City of Takoma Park

City's Mission Statement:

Location

Takoma Park benefits from being part of the Washington, D.C. metro area. With Washington D.C.’s status as a vibrant world city and the heart of the United States government, cultural and economic opportunities abound. Residents can walk, bike, or take a short Metro or bus ride to many popular destinations. Takoma Park also benefits from being part of Montgomery County, Maryland with one of the best public school systems in the nation.

Demographics

Takoma Park is a community of many different cultures and interests. About one-third of the households are families with children, about one-third are single-person households, and about one-third are households of more than one adult. There is no one racial or ethnic category that represents a majority of the population. Over a quarter of the population was born in another country, with the majority of these residents originating from Latin America and Africa.

Activisim

Takoma Park also has a history of political and civic activism. Efforts by residents have led the city to declare itself a nuclear free zone and a sanctuary city. Non-U.S. citizen residents are permitted to vote in municipal elections as are 16 and 17 year old voters and felons that are not incarcerated. Environmental initiatives have been pursued for decades by the public and the city government. The newly renovated Public Works facility on Oswego Avenue has a fascinating array of "green" features, many private yards are Certified Wildlife Habitats, trees over a certain size may not be removed without a City permit even when on private property, and the City has installed solar panels on a number of its facilities.

The City of Takoma Park is a municipality of approximately 17,000 residents in Montgomery County, Maryland. Takoma Park is bordered by Washington, D.C. on the south, the unincorporated communities of Silver Spring and Long Branch in Montgomery County on the west and north, and the unincorporated communities of Langley Park and Chillum in Prince George’s County on the north and east. Takoma Park is densely populated but feels comfortable due to its hills and large trees. Takoma Park is known as "Azalea City" because of the many flowering azalea bushes that brighten the area in the spring. Stream valley parks along Sligo Creek and Long Branch Creek cross the city and, along with other city parks, provide bike trails and play areas for the community.