Could a Major Flood Happen in Rockville? Yes it Can.
Like many in Rockville, I’ve been following the tragic news out of Central Texas, where sudden, devastating floods swept through campsites and neighborhoods with terrifying speed. It’s a sobering reminder: even if we don’t live near a major river or the coast, we’re not immune to flooding. So what are the chances that something similar could happen here in Rockville?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes.
Rockville is home to a number of streams that wind through our neighborhoods—many of which remain wooded, preserving natural floodplains. These areas can be affected by what’s known as a “100-year flood.” Despite the name, that doesn’t mean it only happens once every hundred years. According to FEMA, it’s a flood that has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year.
The City of Rockville has taken extra steps to understand where such flooding could occur—and how it might impact nearby homes and businesses. The City provides an interactive floodplain map to determine if your home or business is a risk of a major flood. In the Map Gallery, go to the Floodplain Parcel Lookup map and then search for your location.
Continue reading →What’s Next for King Farm and 900 Rockville Pike?
The next Rockville Mayor and Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 14, 2025 starting at 5:30 p.m. Several agenda items may directly interest residents and businesses, including a proposed development extension on Rockville Pike and new plans for the King Farm Farmstead Park. The meeting also includes updates on international partnerships and community celebrations. Complete agenda available online.
Proclamations and Student Recognitions
What’s on the Agenda
The Mayor and Council will issue several proclamations and recognitions:
- Declaring July 17 as Mattie J. T. Stepanek Peace Day
- Celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Recognizing Park and Recreation Month
- Honoring student achievers from local schools
Why It Matters
These recognitions highlight the community’s values and the achievements of Rockville’s residents. It’s also a chance to show appreciation for local leaders, programs, and youth accomplishments.
Rockville Sister Cities Corporation Presentation
What’s on the Agenda
David Hill, president of the Rockville Sister Cities Corporation (RSSC), will present its annual report, highlighting cultural exchanges with Pinneberg, Germany, and Yilan City, Taiwan. The update includes student visits, community festivals, and international partnerships—as well as growing challenges related to funding, volunteer capacity, and city support. Sister City programs were created in the aftermath of World War II to promote peace through people-to-people diplomacy. But with recent closures of international initiatives like USAID’s local programs and the Fulbright Scholar exchanges, some are asking: could Sister Cities be next?
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.
Big Changes Coming? Rockville Zoning Rewrite Targets Downtown and Twinbrook
Rockville is rethinking the rules that shape how our neighborhoods and business districts grow—and major zoning changes are on the table for both downtown Rockville and the Twinbrook neighborhood.
The city is updating its zoning ordinance for the first time since 2009 to reflect how people live and work today. This rewrite will bring Rockville’s zoning in line with the Rockville 2040 Comprehensive Plan and could pave the way for new housing options, business models, and construction types—especially in areas identified for growth and change.
If you live, work, or own property in Twinbrook or downtown Rockville, this is the time to get involved.
Key dates to watch:
- Tuesday, June 17 at 7:00 p.m. – Twinbrook Community Association meeting at the Twinbrook Recreation Center (residents especially encouraged to attend)
- Monday, June 24 and Wednesday, June 26 – Two virtual citywide zoning update meetings. Register for the virtual meetings at www.engagerockville.com/zoningrewrite
These meetings will explore how zoning changes could shape the future of your neighborhood—from building heights to business uses and green space requirements.
Understanding Rockville’s Zoning: A Guide for Residents and Businesses
As Rockville updates its zoning ordinance, it’s helpful to understand what the current zones mean—especially if you live, work, or plan to develop in the city. Here’s a breakdown of five key zones under consideration, explained for non-specialists:
Continue reading →Child Care, Green Buildings, and City Reorganization on June 2 Council Agenda
At its June 2, 2025 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will issue several proclamations, including ones recognizing Men’s Health Week, Juneteenth, and LGBTQ+ Pride Month. They’ll vote on community arts agreements (Rockville Little Theatre, Rockville Musical Theatre, and Victorian Lyric Opera Company) and a FY25 budget amendment. The agenda also includes potential revisions to the city’s personnel code. A worksession will focus on green building regulations and exploring child care solutions. The public is invited to speak during the 6:45 p.m. Community Forum or send comments to MayorandCouncil@RockvilleMD.gov.
