Anthony Michael Cohen of Germantown is set to begin a 750-mile walk on May 4 retracing Harriet Tubman’s Underground Railroad route from Maryland to Canada, and a series of kickoff rallies across Maryland and Virginia will lead up to the journey.
Montgomery County Council committees will meet April 15 to review multiple Fiscal Year 2027 operating budgets and capital projects related to public safety, including funding for the Office of Animal Services, Sheriff’s Office, State’s Attorney’s Office, Circuit Court, and Department of Correction and Rehabilitation.
Last week, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich signed legislation authorizing up to $420 million in tax increment financing bonds to help finance Viva White Oak, a $2.7 billion investment featuring more than 3 million square feet of lab space, office/medical office, retail, and over 4,400 quality residences. The 280-acre site, which is located adjacent to the FDA headquarters and near Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center, is expected to begin construction this fall.
“This is a project that has been discussed and planned for a long time, and now we are getting to the point where people will actually begin seeing it take shape,” said County Executive Elrich. “VIVA White Oak will bring thousands of homes, good jobs, restaurants, stores, and other amenities to an area of the County that has needed this level of investment for decades. We found a financing approach that allows us to build the infrastructure needed to make this development possible while using the new tax revenue generated by the project to repay the bonds. I appreciate the Council, our State partners, MCB, and especially the East County residents who kept pushing to get us to this point.”
Anchored by Costco and with a focus on innovation and research and development, Viva White Oak represents one of the largest development opportunities in Montgomery County in recent years. Once completed, the development is expected to generate $4.9 billion in annual economic output and give the County $21 million year in new revenue. Additionally, the new development is projected to generate 19,000 construction jobs and 9,000 permanent jobs.
“Viva White Oak demonstrates the County’s continued commitment to supporting growth and investment in Montgomery County,” said Jared Smith, President & CEO of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC). “The County’s first TIF gives us another important tool to compete for investment, attract businesses, and create jobs. Montgomery County has tremendous assets and opportunities, and using tools like this strategically will help us translate those strengths into long-term economic growth.”
Viva White Oak is expected to take place in two phases. In phase one, which is expected to be completed by 2031, it will deliver over 960 townhomes, 1,000 apartments, 470,000 square feet of retail space, a 175-room hotel with meeting space, up to 1,279 permanent on-site jobs, and 92,000 square feet of medical office space. Phase two, which will take place between 2033 and 2044, will deliver 1.3 million square feet of life sciences office and lab space, 400,000 square feet of Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) life sciences manufacturing, almost 2,500 additional housing units delivered, a 150-room hotel dedicated to supporting innovation, and over 3,800 permanent on-site jobs.
Viva White Oak represents the County’s first use of a TIF and follows a push by Montgomery County to remove barriers and create new opportunities for businesses to invest, grow, and create jobs. In July, the Montgomery County Council approved the Job Creation Project zoning initiative, which is expected to cut permitting time in half for development projects that are in Montgomery County’s key industries—including life sciences and technology— or are expected to create at least 200 local jobs, further showcasing the County’s commitment to powering economic growth in target industries.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said recent incidents at Bradley Hills Elementary School, including disturbing graffiti and a fire, are being taken seriously, with police, fire, health officials, and school leaders coordinating a response. (more…)
Saints Row Brewing is set to host one final celebration of Montgomery County’s craft beer community before closing its doors permanently, with MoCo LagerFest scheduled for April 18 in Gaithersburg.
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Dreaming about your next vacation? Join Cruise Planners Beth Borrego and Rod Rodriguez for an inspiring day devoted to ocean and river cruises, guided tours, luxury travel and unforgettable destinations!
Meet representatives from AmaWaterways, Collette, Oceania Cruises and Premier World Discovery. Hear informative presentations, ask questions, explore exciting vacation possibilities and discover which travel experience may be the perfect fit for you.
Montgomery Parks has received more than $6 million in capital funding from the State of Maryland during the 2026 legislative session to support seven park improvement projects across Montgomery County and expand the department’s solar energy initiative.
Montgomery County police released a snapshot of reported incidents from April 13, 2026, highlighting several thefts, a burglary, and a weapons-related case across multiple districts.
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We are beyond thrilled to announce that 4-year-old Michael Girgis from Montgomery County is one of the youngest pianists to perform twice at the legendary stage of Carnegie Hall!
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a vehicle fire inside the service area of Jim Coleman Cadillac, located at 10400 Auto Park Avenue near Westlake Terrace in Bethesda. (more…)
Demolition of the former COMSAT building in Clarksburg is now underway, marking the first step in implementing the recently approved Clarksburg Gateway Sector Plan.
Permanent signage is now up at the future Burlington store at 19142 Montgomery Village Avenue in Montgomery Village, located in the former Big Lots space. (more…)
Montgomery County Council President Natali Fani-González thanked the Montgomery County Delegation for its work during the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session, highlighting progress on housing, transit, public safety, and other priorities.