The Rockville Mayor and Council convened on September 8, 2025, for Meeting No. 21-25, focusing on significant updates to the city's election code and the Vision Zero initiative aimed at improving roadway safety.

The meeting commenced with a detailed presentation on proposed changes to the election code, emphasizing the need for clarity and transparency in the electoral process. Key recommendations included conducting post-election audits to bolster public confidence in election integrity. The discussion highlighted the importance of defining various political committees and campaign finance regulations to ensure compliance and understanding among candidates and the public.

Council members expressed their appreciation for the comprehensive report, acknowledging the collaborative effort involved in compiling feedback from multiple stakeholders. They discussed the necessity of separating election administration from campaign finance within the code to enhance clarity and enforceability. The Board of Supervisors of Elections was noted for its extensive responsibilities, with suggestions for increased authority to handle complaints and enforce regulations effectively.

A significant point of discussion was the implementation of measures to include younger voters, specifically allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to participate in the electoral process. The council agreed that this change could be smoothly integrated with state and county systems.

Next steps outlined in the meeting included forming a committee comprising the city clerk, a Board of Supervisors of Elections member, and an election law attorney to review the recommendations further. The council emphasized the importance of public engagement throughout this process, ensuring that community input is considered before finalizing any changes.

Following the election code discussion, the council shifted focus to the Vision Zero initiative. Brian Barnett Woods, the principal transportation planner, provided an update on the action plan aimed at enhancing roadway safety. The presentation included a review of ongoing projects and collaboration with state and county agencies to improve neighborhood access and equity.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to transparency and accountability, as the council plans to utilize an online dashboard to track progress on various initiatives. The council expressed gratitude to all participants and stakeholders for their contributions, setting an ambitious timeline for implementing the discussed changes in preparation for the upcoming elections.