Reorganization of City Government
What’s on the Agenda:
The Mayor and Council will vote on a series of ordinances and resolutions to formally establish two new city departments: Procurement and Communications & Community Engagement. These functions were previously divisions within the City Manager’s Office. The Council will also update the city’s personnel code and pension plan to reflect the new structure and clarify employment policies.
Why It Matters:
Overall, this reorganization has strong potential to improve services, particularly in procurement transparency and public engagement. It reflects a maturing city government structure and a recognition that Rockville’s growth and complexity require more robust administrative capacity.
Continue reading →
Rethinking Rockville’s Proclamation Parade
At the City Council meeting on May 12, 2025, the Rockville Mayor and Council are set to issue seventeen proclamations—yes, seventeen—covering everything from public service and health awareness to historic preservation and cultural celebrations.
Here’s what’s being recognized:
- National Public Service Recognition Week (May 4–10)
- National Police Week (May 11–17)
- Women’s Health Week (May 11–17)
- Taiwanese American Heritage Week (May 11–18)
- National Public Works Week (May 19–23)
- National Kids to Parks Day (May 17)
- Greek Genocide Remembrance Day (May 19)
- ALS Awareness Month
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- Building Safety Month
- National Bicycle Awareness Month
- Jewish American Heritage Month
- Lyme Disease Awareness Month
- Mental Health Awareness Month
- Older Americans Month
- National Preservation Month
- Stroke Awareness Month
Each of these proclamations represents a worthwhile cause or celebration—some with deep relevance to our city. From recognizing the contributions of older adults and public works employees, to celebrating heritage communities and raising awareness for health issues, the topics are both timely and important.
But when so many proclamations are issued in a single night, it’s hard for any one to stand out. And for Rockville’s residents and businesses, the question becomes: how does this affect me?
Continue reading →May 12 Rockville Council Preview: State Legislative Updates and Shady Grove Metro Annexation
The Rockville Mayor and Council meet Monday, May 12, 2025, to review state legislative updates, consider a major consulting contract to design N. Stonestreet Avenue, and discuss the potential annexation of properties near the Shady Grove Metro. Residents and businesses will want to tune in for insight into how these decisions could affect city priorities, planning, and future development.
State Legislative Wrap-Up
What’s on the Agenda
The meeting opens with a presentation reviewing the outcomes of the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session, with a focus on new laws and budget items that directly affect Rockville.
Why It Matters
This session wrap-up helps residents understand how state-level decisions influence local funding, planning, and services—from infrastructure to public safety.
$686K Consulting Agreement for City Project
What’s on the Agenda
The Council will vote on a contract with Mead & Hunt, Inc., a professional services firm, for work through 2026 for the design of street and sidewalk improvements along Park Road and N. Stonestreet Avenue near the Rockville Metro Station. The agreement totals nearly $687,000 and includes the option for two additional years.
Why It Matters
Large consulting contracts often support major planning, design, or infrastructure projects. This investment signals a multi-year commitment that could shape the city’s built environment or operations.
Shady Grove Annexation Worksession
What’s on the Agenda
Councilmembers will review the Planning Commission–approved preliminary annexation plan for 108 acres near the Shady Grove Metro Station, including WMATA and CSX properties. During the work session, they will examine potential land use, fiscal impacts (e.g., six additional police officers), and infrastructure needs associated with the annexation. Councilmembers are expected to discuss three annexation options and provide direction to staff. The proposal supports long-term goals for transit-oriented growth and expanded city boundaries.
Why It Matters
Annexing land near Metro stations can bring new tax revenue, development opportunities, expand city services, and influence long-term growth. This is a key early step in a significant land use decision. Annexation would officially add a third Metro station within Rockville. FYI: Maryland state law limits the size of cities to a “maximum expansion area.”
The meeting will be broadcast live on Rockville 11 and streamed on the city’s website.
