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 →Renters’ Rights and Housing Equity: Key Takeaways from Rockville’s Worksession
Housing stability is a cornerstone of a thriving and inclusive community. On November 18, 2024, the Rockville City Council convened a critical worksession to address housing stability—a top priority for city leaders. This third installment in a series of housing-focused sessions followed discussions on supply and subsidy strategies, and emphasized the importance of protecting renters, preserving affordable housing, and ensuring fairness in the city’s housing policies. Here, we outline the key themes, challenges, and opportunities that emerged from the session, offering a comprehensive view for residents and business owners alike.
Tenant Protections Take Center Stage
One of the most pressing topics discussed was the need for stronger tenant protections. Councilmembers widely supported the creation of a Rockville Renter Bill of Rights, a document designed to empower renters by providing clear, accessible information on rental histories, fees, and code violations. The document would also be translated into multiple languages, ensuring inclusivity for Rockville’s diverse community.
Several councilmembers emphasized transparency as a cornerstone of tenant protections. For example, landlords would be required to disclose not only the rent history of individual units but also trends across their properties. Such measures aim to stabilize rent increases through informed decision-making by tenants while fostering accountability among landlords.
Continue reading →Housing Affordability and Business Development Lead October 21 Agenda
At its Monday, October 21, 2024 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will discuss affordable housing strategies and alignment of priorities with Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI). On the Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion) are the 2025 state legislative priorities, among others.
This meeting is an important opportunity for you to stay informed and engaged with the decisions that shape our community.
Key Agenda Items:
Affordable Housing Strategies (pages 11+). The City Council discussed new strategies to address Rockville’s housing affordability challenges. Key proposals include creating a dedicated Housing Opportunity Fund (HOF) with stable funding sources, such as fees on short-term rentals and flipped homes, and offering property tax abatements (PILOTs) to encourage affordable housing development. The Council also aims to reduce construction costs by prioritizing affordable housing on public land. However, the plan faces potential funding gaps, with no detailed estimates or timelines for implementation. Additionally, reliance on federal and state partnerships could delay progress if external funding sources are not readily available.
Business Development (33+). The Rockville City Council and the Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) Board will discuss strategies to boost key industries like life sciences, small-scale manufacturing, and green technology. REDI is prioritizing job creation and supporting local businesses, with plans to enhance Rockville’s status as a biotech hub and expand opportunities for small manufacturers. The discussion will also cover how to attract new investments and strengthen the local economy, aligning REDI’s $2.36 million budget to support these goals.
Continue reading →Rockville Council Discussed Financial Oversight, Emergency Preparedness, and 2025 Legislative Priorities at October 7 Meeting
Note: I’ve been out of town in August and September, so I’m doing a bit of catch-up on the Mayor and Council meetings, including this meeting from last week. The next meeting is October 21.
At its Monday, October 7, 2024 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council discussed Emergency Management and the 2025 Mayor and Council State Legislative Priorities. On the Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion) were agreements for on-call roofing services with three companies, totaling up to $4.5 million annually; a contract with Magnolia Plumbing, Inc., for stormwater facility maintenance, not exceeding $435,000 annually; and approval of a storm drain easement at Rockshire Village Center, among others. The Mayor and Council also received reports on Financial Advisory Board’s FY 2024 Annual Report and FY 2025 Action Plan.
Mayor and Council Meeting Schedule Changed on October 7: Meetings now begin a
half hour earlier at 6:30 p.m. Proclamations — official statements or declarations presented by a city’s mayor and council to recognize and honor specific events, causes or individuals — will be presented
from 5:30-6:30 p.m. before the first meeting of the month. The Mayor and Council drop-in, where the mayor and a councilmember meet with members of the public, will be held from 5:15-6:15 p.m. before
the second meeting of each month. More details in Rockville Reports (October 2024), page 3.
Key Agenda Items:
Financial Oversight and Policy Recommendations (pp 95-125). The Financial Advisory Board (FAB) presented its FY 2024 Annual Report and proposed FY 2025 Action Plan. The FAB plays a vital role in ensuring financial transparency and accountability for Rockville’s residents and businesses. Key accomplishments from FY 2024 include reviewing the City’s annual financial reports, assessing financial policies, and overseeing procurement practices. The FAB found no significant discrepancies in the City’s finances and recommended establishing an independent internal audit function to further enhance fiscal oversight. For FY 2025, the board will continue reviewing financial reports, monitor City-awarded grants, and evaluate revenue sources. The FAB will also focus on improving the City’s use of financial Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure Rockville’s finances remain healthy. These efforts aim to support informed financial planning and decision-making that benefits the entire Rockville community. BTW, this committee is among the best prepared and managed in the city, a model for others to follow.
