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 →Rockville Council Explores Bold Updates to Downtown
At its Monday, December 16, 2024 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will approve a concept plan for the Rockville Metro Station and hold a second worksession on the Town Center Master Plan. On the Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion) are purchase refuse trucks, approve easements and agreements for public and stormwater improvements, install EV charging stations, construct a sidewalk on Virginia Avenue, execute ADA improvements at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, establish affordable housing agreements for a new development, approve meeting minutes, and extinguish a pedestrian path easement on Hardwicke Place, among others. The next meeting will be held on January 6, 2025.
This meeting is an important opportunity for you to stay informed and engaged with the decisions that shape our community.
Key Agenda Items:
Approval of Concept Plan for Rockville Metro Station (page 238+). This plan envisions the station as an iconic gateway and multi-modal hub, featuring up to 1,200 residential units, retail spaces, public amenities, and improved pedestrian and transit connections. Public feedback has been largely supportive, highlighting desires for higher residential density, enhanced pedestrian safety, and sustainable features like solar canopies. The plan includes a separate pedestrian bridge extension as an add-on project, requiring city-led funding efforts.
Worksession on Town Center Master Plan (287+). This is a follow-up to the worksession on December 9 to discuss four remaining topics. At this meeting, Council will discuss:
- Housing Goals: Increasing the goal for housing units in Town Center from 2,000 to 3,000 by 2040, reflecting current development applications and potential future projects.
- Building Heights: Revising building height allowances to facilitate growth while maintaining community transition zones. Options for increased heights in key areas, with potential bonuses for including affordable housing units, are under discussion.
- Character Areas: Modifications to the planning area’s character zones are proposed, particularly consolidating certain areas along the western edge to simplify development guidelines.
- Transit-Oriented Development: A new “Transit-Oriented Character Area” is recommended along MD-355 to allow higher building heights and promote dense, mixed-use developments near transit hubs.
- Affordable Housing and Green Spaces: Creating incentives for affordable housing and open public spaces, aiming to balance density with livability.
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 →Council Seeks Community Input on Budget, Downtown Growth, and Reuse of King Farm
At its Monday, October 28, 2024 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will discuss Fiscal Year 2026 budget, another hearing on the Town Center Master Plan, and a worksession for a master plan on the adaptive re-use of the King Farm Farmstead Park Complex. On the Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion) are funding emergency management facilities, energy-efficient lighting, office upgrades, and electricity supply contracts. Reminder: Council meetings now start at 6:30 pm.
This meeting is an important opportunity for you to stay informed and engaged with the decisions that shape our community.
Continue reading →
Max for Rockville 