Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 21, 2025

CONTACT:
Stewart Schwartz, 703-599-6437
Carrie Kisicki, carrie@smartergrowth.net

RELEASE: CSG strongly supports ZTA 25-02 and urges the Montgomery County Council to move forward with the amendment

As the Montgomery County Council prepares to hold a work session and probable vote on Tuesday, The Coalition for Smarter Growth is proud to voice our support for Zoning Text Amendment 25-02.

CSG advocates for walkable, bikeable, inclusive, and transit-oriented communities as the most sustainable and equitable way for the Washington, DC region to grow and provide opportunities for all.

By making it easier to build more duplexes, triplexes, and small apartments near transit and jobs, ZTA 25-02 is an important step toward more sustainable housing options in Montgomery County.

“This ZTA is a straightforward application of the principles identified in the county’s Thrive 2050 general plan. Our county needs more homes that are affordable to more people and located near transit, jobs, and amenities,” said CSG’s Montgomery Advocacy Manager Carrie Kisicki.

“Measures like this [ZTA 25-02] take on the structural problems feeding our housing shortage are a necessary step to achieve our shared vision of a sustainable, inclusive county for all,” says Kisicki. “It will provide much needed, more affordable housing options in locations with good transportation options and lower transportation costs.”

CSG offers additional recommendations on ZTA 25-02 and future efforts to expand access to affordable homes in Montgomery County, including asking the Council to adjust parking requirements on a case-by-case basis and other policy recommendations.

The amendment is a part of a larger package of bills titled More Housing N.O.W. (New Options for Workers) that will help expand the supply and variety of housing options available in Montgomery County, giving more people the opportunity to live in Montgomery County.

We commend lead sponsors Councilmembers Friedson and Fani-Gonzalez, and co-sponsors Councilmembers Stewart, Balcombe, Luedtke, and Sayles, for demonstrating the leadership our county needs to address the county’s housing shortage. We urge the Council to move forward with this important zoning amendment.