Bee Ditzler, Chair - [email protected]

Who We Are

The Land Use and Transportation Committee has a rich history of studies and public policy
positions that support comprehensive long-range planning for Montgomery County and the Washington Metropolitan area that concern growth management, zoning, historic preservation, green infrastructure, and all forms of transportation.

What We Do

As part of transportation, we closely monitor the construction progress and advocate for the Purple Line and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). BRT is operational but without all dedicated lanes on Route 29 and still visionary for the lines on #355, Viers Mill Road, and New Hampshire Ave. Land use proposals continue to come forward as the county becomes more urbanized and plans formulate to change from wedges and corridors, as old plans dictated, and becomes focused on urbanized nodules. The fifty year county plan entitled Thrive, will affect MoCo and all that LWVMC does.

What We’re Keeping an Eye On

The possible expansion of I-495 and I-270 remains on the table for the county and LWVMC and LWVMD have advocated against this expansion for environmental, social justice, and traffic management reasons. Other possible transit solutions to congestion should be considered throughout the county and not just roads. Unfortunately, pedestrian and bicycle safety have been two other issues that have drawn our increasing attention with the multiple collisions and deaths on our roads. The new Pedestrian Master Plan continues forward towards completion so that safer pedestrian elements can be incorporated into every new plan of the county. The County Council and MNCPPC continue to reevaluate and change the way we use land for housing, employment, recreation, services, etc. Keeping track of current issues in the county as they arrive is challenging!