For Immediate Release: Thursday, September 7, 2023
The Economic Development (ECON) Committee will meet on Monday, Sept. 11 at 9:30 a.m. to receive a briefing from the Planning Department on the state of the office market in Montgomery County, followed by a panel discussion with industry leaders. In addition, the committee will hold a discussion with Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) staff on strategies for attracting businesses to the County.
The members of the ECON Committee include Chair Natali Fani-González, Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe, Council President Evan Glass and Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles.
The Transportation and Environment (TE) Committee will meet at 1:30 p.m. to review the Planning Board draft of the Pedestrian Master Plan. In addition, the committee will receive its semi-annual briefing on Purple Line Progress from the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) and Maryland Transit Solutions (MTS).
The members of the TE Committee include Chair Evan Glass and Councilmembers Marilyn Balcombe and Kate Stewart.
More detail on each agenda item is provided below.
Briefing: The ECON Committee will receive a briefing from the Planning Department on the state of the office market in Montgomery County, followed by a panel discussion with industry leaders about current office market trends and options to address vacancies. Nationally, office vacancy rates continue to rise and potential tenants are exhibiting greater demand for newer office buildings. The discussion is expected to include pandemic-induced trends in the office market, strategies to attract and retain tenants, office conversions and economic development assistance programs.
Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation Business Attraction Strategies
Review: The ECON Committee will hold a discussion with MCEDC staff on strategies for attracting businesses to the County. The meeting is expected to include information about target industries such as life sciences and technology, site selection engagement strategies, access to talent, quality of life, education, diversity and marketing materials.
Review: The TE Committee will review the Planning Board draft of the Pedestrian Master Plan. The plan is Montgomery Planning’s first comprehensive vision to create safer, more comfortable experiences walking or rolling around the county and to make getting around more convenient and accessible for every pedestrian. On July 25, 2023, the Council heard an overview of the Planning Board Draft by its staff, followed by a public hearing.
Briefing: The TE Committee will receive its semi-annual briefing on Purple Line Progress from MTA and its private sector partner, MTS. The presentation is expected to include construction updates for work underway at Bethesda station, Connecticut Avenue, Jones Mill Road, Lyttonsville, Talbot Avenue, Silver Spring, Wayne Avenue and Manchester Place. The previous semi-annual briefing on Purple Line progress was held on March 20, 2023.
The Committee meeting schedule may change from time to time. View the current Council and Committee agendas, Council staff reports and additional information on items scheduled for Council review on the Council website.
Council and committee meetings are streamed live on the Council’s web page via YouTube and on Facebook Live and can be watched on County Cable Montgomery on Xfinity/RCN 6 HD 996/1056, Fios 30, and on the CCM live stream.
Release ID: 23-281