Emergency Preparedness (126-42). The City’s Emergency Management team highlighted key developments, including the completion of a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) that identifies 97 essential city functions and outlines strategies for dealing with potential disruptions. Rockville’s emergency responsibilities are closely integrated with Montgomery County’s Emergency Operations Plan, with the City playing a vital role in law enforcement, water supply, debris management, and damage assessment during emergencies. State law designates the county as the emergency management authority; the City of Rockville cannot declare a disaster and their authority is limited. A new Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is being developed at Taft Court, supported by federal funding, to improve coordination and response. Looking ahead, the City is finalizing its own Emergency Operations Plan, with a draft expected by December 2024.
State Legislative Priorities (143-50). The City of Rockville outlined its key priorities for the 2025 Maryland General Assembly. These legislative goals include advocating for the State Highway Administration to maintain sidewalks and bicycle pathways on state-owned roads and expanding the state property tax credit for low and moderate-income homeowners, including seniors, to help with rising living costs. Rockville will also work to preserve municipal highway user revenues (HUR) to maintain critical transportation infrastructure, which is at risk due to the state’s projected budget deficit. Rockville is also seeking funding for local projects, including the renovation of the Elwood Smith Community Center and the development of Talbot Street Park. In addition to these legislative efforts, the City is focused on ongoing support for education from birth to community college, pedestrian safety through Vision Zero initiatives, climate action, senior services, and more broadly on economic development, housing and zoning, and public safety and wellness.
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 160-page agenda packet are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10072024-7299.
Rockville Council Agenda Includes Major Forest Preservation Updates and Transportation Achievements
There’s something for everyone at the Monday, August 5, 2024 meeting of the Rockville Mayor and Council. They will discuss amendments to the Forest and Tree Preservation Ordinance; rezoning of 5906 Halpine Road to permit construction of residential units (with a floating zone amendment); a budget amendment; authorizing the sale of $27 million in bonds to fund capital improvements; and an acknowledgement of the lack of proper notice for the May 4, 2024 meeting. On the Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion) are subaward agreements, license agreements, a public art project in Town Center, MPDU Program Agreement for the Flats at Northside, and July 8 minutes approval (which was marked as having “explicit language”; I’ll have to see what that was about). The Mayor and Council will also receive reports on Vision Zero and from the Transportation and Mobility Commission.
In March 2023, Rockville’s Traffic and Transportation Commission was renamed the Transportation and Mobility Commission (TMC) with a broader focus on all transportation modes (p. 17+). The TMC provides guidance to the Mayor and Council on multimodal transportation, emphasizing economic development, sustainability, social activity, equity, and resilience. They’ve recommended budget priorities, intersection safety improvements, and updates to transportation plans. For 2024, they will focus on zoning ordinance recommendations, intersection improvements, and public communication. The TMC is committed to building an inclusive, equitable, and accessible transportation system for all Rockville residents.
Rockville’s new Asphalt Art Project, funded by a $25,000 Bloomberg Philanthropies grant and an additional $15,000 from the city, aims to beautify Beall Avenue in the Town Center (187+). Set to start after summer roadway improvements, the project will feature artistic designs painted on the road surface between North Washington Street and Gibbs Street. The selected artists, Chalk Riot, will incorporate community survey results into their designs, highlighting local flora, fauna, and historical elements. The project not only aims to enhance aesthetic appeal but also to improve pedestrian safety and foster community pride. Completion is expected by late 2024.
A public hearing will be held regarding proposed amendments to Chapter 10.5 of the City Code, the Forest and Tree Preservation Ordinance, to align with Maryland Senate Bill 526 and enhance local forestry practices (243+). These changes aim to increase tree canopy and streamline the ordinance’s administration. Key amendments include higher reforestation rates, expanded priority retention areas, and new public notice requirements for forest conservation plans. Additional updates involve improving the replacement standards for significant trees and expanding the use of fee-in-lieu funds for street tree plantings. The amendments support Rockville’s commitment to environmental stewardship and urban canopy preservation, promoting a greener, more resilient community.
