The City held a dedication ceremony on July 16, 2026, to honor former Mayor Bruce Goldensohn by officially renaming the City’s Community Room in his memory. Mayor Jud Ashman, City Council members, City staff, local leaders, and members of Mr. Goldensohn’s family gathered to celebrate his decades of service and lasting impact on the Gaithersburg community.

Speakers reflected on Goldensohn’s leadership during a period of significant growth, as well as his continued involvement in committees, community events, and civic engagement long after leaving elected office.

“Gaithersburg was profoundly fortunate to have such an active, devoted, and generous citizen,” said Mayor Ashman. “Bruce embodied civic duty in its purest and most uplifting form. His legacy is not only reflected in the many tangible improvements he supported but also in the spirit of community he helped cultivate – one rooted in involvement, kindness, and a commitment to making Gaithersburg better for everyone.”

Suzanne Goldensohn, Mr. Goldensohn’s daughter, shared touching remarks before unveiling the plaque that now names the space in his honor. The newly dedicated Bruce Goldensohn Community Room stands as a tribute to his unwavering commitment to public service and to the City he cherished.

"The Community Room is a place where members of the Gaithersburg community can meet, plan, learn and grow,” said Suzanne. “I can't think of a more appropriate spot to remember my Dad and his unwavering commitment to the City of Gaithersburg. He would be so pleased to be honored in this way.”

Bruce Goldensohn was a member of the Planning Commission from 1972 to 1975. He served on the City Council from 1976 to 1978, and was elected Mayor in 1978, serving two four-year terms as Mayor. He led Gaithersburg through a time of significant change. The City’s population increased by more than 30% during his decade as an elected official, swelling to nearly 35,000 people. The City actually grew in size during this time period, too, with annexations of property that later became Quince Orchard Park and the AstraZeneca campus, and the acquisition of land upon which the Activity Center at Bohrer Park was built.

When he left elected office, Mr. Goldensohn continued to be an active member of the Gaithersburg community. His passion for Gaithersburg never dimmed. He served formally as a member of the Educational Enrichment and Communications Committees and also volunteered on the Ad-Hoc Community Facilities Master Plan Steering Committee. Mr. Goldensohn was a frequent speaker at meetings of the Mayor and City Council, expressing his opinions and advocating for improvements and enhancements in various aspects of local governance, and he was a regular at the City’s fairs, festivals, parades and events.

For more information, please contact the City Manager’s Office.