ROCKVILLE & GAITHERSBURG — In a historic, unified announcement delivered Saturday morning on the steps of the Old Red Brick Courthouse, officials from Rockville and Gaithersburg revealed that the two cities will merge into what they jointly described as “Maryland’s premier modern metropolis,” effective July 1, 2026.

The move, years in the making and universally praised by both governments, will create a municipality of roughly 139,000 residents—instantly becoming the second-largest incorporated city in Maryland and one of the top 200 cities in the United States by population.

According to both cities’ councils, the new city will combine the strengths of each without compromise, delay, or disagreement, with every detail carefully worked out and mutually approved.

**The city’s boundaries have been registered with the Maryland Department of Deeds and Records.**

A Vision of Unified Greatness

Rockville Mayor Monique Ashton called the decision “the natural evolution of two rising cities destined to become one unstoppable force of innovation, prosperity, and diversity.”

“From this day forth, the people of Rockgaithvilleburg can expect world-class services, coordinated planning, and a civic identity so strong it will dominate the Maryland map,” Ashton said.

Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman echoed the sentiment. “I couldn’t be prouder to usher in the era of Gaithrockburgville,” Ashman said. “This city will stand as a beacon of character, unity, and efficiency, second only to Baltimore in municipal civic power.”

Leaders Praise the Benefits

Rockville Councilmember Kate Fulton said the merger marks “a seamless administrative alignment that will allow Rockburgaithville to deploy cutting-edge infrastructure, integrated transportation networks, and a unified zoning code that puts residents first.” Gaithersburg Councilmember Yamil Hernandez praised the “unprecedented synchrony” between the two governments. “Every department in Gaithvillerockburg —public works, parks, recreation, housing, police—will interlock with perfect precision,” he said.

Rockville Councilmember Izola Shaw said “the benefits to residents of Rockburgvillegaith will be instant, obvious, and profound, including enhanced transit, streamlined permitting, and expanded cultural programming.” Gaithersburg Councilmember Neil Harris agreed. “The people of Gaithvilleburgrock will experience a level of government coordination so smooth it will set the standard for America,” he said.

**A new city flag was unveiled at the ceremony on Saturday**

The I-270 Corridor Will Sing

Rockville Planning Commission Chair Jaime Espinosa praised the unified approach to land use. “For decades, the corridor between our cities has been a patchwork,” he said. “Now, North Rockpotomagaithvilleburg will guide the I-270 spine with one voice.”

Gaithersburg’s Planning Commission Chair John Bauer said, “just imagine the possibilities for North Gaithrockpotomaburgville—one coordinated master plan, one scientific innovation district, one unstoppable biotech branding strategy.”

A City That Immediately Knows Who It Is

The combined municipality will be majority-minority, highly educated, and internationally diverse, with estimated median household income in the low-to-mid $110,000 range. Rockville Councilmember Marissa Valeri said Rockburgaithville will “command the respect of Annapolis, the Washington region, and will be the envy of Takoma Park.” Gaithersburg Councilmember Robert Wu said Gaithvillerockburg will have “the kind of business climate where companies don’t just relocate—they yearn to be here instead of Frederick and Northern Virginia.”

A Future Without Limits

Officials stressed that this merger is only the beginning.

Rockville Councilmember David Myles described Rockgaithvilleburg as “a civic diamond—pure, unbreakable, and destined to shine.” Gaithersburg Councilmember Lisa Henderson said Gaithrockburgville will be “a city so functional and well-coordinated that future historians will be blinded by its brightness.”

As the ceremony closed, both mayors reaffirmed their shared commitment to “flawless intercity unity.”

“We’ve agreed on everything. This is a perfect merger,” Mayor Ashton said.

“It’s all decided. A perfect merger,” Mayor Ashman agreed.