Council President Friedson will discuss several issues that the Council will take up on Tuesday, including the public hearing on the $20 million J.O.B.S. (Jobs, Opportunities and Business Support) Initiative that he is spearheading at the Council. This economic development stimulus would jumpstart the County’s economy by creating up to 1,000 high-paying jobs, spurring innovation, and investing in the County’s small and emerging businesses located in Equity Focus Areas along the I-270 and Route 29 Corridors and in East County. 

The Council is also scheduled to vote on the Takoma Park Minor Master Plan Amendment, which re-envisions the areas near Maple and Lee Aves., the Erie Center and the Washington Adventist Hospital and University Campuses by creating new housing, greener and safer streets, and enhanced access to amenities.  

Additionally, Friedson will discuss the Council’s expected votes on two legislative measures: ZTA 24-01, also known as the Facilitating Affordable Inclusive Transformational Housing (FAITH) ZTA, and Bill 3-24, Late Night Establishments – Hours of Operation. The zoning text amendment, which is led by Council Vice President Kate Stewart and Friedson, would allow religious organizations to build affordable townhouses and apartments in residential detached zones. Bill 3-24, led by Stewart and Councilmembers Albornoz and Glass, would align the hours of operation for hookah lounges, smoke shops and vape shops with establishments that serve alcohol to help address late night public safety issues.    

The Council President’s media availability will be held via Zoom and is for members of the news media. The public can view the media availability on the Council’s Facebook page (@MontgomeryCountyMdCouncil).   

Members of the news media must RSVP before 10 a.m. on April 1 to Lucia Jimenez at Lucia.Jimenez@montgomerycountymd.gov to receive the Zoom login information.