COG-Wide News

Region Forward Released for Public Comment

For the past year and a half, the Greater Washington 2050 Coalition has been thinking about the region’s future and setting the stage for action and long-term success. Its new plan, Region Forward, proposes goals, targets, and a compact agreement to guide future planning. On October 14, 2009, the COG Board released the report for public comment. To read the report or submit a public comment, click here.

COG Launches Social Networking Pages

COG recognizes that social media and networking sites can provide valuable outreach to the community and provide another platform for COG’s programs and mission.  Initial pages will include COG, the Transportation Planning Board, Clean Air Partners, Commuter Connections, and Regional Foster-Adopt Recruitment. COG members and stakeholders are encouraged to visit the pages and become fans. For links to the social networking pages, click here.

COG Calls for Nominations for Annual Leadership Awards

COG is mailing invitations this week for its Annual Membership and Awards Luncheon on December 9 at the Washington Renaissance Hotel. HUD Deputy Secretary Ron Sims will deliver the keynote address. COG is also seeking nominations for its Scull Award, which is presented annually to an area elected official, and its Regional Partnership Award for a private sector organization that contributed significantly in support of a COG program or policy. To submit a nomination, click here.

COG Mourns the Loss of Jim Shell

Jim Shell, Principal Water Resources Planner at COG, was killed in a tragic automobile accident on October 13, 2009. Jim began his career at COG in April 1989, and was a major player in assisting the region with water security, emergency water supply and drought response planning, pollution prevention, hydrilla harvesting, wastewater management, Potomac River and Anacostia restoration, and many other accomplishments. He was a gentle and kind colleague and friend and will be deeply missed. For more information, click here.

Environment News

Senator Ben Cardin Details Chesapeake Bay Legislation in Address to COG Board

U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) spoke to the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) on Wednesday about his proposal to restore the Chesapeake Bay and listened to their comments on the legislation. To read the COG press release, click here. To view a video of Cardin's address on COG's Facebook page, click here.

Transportation News

TPB Approves Purple Line & Submission of Grant Application for a Road Pricing Study

At the October 21 TPB meeting, Board Members gave final approval to add Maryland's Purple Line project to the region's long-range transportation plan. Board members also approved the submission of a grant application by the TPB and the Brookings Institution to study potential public support for road pricing to fund transportation. To read the COG news item on the Purple Line, click here. To read a Washington Post article on the road pricing study, click here.

Commuter Connections Tests ‘Pool Rewards to Move Commuters into Carpools

Commuters who currently drive alone to work may be eligible for financial rewards when they agree to start or join a new carpool through Commuter Connections 'Pool Rewards program. To learn more about 'Pool Rewards, click here. To listen to a WAMU feature on the program, click here.

 Implementing Stimulus

COG is keeping its members updated on the latest developments related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) via its online Regional Information Center.

Click here to visit the ARRA Regional Information Center

 The COG Podcast: Featured Episode

David Robertson, COG Executive Director: Region Forward Report

Click here to listen to these and other episodes of 'The COG Podcast'

About COG:

For more than 50 years, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, known as COG, has helped develop solutions to issues of regional importance. COG is an independent, nonprofit association comprised of elected officials from 21 local governments, members of the Maryland and Virginia legislatures, and members of the U.S. Congress. The Metropolitan Memo is sent to COG’s membership of over 250 local, state and federal elected officials as well as regional stakeholders and citizens. If you would prefer not to receive this newsletter, or need to change your email address, please contact Steve Kania.

Copyright © 2009, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG). All Rights Reserved.