BOO! It’s almost scary how much there is to do in Montgomery County this fall! 🎃👻
Bills to make it less frightening to build affordable tiny homes and new sidewalks. Progress on master plans from Eastern Silver Spring to Germantown. Updates on MD 355 Bus Rapid Transit. Oh my!
We’re also kicking off our annual Montgomery for All steering committee elections soon. Members should keep an eye on their emails for more information about how to run!
If you’re not yet a member of Montgomery for All, this is a great time to join. You get access to our members-only Slack, the ability to vote in our upcoming org elections, and support CSG and Montgomery for All’s work for a more sustainable and inclusive Montgomery County.
Carrie Kisicki
Maryland Housing Advocacy Manager, Coalition for Smarter Growth
Coordinator, Montgomery for All
🗣 Take Action! Make It Easier to Build Sidewalks in MoCo
“The current regulations allow for half of the neighborhood to veto a sidewalk proposal. I don’t think that half a community should dictate the safety of the other half.” - Councilmember Evan Glass, as quoted in The Banner
Last week, Councilmember Evan Glass introduced Bill 51-26 to make it easier to build sidewalks in residential neighborhoods, joined by all ten fellow Councilmembers as co-sponsors.
This is a much-needed bill that will speed the process of requesting, approving, and building critical pedestrian infrastructure.
Read more about what the bill does here, then email the Council to share your support. You can also sign up to testify at the bill’s hearing on November 10.
🚶♀️ Support sidewalks! Email the Council about Bill 51-26 🚶
⏰ ICYMI: Support expanded access to ADUs
Take action to support an important bill that will make it easier to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) like backyard cottages and accessory apartments in Montgomery County.
Bill 41-26 would waive fees for people who set rent for ADUs at affordable rates, and eliminate the owner-occupancy requirement to obtain an ADU rental license—treating these smaller homes more comparably to other types of rental homes that don't face the same restrictions.
✨ Make a difference this month (and beyond)!
Upcoming meetings, hearings, and events
October 30: Deadline to apply for Upcounty Citizens Advisory Board (apply)
November 5: Wheaton Plan Community Visioning Workshop (learn more)
November 10: Sidewalk Bill 51-26 Hearing @ County Council (sign up)
November 12, 17, and 19: MD355 BRT Update Meetings (learn more)
November 12 and 19: Eastern Silver Spring Communities Plan Planner Office Hours (learn more and sign up)
Through December 7: Comment on the Build Gaithersburg 2040 Draft Plan (learn more)
January 7 and 14: Eastern Silver Spring Communities Plan Planning Board Hearings (learn more)
Open until filled — Apply for a vacancy on the Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board (apply)
Ongoing: Wheaton Plan Visioning Questionnaire (weigh in)
Ongoing: Germantown Sector Plan Feedback Form (weigh in)
Ongoing: Friendship Heights Sector Plan Planning Board Work Sessions (see report for next session info and schedule)
🪕 M4All in Your Neighborhood: Takoma Park Folk Fest!
Montgomery for All leaders had great conversations about our work to support sustainable, inclusive communities at this year’s Takoma Park Folk Fest!
Our posterboard of options for housing—ranging from major upzoning to doing nothing at all—got a decent amount of attention. Passers-by were invited to paste a sticker next to their choice. Over one hundred did, overwhelmingly weighing in to support more housing choices and more investment in affordable housing.
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.
Members may also run for steering committee and vote in our upcoming annual elections.
Photo credits: Ashley Hopko; Mike Larkin (Takoma Park Folk Fest)
