Learn from Montgomery County Planning staff and local advocates about the basics of navigating the master plan process, and why your engagement makes a big difference!
This webinar was held on October 5, 2026 and moderated by Coalition for Smarter Growth’s Maryland Housing Advocacy Manager Carrie Kisicki. Thank you to our presenters and panelists Jessica McVary, Melissa Williams, Clark Larson, Alison Gillespie, Sanjida Rangwala, and Carter Dougherty!
Presentations and Resources
- Sign up for emails from CSG and Montgomery for All
- Find a list of currently active master plans here
Featured speakers:
Jessica McVary, a master plan supervisor with the Montgomery County, Maryland Planning Department. In this role, Jessica leads the East County master plan team in the development of master plans and studies, including community engagement, visioning, and development of recommendations.
Melissa Williams, a Master Planner with the East County Division of the Montgomery County Planning Department.
Clark Larson, a Master Planner with the Upcounty Division of the Montgomery County Planning Department.
Alison Gillespie, an independent communications consultant from the Forest Glen section of Silver Spring. She serves on the board of Bike Maryland and the Montgomery Parks Foundation and advocates for multimodal transportation and parks at the county and state level. Alison is a member of Montgomery for All, and a former member of the Montgomery for All steering committee.
Sanjida Rangwala, a local advocate who lives in the University Boulevard Plan corridor near Four Corners and has been involved in advocacy for transit and housing in the area for about ten years. Sanjida is a member of the Montgomery for All steering committee.
Carter Dougherty, Advocacy Chair for Montgomery for All and a member of the Montgomery for All steering committee.
Moderated by Carrie Kisicki, Maryland Housing Advocacy Manager for the Coalition for Smarter Growth and Coordinator for Montgomery for All