|
|
County Council Public Hearings Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. - Bill 41-26, rule changes for AccessoryDwelling Units - sponsored by: Councilmember Andrew Friedson and Council President Natali Fani-González. Co-sponsors: Shebra Evans, Marilyn Balcombe, Dawn Luedtke, Evan Glass, Kate Stewart, Sidney Katz and Laurie-Anne Sayles. Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. - Tax Credits: Bill 46-26 Child Tax Credit - Sponsors: Councilmembers Kate Stewart and Shebra Evans Bill 47-26 Expanded Homeowners Tax Credit; Bill 48-26 $2,500 - Sponsors: Councilmembers Kate Stewart, Andrew Firedson, Sidney Katz, Shebra Evans Credit for certain MCPS Employees - Sponsor: Kate Stewart Bill 39-26 Expansion of Wheaton's Urban District Boundaries - Sponsor: Council President Natali Fani-Gonzalez Sign-up to testify here - How to Participate - County Council - Montgomery County, MD |
|
Friend
More Rental Housing - but Who Benefits and Who Pays?
Montgomery County’s proposed Bill 41-26 would change the rules for accessory dwelling units (ADU) smaller homes such as basement apartments and backyard cottages.
Owners could rent out both the main house and the ADU without living on the property. Owners who agree to keep ADU rents affordable to households earning 65% or less of area median income for at least 10 years could also receive permit, application and annual license fee waivers. Other ADUs could still charge market rents.
The proposal could create more rental choices and help homeowners keep their property if they need to move. But it also expands opportunities for investors. Lower-income homeowners may still struggle to afford construction, even with reduced fees.
What does this mean for the budget?
With a projected $293 million County shortfall for fiscal year 2028. Maryland’s legislative analysts project a $2.57 billion State structural deficit for that same year. These are future gaps between ongoing revenue and spending.
The County’s net impact is unknown. Additional housing could generate property tax revenue, and some ADUs might not happen without incentives. However, the hearing packet says a fiscal impact statement was unavailable when published. Residents cannot yet see the full budget calculation.
What we need to know: How much revenue would be waived? How many affordable homes would result? Who benefits, and how will the County pay for oversight?
The bill remains a proposal. Its public hearing is scheduled for October 6, 2026, during the 1:30 p.m. session; committee review is scheduled for October 26.
Read the official bill and hearing packet.
CIVIC/PLANNING UPDATE
You and the members of your community have a unique opportunity to let the leaders of Montgomery County know how you feel about how things are going here.
The County is inviting residents to use the link 2026 Community Survey, to complete the survey. It asks about County services and quality of life—issues that affect every neighborhood. The responses can help County officials understand what is working and where residents see a need for improvement.
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey, and share the link with the members of your association. The more neighborhoods that participate, the fuller the picture the County will receive about what those of us who live here think.
IMPORTANT: The deadline to complete the survey is Monday, October 19. Please share the link ASAP via your community listserv, Google Group, WhatsApp group, or however you get word to the people in your community.
ACT TODAY SO THAT YOUR VOICE WILL BE HEARD. THANKS!
MONTGOMERY COUNTY PLANNING -Taken from Planning's newsletter
| Hello Wheaton neighbors! The Wheaton Plan is about creating a vision for the future of Wheaton that will be implemented over the next 20 to 30 years. The plan is actively looking at ways to improve walkability and safety, housing affordability, economic competitiveness and more. We need the people who live in, work in, shop in, and visit Wheaton to help shape that vision. This fall, The Wheaton Plan team has already attended eight community events and conducted focus groups to collect thoughts and ideas. Scroll down for more opportunities to help Montgomery Planning shape your community’s future |
|
Oct. 22 & Nov. 17: Coffee & Conversation with a Planner Come have coffee with our planners and connect with members of The Wheaton Plan team. Ask your questions and share your ideas for the future. Whether you have a few minutes or want to stay the whole time, we’d love to hear from you. Kids are welcome.
- Thursday, October 22 from 8 to 9 a.m. at Ooh La La Bakery (2600 University Blvd W)
- Thursday, November 17 from 8 to 9 a.m. at Cantinho Caipira Brazilian Coffee (2408 University Blvd W).
|
|
Nov. 5: Community Visioning Workshop Share your priorities at our interactive workshop on Thursday, November 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. at M-NCPPC’s Wheaton Headquarters (2425 Reedie Drive). Light refreshments and kid-friendly activities will be provided. Registration is encouraged but not required. |
|
Online: Complete a Wheaton Visioning Questionnaire We’re listening: More than 175 community members have filled out our questionnaire about The Wheaton Plan. We would love to get more feedback! Complete the questionnaire and share the link with your friends and neighbors. There are fewer than 20 questions – including:
- What aspects of Wheaton do you hope are strengthened in the future?
- When thinking about downtown Wheaton, what type of public space would best fit your needs?
- What types of art and entertainment facilities does Wheaton still need?
|
|
|
|
