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Council weighs state participation in tax-increment-financing; seeks confirmation on Viva White Oak

Montgomery County Council · March 9, 2026

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Summary

Staff briefed two TIF bills that would let the state participate with local governments on tax-increment-financing projects. Council members asked staff to confirm whether the broader bill would apply to the Viva White Oak TIF district and signaled conditional support if the county's priorities are included.

Montgomery County Council members on Monday discussed two state tax-increment-financing bills that would permit state participation in locally approved TIF projects and asked staff to confirm whether the broader bill would apply to the Viva White Oak district.

Staff described a broader bill (House Bill 506 / Senate Bill 455) that would allow state income- and sales-tax increments to be used to help finance large transformational projects where local TIF already exists, and a narrower Maryland Development Corporation request bill limited to very large convention-center-adjacent projects near transit or projects exceeding $500 million in total cost. Staff said the County Executive supports both bills in principle.

Council members said the applicability to Viva White Oak is a critical factor in deciding the council's position. Council Member Kirsten Mink urged staff to confirm whether the first (broader) bill covers the Viva White Oak district and recommended supporting the bill or supporting with amendments so it explicitly includes projects of county interest. Several members suggested amendments to broaden transit definitions to include bus rapid transit or MARC proximity for other county projects such as Clarksburg and North Bethesda.

Council members agreed to follow up with the delegation and to prepare support or amendment requests once staff confirms applicability and drafts proposed language.

Next steps: staff will confirm applicability of HB 506 / SB 455 to Viva White Oak and circulate recommended language for amendments or a support letter.