Montgomery County Council Statement on Creating a Silver Spring Business Improvement District

Montgomery County Council Statement on Creating a Silver Spring Business Improvement District

Per Montgomery County:

For Immediate Release: Monday, August 9, 2021

ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug. 9, 2021—On July 27, the Montgomery County Council enacted Bill 3-21, Special Taxing Area Laws – Silver Spring Business Improvement District to spur economic growth and address widespread job loss and small business closures in Silver Spring. County Executive Marc Elrich vetoed Bill 3-21 today. The Council will meet to override this veto in September.

Council President Tom Hucker, Council Vice President Gabe Albornoz and Councilmembers Hans Riemer, Andrew Friedson, Sidney Katz, Nancy Navarro and Craig Rice issued the following statement in response to the veto of Bill 3-21.

“The Council’s aim with this legislation is to put forth a proven legislative solution to help spur our economy. We would prefer it if the County Executive shared our enthusiasm for economic development, rather than obstructing progress and failing to propose viable solutions to address widespread job loss and small business closures during his administration.

“Today’s action will not prevent us from moving forward. The Council will meet in September to override the County Executive’s veto of Bill 3-21, Special Taxing Area Laws – Silver Spring Business Improvement District.

“The Council cares deeply about the Silver Spring community and everyone who lives, works or owns a business here. This is why we voted in favor of creating a Silver Spring Business Improvement District. We are committed to this process and believe that the business improvement district model, which has been successful in neighboring jurisdictions, will build upon Silver Spring’s many strengths and focus renewed energy on marketing and promotions to support local businesses.

“We want to ensure that Silver Spring remains a diverse and rich community to live, work, play and raise a family. In addition to creating a business improvement district, we continue working with small business owners and residents in the area to ensure that the entire community receives the continued investment and resources it needs to thrive. We are deeply committed to being inclusive and responsive to the needs of our diverse businesses and engaging with them at every level.

“The goal of the Silver Spring Business Improvement District is to have various businesses of different sizes working together toward one common goal—showcasing our amazing Silver Spring community as a premier destination to dine, shop and enjoy the arts and community events. We are confident that this new focus on marketing, promotions and building partnerships will harness the collective skills and strengths of our local business community to reinvigorate Silver Spring for all.”