Housing and Economic Development Strategic Plan
The Takoma Park City Council identified “the advancement of its economic development efforts” and the “creation of a livable community for all” as key priorities for the City, and subsequently authorized the development of a community wide strategic plan for the purpose of ensuring that a “range of safe, quality, and stable housing options are available for residents of varying incomes” and “to attract new businesses to the community and prepare for economic development within the City and the region.” (Council Resolution 2016-04, adopted February 24, 2016)
After over three years of research, staff facilitation, community and Council discussion, the final Housing and Economic Development Strategic Plan was adopted by Council on October 16, 2019 (Resolution 2019-47). The Plan establishes the strategic direction the Council wishes to take the City over the next decade.
The overarching themes of the Strategic Plan are to:
- Preserve existing businesses and affordable housing in Takoma Park, including in revitalizing areas
- Produce more housing and opportunities for businesses to start and grow across the income spectrum and in neighborhoods across the City to meet the diverse housing and economic needs
- Protect renters, homeowners, and local businesses from discrimination and displacement; and protect our environment from destruction.
Project Context and History
To assist in the development of the Strategic Plan, the City of Takoma Park entered into a contract for services with The Cloudburst Group and its partners Fourth Economy and Mullin & Lonergan Associates in March 2017.
The consultant group developed the following foundational documents:
- Housing and Economic Data Analysis
- SWOT Analysis: Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats
- Strategic Plan (DRAFT)
As part of the process, community members were invited to provide input on the draft Strategic Plan during its development. An online survey was conducted and stakeholder interviews were held. A Listening Session was held on June 28, 2017 to provide residents with an additional opportunity to weigh in on local housing and economic development conditions. Two open houses were held in early November 2017. An online comment form was developed. On February 26, 2018, community members were invited to attend a presentation by representatives from Mullin & Lonergan Associates and provide comment on the housing recommendations included in the draft.
The City Council resumed its review of the Strategic Plan during a series of work sessions discussions in October, 2018, focusing on the housing recommendations included in the draft plan. This discussion is scheduled to continue on Wednesday, January 16, 2019.
Project Lead & Contact Info
Housing and Community Development Department
301-891-7119
Housing@takomaparkmd.gov
Planning@takomaparkmd.gov
Project Info & Timeline
- Current target completion date: 2019 – Fall
- Project initiation date: 2016 – November
- Takoma Park’s role in project: Lead
- Departments involved: Housing & Community Development
Quick Links
- Housing
- Housing and Economic Development Strategic Plan
- Rental Housing Programs
- Home Stretch Down Payment Assistance
- Financial Assistance for Tenants and Homeowners
- Partnerships
- New Tax Credits for Housing Development
- Tenant Opportunity to Purchase
- Tenant Resources
- Grants
Links & Notes
City Council Meeting – October 16, 2019 Video
City Council Meeting – June 12, 2019 Video
City Council Meeting – March 13, 2019 Video
City Council Meeting – January 16, 2019 Video
City Council Meeting – October 29, 2018 Video
City Council Meeting – October 17, 2018 Video
City Council Meeting – October 3, 2018 Video
“Housing in Takoma Park: Providing Diverse Housing Opportunities” – February 26, 2018 Event
City Council Meeting – October 18, 2017 Video
The Cloudburst Group Presentation – October 18, 2017
- Strategic Plan – Draft
- Appendix 1 – Business Improvement District Tax Information
- Appendix 2 – Long Branch / Takoma Park Enterprise Zone
- SWOT Analysis: Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats
- Housing and Economic Data Analysis
- Listening Session – June 28, 2017
City Council Meeting – February 8, 2017 Video
City Council Meeting – February 1, 2017 Video
The Cloudburst Group – Selected Proposal
Request for Proposals – Housing and Economic Development Strategic Plan
