GGCC has issued joint testimony with the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce, Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce, Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce, and Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce to support the More Housing N.O.W. legislative and budget package. GGCC believes this is a piece of the housing puzzle in Montgomery County.
“Our chambers commend the goals of the More Housing N.O.W. initiative, which aims to increase housing supply, reduce costs, and expand pathways to homeownership. Notwithstanding the extreme headwinds facing Montgomery County’s housing market, which include rent control and the specter of increasing property taxes, the availability of attainable housing is crucial for Montgomery County’s economic success. Given the County’s stagnant economic growth, our Chambers believe that increasing the supply of middle-income housing can drive economic activity. To spur growth and make Montgomery County more attractive to employers, the County needs more housing options for working families and young professionals.
We also support creating incentives for the struggling commercial property market. While many commercial properties are not ideal for residential conversion, More Housing N.O.W. offers innovative and competitive incentives to convert high-vacancy commercial properties to residential use. This approach addresses two significant economic issues: repurposing struggling commercial properties and increasing housing supply.”
March 10, 2025
Council President Stewart, Council Vice-President Jawando, and Councilmembers,
On behalf of the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce, Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce, Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce, Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce, and Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, we support the More Housing N.O.W. (New Options for Workers) legislative and budget package. Our joint testimony is attached.
Thank you for your consideration of More Housing N.O.W. and we look forward to working with you.