The change we want.
The mayor we need.
Tom Gagliardo.
These are difficult times. The world is on fire and Trump is trying to destroy America as we know it. But we can't afford to ignore the government that is closest to us.
We deserve a government that is open, values candor, and embraces public input. As a longtime community activist and former Takoma Park city attorney I know that keeping residents informed and involved works. Takoma Park thrives when elected officials listen and act with transparency and accountability.
Smart spending that meets community needs, slowing the rise in property taxes and protecting tenants are key.
As your Mayor I will keep you informed so you can be involved. Let's work together to keep Takoma Park the kind of diverse community we value.
Get involved. Join the campaign.
Thanks.
Tom Gagliardo
Thais-Lyn Trayer, Tom’s next-door neighbor in Ward 1
“I moved to Takoma Park a little over a decade ago into the house right next to Tom’s.... When I met Tom, the first thing that struck me was how kind he is.”
One of the most beautiful parts of Takoma Park’s nominating process is that we nominate one another. Friends and neighbors stand up to speak about a candidate’s character, their commitment to Takoma Park, and their desire to serve the people of our community. It’s a wonderful reminder that local democracy is, at its heart, about the people we know, the trust we place in one another, and our shared love for this city. Here are a few videos from Tom’s nomination!
Nina Aldrighetti, a Ward 2 resident who has known Tom since childhood
“Tom always shows up for our family when it matters most, and today, I’m so happy to get to return the favor.”
Tom Gagliardo
County Executive Marc Elrich
Takoma Park Council member, Roger Schlegel
Takoma Park Council Member Jessica Landman
Julia Kahn
Former Moco Council Member Tom Hucker and Susan Katz Miller
Upcoming Events
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Sunday, October 4, 2026
10:00 AM 5:00 PM
Main Street Takoma Carroll Avenue Takoma Park, MD (map)
Find Tom at the Street Festival!
Come out for one of Takoma Park’s biggest and most beloved community traditions, the Takoma Park Street Festival!
It’s free, and Carroll Avenue will be filled with live music, great food, local artists and makers, shops, community groups, and plenty of fun for the whole family.
And while you’re enjoying the festival, find Tom! Stop by, say hello, talk about what matters to you, and get to know Tom Gagliardo, candidate for Mayor of Takoma Park.
Music. Food. Neighbors. Fun. And a chance to talk with Tom!
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The Takoma Park Mayoral Forum is a longstanding election tradition, bringing candidates together on stage at the Takoma Park Community Center to discuss their visions for the city and answer questions about the issues that matter most to residents. Moderated by Eric Bond, the forum offers voters an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates, compare their positions, and learn more about their priorities for Takoma Park’s future.
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Come meet Tom for a neighborhood meet and greet.
Tom has been spending a lot of time listening to neighbors about what they want for Takoma Park, what they think the City Council could be doing better, and what ideas deserve a closer look. Come hear some of what he’s been thinking about, bring your own questions and ideas, and join the conversation about the future of the city.
It’ll be an informal evening with neighbors, conversation, and a chance to get to know Tom a little better.
Space is limited. RSVP to receive the location.
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Come meet Tom for a neighborhood meet and greet.
Tom has been spending a lot of time listening to neighbors about what they want for Takoma Park, what they think the City Council could be doing better, and what ideas deserve a closer look. Come hear some of what he’s been thinking about, bring your own questions and ideas, and join the conversation about the future of the city.
It’ll be an informal evening with neighbors, conversation, and a chance to get to know Tom a little better.
Space is limited. RSVP to receive the location.
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From nokings.org
No Kings: Vote Early is the next step of reclaiming our power after a year of mass mobilizations.
It's a day of nonpartisan voter participation, being in community with each other, and making sure every eligible voter has a plan, knows their options, and is ready to make their voice count.
More information at www.nokings.org
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Come meet Tom for a neighborhood meet and greet.
Tom has been spending a lot of time listening to neighbors about what they want for Takoma Park, what they think the City Council could be doing better, and what ideas deserve a closer look. Come hear some of what he’s been thinking about, bring your own questions and ideas, and join the conversation about the future of the city.
It’ll be an informal evening with neighbors, conversation, and a chance to get to know Tom a little better.
Space is limited. RSVP to receive the location.
