In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the pressing housing crisis in Rockville, highlighting the stark realities faced by residents due to soaring housing costs. A graphic presented by the housing association of nonprofit developers illustrated the impact of rising rents on various demographics, revealing that many residents, including essential workers like preschool teachers and EMTs, are at risk of housing insecurity.

The meeting underscored that Rockville needs to construct 8,600 new housing units by 2040, with an immediate target of 3,800 units by 2030, as part of the Council of Governments (COG) housing goals. Notably, 75% of these new units are expected to be located in activity centers and must be affordable for low- and moderate-income households. This ambitious target contrasts sharply with the current requirement of only 15% for new construction under the moderately priced dwelling unit program.

However, progress has been slow. Since 2019, Rockville has only achieved 6% of its COG housing target, placing it last among regional jurisdictions. The city has experienced a slight population decline since 2020, despite a high median household income of $106,000. Yet, a significant portion of the population—about 13%—lives in poverty, and 55% of residents are renters facing median rents exceeding $2,000 per month.

The meeting also revealed that housing prices have surged by 34% since 2010, while incomes have only risen by 16%. This disparity has led to a decline in homeownership rates, which have been falling since 2000. The data indicates that to afford the median home price, potential buyers would need an income significantly higher than the current median for homeowners.

As Rockville grapples with these challenges, officials emphasized the need for innovative strategies to meet housing demands and ensure that the community remains accessible to all residents.