Montgomery County Growth Plan Approved

In an update on a recent story, the Montgomery County Council approved the Thrive 2050 plan, which supports increased density in an effort to make housing in the region more affordable and inclusive. Katherine Shaver covers the story for the Washington Post, writing, “The vote ends a contentious three-year period for the state’s most-populous county as the proposal divided residents, with both sides arguing quality of life was at stake.”

While the plan itself doesn’t enact any changes in the county’s zoning code, “council members have said zoning changes will be necessary to enact the plan’s vision of making the Maryland suburb of 1.1 million residents more economically vital and environmentally resilient while less segregated by race and income.” 

The plan intends to focus development along transit lines and major activity centers and transportation corridors to accommodate the region’s growth and reflect the diverse needs of its residents. Supporters see the plan as a step toward alleviating the housing crisis and creating a more walkable, sustainable region. Detractors worry that new zoning regulations could spur displacement and strain local infrastructure.

The council also plans to appoint new members to the county’s planning board, who all resigned earlier this month, this week.