East Frederick Rising (EFR) is the proponent organization championing the well-being and vitality of residents, businesses, and organizations invested in the current and future success of the east side of Frederick City.
A conversation with Vanessa Moreno, Outreach & Communications Coordinator
What does your organization do?
East Frederick Rising (EFR) is the proponent organization championing the well-being and vitality of residents, businesses, and organizations invested in the current and future success of the east side of Frederick City. We do this work by empowering the voices of residents and businesses and engaging with the community through personal and civic [relationships/processes/events].
As development increases, we advocate for projects which advance our vision for long term livability, economic vitality and sustainability in East Frederick. Our focus area extends from East Street to the fairgrounds, municipal airport, and the Monocacy River.
Tell us East Frederick Rising’s origin story.
Established in 2010 by a group of dedicated individuals, East Frederick Rising emerged from a shared vision of the untapped potential within East Frederick to eventually become an extension of Downtown Frederick. With that, members of EFR got straight to work and began conversations with city officials to create a small area/neighborhood plan(s)/vision plan for East Frederick to ensure that future growth is done under the guidance of smart growth principles.
What do you like most about being an organization located in Frederick County?
We deeply value the extensive network of relationships we cultivate with diverse stakeholders across our community. Through these connections, we engage with passionate individuals committed to fostering holistic growth within both the city and county. Our involvement allows us to actively shape this emerging growth, ensuring it aligns with the essential needs and services of all stakeholders, thereby enriching the fabric of our community.
What makes East Frederick Rising unique?
At East Frederick Rising, we are uniquely positioned to influence various aspects of city planning, from advocating for additional school sites in East Frederick, collaborating with city planners on projects to enhance pedestrian and bicycle connections along East Street or developing or remediating brownfield sites for development in the region to name a few!
One exciting project we’ve been able to work on is an active voice on the City of Frederick’s first ever, East Street Form-Based Code (FBC). Once adopted, the FBC will directly shape East Street’s future development by addressing the physical form of buildings, streets and public spaces rather than conventional zoning which only focuses on the strict use of a piece of land (ex. Zoned either single-family residential, industrial, office, etc.). With a FBC, it will create a stronger sense of community, transit friendly development, and compact settlement patterns (aka more affordable housing!)
What do you wish more people knew about East Frederick Rising?
We want more East Frederick businesses to know about our Façade Improvement Program! With this program, we offer matching funds for businesses looking to spruce up their storefront, meaning we’ll cover up to 50% of all projects under $10,000! Projects include exterior painting, lighting, new signage, public art murals, masonry and more.
How can the community support you?
You can support our efforts by becoming a sponsor. Visit our website at eastfrederickrising.com to donate directly and contribute to our work in East Frederick.
What do you do best?
Our ability to connect with diverse stakeholders distinguishes us. Whether engaging in one-on-one discussions with residents and business owners, facilitating dialogues with city officials, or disseminating updates on East Frederick projects and planning initiatives through social media, we believe we excel in fostering community connections.
Is there anything else exciting about your business that you want the Chamber membership to know about?
We’re thrilled to announce our first-ever Community Meet and Greet event on May 15th from 5-7pm at Rockwell Riverside. Join us for networking, insights into our organization’s work/meet the team, and get updates on exciting East Frederick projects. Admission is free, and all are welcome!
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.