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Free show on Halloween at 8 PM, corner of Cedar and Tulip.
Event is being organized by:
Alice and Steve on Cedarz
Kate and Stephen on Maple
Carla and Steve on Cedar
Brunino Family on Manor Cir
Ramsdell Family on Maple
Willman Family on Maple
Sadek Family on Maple
Hanrahan Family on Takoma
Zogby Family on Ray
Kelly and John on Tulip
My whole life has been spent challenging unresponsive officials — as a VISTA volunteer right after college, as a labor, employment and civil rights lawyer for an entire career, and as a community activist. And now as a candidate for Mayor of Takoma Park because the incumbent is not meeting the challenges confronting us. I have followed the Mayor and the City Council for many years and understand what we need to do-- stop the rapid rise in property taxes, end unwise and unnecessary spending, protect tenants, support construction of housing (market rate, missing middle and affordable) on Hospital Hill, and reassess what we realistically need to be a safe community. It is every elected official's obligation to protect our neighborhoods, to share information and educate the public, to encourage and promote community involvement and to meet in open sessions.
We're all in this together. We need to work to make our City better.
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A Mayor Who Leads
Reassert the Mayor and Council as the body that sets policy based on community needs and sees that policy is carried out. The City Council is not a rubber stamp
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Spend Smartly
Control expenditures. Projects and programs that meet community needs and are affordable will get funded. Those that don’t won’t.
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Rein in Tax Increases
Property taxes are increasing too fast. When property taxes increase faster than the rate of inflation, it’s time to find new ways to get things done. Some of our neighbors on fixed incomes, often older neighbors, have already left Takoma Park because of high taxes.
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Be Frank About Safety Needs
We deserve a frank assessment of what we need to be a safe community. This is about right-sizing the police force and not defunding it. ICE, not TPPD, needs to be defunded and replaced.
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Build Housing
I have long supported construction of multifamily housing (market, missing middle and affordable) on Hospital Hill. In 2022, I testified to the County Council saying so. The challenge is meeting housing needs without displacing our neighbors who rent their homes. The challenge isn’t theoretical, it’s imminent. As this is being written, Edinburgh House is proposed for demolition and replacement leaving 45 families facing possible displacement.
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Face the Climate Emergency
There can be no letting up on the work that so many in Takoma Park have done to mitigate the disastrous impact of climate change. Electrifying city vehicles, installing solar, managing storm water, and preserving tree cover are all parts of the solution.
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Protect Tenants' Rights
Stable rents = stable communities. Takoma Park’s longstanding rent stabilization ordinance has kept our City racially and economically diverse. We need to enhance the law, not weaken it.
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Listen to Each Other
Promote and embrace public input. As Mayor I will assure that people can ask questions and get answers
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Read About It
Revitalize the City Newsletter as provided in the unanimously adopted City Council resolution that has long been ignored.
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Resist ICE
It is essential to the survival of our democracy for each of us to speak truth to power. While some have cautioned that speaking out could provoke retaliation against us, consider what might happen if we don't t. We are one community regardless of citizenship or immigration status. An injury to one is an injury to all.
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Inform and Involve
I will keep you informed so you can be involved. This starts with enforcing the 1992 unanimously adopted resolution requiring the newsletter to contain substantive news about plans prior to consideration by the Mayor and Council. You have the right to weigh in before decisions are made.
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Speak Up. I’m Listening
One of the most important things one can do in a democracy is to speak truth to power. I value people who take the time and make the effort to speak up and speak out. If you ask a question, you will get an answer.
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Sunshine not Secrecy
There have been at least 16 closed sessions regarding the $1million settlement of the lawsuit brought by a civilian employee of the police department who was sexually harassed by a Sergeant. We deserve to know, among other things, why the harasser remained employed in the Police Department for more than two years.
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Stop Over Spending
The library renovation started as a $3 million renovation and ended up costing $15 million plus debt service. That’s five times the original budgeted amount. The City is now seeking bids to expand police department offices. How much is that going to cost over budget?
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Support and Defend Immigrants
Montgomery County Immigrant Rights Collective, Peace Park, TPSS Community Safety Network, and many others are resisting the Trump Administration’s cruel policies. As a caring community we can never quit resisting no matter how tired, how frustrated, how afraid we may feel. I know I won’t.