Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and a new nationwide study offers a fresh look at where romance is thriving across the country in 2026. Maryland came in ranked as the 9th most romantic state in the country.
As storm clean-up continues in frigid temperatures and we await any additional impacts on schools and schedules, you may have seen maps circulating online suggesting the potential for a major storm this weekend. At this point, that scenario remains firmly in the “monitoring” phase.
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.
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Montgomery County native Mitchell Zack is taking his local roots to the international film stage as a producer of the independent feature film Bellyache, which recently made its world premiere
Detectives with the Montgomery County Department of Police Special Victims Investigations Division are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing 17 year old, Tanease Callands. (more…)
We are so excited to be in our new location at 4833 Rugby Ave, Suite 200, Bethesda,MD
Spectrum Acupuncture & Wellness has been serving the MoCO community for over 20 years. We specialize in Women’s Health, Pelvic Floor Care & Chronic Pain. Whether you have been experiencing migraines or neuropathy, insomnia or anxiety, are going thru fertility treatments or in the midlife peri/menopause transition, we are here for you! Call or text for your complimentary consultation and let’s make a plan together to get you where you want to be.
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The Ultimate Showdown of Illusion & Hilarity: THE MAGIC DUEL
WITNESS THE SPECTACULAR COLLISION OF MIND-BLOWING MAGIC AND SIDE-SPLITTING COMEDY!
Wonder, a modern food hall concept that blends dine in, takeout, and delivery, is aiming for a March opening at its upcoming Rockville location (listed as Wonder North Bethesda).
The New England Patriots are headed to the Super Bowl on February 8, and two Montgomery County natives have played key roles in helping the team reach the NFL’s biggest stage, wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins.
When was the last time barbecue surprised you? Not just the smoke ring or the tender brisket, but the flavors, the story, and the purpose behind every plate? That’s what Hal & Al’s BBQ (4238 Wilson Blvd Suite 104) delivers in nearby Arlington, VA.
The Great Big Game Show is set to open a new location at Arundel Mills in Hanover, MD. (more…)
Due to continued below-freezing temperatures and poor road conditions, MCDOT Ride On will operate on an S Service Schedule on Monday, January 26.
The National Weather Service has issued a Cold Weather Advisory for Montgomery County from Monday, January 26 at 7 pm through Tuesday, January 27 at 11 am.
Baltimore FOX45 meteorologist Gerard Jebaily is calling out Apple and its weather app after it repeatedly forecast more than 20 inches of snow in the days leading up to this weekend’s winter storm, then appeared to significantly overstate snowfall totals after the storm ended.