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 FY20 Operating Budget for the Urban Districts is $9,128,438, a decrease of $27,967 or 0.31 percent from the FY19 Approved Budget of $9,156,405. Personnel Costs comprise 46.40 percent of the budget for 60 full-time position(s) and one part-time position(s), and a total of 58.60 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 53.60 percent of the FY20 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 Greener County
• Effective, Sustainable Government
• Safe Neighborhoods
• A Growing Economy

Department 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 FY19 estimates reflect funding based on the FY19 approved budget. The FY20 and FY21 figures are performance targets based on the FY20 recommended budget and funding for comparable service levels in FY21.

Accomplishments

• Bethesda Urban District (BUD) worked with the Department of Permitting Services and the Department of Transportation (DOT) to coordinate the review of traffic management plans for new development, and improve communication with developers and the public over the impact during construction of the Marriott International Headquarters.

• Supported events on Veterans Plaza in the Silver Spring Urban District (SSUD) by coordinating set-up prior to each event and clearing the venue following each event.
• Wheaton Urban District (WUD) participated and supported a feasibility study for a Wheaton Arts/Cultural Facility, working with the Department of General Services (DGS), external consultants, and a stakeholder group of artists, businesses, and residents. The process included focus groups, town halls, community survey, numerous one-on-one interviews, benchmarking of other arts facilities, and a market analysis.
• As a result of an increase in pedestrian fatalities in and near Wheaton, WUD partnered with the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Montgomery County Department of Police, Maryland State Highway Administration (MSHA), Public Information Office and CountyStat for a pedestrian education and enforcement campaign that engaged residents, businesses, Westfield Mall, and various community groups. WUD continues to work with MSHA and DOT on re-engineering strategies in the Wheaton downtown area.

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,...

  Sidewalk Repair

This program provides for the removal and replacement of deteriorated concrete and brick walks and curbs in the Urban Districts....

  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....

  Tree Maintenance

This program provides pruning, planting, fertilization, necessary spraying, replacement, watering, mulching, and tree base cleaning in the Urban Districts....

  Enhanced Security

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....