The County Council is asking for residents to participate in a survey that will help guide councilmembers in evaluating the racial equity and social justice portions of Thrive Montgomery 2050 draft plan, according to a press release.
The council, following a review by the Office of Legislative Oversight, has been considering the plan. Thrive 2050 is intended “to guide [the county’s] land use planning for housing, economic development, equity, transportation, environmental sustainability and more for the next three decades in Montgomery County,” the release reads.
According to a council summary, the plan’s vision for growth includes:
- Maintaining a constrained growth area that focuses growth in centers of activity and along growth corridors;
- Reintroducing East County growth corridors as a key to racial equity and economic competitiveness;
- Emphasizing walking, biking, and transit;
- Introducing the importance of social connectedness and health in land use planning;
- Incorporating arts and culture into public and private infrastructure and recognizing quality of place as integral to economic health; and
- Encouraging environmental sustainability and resilience by focusing growth in targeted areas and protecting areas outside targeted areas such as the Agricultural Reserve and parkland.
The council has hired Nspiregreen and Public Engagement Associates, to do outreach focused on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color residents and groups from low-income backgrounds. The consultants will then develop a racial equity and social justice review of the policies and practices recommended in the plan, as recommended by the OLO.
Following the completion and review of the survey, expected in September, the council staff will draft a chapter on racial equity and social justice for council’s consideration. Staff will also draft text related to the plan’s impact on the environment and economic development.
Completing the questionnaire is expected to take about eight minutes. Those who complete the survey will be eligible to win one of 300 $10 or $50 gift cards.
County Council graphic