In addition to need to align with state law, there are concerns about using non-native tree species in city planting projects. The Forest and Tree Preservation Ordinance currently prioritizes native trees for reforestation and afforestation, but staff flexibility allows for the use of non-native species when urban conditions necessitate. While native trees support local biodiversity and are well-adapted to the environment, they can present challenges in urban settings, such as maintenance issues and susceptibility to pests. Non-native trees are often better suited for urban conditions. If you have thoughts, share your thoughts for this public hearing in person or by email (see below).
The Mayor and Council are conducting hybrid meetings. If you wish to submit comments in writing for Community Forum or Public Hearings, please email the comments to MayorAndCouncil@RockvilleMD.gov by no later than 10:00 a.m. on the date of the meeting.
More details in the 663-page agenda packet are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08052024-7248.
Mayor and Council to Discuss City Branding, Revising Ethics Code, and Allowing ADUs
At its Monday, July 29, 2024 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will discuss city branding, a code of ethics, accessory dwelling units, development of 900 Rockville Pike, and regulating tobacco and vape shops. On the Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion) are public artworks for Twinbrook and College Gardens, tree conservation for the swim center, changes to the Youth Commission, and bus stop maintenance services, among others. They will also receive the 2023 annual report of the Cultural Arts Commission.
Following a comprehensive review of community feedback gathered through focus groups, the Mayor and Council will select a logo and tagline as the city’s official brand (page 90+). This recommendation comes after six focus groups of three people each, facilitated by Medium Giant, provided their preferences and perceptions of the community regarding the three final brand logos and taglines. The the newly elected Mayor and Council requested the focus groups to engage the community in the rebranding process. The selection of a definitive brand logo and tagline will mark the culmination of an extensive branding initiative that began in June 2022. The total cost of research, design, and implementation was not reported in the staff report.
The City’s Code of Ethics is being revised to reflect recent changes in Maryland’s ethics law (138). Changes under consideration include prohibiting former City officials or employees from disclosing confidential information; restricting City officials and employees from accepting gifts from entities representing counties and municipalities; modifying financial disclosure requirements; and adding an anti-retaliation provision for those reporting or participating in investigations of potential ethics violations. The Rockville Ethics Commission has reviewed the proposed amendments and upon adoption, chapter 16 of the City Code will be updated and the Financial Disclosure Forms will be revised.
Since at least 2019, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have been discussed as a means to diversify and increase affordable housing options in Rockville (p 161-222). The proposed ordinance, which has been reviewed by the Planning Commission and received lots of public comments, would allow detached ADUs as a conditional use in all residential zones, with regulations on the size, appearance, and parking requirements. It also addresses property ownership, occupancy, and compliance for existing non-compliant units. The Mayor and Council’s approval is needed to move forward with an ordinance, which is slated for presentation on August 5.
The Mayor and Council are conducting hybrid meetings. If you wish to submit comments in writing for Community Forum or Public Hearings, please email the comments to MayorAndCouncil@RockvilleMD.gov by no later than 10:00 a.m. on the date of the meeting.
More details in the 511-page agenda packet are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07292024-7242.
Mayor and Council to Discuss 68% Increase in Car Thefts
At its Monday, February 26, 2024 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will discuss 2024 state legislation and community engagement plans. On the Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion) are a transportation grant agreement and purchasing of three different types of trucks, among others. The Mayor and Council will also receive reports on police statistics and recognize the Richard Montgomery High School Girls Varsity Volleyball Team on winning the state 4A Championship.
For the first time, the Rockville City Police Department (RCPD) shared its annual statistics on crime and their report states that “thefts of automobiles and thefts from automobiles remain one of the highest reported criminal offenses in the region and across the nation. The RCPD noted an increase in theft of automobiles by 69 from 2022 to 2023, an increase of 68%. Thefts from automobiles were up by 19 from 2022 to 2023, an increase of 2%. The most noteworthy change in crime reporting was Carjackings. Carjackings have been on the rise, locally, regionally, and nationally.” Furthermore, “Montgomery County Department of Police re-deployed personnel assigned to the Rockville District to other areas of Montgomery County. This has left parts of the city that once had dual police coverage between the RCPD and the Montgomery County Department of Police to be policed solely by the RCPD.” That resulted in a significant increase in calls for help to RCPD and a significant reduction in response time (“on average, for every additional 1,000 calls dispatched to police per month, officers arrive nine minutes slower”). More on pages 12-20.
