Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman and members of the City Council hosted the 2026 State of the City Address on Thursday, April 23, at Asbury Methodist Village. More than 150 guests attended the reception and presentation, including civic partners who serve on City boards, commissions and committees, elected officials, community leaders, and others whose involvement is invaluable to the Gaithersburg community. The event also featured remarks by Junior Mayor Naman Kedilaya.

Mayor Ashman’s address highlighted stories about how Gaithersburg staff and volunteers provide public service to City residents every day. Read his full remarks here.

The State of the City event serves as the platform for the presentation of the City’s annual Distinguished Resident, Outstanding Organization, and Distinguished Friend awards.

John Sanchez, program manager for the Gaithersburg Financial Empowerment Center at Housing Initiative Partnership, was named the 2026 Distinguished Resident. The Outstanding Organization Award was presented to the Gaithersburg Beloved Community Initiative. The Distinguished Friend Award was presented to Michele Potter, former executive director for Asbury Methodist Village.

The event also debuted the new Gaithersburg Municipal Academy, a seven-week course that takes participants behind the scenes of local government.

A photo gallery of the event can be found here.