Happy summer! ☀️ Stay cool and hydrated during this week’s heat wave, and enjoy the holiday weekend!
Although Montgomery County’s primary election is now behind us (find the most current results here!), the action is not slowing down in July.
Crucial work on several master plans in the county continues apace. Last month, we held a bike ride through the Eastern Silver Spring plan area and shared feedback with planners.
The more we can connect neighbors advocating for these plans, the better! Learn more about upcoming opportunities to get involved below, and connect with fellow advocates by joining a neighborhood discussion group for the Eastern Silver Spring Communities Plan, Wheaton Plan, or Friendship Heights Sector Plan!
Carrie Kisicki
Maryland Housing Advocacy Manager, Coalition for Smarter Growth
Coordinator, Montgomery for All
💡 New Resource: Track MoCo Master Plan Updates!
Every year, Montgomery County Planning updates several local master plans (sometimes going by other names, like a sector or corridor plan). These plans assess current community needs and changes that have taken place since the previous plan. They lay out a comprehensive vision for housing, businesses, parks, street design, and more.
Do you know the latest info on ongoing master plans in the county? Get the scoop here with our new resource tracking each plan’s progress and walking you through how to make your voice heard!
Each local plan’s policy recommendations and priorities are guided by the county’s general plan, Thrive 2050. Our collective support and advocacy makes a big difference in ensuring each plan is true to the smart growth vision of Thrive!
Learn more, see trackers for other plans, and find out how you can get involved:
🏡 Featured Article: Housing Organizing Across the Northeast
Last month, we (Brandi and Tony!) traveled to Boston for the northeast regional gathering of Welcoming Neighbors Network, a coalition of like-minded pro-housing groups across the country.
In discussions with advocates from communities similar to Montgomery County, we learned some useful tidbits that relate directly to Montgomery for All.
Tony Byrne & Brandi Panbach
Montgomery for All Steering Committee Volunteers
🗣️ Make a difference this month! Meetings, hearings, and events
Note: These events aren’t the only way to speak up this month! Make sure you check out our Master Plan Tracker to see additional opportunities to weigh in on the Friendship Heights Sector Plan and Eastern Silver Spring Communities Plan.
Germantown Sector Plan Amendment
- July 8 – Heading to the Seneca Valley High School Summer Block Party? Montgomery Planning staff will be on-site from 5 to 7 p.m. to share updates and answer questions about the Germantown Sector Plan Amendment.
- July 11 – Montgomery Planning staff will table at the Artisans Market at BlackRock Center for the Arts from noon to 4 p.m. Drop by to learn more and share thoughts about the Germantown Sector Plan Amendment.
- July 21: Stop by the Montgomery Planning open house at BlackRock Center for the Arts from 6 to 8 p.m. Staff will be there to share Preliminary Recommendations for the Germantown Sector Plan Amendment.
Wheaton Plan
- July 16 – Chat with Montgomery Planning staff about The Wheaton Plan at Montgomery Parks’ Playhouse Junior at Wheaton Local Park from 10 to 11 a.m.
- July 23: Connect with Montgomery Planning staff at the Wheaton Farmer’s Market (Evans Parkway Neighborhood Park) from 2 to 6 p.m. and share your thoughts on The Wheaton Plan: A Georgia Avenue Community Plan.
City of Gaithersburg Master Plan — Build 2040
(H/t Tyler M. for tracking this plan and flagging these events! Learn more here, and reply to this email if you’re interested in connecting with local Gaithersburg advocates!)
- June 30 — Join a 7 p.m. virtual briefing on the zoning recommendations in Build 2040, the City of Gaithersburg’s master plan update, and share feedback. Sign up here.
- July 27 — Gaithersburg Planning staff will present rezoning recommendations during a joint Mayor & City Council work session at 7:30 p.m. Expect additional updates on that session here.
In-person events are one of the best ways we can engage new advocates! Have an idea for an event in your community, or know of an upcoming event where we should table? Contact Carrie (carrie@smartergrowth.net) and let us know!
Become a member of Montgomery for All!
Join our community of local advocates when you become a member of Montgomery for All!
Membership is just $5 a year and supports our advocacy for affordable, inclusive housing options and great, walkable communities across the county.
Photo credit: Brandi Panbach