Tag Archives: Climate Action Plan

Child Care, Green Buildings, and City Reorganization on June 2 Council Agenda

By Max van Balgooy on

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.

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Posted in: Development, Environment, Environment and nature, Quality of life, Zoning | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mayor and Council to Consider Major Funding Boost for Climate and Pedestrian Plans

By Max van Balgooy on
Without an increase in city property taxes, the annual operating budget for Rockville has grown by nearly 40%. If Rockville can do it, why does Montgomery County continue to increase tax rates?

At its Monday, March 4, 2024 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will discuss fees, taxes, and federal earmarks for FY2025. On the Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion) are a water meter easement for 1151 Fortune Terrace. The Mayor and Council will also receive reports on the proposed budget for FY2025.

For FY2025, the City Council will be considering increasing staffing levels by 12 fulltime positions, half of which will be police officers in response to the decrease in support from Montgomery County. Other positions range from transportation engineer and building plan examiner to preschool teacher and board and commissions coordinator. They are also funding efforts to advance the Climate Action Plan ($3.7 M), Vision Zero Action Plan & Pedestrian Master Plan ($10.7 M), Town Center Master Plan, and economic development (primarily $1.4 million for REDI and its efforts to make Rockville a business destination for the life sciences) (page 7+). Capital improvements are expected for parks, including replacement of playground structures, renovating an outdoor pool, implementing the master plan for Red Gate Park, and improvements for the Lincoln Park Community Center, F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, and David Scull Park (some of which will require taking out a loan for $30 M). There seems to be nothing related to housing or other commercial districts (i.e., Rockville Pike). The City Council will be accepting comments at their meetings on March 18 and April 8, or you can make suggestions online at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/951/Budget.

While property tax rates should remain unchanged, utility rates for FY2025 may go up:

  • Water and Sewer: 4% or $52.56 annual increase
  • Refuse/trash: 6% or $32 annual increase
  • Stormwater Management: 4% or $6 increase

Senator Cardin, Senator Van Hollen, and Congressman Raskin have invited Rockville to submit requests for projects for which the City wishes to partner with the Federal government and seek funding support. Congress revived earmarks in FY22 after a decade-long prohibition (pork barrel politics has returned!) (page 57+). Some suggested projects from staff include:

  • Inspecting more than 8,000 water lines for lead to ensure safe drinking water.
  • Replacing “orangeburg” sewer lines to prevent backups, overflows, and ground contamination.
  • Rehabilitate aging water mains and asbestos cement pipes in southeast Rockville (Twinbrook).
If you live or work in Twinbrook, you are in an “environmental justice” and “overburdened” community. Share your opinion on the need to replace aging water and sewer lines in your neighborhood.

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 133-page agenda packet are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03042024-7129.

Posted in: City Council, Development, Neighborhoods, Parks, Quality of life, Taxes, Water | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,