Wheaton, Md. – The Montgomery County Planning Department, a division of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), has received the green light from the Montgomery County Council to move forward with its comprehensive work program for fiscal year 2027 (FY27), which begins on July 1, 2026. During its meeting on May 21, 2026, the County Council approved Montgomery Planning’s budget of $28.9 million for FY27. This allocation marks a 3.5% increase compared to the operating budget for FY26, providing essential support for the department’s initiatives.
“In a challenging budget environment, this work program underscores our dedication to planning for the future of our communities while addressing contemporary challenges and maintaining a high quality of life,” noted Montgomery Planning Director Jason K. Sartori. “Our focus lies in uncovering strategies that tackle the pressing issues faced by the county today while promoting sustainable and equitable growth principles. We eagerly anticipate working with the community to craft a collective vision for the future of Montgomery County.”
Beginning this summer, staff will initiate work on the FY27 program elements. Noteworthy aspects of Montgomery Planning’s upcoming initiatives include the following highlights.
Ongoing Projects
Planners will persist in their efforts on the Friendship Heights Sector Plan, the Eastern Silver Spring Communities Plan, the Germantown Sector Plan Amendment, and The Wheaton Plan: A Georgia Avenue Community Plan.
New Initiatives
Burtonsville Employment Area Minor Master Plan Amendment
The Burtonsville Employment Area Minor Master Plan Amendment aims to review the 1997 Master Plan, concentrating on aspects such as housing, employment, transportation, urban design, and community benefits. This initiative strives to foster growth along the US 29 corridor by enhancing multimodal mobility, with work expected to commence in the winter of 2027/2028.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation Functional Plan
The Climate Resilience and Adaptation Functional Plan is designed to assess vulnerabilities in Montgomery County’s infrastructure and formulate strategies to mitigate climate threats, including extreme heat and flooding, while emphasizing equity. Given the escalating urgency highlighted by recent climate-related fatalities in Maryland, this initiative is both timely and crucial. Montgomery Planning is well-positioned to incorporate resilience strategies into development projects, complementing endeavors by other organizations and aligning with broader housing priorities.
Damascus Main Street Sector Plan Amendment
With its unique historical character, Damascus requires an updated vision, as the existing 2006 Master Plan does not accurately represent current growth, housing demands, or infrastructure necessities. A refreshed plan is critical to guide development that respects the context, enhances connectivity, and revitalizes Main Street, responding to renewed community interest and aligning with the objectives of Thrive Montgomery 2050 regarding climate and safety.
Historic Preservation Plans
Montgomery Planning is launching two countywide amendments to the Master Plan for Historic Preservation to implement long-overdue updates and address significant gaps. The first amendment will review all properties on the Locational Atlas, some of which have been listed for nearly 50 years, to assess their eligibility for formal designation, thus providing clarity for property owners and access to preservation benefits where applicable. The second initiative will concentrate on burial sites, utilizing recent survey work to update the plan with new contextual history, preservation methodology, and policy guidance. Collectively, these efforts aim to modernize preservation policies, assist property owners, and enhance stewardship of Montgomery County’s historic resources.
Kensington Sector Plan Amendment
The Kensington Sector Plan Amendment will build on the existing 2012 Plan to expand housing opportunities, bolster environmental resilience, and enhance safety within the Town Center. This review will evaluate stormwater management, parking, and open spaces while ensuring a balance between growth and the preservation of historical resources. A work scope is anticipated for Planning Board review in the winter of 2026/2027.
Policies and Studies
Diversifying the Economy: Assessing Future Needs for Industrial Land
In Montgomery County, the industrial sector accounts for around 10% of private employment, playing a vital role in maintaining economic diversity by providing competitive wages, particularly in advanced manufacturing sectors. There is a rising demand for flexible “flex” spaces that accommodate both manufacturing and research development, but aging facilities and a scarcity of development sites may hinder this progress. As the last industrial land study was conducted in 2013, this new initiative will evaluate the current inventory, market trends, and future needs to determine if zoning or land use modifications are necessary to better support burgeoning industries and economic opportunities.
Greater North Bethesda Implementation Study
This forthcoming study will assess whether the implementation strategies derived from the 2010 White Flint Sector Plan and the 2018 White Flint 2 Sector Plan continue to resonate with their intended vision. Building on recent evaluations and the Advancing the Pike District initiative, the study will explore updated methods to reflect current circumstances better, involving coordinated efforts among various divisions and engagement with key stakeholders.
Growth and Infrastructure Policy
Planners are set to initiate the update of the Growth and Infrastructure Policy, a process that occurs every four years. This policy serves as a guiding framework for managing the county’s adequate public facilities requirements while ensuring that infrastructure effectively supports growth.
