Mission Statement

Urban Districts support and enhance the County's unincorporated downtowns (Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Wheaton) as prosperous, livable urban centers by maintaining streetscape and its investments; providing additional public amenities such as plantings, seating, shelters, and works of art; promoting the commercial and residential interests of these areas; and programming cultural and community activities.

Budget Overview

The total recommended FY22 Operating Budget for the Urban Districts is $9,946,344, an increase of $311,098 or 3.23 percent from the FY21 Approved Budget of $9,635,246. Personnel Costs comprise 44.80 percent of the budget for 61 full-time position(s) and one part-time position(s), and a total of 58.70 FTEs. Total FTEs may include seasonal or temporary positions and may also reflect workforce charged to or from other departments or funds. Operating Expenses account for the remaining 55.20 percent of the FY22 budget.

County Priority Outcomes

While this program area supports all eight of the County Result Areas, the following are emphasized:

• Thriving Youth and Families
• A Growing Economy
• A Greener County
• Safe Neighborhoods
• Effective, Sustainable Government

Program Performance Measures

Performance measures for this department are included below (where applicable), with multi-program measures displayed at the front of this section and program-specific measures shown with the relevant program. The FY21 estimates reflect funding based on the FY21 approved budget. The FY22 and FY23 figures are performance targets based on the FY22 recommended budget and funding for comparable service levels in FY23.

Initiatives

• Three blocks in downtown Bethesda (Woodmont Avenue, between Bethesda Avenue and Elm Street; and two blocks on Norfolk Avenue) were cordoned off to provide for extended seating and outdoor dining for all downtown Bethesda restaurants; managed and operated by the Bethesda Urban Partnership (BUP). The Bethesda Streetery was created by BUP to provide additional dining options for the restaurants during the pandemic when their indoor capacity was restricted.
• A new public art mural was installed in August 2020 at the Rugby Avenue/Woodmont public parking garage in partnership with the Department of Transportation (MCDOT) and Park and Planning. The mural significantly improved the aesthetics of one of the oldest county owned garages in downtown Bethesda, and continued our Arts & Entertainment District goal to bring more public art to our downtown.
• The Silver Spring Urban District Red Shirt Team is working intensely with MCDOT in collaboration with the State as the work of the Purple Line disrupts business operations and requires substantive directional and information services as pedestrian and vehicular traffic is disrupted.
• The Silver Spring Urban District, through its Arts Consultant, established a weekly 'check-in' with arts organizations to provide relevant updates and information on COVID related matters and collaborate on virtual presence for the arts community.
• The Wheaton Clean & Safe Team supported the opening of the new MNCPPC headquarters in Wheaton by providing increased presence around the building and Plaza, responding to requests from new tenants in the building, and participating in a public safety task force made up of MNCCPPC, Police, WMATA Security, and MCDOT.
• The Wheaton Urban District created an online rebranding and marketing campaign which included a new logo, welcome materials for tenants moving into the new building, incentive program for local businesses and a new website.

Innovations and Productivity Improvements

• Restaurant Week in the Bethesda Urban District held a "Savor Bethesda" - in lieu of the annual Taste of Bethesda, Bethesda Urban Partnership held our first Restaurant Week for downtown Bethesda from Oct. 1 - 11, 2020. This initiative was created to drive business to struggling restaurants during the pandemic.

• The Silver Spring Urban District supported the establishment of the innovative Eatery on Georgia Ave, working with the State Highway Administration starting in the summer of 2020. Additional eateries are planned for Newell Street and at Veterans Plaza.
• During COVID, the Silver Spring Urban District was able to pivot and readjust operations to continue the critical task of maintaining businesses and residents informed by safely distributing information to storefronts and setting up tents to interact socially distanced.
• The Wheaton Urban District worked closely with MCDOT, Department of Permitting Services (DPS), Police and local restaurants to create a streetery which was then winterized allowing these restaurants to continue operations amidst restrictions to indoor dining. During the winter months, this streetery have seen a steady flow of customers on a regular basis.
• The Wheaton Urban District worked closely with MCDOT, DPS, the Montgomery County Police Department and local restaurants to create a streetery which was then winterized allowing these restaurants to continue operations amidst restrictions to indoor dining. During the winter months, this streetery has seen a steady flow of customers on a regular basis, and has allowed businesses to continue operations during this difficult time.

Program Descriptions

  Promotion of Community and Business Activities

This program enhances the quality of life in the Urban Districts and surrounding communities; fosters a strong, vibrant business climate within each Urban District; and creates a positive image and a sense of identity for the Districts. These goals are accomplished through sponsorship of community events that may include festivals,...

  Streetscape Maintenance

This program provides maintenance of, and improvement to, the streetscape amenities within each Urban District. Various service levels include litter collection, sidewalk maintenance, trash receptacle service at least three times a week, mowing and snow removal as needed, lighting maintenance, maintenance of planted/landscaped areas, and street sweeping....

  Enhanced Security and Ambassadorship

This program provides safeguards against property theft, vandalism, and personal security in the Silver Spring and Wheaton Urban Districts. The goal of the program is to provide an enhanced level of protection and reduce the perception of crime through the use of the Safe Team as the eyes and ears...

  Administration

This program provides staff support for contract administration, the Urban District Advisory Committees, and for the administration of Urban District corporations. This program also provides for budget preparation and monitoring, payment authorization, records maintenance, and the Bethesda Circulator contract....