Message From Mayor Stewart, "We will get through this together!"
As the country faces the current health crisis, we are all learning to do things differently. Over the past week, your City government has been shifting how we work.
We are here for all of you and will continue to be here.
I appreciate all the support, patience, and compassion as we face this 
crisis together. Our City staff has been working around the clock to make sure we can put in place processes and new ways of conducting the work of the City and delivering essential services.
All essential services are continuing. Police officers continue to work, and public works employees continue to collect trash, compost, and recycle. Other City employees have transitioned to teleworking. Our staff continues to assist residents and businesses in need as we face this crisis.
This past week we successfully held our first virtual City Council meeting which was broadcast on all the usual channels — on City TV (RCN – Ch. 13, HD Channel 1060; Comcast/Xfinity – Channel 13; Verizon Fios – Channel 28), on the City Council Video Page of the City Website; on YouTube, or on Facebook — and is recorded for residents to watch.
We will continue to meet virtually over the next few weeks. Our next meeting is on April 1st. We will be building on the success of the first meeting and looking for ways to incorporate more public comments. Please check out the City website for more information and instructions on how to give public comments.
Next, our City staff has created and keeps updating a resource page where you can get information about:
Please refer to this for information about COVID-19 and resources you or your neighbor may need at this time. There are also recommendations on how you can volunteer and support local organizations and businesses during this time. Check back frequently because we are adding more each day.
To stay connected with the City
- Please also be sure you are signed-up for Takoma ParkAlerts to receive emergency alerts. This is very important.
- Please email us at askus@takomaparkmd.gov to ask questions or make suggestions. We are gathering these for a Frequently Asked Questions page on our website.
Social distancing – staying 6ft apart and no more than 10 people gathering at a time – will be challenging for us all. I cannot stress enough the importance of social distancing, with our families especially our children. We are a tight-knit community that likes to be around each other and gather. So, I am glad neighbors are looking for ways to be together virtually, on the phone, or at a distance. The Recreation Department is also in the process of rolling out programs and ideas. Here are some I hope people will take advantage of:
- Phone a Neighbor: Feeling like you want to do more to help your neighbors during this public health crisis? Sign up for the Rec Dept’s “Phone a Neighbor Program”. We are looking for seniors who want to receive occasional phone calls and the residents who can volunteer to make them. To sign up please email JavonteM@takomaparkmd.gov or call Ms. Paula at 240-687-4132.
- Chalk Your Walk: As we all practice social distancing and still get out for fresh air, take the time to do some fun artwork and share words of kindness and compassion on the sidewalk.
- Takoma Park Arts Online: Use this Youtube link to watch some of our concerts, theater performances, poetry readings, lectures, film screenings, art exhibitions, and more. You can take the arts home with you and share the link with your family and friends.
The health and safety of our residents, businesses, and staff is our top priority.
Please check our website frequently, and consult the CDC. Montgomery County also has resources and updates on its website and I want to thank our County Executive on his leadership at this time.
We know the next few weeks and months will not be easy ones. Our lives are being disrupted. And, I know by supporting and treating each other with kindness, we will get through this together.
