Montgomery County is hitting the pause button on significant zoning changes as Council Vice President Will Jawando has expressed reservations about the Attainable Housing Strategies Initiative (AHSI). In a statement released earlier this week, made available on the county's website, Jawando outlines his thoughts and concerns over the AHSI recommendations that, as proposed by the Planning Board, could fundamentally alter Montgomery County's zoning landscape.
Jawando, having been an advocate for housing issues on the Council, acknowledges the profound necessity of affordable housing, as he has, in his own life, experienced housing insecurity. In 2020, he championed legislation to protect tenants and proposed the "More Housing for More People" approach, which was to address the affordability problem by allowing "missing middle" housing near Metrorail stations. However, the AHSI's reach went beyond his original vision, causing Jawando to advocate to temporarily halt deliberations. "I believe we should pause consideration of these recommendations at this time," he mentioned, citing the depth of change the AHSI could bring to bear on the county, as reported on the county's website.
The concerns laid out by residents, which have resonated with Jawando, include the impact on schools, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability. The residents fear that new market-rate units in single-family neighborhoods could prioritize development profit over the actual need for affordable housing. Jawando emphasizes that while growth is essential, it's paramount that policy changes "actually help working families find homes they can afford," as stated on the Montgomery County website.
Adding to the complexities are the current economic uncertainties and the possible changes to federal employment that could impact the county's economy. It's this very aspect of change that makes Jawando push to be especially deliberate and thoughtful in policy-making. "Potential changes to federal employment and spending could significantly impact our County's economy and our capacity to support the infrastructure and county services required by new development," Jawando urged, as he expressed his commitment to refocusing on current housing needs and expanding affordable options, as per a report on the county's website.
For Jawando, it's clear that the path forward must be marked by engagement with county residents, and policy-making must reflect the shared values of equity and sustainability. As Montgomery County grapples with the affordability crisis, the call to pause and reassess marks a hopeful intention for more inclusive and practical housing solutions.
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