Support Workforce Housing

My family and friends, along with a few long-time readers of the Daily Yak, know that I am very active in local politics. My involvement has been primarily through a broad-based community organizing group called Action In Montgomery (AIM). I have been a leader in AIM since its founding and have seen the organization achieve amazing results as it works to make Montgomery County a better place for all of us to live.

Tomorrow I will be speaking on behalf of AIM at a press conference with Steve Silverman, a member of the Montgomery County Council (he is also running as a candidate for County Executive in next year's election), as he introduces legislation that will support the creation of affordable workforce housing near mass transit centers in our county. This housing will help our firefighters, police officers and teachers (among others) afford a home in the communities they serve.

My wife and I already own our home, so why do I care about affordable housing? Well, I believe that a diverse community is a stronger community, and that diversity includes all income levels. On a purely practical level, at least in my mind, it can even be a matter of public safety when two-thirds of your county police force lives outside the county. But what does it mean to me, on a more personal level? It means I have two kids who I love more than anything. And I want them to be able to live here, near me, when they're grown and have families of their own.

So, anyway, if you're around tomorrow afternoon at 12:30pm, stop by the 3rd Floor Conference Room of the County Council Office Building (100 Maryland Ave, Rockville, MD 20850) and check it out for yourself.