Priorities & Initiatives

A key function of the Mayor and Council is to establish a vision and priorities for the organization and for the community. The Mayor and Council worked together to define the priority initiatives that serve as their collective work plan for the 2019-2023 term. These priority initiatives are framed within the Critical Success Factors that capture the Mayor and Council’s long-term vision for the community.

Efficient and Effective City Service Delivery

Rockville is known for exceptional, personalized service delivery to residents and businesses, characterized by efficient, well documented processes that are administered equitably by a committed workforce of employees with a “can-do” attitude. The Mayor and Council, together with Senior Management, work well together as they govern the community. The city has talented leadership that ensures the city government is moving in the right direction.

Staff presented and received endorsement of the Project Charter for the FAST (Faster, Accountable, Smarter and Transparent) Project at the Mayor and Council work session of October 29, 2018. Major accomplishments include: implementation of electronic plan review for all development related applications; creation of “one-stop shop” through the Development Services Center; increased the use of social media to provide an enhanced monthly update on development applications received and other important information; and implementation of the Customer Bill of Rights for Community Planning and Development Services and the Public Works Department (development-related activities).

Finish Compensation and Classification Plan.

Good Governance

The Rockville Mayor and Council work well together to make decisions for the betterment of the city, and the City enjoys excellent relationships with Montgomery County, Montgomery College, Montgomery County Public Schools, the State of Maryland and other governmental entities. Rockville residents are engaged with the community, actively volunteer for boards and commissions, and turn out the vote in City elections.

Review the scope and role of the City’s boards and commissions and make appropriate changes; and review the systems and processes to create, appoint and sunset City boards and commissions.
Review existing codes and policies based on the scoring of the Municipal Index done by the Human Rights Campaign, and identify modifications to enhance LGBT non-discrimination.
Reestablish office space for councilmembers.
Develop an open data initiative that includes all aspects of City governance.
Partner with other jurisdictions to meaningfully engage with MCPS, Montgomery County and the State to promote school construction.

Safe and Livable Neighborhoods

Rockville is a community of safe, diverse neighborhoods with well-kept homes and vital neighborhood centers. This is accomplished by the City’s commitment to public and pedestrian safety, diversity in housing, support for high quality education and well-maintained infrastructure, and by providing City services that address the needs of all constituencies

Modify the required percentage of various housing requirements (affordable/work force) in new development.
The Mayor and Council expanded the MPDU/affordable housing income limits to up to 120% of AMI as an incentive toward the creation of workforce units and units below 60% of AMI.
Staff will look at proposing changes to the MPDU control period for workforce units (and units with high condo fees or other matters that make those units unaffordable or unmarketable) to make them more attractive to buyers and feasible to develop.
Staff will look at alternatives for affordable units within Senior Housing with Services product.
As part of a comprehensive zoning code update, staff could look at parking requirements, density, and height limits in select/appropriate areas of the city (this would be led by CPDS).
Develop a plan to increase physical connectivity of neighborhoods.
Beautify the concrete walls under the railroad tracks at Middle Lane and Park Road. Staff continues to work with WMATA and CSX to install artwork in this area.
Review and agree upon the scope of duties of the Rockville City Police Department and determine appropriate staffing.
Adopt and implement Vision Zero and engage the community in implementing the vision.
The Vision Zero Action Plan was adopted in July 2020 and staff is engaging RPAC and RBAC in implementing the vision.

Fiscal Responsibility

The City of Rockville has a track record of fiscal stability evidenced by exemplary bond ratings, appropriate reserve planning, and well thought out and researched capital and operating plans.

Planning and Preservation

Honoring its history, the City strives to protect the integrity of each neighborhood and ensure the quality of life for its residents. Rockville is the epitome of well-planned communities that has constantly reinvented itself and handled increasing density and growth associated with being part of a major metropolitan area. Rockville is known for quality transit-oriented development. The city’s illustrious “Rockville Pike” is noted as a best practice application of multi-modal transportation planning that includes retail and housing opportunities for diverse populations.

Examine the appropriateness of different development standards around Metro stations.
Planning Commission Draft of the Comprehensive Master Plan update to be delivered to the Mayor and Council for its review and adoption by August 2021.
Submission of a draft Historic Resources Management Plan and 10 Year Action Plan to the Mayor and Council in 2021.
Formulate the conditions under which Rockville can support bus rapid transit.

Informed and Engaged Residents

Rockville residents are involved with their community and take an active interest in City government by participating in city activities, serving on boards and commissions, voting in municipal elections, and engaging in City governance. The City ensures residents have access to information about City services and current issues, and reaches out to all populations through the innovative use of all media.

Increase the city’s proactive outreach to diverse populations.

Economic Development

Rockville has an enviable business climate built on the success of its multi-phased Town Center, Rockville Pike, and neighborhood commercial centers. The community enjoys a balance of commercial and residential development, small and large businesses, and is characterized by mixed-use development. New investment is encouraged by the City’s innovative business incubators and the development community is supported by an efficient development process that balances and respects private and community interests in the process.

The Mayor and Council has established a Town Center Initiative based, in part, upon recommendations from the Urban Land Institute Technical Assistance Panel report. The Mayor and Council is planning on funding and launching a branding brand/marketing initiative in FY 2022, as well as an economic development strategy.

Formulate a policy on economic incentives and develop supportive programs.
Explore mechanisms to encourage neighborhood shopping center revitalization and explore additional zoning and uses.

Stewardship of Infrastructure

Rockville maintains and enhances existing City infrastructure (i.e. roads, bridges, water and sewer systems, buildings, fleet, amenities, etc.), while planning for future needs, and making fiscally sound decisions for the long-term health of the City. The city strives to be an environmentally sustainable community that preserves its green spaces and continually reevaluates ways to reduce its environmental footprints.

Establish a task force to settle King Farm Farmstead. The Task Force has completed its work. The Mayor and Council directed staff to hire a consultant to complete a real estate and economic market analysis and provide recommendations for potential adaptive reuse of the property. The King Farm Farmstead Fire Suppression capital improvement program project is in the design and permit phase. Following permit approval, the project will be bid for construction.
Adopt a sustainable fleet policy.
Create a community climate action plan.