Category: Resources

Tips for testifying in support of an inclusive neighborhood

Tips for testifying in support of an inclusive neighborhood

Posted on by Cheryl Cort

This is your guide to testifying virtually at the DC Zoning Commission for:

Case No. 23-02: Chevy Chase Neighborhood Mixed Use Zones on April 29, 2024 at 4pm

How to sign up to testify:

In order to testify at the hearing, you MUST sign up to testify at least 24 hours in advance of the hearing date.

  • Sign up to testify virtually by April 28 at 4pm at https://dcoz.dc.gov/service/sign-testify 
  • To sign up you need to search for the hearing date — April 29, state that you are a “proponent” and swear to tell the truth. 
  • Submit written comments (if you haven’t already sent a letter) in advance of the hearing date. Send an email of your comments to zcsubmissions@dc.gov
  • Note: The hearing is 100% virtual. There is no in-person testimony. You can either call or appear on video for your testimony. 

What to expect when testifying

  • After signing up to testify, you will be sent a link from the D.C. Office of Zoning with the information to log in to view the hearing, and testify when your name is called. 
  • On April 29, the hearing will start at 4pm, but plan on 5pm to start with proponents’ testimony. At 4pm, the Zoning Commission will discuss preliminary matters, and hear a presentation from the DC Office of Planning. It’s possible that this case could require several public hearings and will not hear from all proponents at the first hearing date. 
  • Your testimony:
    • Prepare to speak for three minutes. 
    • State that you generally support what’s being proposed. If you want to make suggestions for how something can be better, be sure to always declare your overall support, and then say you have recommendations to make it even better. 
    • Always be polite and formal, and only speak for your allotted 3 minutes. 
    • It’s a formal proceeding but the commissioners are very respectful of all the people who make the effort to testify and they generally listen attentively to what you have to say and occasionally have a question for you.

View our full tips for testifying guide:

How-to-testify-for-Chevy-Chase-Rezoning_4.29.24Download

For more background information, check out our Chevy Chase Zoning Explainer.

TPB Board Comment, April 2024 Meeting

Posted on by Ayesha Amsa

Today you will be briefed on the Visualize 2050 public comments received last month. The feedback form results show overwhelming disappointment with the Visualize 2050 process, its many road widening projects, and voice support for a plan that instead strives to achieve our climate and other goals for walkable, transit-friendly affordable communities.

Testimony: FY25 Operating Budget (Montgomery County, Support with Amendments)

Posted on by Ayesha Amsa

We are glad to see record levels of funding for affordable housing production and preservation in this year’s capital and operating budgets, and thank the Council and County Executive for consistently increasing funding for affordable housing year over year.

Understanding the New Mixed-Use Zoning for Chevy Chase DC

Posted on by Ayesha Amsa

These zoning changes fulfill the guidance of the Comprehensive Plan, Chevy Chase Small Area Plan, and the Housing Equity Report which call for increased affordable housing opportunities in Chevy Chase. Currently, Ward 3 has less than 1% of D.C.’s dedicated affordable housing. The zoning changes are also intended to support moderate density mixed use development that creates an active, pedestrian-oriented commercial corridor with a convenient mix of neighborhood serving shops and services. 

Comments: AlexWest Draft Recommendations (Alexandria, Support)

Posted on by Ayesha Amsa

The Coalition for Smarter Growth supports the overall recommendations for a more walkable, transit-friendly, mixed-use and inclusive West End, with greater housing security and opportunities for families to live in its neighborhoods. We also appreciate the City’s thoughtful planning process that has emphasized proactive engagement for all communities to participate.

Testimony: Vote not to delay full implementation of the modern Zoning Ordinance (Prince George’s, Oppose)

Posted on by Ayesha Amsa

We urge the Council to vote against CR 22. We ask you to not delay implementation of the modern Zoning Ordinance by extending the overlapping use of the old zoning code for another two years, as CR 22 proposes. Further delay of the implementation of the modern zoning ordinance for another two years will harm the county’s ability to attract new investment and guide quality development to appropriate locations.