Planners welcome the community to discuss ideas and ask questions about the future of the area
SILVER SPRING, MD – The Montgomery County Planning Department, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), will hold weekly online “office hours” during the month of August for the Silver Spring Downtown and Adjacent Communities Plan. These sessions invite residents, business owners and other members of the community to ask questions, discuss ideas and voice concerns about the future of the downtown Silver Spring area. Interested parties are invited to join the sessions at any time between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on days that sessions are being held. Please RSVP for this event through the links below, and the event link will be sent to you the day of the event.
- Thursday, August 6, 10 a.m. to Noon
- Thursday, August 13, 10 a.m. to Noon
- Thursday, August 20, 10 a.m. to Noon
- Thursday, August 27, 10 a.m. to Noon
Community members are also encouraged to attend listening sessions that are also happening during the months of July and August. Please note that each listening session has a maximum capacity of 100 attendees per session. Please RSVP below and the link will be sent to you the day of the event. Planners encourage community members to consider an alternative date if the one they were planning on attending is full. Additional listening sessions for the plan will be held in fall 2020 in English, Amharic and Spanish.
Tuesday, July 21, Noon to 1:15 p.m.
Monday, July 27, 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. – RSVP for the July 27 online listening session
Tuesday, August 4, 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. – RSVP for the August 4 online listening session
Questions, comments? Contact Montgomery Planning staff:
Atara Margolies, Project Manager, via phone 301-495-4558 or Email
Leslye Howerton, Master Planning Supervisor, Area 1, via phone 301-495-4566 or Email
Equitable Engagement
Named the fourth most culturally diverse location in the US, Silver Spring is home to residents from all over the world. The Silver Spring Downtown and Adjacent Communities Plan team will work hard to engage all communities, so everyone has the opportunity to fully participate in the sector plan process. As part of our planning framework, equity will be woven through all parts of the plan.
Community members’ voices and participation in the process is vital to planning that reflects the needs of the community, anticipates the changes to come, and retains the unique character and diversity that make Silver Spring a great place.
About the Plan
The 2000 Silver Spring Central Business District Sector Plan established a planning framework for downtown Silver Spring that envisioned a transit-oriented, green and pedestrian-friendly downtown with a strong commercial and residential development market. In the 20 years since the adoption of the downtown Silver Spring sector plan, the area has transformed from an area in decline to a vibrant destination for offices, retail, restaurants and entertainment that is defined by its unique diversity. Montgomery Planning is updating the downtown Silver Spring sector plan to guide Silver Spring’s future growth.
Through the Silver Spring Downtown and Adjacent Communities Plan process, Montgomery Planning will analyze and reevaluate all aspects of the existing plan, consider the recommended changes implemented from the last plan, and assess future needs – all informed by community conversation and input.
Currently, Montgomery Planning anticipates a two- to three-year-long planning process, which began with approval of the plan scope of work in June 2020. Starting this plan during a global pandemic may impact the methods and timing of community engagement. We will extend the plan process timeline as needed to ensure thorough engagement of all who live and work in and around downtown Silver Spring.
The Montgomery County Planning Department and Planning Board are Moving
The Montgomery County Planning Department, Department of Parks and Planning Board are moving their headquarters to 2425 Reedie Dr., Wheaton, MD 20902 in August 2020. Learn more about the Wheaton Headquarters.