City Receives Maryland Sustainable Growth Award for Retool Gaithersburg

The City of Gaithersburg received a 2025 Maryland Sustainable Growth Award in the Policy Category for Retool Gaithersburg. The award was presented by Governor Wes Moore on behalf of the Sustainable Growth Subcabinet. The Policy Award recognizes the adoption and implementation of public policies, regulations, and plans supporting sustainable land use planning and development practices.

Retool Gaithersburg is a comprehensive overhaul of the City's zoning code, which had not been fully updated since 1965. The initiative, launched in 2023 and adopted 2024, aimed to modernize the code to better align with Gaithersburg's evolving goals and policies. Key objectives included improving the organization of the code, incorporating visual aids to enhance readability, and revising sections to reflect the City's vision, including the recently adopted Housing Element recommendations. The update also modernizes terminology and promotes equity and equality.

"I appreciate the Maryland Department of Planning and the Sustainable Growth Subcabinet for recognizing our dedicated work on the comprehensive zoning code update, Retool Gaithersburg," said Greg Mann, Director of Planning and Code Administration. "This honor is a testament to the City's commitment to developing a sustainable, equitable, and forward-thinking Zoning Code that meets the evolving needs of our community."

The Retool Gaithersburg project involved extensive community engagement and collaboration with the Mayor and City Council, Planning Commission, and the consultant ZoneCo. Through research and joint work sessions, the revised code is designed to foster resilience, expand opportunities, and support sustainable growth. Retool Gaithersburg aims to create a regulatory framework that empowers residents, businesses, and workers, while reflecting both local and state goals for the City's future development.

The Sustainable Growth Awards recognize individuals, organizations, and programs that exemplify well-planned economic and community development initiatives with outstanding care towards sustainability throughout the state. For more information, visit the Maryland Department of Planning's website here .