The Montgomery County Council voted Tuesday to reaffirm James Hedrick’s appointment to a new four-year term on the Montgomery County Planning Board, following County Executive Marc Elrich’s decision to disapprove the reappointment.
The Council originally appointed Hedrick to the Planning Board in 2023 and reappointed him on July 28, 2026. County records show the July reappointment was adopted as Resolution 20-1184. The Council received notification of Elrich’s disapproval on August 27. Nine votes were required to reaffirm the appointment, and Tuesday’s vote was unanimous among councilmembers present.
Elrich said he opposed Hedrick’s reappointment because of concerns about his approach to community engagement and land-use planning. In his August 27 letter, Elrich argued that Hedrick had placed too much emphasis on increasing housing and development capacity without giving sufficient consideration to residents’ concerns, infrastructure, environmental protections and other planning priorities.
Elrich also raised concerns about Hedrick simultaneously serving on the Planning Board and as executive director of Rockville Housing Enterprises, the city’s public housing authority. Elrich argued that the dual roles created concerns about institutional independence and Hedrick’s ability to balance housing goals with other planning considerations.
Council President Natali Fani-González said the Council continued to support Hedrick because of his housing expertise and experience, saying councilmembers remained confident in his service on the Planning Board.
This is the second time the Council has reaffirmed Hedrick’s appointment over an objection from Elrich. After Hedrick was first appointed in 2023, Elrich disapproved that appointment as well, and the Council subsequently adopted a resolution reaffirming it.
Hedrick has a background in community development and affordable housing and currently serves as executive director of Rockville Housing Enterprises. He previously worked for the federal government and has served with the Action Committee for Transit, Montgomery for All and the Twinbrook Community Association.
The Planning Board reviews development proposals and makes recommendations involving Montgomery County master plans, zoning, subdivision regulations and infrastructure. Board members generally serve four-year terms and are limited to two full terms.
