WASHINGTON — Every year, the Committee for Montgomery holds a legislative breakfast with the region’s movers and shakers.
And every year, the attendees pledge to work together as a region, even as they compete for projects to bring jobs to their respective jurisdictions.
This year it’s different, according to some of the participants at Wednesday’s morning gathering.
Montgomery County Councilman Craig Rice said the competition for the FBI offices is a good example. Instead of continuing to vie for the FBI relocation, Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett has thrown his support to Prince George’s County.
Rice said that’s not a problem.
“Having a large federal installation come anywhere close to this region means that there’s additional opportunities for jobs, additional opportunities for internships, additional opportunities for education supports for our schools,” Rice said.
Should the FBI move to Prince George’s County, many of the thousands of people who work there may choose to live in D.C., Montgomery, Howard and Frederick counties.
“Because the reality is that as we continue to grow as a region, people work in all of our jurisdictions” and cross from one county or municipality to another for shopping, recreation and entertainment, Rice said.
WTOP’s Kate Ryan contributed to this report.
