Local leaders are calling on the community to support relief efforts for Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, caused widespread devastation. Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins and Montgomery County Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles announced a donation drive in partnership with the Embassy of Jamaica to collect essential supplies for affected families and communities. (more…)
Federal Realty has announced that Nordstrom Rack will open a 26,000 square foot store at Congressional Plaza in Rockville in fall 2026. The store will be located at 1683 Rockville Pike, the former site of Buy Buy Baby.
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.
The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying three suspects involved in an armed robbery in Silver Spring. (more…)
The Takoma Park Police Department is investigating an indecent exposure incident that occurred Saturday night, November 1, at the Sunoco gas station located in the 6300 block of New Hampshire Avenue.
Blackbird Health has expanded into Maryland with a new pediatric mental health clinic in Gaithersburg, bringing additional behavioral health resources to children, teens, young adults, and families throughout Montgomery County.
Located at 555 Quince Orchard Road, Suite 250, the clinic offers comprehensive pediatric mental health services, including ADHD and autism evaluations, neuropsychological testing, therapy, psychiatry, and medication management.
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.
Governor Wes Moore announced the release of 62 million dollars to ensure Marylanders receive full November SNAP benefits, supplementing federal contingency funds ordered by a federal judge after the Trump Administration halted payments during the government shutdown.
Governor Wes Moore has announced the formation of the Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Commission to explore potential mid-cycle changes to Maryland’s Congressional maps. The bipartisan five-member group will hold public hearings, gather feedback, and make recommendations to the governor and state legislature to evaluate and potentially improve the current maps.
On Monday, County Executive Marc Elrich addressed court developments that forced the federal government to use 5 billion dollars in contingency funds to cover half of November’s SNAP benefits, while Maryland Governor Wes Moore committed to funding the remaining portion. Elrich noted that SNAP payments will be delayed due to the federal administration’s actions and encouraged residents in need of immediate food assistance to access local food distribution resources.
A beloved Montgomery County tradition is back to kick off the holiday season. The Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade will return to Downtown Silver Spring on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 10:00am.
Updated to reflect the restaurant is not affiliated with Bob’s Shanghai in Rockville.
Bob’s Bethesda, which initially went by Bob’s Shanghai Bethesda, has officially signed on to open at 7776 Norfolk Ave., the former home of Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza.
Olney’s Winter City Lights opens for the 2025 season on Friday, November 28th. Organizers describe it as the “largest and most spectacular light show in the Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia and Baltimore areas,” offering a magical experience for all ages. Guests can expect elaborate light tunnels, animated displays, festive music, and plenty of photo-worthy moments throughout the scenic drive.
The regular season is in the books, and the second season begins this week as Montgomery County’s finest hit the gridiron for the first round of the Maryland High School Football Playoffs. From powerhouse programs like Quince Orchard and Sherwood looking to continue dominant runs, to upstart stories like Wheaton and Kennedy aiming to make noise, the opening round is loaded with intrigue.