As the federal government shutdown begins, local restaurants are rolling out special offers to help ease the burden on impacted employees. Several dining groups across Montgomery County are showing support by offering discounts and meal deals to federal workers who present valid government ID. (more…)
U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Harold Dotson, 54, of Gaithersburg, to three years in federal prison and ordered him to pay nearly $24.8 million in restitution for his role in a wire fraud conspiracy involving over $24 million in fraudulent CARES Act loan applications.
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 Councilmembers Kate Stewart and Evan Glass urged MCPS and the Board of Education to improve the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) process, citing inefficiencies, unreliable cost projections, and poor community engagement. They pointed to the $40 million Silver Spring International Middle School project, which failed to address key concerns, as an example of the need for better planning, transparency, and incorporation of community feedback to ensure future school facility upgrades meet actual needs.
WSSC Water announced temporary relief measures for federal employees affected by the government shutdown, including suspending water service turnoffs, waiving late fees, and extending enrollment in its Get Current assistance program to ensure continued access to essential water and wastewater services.
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.
Come enjoy the day at our annual Washington Grove Arts and Craft Festival in a beautiful outdoor setting. This festival highlights local artisans including wood creations, pottery, visual art, household products and so much more. We also have food trucks from El Parente Tacos, El Jeffe Wood-fired pizzas, Bruster’s Ice Cream and beverages from Saints Row Brewery. Bring the whole family because we have a kids activity area too. Pets on a leash are welcome too!
On Wednesday, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce President Angela Franco issued a statement warning that the federal government shutdown starting today will place significant strain on local businesses, particularly government contractors. She emphasized that the shutdown compounds recent losses in federal funding and job postings, creating additional financial pressure on companies and residents across the County.
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice to challenge new restrictions on federal victim assistance funds. The lawsuit argues that the rule, which bars states from using VOCA, VAWA, and Byrne JAG grants to provide certain legal services to undocumented immigrants or individuals unable to prove immigration status, is unlawful and would harm survivors and service providers.
The Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act, named after a Montgomery County police officer who lost both of his legs in 2023 after being struck by a speeding repeat offender, takes effect today, Oct. 1, 2025. (more…)
The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) 4th District officers responded at 2:47 p.m. to the 3700 block of Bel Pre Road for a report of shots fired. (more…)
Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Special Victims Investigations Division are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Dontae Dell Myers, a missing 14-year-old. (more…)
UPDATE: Ronald Stoddard has been located safe and unharmed. Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Special Victims Investigations Division are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Ronald […]
Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings, a Michelin-recommended Shanghainese restaurant with roots in New York, has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The restaurant is currently in its soft opening phase and will operate daily from 12 pm to 8 pm. A ‘first look’ video is available below.