It has come to the City of Takoma Park Police Department’s attention that flyers are being posted in and around the District of Columbia warning about penalties for supporting illegal immigration. These flyers appear to be authentic with logos from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. These flyers are FAKE. Both agencies deny issuing or sanctioning such flyers. It is not clear at this time who is posting them.

If you see any such flyer in the City, please take it down and contact the Takoma Park Police Department at 301-270-1100. The flyer is meant to scare the residents.

As former Chief Goldberg indicated to the City residents in November 2016, “The Takoma Park Police Department is committed to Constitutional Policing where the rights of all individuals are respected. As a local police department, we have sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States, the Maryland Constitution and the local laws and codes. Our priority is and always has been the preservation of life and protection of property. To that end, I can assure our residents that we are apolitical and will continue to build and maintain our bridges with the community…We have no interest or authority in the deportation of immigrants. The mission and commitment of the Takoma Park Police Department is the safety and welfare of all our residents and visitors. We value and will continue to maintain our relationships with all members of our community.”

We respect all City of Takoma Park residents no matter their immigration status – Takoma Park remains a sanctuary city.

Mayor Kate Stewart will issue a mayoral proclamation recognizing the month of June 2017 as Immigrant Heritage Month. Immigrant Heritage Month serves as a way to celebrate our country’s diverse immigrant heritage and emphasize the many cultural backgrounds of individuals and families who have contributed to making our City a welcoming place for all.

Mayor Stewart emphasizes, “Now more than ever, it is essential we take time to recognize and celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month. In coming together, we recommit ourselves to being an inclusive and welcoming community that upholds the right of all people to live with dignity and respect.”

Members of the community are encouraged to join the Mayor and City Council for a celebratory reception before the City Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m. on June 21, 2017. Please note that this event and the City Council Meeting will be held at the New Hampshire Recreation Center at 7315 New Hampshire Avenue.

Takoma Park is committed to fostering a livable community for all and this proclamation and event reaffirms that ongoing pledge.

The City of Takoma Park is excited to launch a 5 month-long competition to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation and reduce the number of cars on the road.

The Takoma Park Car Free Challenge is open to anyone living or working in Takoma Park, Maryland and can be completed individually or on a team. Miles for any trip that would typically be taken by car such as going to work, school, grocery store, appointments, out to dinner, etc. all count toward the competition.

Monthly prizes will be awarded starting June 19 and may include items such as: gift cards to a local bike shop, gift card to a local shoe store for new walking shoes, smartrip cards, bikeshare gift certificates, new bike accessories like helmets, lights, tune-ups, and more!

Starting the Car Free Challenge is easy, follow these steps:

1. Go to www.carfreetkpk.com to register and join (or start) a team.
2. Log your miles / trips at www.carfreetkpk.com or download the “From Labs Challenge” app on your smartphone to log trips with GPS.
3. Win prizes and help promote a sustainable community!

Takoma Park is committed to fostering a sustainable community for all. Do your part to help keep our city green and groovy for years to come!

Wednesday, May 17, 2017, the national nonprofit KaBOOM announced that Takoma Park would be recognized as A Playful City USA for the ninth year in a row.

The Electric Vehicle Institute (EVI) has included Takoma Park as a grant recipient for a Level 3 fast charging unit. The fast charging unit, located in the parking lot behind the Community Center, is already being used regularly by members of our community.

In addition to the Level 3, there are 14 Level 2 stations throughout The City which are utilized by residents and visitors alike.

Takoma Park is committed to creating an environmentally sustainable community and this addition helps our City get one step closer to making that goal a reality.

Join us as we celebrate the vibrant cultural diversity that the City of Takoma Park and its residents have to offer at the 5th Annual Celebrate Takoma Festival on Saturday, May 20 on Maple Avenue  from 4:00-7:00 p.m.

This family festival block party held in front of the Community Center will feature arts, crafts, entertainment, music, games and food from all over the world.  Takoma Park is the true definition of a “melting pot” with residents form Ethiopia, El Salvador, and Guatemala, just to name a few. This event offers a social benefit to Takoma Park and brings the community together to celebrate the diversity the City is known for.

Celebrate Takoma fosters community pride, teaches people new things and strengthens relationships unbound by a resident’s place of birth. We hope to see you there!

For more information please contact John Webster at 301-891-7225 or JohnW@takomaparkmd.gov.