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Congrats to the grads!🎓

Last night, 48 dedicated #moco county residents walked across the stage to graduate as the first cohort of Montgomery Planning’s Community Planning Academy. The participants completed eight educational courses this summer gaining hands-on knowledge about how to shape the future of their neighborhoods and a behind-the-scenes look at zoning, master plans, permitting and climate resilience.

Starting in December, the academy opens to all county residents online! Complete the course at your own pace and bring your voice to your community’s planning process.

Learn more and get ready to join: montgomeryplanning.org/planningacademy

We have launched a webpage that explains Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 25-02. It's part of the county's More Housing N.O.W. (New Options for Workers) legislative package designed to increase the supply of housing, drive down costs, and increase pathways to homeownership for more varied income levels in the community.

ZTA 25-02 gives property owners more flexibility by permitting duplexes, triplexes, townhouses, and apartment buildings in the R-40, R-60, R-90, and R-200 zones—specifically for properties that abut designated Downtown Streets or Boulevards.

Key highlights:
✅ Allows residential buildings up to 1.25 Floor Area Ratio and 40 feet in height.
✅ Requires 15% workforce housing for developments of 3+ units.
✅ Workforce housing is defined as affordable to households earning up to 120% of area median income (AMI).
✅ An interactive map of applicable parcels.

Check it out! https://bit.ly/3L4VTTx

The Montgomery Planning Board has recommended two sites for historic designation in the county as part of the Clarksburg Gateway Sector Plan:

-The Community of Faith United Methodist Church and Cemetery
-The Clarksburg Heights subdivision

The Community of Faith United Methodist Church and Cemetery, along with the Clarksburg Heights subdivision, represent vital landmarks in the historic Rocky Hill neighborhood—one of Montgomery County’s earliest African American communities. Founded by Wilson and Sarah Wims, Clarksburg Heights provided housing and a sense of belonging for Black families during a time of segregation and limited opportunity. The church and cemetery served as spiritual and cultural anchors, fostering resilience and activism among residents.

Read a The Third Place blog post we published for Black History Month earlier this year: https://bit.ly/3QxG1Zb

The Planning Board's recommendation heads to the County Council for a final decision at a later date.

Planning with - not just for - our communities.

October is National Community Planning Month, but every month - from open houses to planning academies - we’re putting Montgomery and Prince George's County residents at the heart of every decision.

https://montgomeryplanning.org/blog-design/2025/09/montgomery-and-prince-georges-planning-directors-celebrate-and-reflect-on-community-planning-month/