Speech and Testimony
County Executive Leggett’s Remarks at the MBIA – Montgomery Legislative Breakfast
Radisson Hotel, 3 Research Court, Rockville
As prepared
Good morning!
It has been a tremendous year for Montgomery County since we last gathered here. During the past 12 months we broke ground on the Purple Line; broke ground on the long-awaited Watkins Mill Interchange; and learned that Montgomery County is one of 20 national finalists from 238 submissions for Amazon’s second headquarters.
Being on this short list validates what the County has been investing in over the years to advance its innovation economy, skilled workforce, strong public education system, infrastructure and quality placemaking.
Within the last few weeks, the Maryland General Assembly passed the PRIME Act; and I recently proposed a zoning text amendment - prepared by the Planning Board at my request - to expedite the review process for large businesses with more than 25,000 employees.
In addition, the legislature approved dedicated funding for the Metro (if D.C. and Virginia match), which is crucial for the future success of our regional transit system.
Quality places attract quality talent and quality businesses and to ensure their success we have to keep Montgomery County moving. The Purple Line will connect Bethesda with Silver Spring and College Park. The Watkins Mill Interchange will provide a sorely needed east west connection for the Gaithersburg area and help relieve congestion on I-270.
We also have a Bus Rapid Transit system coming to Route 29 in East County. Investing in infrastructure such as these projects is imperative for stimulating development and opening up opportunities elsewhere – and the transportation network matters to you because it takes people to and from the places you build.
Since we broke ground on the Purple Line, there has been a rush of companies signing leases in the trophy buildings in Bethesda, which is a strong corporate headquarters hub.
Companies such as Marriott, JBG Smith, Host Hotels and Resorts, FOX 5, and Donohue Development Company choosing to locate there. And none of this would be possible without our strong public and private partnerships and our focus on the region as a whole.
If you are going to remain the economic development engine, you have to make sure the public schools are top-notch. Since I took office in 2006, enrollment for MCPS has grown by 18.4 percent or 25,386 students and 13 new school facilities have been added.
An additional 21,043 classroom seats have been added thru classroom additions hoping to accommodate the growing school population and the changing needs of our school community. My 2019 fiscal year recommended operating budget continues my commitment to our world-class public education system.
During the past 12 years, we have worked to build a better future for Montgomery County, and there is still much more to come, including new development and revitalization in the Bethesda, Shady Grove, Wheaton, White Flint and White Oak areas.
Many of these developments will not be fully realized for years, yet their impact will be considerable for Montgomery County’s economic vitality.
Thank you!
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Release ID: 18-020
Thursday, April 19; 7:30 a.m. (8:35 a.m. Remarks)