The City Council will discuss legislation being introduced at the state level and which they will support or oppose. Under discussion are SB484: Housing Expansion and Affordability; SB537: Restrictions on Cannabis Licensee Locations; SB 783/HB 1435: Renewable Energy (Net Energy Metering Aggregation, Solar Renewable Energy Credits, and Taxes on Solar Energy Generating); HB 601/SB 442: Prohibiting Street Racing and Exhibition Driving; and HB 1306 Taxing Food and Beverages. These bills are complex and continually revised, so if you have an interest, read the staff report for a summary and recommendations (pages 190-200) or contact Senator Kagan or Delegates Palakovich-Carr, Vogel, and Spiegel.
Potential topics for the March 4, 2024 meeting is a presentation on the FY2025 budget and approval of taxes and fees.
The Mayor and Council are conducting hybrid meetings. If you wish to submit comments in writing for Community Forum or Public Hearings, please email the comments to MayorAndCouncil@RockvilleMD.gov by no later than 10:00 a.m. on the date of the meeting.
More details in the 205-page agenda packet are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02262024-7117.
Mayor and Council Gets Update on Proposed 36-Unit Condo in Twinbrook
At its Monday, February 12, 2024 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will receive updates on a proposed 36-unit condominium at 5906 Halpine Road (Twinbrook) and new laws under consideration by the state (particularly Gov. Moore’s proposed Housing Expansion and Affordability Act). On the Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion) are construction of a storage structure ($500,000) and executing an amendment to Rockville Intermodal Access Project for Baltimore Road, among others. The Mayor and Council will also receive an annual report from the Board of Appeals.
On the Consent Agenda, the City Council will be appointing Deputy Director of Community Planning
and Development Services Jenny Snapp as the City of Rockville Representative to the Town
Square Condominium Board, replacing Deputy Director of Public Works James Woods. The staff report provides some insight into the complex ownership and management of Town Square, explaining that it “consists of five blocks, each of which has a condominium association represented by the respective owners of each block. These owners must delegate a representative to the Rockville Town Square Master Condominium Board. The City owns portions of Block 1/2, Block 3A, Block 4 and Block 5. The City’s ownership of Block 1/2, Block 4 and Block 5 is limited to the Parking Garages. The City’s Block 3A ownership includes the Arts and Innovation Center where VisArts is located. Each block’s condominium association has an agreement delegating the management of common areas to Morguard. Several other agreements were established to delegate the management of the Plaza, the private sidewalks, and the Parking Garages to Morguard.” (page 101+)
The City Council will receive a briefing on a request from Pulte Home Company to rezone a property at 5906 Halpine Road (Twinbrook) from R-60 (single unit detached residence) to RF-FZ (residential flexible-floating zone) to permit construction of 36 two-over-two stacked condominiums (page 104+). The “two-over-two stacked” dwelling type consists of 2 two-story townhouses which are stacked one on top of the other to create a four-story building. For comparison, the adjacent Cambridge Walk has 17 townhouses. At a community meeting on May 16, 2023, attendees voiced concerns about protecting of the existing adjacent forest conservation area as well as adequate visitor parking on site. Pulte will brief the Council about the proposal, including a project overview and review schedule and at a future meeting, the Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing and consider rezoning the property, approving the Project Plan, and authorizing waivers to the required side yard setback and layback slope for the project.
The Mayor and Council are conducting hybrid meetings. If you wish to submit comments in writing for Community Forum or Public Hearings, please email the comments to MayorAndCouncil@RockvilleMD.gov by no later than 10:00 a.m. on the date of the meeting.
More details in the 250-page agenda packet are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02122024-7107.
Database Error Leaves nearly 1,000 Rockville Voters Without Ballots
Due to reporting errors, the City of Rockville has suspended the ballot tracking system for the imminent election. Several voters lodged complaints with the Board of Supervisors of Elections in Rockville, stating they were notified via email that their votes had been cast, despite physically holding their ballots. David Sklar, a board member of BOSE, relayed an incident where a voter received an email alert that his ballot was en route for delivery, and within five minutes, another email confirmed the receipt of his voted ballot at the election office, even though the ballot was still in the voter’s possession. This incident raised concerns about potential election fraud.
