Gaithersburg’s 2025 State of the City 🌃

Mayor Jud Ashman And I

On April 10, 2025, I had the distinct honor of attending the Gaithersburg State of the City event at the Rosborough Cultural Arts and Wellness Center at Asbury Methodist Village. Invited personally by Mayor Jud Ashman in my role as Chair of the Police Advisory Committee, it was an evening that perfectly reflected why Gaithersburg continues to be not just a city—but a community in the truest sense.

More than 140 guests filled the venue, from elected officials and civic partners to local leaders and volunteers who breathe life into our boards, commissions, and committees. It was not just a gathering of titles and offices, but a congregation of service, fueled by a shared commitment to making Gaithersburg better every day.

Mayor Ashman delivered a powerful address, weaving personal stories of service that reminded us that cities are not defined by their buildings or roads, but by the people who care enough to serve. He reminded us that civic duty isn’t a task; it’s a privilege. His words weren’t just ceremonial fluff—they hit with substance, celebrating the real work being done in every corner of our city.

The evening also celebrated some outstanding citizens and organizations:

• Distinguished Friend Award: The Veterinary Service Team of Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center, for their tireless compassion and care for the animals of our community.

• Outstanding Organization Award: The Carnegie at Washingtonian Center, recognized for its impactful contributions to the city’s cultural and social fabric.

• Distinguished Resident Award: John Bauer, Chair of the Gaithersburg Planning Commission, whose leadership continues to shape the city’s thoughtful growth.

Each award was a reminder that leadership comes in many forms—not just from City Hall, but from neighbors who show up, care, and do the work even when no one is watching.

Personally, it was a joy to not only represent the Police Advisory Committee but the Ivorian and West African community in the city of Gaithersburg.

In a time when many cities struggle to define themselves, Gaithersburg stands clear: We are a city built on service, shaped by community, and fueled by people who know that real power comes from lifting others up.

If you were there, you felt it. If you weren’t, well—you missed one heck of a night. But don’t worry, there’s always next year. And knowing Gaithersburg, it’ll only get better.

Gaithersburg isn’t just another city on the map; it’s a living example of what the future of community looks like. As the most diverse city in the United States, and arguably the world, Gaithersburg proves that true strength comes from embracing every culture, every language, and every background. Here, diversity isn’t a statistic, it’s a daily reality that fuels innovation, resilience, and humanity. In one shopping center you find an African Store, an Asian store, another Hispanic Supermarket and a french Bakery 😀! In a world often divided by difference, Gaithersburg stands as undeniable proof that when people from everywhere come together, they don’t just coexist, they thrive.