Takoma Park began shiny and full of promise. After a utilitarian middle-age, it emerged from two decades of renewal and refurbishment to enter into an era of solid maturity.

Transportation has always influenced the growth and character of Takoma Park. In 1883, B. F. Gilbert began to develop 96 acres adjacent to the B&O Railroad tracks. In the 1960s, citizens rallied successfully to deter construction of an expressway that would have bisected the city, inaugurating an era of civic activism for which Takoma Park is renowned. Building of a station on the Washington Metro system at the city’s boundary with the District of Columbia catalyzed revitalization in the 1980s.

Residents choose the community for its politics, diversity, economics, tolerance, environment, and convenience. The City Code contains progressive provisions: non-citizens may vote in local elections; individuals in committed relationships may register domestic partnerships; policies attempt to maintain environmental consciousness and affordable housing for economic and ethnic diversity.

Elected officials and professional staff concern themselves with standard— police department, municipal library, trash collection, etc. But beyond that, the mayor and council demonstrate the slogan “Think Globally, Act Locally” in forming their policies, such as those implemented in the Nuclear-Free directive and the Sanctuary City directive (for Central American refugees). With townspeople from more than 100 countries and a concentration of returned Peace Corps volunteers, internationalism is a natural characteristic of the city.

The youth sports system is a microcosm of the city’s operation. Parents organize soccer and baseball leagues with support from the Recreation Department. Hard fought games maintain a noncompetitive emphasis. Private fund raising provides scholarships and equipment to ensure that economic reasons do not preclude participation.

Dynamic relationships and cooperation fuse the community and city departments. Takoma Park’s strength lies in civic activism and commitment. Its current challenge is to maintain the eclectic character that attracts residents, while broadening the city’s economic base.