When Momentum Slows, Community Carries Us

Hi friends and neighbors — Happy New Year!

First, I want to acknowledge that the excitement and momentum that we started 2025 with has slowed. Right out the gate, we were pummeled with the loss of M83 and then the frustrations that came with the Gateway Sector Master Plan... And then there was the boundary study, which many of us would agree seems so illogical. On top of that, the overwhelming national news has left me feeling uncertain and paralyzed. I imagine you might feel the same.

Yet, I am inspired by this article by Elizabeth Oldfield called, "Make 2026 the Year of Neighbouring."

Oldfield says that during times of uncertainty, relationships become everything. Not romantic relationships, but local neighbors with whom our lives intersect. One of the reasons our country is in the state it is in is that disconnection and loneliness have been normalized. Neighboring well is future-proofing and resilience planning. It is a democratic defense and terrorism prevention. It is a public health program and makes us happier!

This is why the Clarksburg Neighbors Alliance is so important!

Now is the exact time that we need to press in and continue the work that we started. We cannot give up meeting together. We must keep going to unite our community and develop our voice. I’m grateful for each of you and for the care, time, and passion you bring to the Clarksburg Neighbors Alliance. So, as we step into this new year, there are a few important things we need to take care of in the coming weeks to restart our momentum:

1. Attend and/or Testify at the Gateway Sector Master Plan Hearing

Details: Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 7 p.m. Location: Rocky Hill Middle School Cafeteria, 22401 Brick Haven Way, Clarksburg, MD 20871

Master Plans might not go viral, but they do determine what will be allowed and permitted in the very areas we live. Do you want Comsat (the last large undeveloped section of land in Clarksburg) to be more housing? Or would you like a country recreational center? Or a large research/tech site to attract employers to bring jobs locally, decreasing commuting time?

Your voice matters-- if you use it. We want to make some noise at this hearing. Please sign up and testify, or at the very least show up in whatever "Clarksburg Spirit" gear you have. (I'm not sure what that means... but you got it!)

REVIEW THE PLAN AT A GLANCE || REVIEW THE ENTIRE PLAN

If you’d like to provide comment/testify at the hearing live or remotely, the deadline to sign up is Monday, January 19 at 5 p.m. (NOTE: This is a holiday, so don't wait to sign up.) Learn more about the public hearing and how to sign up to testify on the County Council’s website.

2. Build the Alliance at the next CNA meeting

Details: Date: Friday, February 6th, 2026 at 7-8:30p.m. Location: Clarksburg Church, 22820 Frederick Road, Clarksburg, MD 20871

A key agenda item of this meeting will be starting the process to select new leadership for the CNA. As outlined by our bylaws, terms for the officers and chairs are one year. Therefore, we will need to select new officers, chairs, and managers. At this meeting, we will be taking nominations, which will be voted upon at our next meeting.

RSVP FOR THE 2/6 MEETING

Thank you all again for your commitment to Clarksburg and for showing up with such thoughtful advocacy. I’m genuinely excited about what this year holds for our neighborhood and for this group.

More soon — and please jump in where you’re able!

With gratitude,
Beth