“We have a chance to create the kind of community we want. We can’t control the federal government, but we can control what happens here,” declared Rockville City Mayor Monique Ashton during her State of the City address.
Nonprofit members, Rockville officials, community members and legislators from the state and nearby communities gathered in the Glenville Mansion Tuesday morning to hear a review of Rockville’s past year. The event was sponsored by the Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce.
‘Reach Out to Your Neighbors’
“This is a serious week,” Ashton said, pointing to the possibility of a federal government shut down and the number of residents who have already lost their federal jobs and contracts. “There are so many families hurting,” she said.
“This is serious people,” she said. “I think people are feeling more vulnerable. There are people who are not going to school, not going to work,” Ashton said of the immigrant population.
“Please reach out to your neighbors. There are people who are going to need help, and they have never asked for help before.”
Regardless of what happens in Washington, Ashton said, Rockville welcomes everyone and strives to be a diverse and inclusive community.
Improvements on the Agenda
During the past fiscal year, Rockville officials reworked zoning ordinances to make housing more affordable. Ashton pointed to areas ripe for improving and building, including places near Metro stations, Lincoln Park and Rockville Town Center and other neighborhoods.
Some of the improvements may include new murals and more recreation spaces. King Farms Development will set aside places for youth, community kitchens and summer programs.
Rockville hopes to lure more businesses by increased funding incentives and faster permitting. The city also has developed 40 strategies aimed at increasing the stock of affordable housing. The goal is to help people afford housing not just to rent but to own, Ashton said.
The State of the City is strong! Truly thankful to hear from our Mayor @Monique4RKV and @chamberrock about how @Rockville411 is making progress in so many areas during today's State of the City! I'm looking forward to even more successes in the future for our great City! pic.twitter.com/PBvbRldXZj
— Adam Van Grack (@AdamVanGrack) September 30, 2025
