Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich is forwarding legislation to the County Council for a local business preference program.
Elrich made the announcement sitting alongside County Council Vice President Sidney Katz as they wrapped up their 4Business listening tour at the Upcounty Regional Services Center, located at 12900 Middlebrook Road, in Germantown on Monday, June 10.
As drafted, the legislation proposes 10 percent preference points for businesses located in Montgomery County that are competing for County contracts.
The 4Business listening tour crisscrossed the County as the elected officials encouraged business owners to share their experiences about opening and growing a business in Montgomery County. Their initiative, 4Business: Benchmarking to Be the Best for Business, included stops in Rockville, Bethesda, East County, Wheaton, Silver Spring and Germantown.
Although the listening sessions have wrapped up, Elrich and Katz are still listening. Business owners may submit input by sending an email to 4Business@montgomerycountymd.gov or by submitting a form posted on the 4Business website by July 31. Submissions can be anonymous via the website.
On July 22, a survey will be posted on the 4Business website and circulated to get more focused information from the Montgomery County business community. In addition, County officials will begin a benchmarking study that looks at regulations of neighboring jurisdictions and those of the County. Assembled comments and benchmarking results will help identify areas Montgomery County will address to reduce obstacles to success, build positive relations and help Montgomery County to be the best for business.
In the fall, two charrettes are planned with roundtables for community discussions and input on proposed changes resulting from the 4Business feedback.
For more information about the 4Business initiative or to view transcripts from the 4Business listening tour, visit the 4Business website.
For business resources and upcoming events, visit the Montgomery County Business Portal.
