The Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board, which serves all of Potomac, offers advice on local issues and needs to the County Executive and the County Council. Members are nominated by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council.
The Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board should not to be confused with the West Montgomery County Citizens Association, an independent umbrella citizens association.
The board is comprised of 19 representatives: 12 neighborhood representatives, six business community representatives and one non-profit representative. As representatives to and from these communities, the board strives to reflect the varying points of view within the region. The board has committees on land use, transportation, budget, public safety, and quality of life.
Vacancies are publicly advertised.
The Citizens Advisory Board holds a community forum at the beginning of each of its meetings. Issues raised by community members are sent to the appropriate county departments for action and tracked by the Regional Service Center staff.
The board also holds a public forum on community needs every two years prior to the development of the Capital Improvements Plan (CIP). The board's comments are included in the CIP.
To bring an issue to the board's attention, or for more information on Board activities or vacancies please call 240-777-8200, Fax 240-777-8211, TTY 270-777-8212 or email to: bethesda.citizen@montgomerycountymd.gov.
The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center is the local government office for the Bethesda, Cabin John, Chevy Chase, Friendship Heights, Garrett Park, Glen Echo, North Bethesda, Potomac and Rockville communities.
4805 Edgemoor Lane
Bethesda, MD 20814
240-777-8200 (voice), 240-777-8212 (TDD), 240-777-8211 (FAX)
Open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
E-mail: bethesda.citizen@montgomerycountymd.gov
Kenneth B. J. Hartman, Director
kenneth.hartman@montgomerycountymd.gov
240-777-8200
Beginning in 1975, the council charged the Regional Services Centers with leading interagency efforts to: strengthen communication between the community and various agencies of county government; coordinate necessary interagency action with respect to each local area, and recommend programs and policies tailored to the local community.
The center informs Montgomery County leadership of regional perspectives, expedites responsive service delivery and connects with local organizations and leaders to get their input on issues of local importance.
The center is designed to function as a local town hall, offering problem solving and information and referral services to the region. The director of the Regional Services Center is a member of the county's Senior Management Team with direct access to the County Executive and department heads.
Along with this liaison function, the center also:
Identifies regional priorities and future service needs;
Coordinates local initiatives and community problem solving;
Maintains a library of County literature including the Recreation Guide, Master Plans, and Guide to Senior Resources;
Maintains meeting rooms for public use;
Distributes welcome packets for new residents;
Oversees county services in downtown Bethesda performed under contract by the Bethesda Urban Partnership; and
Manages the site selection process for county facilities.
The center offers many ways to get involved in local government including committees, volunteer opportunities, educational opportunities, public meetings, open houses and more.