“We must remain laser-focused on attracting new jobs and private-sector investment to the County, and that means evaluating and improving every touch point between county government and businesses,” said Council President and Economic Development Committee Chair Fani-González. “If you want to make significant business investments in Montgomery County to help grow economic opportunities for our residents, we are ready to partner with you to get your project to market faster, cheaper and more predictably.” 

The Job Creation Project Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA 26-05) provides an expedited and predictable development approval process for projects that create 200 net new jobs, and are either strategic industries identified in the County’s Economic Development Strategic Plan, in certain enumerated industries, such as biohealth and advanced technology, or receive County or state funding or incentives.

This new tool would help support the development of buildings that have identified anchor tenants and would bring jobs immediately. The initiative is supported by business and chamber of commerce leaders and will bring predictable regulatory timelines and processes to major projects. The County has a similar expedited review process for biohealth projects, mixed income communities, and office-to-residential conversions.  

“Montgomery County's continued success is dependent on bringing together public and private sector partners to create an environment where businesses can grow, innovate and invest,” said Jared Smith, President & CEO of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation. “We appreciate Council President Natali Fani-González and the Economic Development Committee's leadership on this issue, which is an important step toward strengthening our economic competitiveness. We look forward to continuing to work with our community partners on expanding opportunities for our County.” 

“The Job Creation Project Zoning Text Amendment sends a clear message that Montgomery County is focused on job creation and economic growth. This legislation will provide a catalyst to incentivize businesses to expand in our County and also to attract other companies to relocate into the County,” President & CEO of Soltesz, INC. James A. Soltesz said.  “As a member of the Board of Directors of the County Economic Development Corporation, I am extremely proud of the leadership of our elected officials and their dedication to economic development.” 

By cutting red tape and streamlining regulatory processes for strategic industries and large job creators, the Job Creation Project ZTA makes it easier and more attractive to do business in Montgomery County. Sustaining economic growth is vital to everything Montgomery County wants to do in terms of health care, education, public safety, transportation, housing and more. 

Councilmembers Sidney Katz, Andrew Friedson, Council Vice President Marilyn Balcombe, Councilmembers Laurie-Anne Sayles, Will Jawando, Evan Glass, Shebra Evans, Kate Stewart and Dawn Luedtke cosponsored the legislation. View testimony highlights from the June 9 public hearing.