Rockville’s New Website Improves Access to Services—But Not to Mayor and Council
Rockville recently launched a redesigned city website with a fresh look and a more user-friendly layout. The home page now highlights key services—trash pickup, water billing, affordable housing, and city jobs—making it much easier for residents to find the information they use most often.
Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the Mayor and Council page, which is far less intuitive and raises concerns about public access and transparency.
Continue reading →Council to Review Twinbrook School Plans, Legislative Priorities, and Arts Month
The Rockville Mayor and Council will meet on Monday, October 6, 2025, to discuss a wide range of topics—from arts and culture to historic preservation, state legislative priorities, and school planning. Several of these items directly affect Rockville neighborhoods, local businesses, and the city’s future development.
Proclamation: Arts and Humanities Month
(Agenda pages 32–37)
Rockville will declare October as Arts and Humanities Month, joining communities nationwide in recognizing the arts as vital to civic life and public well-being. The proclamation highlights the city’s ongoing commitment to culture through venues like the Glenview Mansion Art Gallery, the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, and numerous workshops and performances throughout the month.
- This proclamation reinforces Rockville’s reputation as a cultural hub and affirms support for artists, nonprofits, and creative programming but symbolic proclamations rely on sustained investment to maintain visibility beyond the month’s events.
- Rockville can use this proclamation to advocate for local and state arts funding, strengthening its case for grants from the NEA or Maryland State Arts Council. Unfortunately, recent White House actions have curtailed or politicized programs at the National Endowment for the Arts, IMLS, and public media. Rockville’s consistent, nonpartisan approach to arts advocacy helps buffer local institutions against such national instability.
Historic District Commission FY25 Annual Report
(Agenda pages 65–82)
Continue reading →Rockville’s Rules of Decorum on Hold
Rockville’s Rules of Decorum are now hold to allow more time for study and review. At its Leadership Planning Meeting on Monday, September 29, 2025 at 8:30 am, the Mayor and Council reviewed the agenda for that evening and removed Item 11 Rules of Decorum and Protocol.
The meeting began with the City Manager reviewing the agenda and when he came to Item 11 Rules of Decorum, Councilmember Valeri asked that it be removed because it was not ready for “prime time.” She felt there was confusion about the legislative process, explained how policy is developed in the City of Rockville, and “hoped that this brief moment of educational background is helpful to our resident community—maybe at some point I will create an infographic or short animation to illustrate it ala Schoolhouse Rock.” Councilmember Van Grack concurred with removing the Rules of Decorum, noting it was only presented to Council on Friday and the Council and the public need more time for review and comment. Councilmember Shaw also concurred and noted that at the last meeting, a councilmember asked that “we move forward with this agenda item in haste and to have a draft by the next meeting.” She had concerns that rules of decorum could also act to silence opposition, as was done during the Civil Rights Movement. Councilmember Jackson concurred but recognized that while the item was added to the agenda late and there is insufficient time for review, it is not being rushed because Council has been discussing it for a long time. He wants to be sure that everyone who wishes to speak in the Council chamber feels comfortable, safe, and not intimidated by others. Mayor Ashton noted that Council has two goals: ensuring free speech and ensuring everyone feels safe to testify. She felt that the text is longer and more extensive than she anticipated and wanted to compare with other jurisdictions and solicit responses from the Human Rights Commission. The discussion concluded with Councilmember Valeri responding to Councilmember Shaw’s mention of the history of civil rights and that her great-grandfather, a journalist, was sentenced to a concentration camp in Greece because of his reporting and thus understands the value of free speech. The City Manager will reschedule a discussion on Rules of Decorum and Protocol for a future meeting in the next six months.
Even though it was removed from the agenda, several people voiced their concerns at Community Forum during the Mayor and Council meeting.
Know Your Rights at Rockville Council Meetings
At its September 29, 2026 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council are considering adopting new Rules of Decorum and Protocols to guide behavior at public meetings. These rules are designed to keep meetings orderly, respectful, and productive — but it’s equally important for residents to know what they can and cannot do when they participate.
What You’re Allowed to Do
- Attend any open meeting. Everyone is welcome, as long as space allows.
- Speak during Community Forum and public hearings. You’ll be given time to share your views.
- Criticize city policies, programs, and decisions. The resolution explicitly protects your right to disagree with the Mayor, Council, or staff.
- Raise issues that matter to you. Even if it’s not on the agenda, you can bring concerns to Community Forum.
