This year’s Gaithersburg State of the City address highlighted the city’s diversity, local heroes, development plans and upcoming events.
“Gaithersburg remains a debt-free city, a city with the lowest property tax rate of any of Maryland’s 20 largest cities,” Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman told MCM on Friday.
“We told stories of people going above and beyond, of our programs impacting people’s lives,” Ashman, who also serves on MCM’s Board of Directors, said.
Gaithersburg Council Vice President Jim McNulty delivered the address last week on behalf of Ashman, who was not able to attend due to family obligations. During the speech, McNulty noted Gaithersburg was again rated the most diverse city in the U.S.
“This is a designation we are as proud of today as we were 10 years ago when the Most Diverse Cities study debuted,” he said.
He recognized Gaithersburg Police officer Nick Ozkayan, who last year rushed to help render aid to County Police Sgt. Patrick Kepp, who was allegedly targeted and struck by a driver, resulting in the loss of both of Kepp’s legs.
McNulty highlighted the upcoming Gaithersburg Book Festival, which is Saturday, May 18 at Bohrer Park. It will be the 15th annual Gaithersburg Book Festival which Ashman created. McNulty added the city is also planning a Gaithersburg History Fair in June, with a focus on Black history.
On the Lakeforest redevelopment project, McNulty said the property owner has submitted a development plan which will come to a public hearing in the near future. The proposed plan includes 1,600 residential units, and space for employment uses, large-format retail, and other commercial uses.
Addressing a housing shortage in Maryland, McNulty said Gaithersburg currently has 2,430 residential units planned, and 546 of those units are currently under construction.
In addition to the speech, the event also featured awards:
- Distinguished Friend Award: The award was presented to Carolyn Camacho, program director for Identity, for her work supporting the Gaithersburg Coalition of Providers and the Youth Opportunities Coalition, according to a release.
- Outstanding Organization Award: This award was presented to Soroptimist International of Upper Montgomery County, for its contributions to the Gaithersburg community.
- 2024 Distinguished Resident: The title goes to Carmen Castro-Conroy, who is Associate Director of the Montgomery County Office, Housing Initiative Partnership as well as a City of Gaithersburg volunteer.