At the Board of Supervisors of Elections’ (BOSE) meeting on Thursday, October 26, 2023, Chair Robert Kurnick acknowledged the severity of the issue, “Rather than trying to ascertain what should have happened, I think what we have to tell people is that the system was flawed in several respects. We’re sorry but it’s Taylor’s system….The whole point of this is to confirm voter confidence and it’s doing the opposite….It’s really bad.” Officially on the City’s website it’s described as an “unexpected issue technology affecting the ballot tracking system,” but there’s more happening behind the scenes. Turns out nearly 1,000 voters in Rockville did not receive ballots for the upcoming Mayor and Council election due to an error in the voter database.
The Taylor Corporation (no relation to City Clerk Sara Taylor-Ferrell) is a private company that manages the packaging and mailing of Rockville’s ballots but is largely invisible to voters. Although the ballot voters received in the mail has the return address of the City Clerk’s Office, it was mailed from another address and Taylor’s name does not appear on the materials. The State of Maryland uses Taylor for processing other government documents and the City of Rockville hired Taylor to package and mail the ballots this year.
The process is confusing but according to BOSE Chair Robert Kurnick, the “State of Maryland Board of Elections provides names and addresses to the Taylor Corporation, and they send out the ballot. In the last election, Maryland permitted voters to get delivery of their ballots online, so when the State of Maryland provided the name and addresses to Taylor, it would have a name and an address but for some people, it had a name and a ‘web delivery.’ So Taylor did not have addresses for those people, who in the last election, asked to have their ballots delivered online…of which there are hundreds.” The City Clerk stated it was about 800-900 ballots that were not mailed due to missing addresses in the State’s voter database. The City Clerk discovered the error when she received a copy of the database earlier this week.
The City Clerk is in the process of mailing the missing ballots and BOSE has prepared a statement for the Mayor and Council and the candidates for the upcoming election (see below), along with a message on the City’s website that noted, “This technical issue has not affected the integrity of the city’s election process. This issue affected only the ability of voters to track their ballots through the United States Postal Service. The issue had no effect on the actual delivery of ballots.” No mention of the missing ballots, alas.
The City Clerk also mentioned that a couple of thousand ballots have already been received and will be sent to the Montgomery County Board of Elections for processing. Ballots received will be posted on the City website starting on November 1; ballots are not counted until the polls close on Election Day.
Please remember to vote early by mail. Ballots must be received by (NOT mailed to) the City of Rockville by 8 pm on November 7. If you’re running late, two outdoor drop boxes are located at City Hall and Montrose Community Center. Four indoor drop boxes are located at the Senior Center, Lincoln Park Community Center, Twinbrook Community Center, and Thomas Farm Community Center only during hours of operation.
County Gets Largest Share of Property Tax. Is It Worth It?
The annual “Real Property Consolidated Tax Bill” is hitting mailboxes in Rockville and while most residents and businesses will be grumbling about the bites taken by state and local government, it’s also a time to reflect on the value we receive as a community in exchange. After all, taxes largely support police, fire protection, schools, libraries, parks, recreation, sidewalks, and roads—aspects of everyday life that make it safer and better. There’s lots more behind the scenes that we don’t notice until we need them, such as building safety inspections, animal control, voting, utility payment assistance, and affordable housing.
That’s all good but we should also consider how much each government agency receives and if we are getting our money’s worth. For Rockville residents and businesses, the lion’s share of property tax is taken by Montgomery County and the least by the State of Maryland, yet I more often see complaints about services directed at the City of Rockville and rarely at the County. Indeed, for most of Rockville, Montgomery County is invisible even though it’s headquartered in Rockville.
It’s time that Rockville ask more of Montgomery County and ensure we are receiving adequate and satisfactory services for the incredible amount of tax money we send their way. We especially need to make our needs, interests, and expectations known to the Councilmember Sidney Katz (who represents Rockville) and Councilmembers Gabe Albornoz, Evan Glass, Will Jawando, and Laurie-Anne Sayles (the four At-Large representatives). These are fulltime positions with a salary of $156,284, so we can easily expect a lot from them.
Councilmember Sid Katz is perhaps the least active of the 11-member board, spending most of his time at ribbon-cuttings, photo ops, and groundbreaking ceremonies. Even his “Sidney in the News” section of his website is moribund with only one news item for 2021, one for 2022, and none for 2023. Sigh.
Max for Rockville 