What You’re Not Allowed to Do
- Disrupt the meeting. Shouting, chanting, or refusing to yield the floor are prohibited.
- Launch personal attacks. Criticism of policies is allowed, but abusive or threatening remarks directed at individuals are not.
- Exceed time limits. Each speaker gets a set amount of time, and going over can result in being cut off.
- Interrupt others. Just as Councilmembers are expected to wait their turn, so are members of the public.
How Rules Are Enforced
- The Mayor (or presiding officer) is responsible for keeping order.
- If rules are violated, you may be warned, asked to stop, or removed from the chamber if disruption continues.
Why It Matters
These rules aim to strike a balance between protecting free speech and ensuring that meetings remain safe and productive. Criticism of city government is protected, but everyone — Councilmembers, staff, and residents — is expected to participate respectfully.
Bottom line: You have the right to speak up at Council meetings, even to criticize policies and decisions. What’s not allowed is disrupting the meeting or targeting individuals with personal attacks.
Rockville Council to Weigh Rules of Decorum, Zoning Rewrite, and King Farm Future
The Rockville Mayor and Council will meet on Monday, September 29, 2025. Several significant issues are up for discussion, ranging from meeting rules to long-term planning for land use, transportation, and historic preservation. Below is a preview of the topics most relevant to residents and businesses.
Rules of Decorum for Council Meetings
The Council will consider adopting formal Rules of Decorum and Protocols for public meetings. These rules cover conduct for councilmembers, staff, and members of the public, aiming to ensure meetings run efficiently and respectfully. This proposal formalizes expectations for behavior in Council chambers, reinforcing civility and safety. Some of the proposed rules may be toughest for the councilmembers themselves to follow, especially the bans on interrupting or talking over colleagues and on making lengthy or repetitive comments that delay business.
Opportunities and Threats
Continue reading →Housing Aid, Election Reforms, and Vision Zero on Rockville’s September 8 Agenda
Rockville’s Mayor and Council is returning from its August break facing a packed agenda with decisions that could shape the city’s future for years to come. At the September 8 meeting, three major issues will take center stage: housing affordability and federal funding priorities, a complete overhaul of the city’s election code, and progress on Rockville’s ambitious Vision Zero traffic safety plan. Each of these topics speaks directly to the daily lives of residents and businesses, raising questions about how Rockville grows, governs, and protects its people.
Rockville Council to Hear Public Testimony on Housing Needs and Federal Grant Priorities
The Rockville City Council will hold a public hearing to shape how the city will spend its $263,000 allocation of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for FY 2027. The grants, distributed through Montgomery County, must be used for projects that benefit low- and moderate-income residents.
In the past, Rockville has used CDBG funding to rehabilitate supportive housing at Jefferson House, upgrade shared recovery housing, replace failing HVAC systems at David Scull Courts, and fund its single-family rehab program. With housing affordability worsening, this year’s hearing carries added weight.
A recent city needs assessment underscores the challenge: nearly half of Rockville residents are renters, and more than half of them are cost-burdened, paying over 30 percent of their income on housing. Median rent has climbed to $2,244 per month, requiring an income of nearly $90,000, while the median home price now tops $681,500. Homeownership rates continue to fall, particularly for younger and first-time buyers.
Continue reading →More Than Zoning: A Systemwide Approach to Rockville’s Housing Crisis
At a recent Community Forum, Rockville residents spoke out about rising rents, neglected apartments, and fears of being pushed out of the city they call home. Their stories were powerful—and familiar. For many, housing costs are rising faster than wages, and longtime residents are finding it harder to stay in Rockville.
What’s encouraging is that the City is listening and acting, despite what renters are claiming. Behind the scenes, Rockville has been working on two major initiatives:
- A complete rewrite of the city’s zoning ordinance to allow more housing in key areas.
- A growing toolkit of housing affordability strategies, many of which are already in motion.
These efforts reflect a larger truth: there’s no single solution to Rockville’s housing challenges. Instead, the city is starting to take a systems approach, linking land use, renter protections, affordability programs, and partnerships into a broader vision. Affordable housing was not a priority of previous Mayors and candidates who ran on this issue were not elected (e.g., Mayor Newton opposed the acquisition of Fireside Apartments by Rockville Housing Enterprises at the March 19, 2019 meeting). Here’s what you need to know:
Zoning Reform: Making Room for More Homes
Rockville’s zoning rewrite, which we’ve previously summarized here, is a once-in-a-generation update. The city’s March and May staff reports lay out ambitious goals to:
- Encourage more mixed-use development in Downtown and Twinbrook.
