Council introduces labor‑peace agreement requirement for county‑funded hotel projects

Councilmembers introduced bill 22‑25 on June 17 to require labor‑peace agreements for hotel development projects in which Montgomery County is an economic participant. Sponsors said the measure is limited to situations where the county has a proprietary or financial interest in a project.

Councilmember Fanny Gonzalez, a lead sponsor, said the requirement aligns the county with neighboring jurisdictions and industry norms for hospitality projects where the jurisdiction has a proprietary interest. Gonzalez said the measure is intended to protect workers’ ability to organize and to reduce the risk of labor disputes that could disrupt county economic interests, such as events at the convention center.

Co‑sponsor Councilmember Katz emphasized the bill does not alter existing agreements and applies only to new projects where the county has a financial stake. Council Vice President Jiwando and other councilmembers including Lukey, Glass and Sales asked to be added as co‑sponsors; multiple speakers urged collaboration with employers and unions. County counsel Miss Wellens confirmed the bill would be limited to projects where the county is acting as an economic party and has an ongoing revenue interest.

Sponsors said the measure seeks to balance workers’ rights and county economic interests and to ensure the county acts as a “good neighbor” in projects where it is financially involved. The bill was introduced and a public hearing was scheduled for July 8, 2025.