17-year-olds.

The students urged elected officials to listen to youth voices not just symbolically but through full voting rights.

3. Support for Ranked Choice Voting

A smaller number of residents, including representatives from Ranked Choice Voting Maryland, voiced support for adopting ranked choice voting (RCV) in city elections. Advocates argued that RCV would:

• Encourage more diverse and representative candidates.
• Reduce negative campaigning.
• Empower voters to express broader preferences without “wasting” votes.

Residents cited successful use of RCV in Takoma Park, Arlington, Portland, and Cambridge, and emphasized the importance of fairer election systems to reflect the city’s growing diversity.

What’s Next?

Many speakers reminded the Council that the next election is in 2027, and warned that Rockville renters and their allies are organizing now. Whether on housing, youth engagement, or election reform, public commenters made one thing clear: they expect to be heard—and they’ll be back.