City of Rockville: 2025 Year in Review
December 24, 2025
JANUARY
The Mayor and Council unanimously approved the Town Center Master Plan, setting a long-term vision for downtown’s public spaces, transportation connections and economic vitality. The plan capped a multiyear engagement process and moved into implementation this year.
The 2024 Resident Survey showed strong community satisfaction. Nine in 10 residents rated Rockville as a good or excellent place to live and praised neighborhood quality.
Rockville received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 34th consecutive year for its Fiscal Year 2023 annual report.
FEBRUARY
Rockville and the Asian Pacific American Task Force welcomed the Year of the Snake with a Lunar New Year celebration at Rockville High School.
The city released its Electric Vehicle Readiness plan for public comment, outlining 26 actions to support charger access, fleet conversion and policy updates aligned with Climate Action Plan goals.
MARCH
Rockville introduced a comprehensive rebranding effort with updated logos, colors and typography, and a new motto, “Rise Together.” “Rockville Reports” debuted the refreshed look.
Community visioning sessions continued for the King Farm Farmstead to help shape a master plan for the historic 7-acre site.
Rockville opened its Fiscal Year 2026 budget process and began public hearings. The city also observed Earth Hour by turning off nonessential lighting at its maintenance facility.
APRIL
Rockville marked Earth Month with sustainability programs, including a temporary permit-fee waiver for certain environmentally friendly home upgrades.
MAY
The Mayor and Council funded a comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment to evaluate housing supply, affordability, demographics and long-term needs.
Community outreach on the future of the King Farm Farmstead Park continued with sessions in May and June to refine early concepts.
The Mayor and Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2026 operating budget and Capital Improvements Program, advancing capital projects, public safety initiatives and environmental programs. The budget also created a Housing Opportunities Fund to support long-term affordable housing efforts.
Renovation began on the Lincoln Park Community Center, including improved accessibility, updated interior spaces and a new STEM/ STEAM lab.
JUNE
Jason L. West was named police chief after serving as acting chief since October.
The annual Public Safety Awards honored personnel from the Rockville City Police Department, the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the county’s Department of Correction and Rehabilitation.
The Rockville Swim and Fitness Center’s outdoor recreation pool reopened after a 10-month renovation that added upgraded filtration, new pools and expanded play features.
JULY
Montgomery County’s ban on gas-powered leaf blowers took effect July 1 within Rockville city limits. Rockville promoted rebate programs for electric equipment and shared compliance guidance.
The Mayor and Council reviewed community-driven programming concepts for the King Farm Farmstead based on surveys and visioning sessions.
AUGUST
Rockville neighborhoods hosted National Night Out events on Aug. 5, connecting residents with public safety personnel and city staff.
Work at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre neared completion ahead of its September reopening.
Twenty-four young athletes from Rockville’s tennis programs participated in the U.S. Open’s Net Generation On Court Experience, playing on professional courts. One participant flipped the official match coin.
SEPTEMBER
After months of renovation, the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre reopened with major improvements to accessibility, lighting, sound and visitor amenities.
Rockville marked National Recovery Month through Rockville Goes Purple, illuminating city buildings in purple and supporting outreach funded in part by the state’s Opioid Litigation Settlement Fund.
Rocktobierfest returned to Town Center, drawing thousands for live music, breweries and artisan vendors.
The Senior Citizens Commission changed its name to the Rockville Commission on Aging to align with regional terminology and better reflect its mission.
The Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission praised the RCPD in its annual community policing review. The Recreation and Park Advisory Board recommended a commemorative wall at Dogwood Park to honor Rockville Baseball Hall of Fame inductees.
OCTOBER
Rockville launched its redesigned website with a faster, mobile-first layout, clearer navigation and improved accessibility tools.
The F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Festival honored Pulitzer Prize winner Percival Everett with the F. Scott Fitzgerald Award for Outstanding Achievement in American Literature.
The Antique and Classic Car Show returned to Civic Center Park with vehicles from more than 30 clubs, a flea market and live music.
NOVEMBER
The Holiday Drive collected nonperishable food, toys and gift cards to support families during the winter season.
Barry Dufek was appointed deputy police chief.
Rockville hosted its annual gun buyback, offering gift cards for voluntarily surrendered firearms.
DECEMBER
Read all of December’s news in this month’s issue of “Rockville Reports.” The best of the season from us to you.