Diverse Retail Study

&Access, and Partners for Economic Solutions, and Ochoa Urban Collaborative were selected by Montgomery County’s Planning Department, Small Business Navigator, and the Economic Development department to conduct the Retail in Diverse Communities Study to identify tools and policies to preserve and strengthen diverse retail in neighborhood commercial corridors throughout the county.  The study took a close look at commercial corridors in Wheaton, Silver Spring, and Takoma-Langley Crossroads.  The study looked at key metrics and demographics across the three commercial corridors, undertook an inventory of existing businesses, and conducted interviews of small businesses in each corridor.  The team also analyzed best practices and policies from across the country and provided policy prescriptions for each corridor along with an implementation guide at the appropriate level – county and neighborhood. 

Progress to date: 

The study was completed in April 2021.  In the Spring of 2022, the County Council is considering finding for diverse retail liaisons, a top recommendation of the study.  The County Executive is also preparing a budget request to fund place-based management programs similar to Main Street programs in Maryland and across the country.

mochoa@ochoaurbancollaborative.com | 202-413-6910