- Allow a wider range of housing types, from townhouses to accessory units.
- Simplify permitting, reduce parking minimums, and promote walkable neighborhoods.
The goal is to increase housing supply and support diverse, connected communities. But zoning reform is a long game. Even with these changes, it may take years before new, affordable housing comes online.
Pairing Zoning with Housing Affordability Tools
The good news is that Rockville isn’t relying on zoning alone. According to the May 5, 2025 Mayor and Council meeting, the City is actively developing housing strategies to:
Continue reading →What Rockville Residents Are Saying: Youth Voices, Rent Stabilization, and Fair Elections
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:
Continue reading →Housing, Mental Health, and Election Reform on June 16 Council Agenda
The next Rockville Mayor and Council meeting on Monday, June 16, 2025, will tackle several important topics that could shape life in the city—from how affordable housing is preserved, to how the police handle mental health calls, to how future city elections are run. Residents and businesses alike may want to tune in or weigh in on these wide-ranging proposals.
Affordable Housing Preservation
What’s on the Agenda
The Council will hear a presentation on strategies to preserve affordable housing in Rockville, especially older apartment buildings that may otherwise be lost to redevelopment or rising rents. The report recommends creating a database to track at-risk properties, reviving a rehabilitation loan program, and building a coalition of local partners to protect long-term affordability. However, the report does not fully address the challenges faced by property owners and developers, such as rising construction costs, regulatory burdens, and limited access to financing—all of which make it increasingly difficult to preserve or create affordable units.
Why It Matters
Housing affordability is a growing concern in Rockville. These strategies could help longtime residents stay in their homes, keep neighborhoods stable, and ensure a mix of incomes across the city.
Mental Health Specialist for Rockville Police
What’s on the Agenda
The Council will vote to renew an agreement with Montgomery County to embed a licensed mental health professional in the Rockville Police Department for $160,000 per year. This specialist assists officers on mental health calls and helps connect residents to support services. The role also includes training officers on crisis response.
Why It Matters
While mental health calls only represent 3% of police activity (742 out of 26,047 calls in 2024), they require a set of skills that few police officers are trained to handle. This program is a way to improve public safety responses, reduce emergency room visits, and support residents in crisis more effectively.
City Election Reform
What’s on the Agenda
As part of an ongoing review, the Council will hold a worksession on proposed changes to Rockville’s election system. The discussion will focus on four main areas: rewriting the election code, updating campaign finance rules, rethinking the structure and independence of the Board of Supervisors of Elections, and improving public education and enforcement. Potentially off-the-table issues are ranked-choice voting and public funding of campaigns. A Charter Review Commission presented recommendations in late 2022, voters responded to advisory referendum questions in the 2023 election, and the Mayor and Council is revisiting everything again (except increasing the size of Council) in 2025. Seems there’s little traction on this issue and I wonder if they’ll consider what voters and Charter Review Commission said previously (they’re not mentioned in the staff report).
Why It Matters
Rockville’s election rules haven’t kept up with modern expectations. These updates could make local elections fairer, more transparent, and easier to understand for voters, candidates, and campaign volunteers alike.
The meeting will be broadcast live on Rockville 11 and streamed on the city’s website.
Residents can send comments to the Mayor and Council by email or speak during Community Forum, which begins at 6:50 p.m. You can sign up to speak online at rockvillemd.gov before 10 a.m. the day of the meeting.
Rockville Residents Rally Along Rockville Pike in “No Kings” Protest
Today thousands of residents lined Rockville Pike from north to south in a spirited “No Kings” protest, drawing attention to growing concerns about government overreach. The demonstration, marked by homemade signs, upside down crowns, American flags, and spontaneous cheers, brought together neighbors, friends, and families united by a shared sense that President Trump is exceeding his authority.
Support came not only from the sidewalks but also the street—drivers honked in solidarity, though Tesla drivers, notably, were less enthusiastic. The strong turnout and shared energy reflected a deep undercurrent of concern and frustration with the direction of the nation.
The protest evoked memories of a similar moment in Rockville’s history, when then-Mayor Phyllis Marcuccio controversially claimed the title of chief executive—despite the city code reserving that role for the city manager. In that instance, the city council remained silent just as Congress is today, leaving it to residents to voice their objections.
This latest demonstration is a reminder that citizen vigilance remains essential. Elected officials, both national and local, are far too tempted by power. The message from Rockville is clear: no one person should be above the law or the people.
Max for Rockville 