March 17, 2026

Montgomery County Council President Natali Fani-González Introduces the Job Creation Project Zoning Text Amendment 

Last week, Montgomery County Council President Natali Fani-González introduced the new Job Creation Project Zoning Text Amendment, which is expected to cut permitting time in half for development projects that are in Montgomery County’s key industries—including life sciences and technology—or are expected to create at least 200 local jobs.  

“We must remain laser-focused on attracting new jobs and private-sector investment to the County, and that means evaluating and improving every touch point between county government and businesses,” said Council President and Economic Development Committee Chair Fani-González. “If you want to make significant business investments in Montgomery County to help grow economic opportunities for our residents, we are ready to partner with you to get your project to market faster, cheaper, and more predictably.” 

According to the Council President, the new ZTA will help support the development of buildings that have already identified anchor tenants and would hire for the jobs immediately, which is also why these types of projects would benefit from predictable regulatory timelines and processes. The County has a similar expedited review process for biohealth projects, mixed income communities, and office-to-residential conversions.  

   

“With this legislation, Montgomery County is demonstrating that we are open for business,” said President & CEO of Soltesz, INC. James A. Soltesz, who drafted the proposal with the Council President. “By expanding the expedited approval process to support the growth of existing companies and attract new businesses, we are cutting months from project timelines and fostering a more predictable, business-friendly environment that drives economic growth and job creation.”  

“In today’s environment, companies have options. They are comparing regions not just on talent and location, but on speed, predictability and cost of doing business. When we can offer a clear, expedited path to approval for projects in our strategic industries, or those bringing 200 or more jobs, we send a strong message: Montgomery County is serious about competing for your business and winning it,” added Jared Smith, President and CEO of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation.  

Council Vice President Marilyn Balcombe and Councilmembers Sidney Katz, Andrew Friedson, Laurie-Anne Sayles, Will Jawando, Evan Glass, Shebra Evans, Kate Stewart and Dawn Luedtke are cosponsors of the proposal.   

Streamlining regulatory processes for companies in strategic industries, like the Job Creation Project ZTA aims to do, can ensure that Montgomery County continues to be a leading hub for innovation and attractive to businesses across industries.