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PHED reviews People’s Zoning Council budget; longtime council member flags need for succession planning
Summary
The PHED committee received an overview of the People’s Zoning Council’s FY2026 budget request of $250,000 and heard the council’s long-serving contract holder say he plans to continue through the next election cycle but that succession planning is needed within three years.
The PHED committee on March 20 received an overview of the People’s Zoning Council’s FY2026 budget request and heard the council’s contract holder say he supports the proposed $250,000 line item but urged the county to develop a succession plan.
Director Hightower briefed the committee that the county’s FY2026 proposed general fund budget includes $250,000 for the People’s Zoning Council — the same level as the FY2025 approved budget — and that expenses are recovered through a project charge to the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s administrative fund. The People’s Zoning Council attends zoning hearings, may summon and cross‑examine witnesses, introduce documentary evidence and present arguments, Hightower said.
Mister Brown, who told the committee he has led the People’s Zoning Council for 28 years and said he concurs with the executive’s recommended funding level, told members that he files an annual report and routinely engages with residents and civic groups. Brown said he expects to continue through the next election cycle but acknowledged he is considering a transition within approximately three years and recommended the county consider a deputy or a funded transition plan. He noted state and county rules require five years’ land‑use experience but prohibit membership in a zoning firm while holding the contract, which narrows the candidate pool.
Councilmembers discussed options for ensuring continuity. Chair DeNoga and others asked Brown whether the council should fund a deputy position or develop another succession strategy; Brown said a deputy had been used years ago but that funding for a deputy would require a new line item if pursued.
The committee also heard that Brown submits an “annual report” to the county executive and the council chair and maintains outreach to residents, that the council often meets with the public (three to four times per month on average), and that Zoom has helped attendance. The People’s Zoning Council’s work is also billed as a project charge to the M‑NCPPC administrative fund.
No action was taken on the People’s Zoning Council budget at the session beyond the informational briefing.
