It seems like the summer of 2026 just flew by.

It's time for another quarterly newsletter highlighting what has happened, and what will be happening, at Rockville City Hall.

I hope you had a wonderful and relaxing summer and at least took some time to relax with family, friends and neighbors. My summer was a mix of city events and meetings interspersed with some periods of relaxation and enjoyment.

Just a reminder - If you like what you see and read, or don't like it - please drop me a line at [email protected]. I always want to hear from you.

That goes double for meeting on City issues or other ideas you have. Whether an individual or a Civic Association or an HOA - I am always happy to come and give an update or hear concerns or ideas. 

In the last few months, I have gone to Red Gate Farms, Twinbrook Pool, Lincoln Park/Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, the Americana, West End and King Farm events - all in one night in fact as Rockville marked National Night Out and the Mayor and City Council were crisscrossing the city trying to make as many of the 25 or so events as we could.

Of course I try to read and respond to all emails and phone calls. You can always come out to City Hall and speak at Community Forum as well - you have three minutes to speak on whatever topic or issue is a concern to you. 

Be sure and connect with me through social channels to see real time updates and interact with me on Facebook Facebook, Twitter Twitter, LinkedIn LinkedIn, and Instagram Instagram.

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Former Rockville Councilmember Beryl Feinberg passed away early in August. She was a staunch supporter of the City of Rockville and its residents. More than that, she was a mother and a partner to her husband of over 50 years. You can read more about her life here and here. Please join me in remembering Beryl and all the good she did for the City of Rockville. She will be missed but her legacy of kindness, attention to detail and her ready willingness to help out causes like Sunflower Bakery or hospice will not be forgotten.

Algorithmic Pricing and Landlord/Tenant Code - I was pleased that one of the revisions to Rockville's landlord-tenant code was a ban on algorithmic rent pricing, making Rockville the first city in Maryland to adopt such a prohibition. I have testified before House committees, raised the issue repeatedly on the City Council, and testified before the County Council on similar legislation because I believe rents should be determined through fair competition rather than software that relies on nonpublic competitor data to recommend prices. I also pushed for adoption of a longer eviction notice period. Recent state legislation allows local jurisdictions to extend the notice period before a scheduled eviction to 14 days, and Rockville chose to do so. Giving tenants additional time to seek assistance, make arrangements, or secure alternate housing simply made sense to me, and the Council agreed. These changes, along with other updates increasing transparency and strengthening tenant protections, help create a fairer housing system for Rockville residents.    
       
Zoning Ordinance Rewrite (ZOR) - I am proud that the Council was able to adopt the ZOR after years of discussion, public input, and collaboration. The final product required compromise from all sides, but that is often how the best policy is made. I know I spent time in neighborhoods, meeting with residents, HOAs, civic organizations and others listening, learning, walking the properties and trying to find workable solutions for everyone. By listening to residents, businesses, housing advocates, and community organizations, I feel we crafted an ordinance that positions Rockville for the future while remaining true to the values that make our city a great place to live and work.
     
NEW!! Proposed Changes to the Shady Grove Transfer Station - I have been working closely with Councilmembers Dawn Luedtke on what it might mean if the County makes changes to solid waste disposal at the transfer station which is on the edge of Rockville - specifically King Farm, the Reed apartments and the new Farmstead Development.  She and Sidney Katz will host a Sept. 2 community meeting on proposed changes to Montgomery County's solid waste system. Residents can learn about plans that may affect the Shady Grove Transfer Station area, including potential increases in truck traffic, and provide feedback directly to county officials. Learn more.
     
Senator Cheryl Kagan's Scholarship Fund - I am honored to serve with a great group of people on Senator Kagan's Scholarship Committee. I just received this video of recipients getting awarded a scholarship from Senator Kagan and thought it might make your day. It certainly made mine - link. 
         
It's that time again. Time for pulling the FY 28 City Budget together again.The Rockville community will have two opportunities until Thursday, October 1 to help shape the city’s future: proposing capital projects for their neighborhoods and sharing priorities through the city’s budget survey.

Find more information on the budget and Capital Improvements Program, and links to the budget survey, at rockvillemd.gov/budget. 

Important note on the FY 28 Budget - I continue to urge the City to monitor the budget situation very closely. I remain concerned about the impact of inflation and the region's economic health with cuts to the federal workforce and other policies. So far, Rockville has not seen a downturn in revenues but with a tight budget year at the state and county levels of government it pays to be vigilant. 

Recreation Pools to Extend Season - The Rockville Swim and Fitness Center's activity pool, wellness pool and slides are open weekends and holidays through Sunday, Sept. 20. The outdoor Fitness Pool, featuring lap lanes and a small recreation area, is open daily through September. Read more. 

Rockville Economic Development Strategic Plan - The City is developing it first-time economic development strategy to strengthen Rockville's competitive position and guide sustainable growth for years to come. Learn more and share input here. 

JEDI Plan - I am pleased to have voted for Rockville's five-year Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Strategic Plan to improve access to city services, strengthen community engagement, remove barriers to participation, and increase accountability across city government. The plan aims to ensure all residents can more easily access programs, information, and opportunities.

Police Education Program - I was pleased to recognize the first graduates of Rockville's Police Education Program. These residents devoted their time to learning about the challenges and responsibilities of modern policing while building relationships with our officers. Their participation reflects the kind of community engagement that helps keep Rockville informed, connected, and safe. Special thanks to Sergeant Lee and Corporal Crowe who put the program together and spent so much time to make it a reality.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

International Overdose Awareness Day Remembrance Event - Aug. 29 - Information Link

Rockville Farmers Market - Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. - Corner of E. Jefferson and Monroe Streets. Learn more. 

Outdoor Concerts in The Square - Fridays Through September - The Square in Rockville Town Center. Learn more.

Victorian Lyric Opera Company presents "Haddon Hall" - Friday and Saturday, Sept. 4 & 5 at 8 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 6 at 2 p.m. - F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre - Lean more.

Road Code and Transportation Community Information Session - Aug. 31 - Information Link

Town Hall on Impacts of Solid Waste Changes - Sept. 2 - Information Link

September 11 Remembrance Ceremony - Sept. 11 - Information Link

Taiwan Bubble Tea Festival in Rockville - Sept. 19 - Information Link

Rocktobierfest - Sept. 26 - Rockville Town Center - Information Link

Videos From Rockville 11

2026 National Night Out - https://youtu.be/llK1bA4vemc?si=XgDRXGQ-vpiACTbm

August 2026 Proclamations - https://youtu.be/y77Z1q3qvqc?si=eXH1V25enrTxO9Ne

Police Education Program - https://youtu.be/rZJY3e3vHgo?si=RdIL9zdS4sleSfLj

2026 Juneteenth Celebration - https://youtu.be/Md7D5LcxGPk?si=6YMC_DNCNTvqWNsU

Juneteenth Festival at The Square 2026 - https://youtu.be/ORZwkPg7Yl4?si=-sHDbqCyYP_t5MqG

Lincoln Park's 135th Anniversary Celebration - https://youtu.be/6KbE3_4bQOA?si=WmgH_UVKUoFzF2Mz

Rockville Swim and Fitness Center 2026 Summer Countdown Party - https://youtu.be/7jG6kQ4_fwU?si=Va9wi0xwG8qekZN3

Rockville Neighborhood Health and Safety Day - https://youtu.be/NqPjKBtyW_w?si=RNv_xLORP7E4vlJO

10th Annual Rockville Pride - https://youtu.be/-SeCgjrqNCU?si=apPN6ED-EicceMcR