COG-Wide News

Ron Sims to Speak at COG Annual Luncheon on December 9

Deputy Secretary for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Ron Sims will deliver the keynote address at this year's COG Annual Membership and Awards Luncheon. Sims will discuss new opportunities for partnership between federal and regional officials related to community and urban development. His appearance will also build on a year of stronger federal-regional collaboration—most notably, the July meeting of officials from COG, the National Capital Planning Commission, and the White House. COG's membership of over 250 local, state and federal elected officials are invited to the luncheon as well as business, civic and nonprofit leaders. This year's event will take place at a new location, the Washington Renaissance Hotel, on December 9. Invitations will be mailed in October.

Jim Hartmann Honored with IRE Visionary Leadership Award

On September 3, the graduating class of the Institute for Regional Excellence presented Alexandria City Manager Jim Hartmann with an award for his outstanding work as both a local and regional leader. IRE is a collaborative effort of The George Washington University and COG to train local government managers to effectively advance regional cooperation and increase their exposure to innovation in local government. To read the COG news item, click here. To read about IRE, click here.

Regional Leaders Featured on Mason Matters TV Show

Montgomery County Councilmember Michael Knapp and COG Executive Director David Robertson discussed regional issues on Mason Matters, a Fairfax County Government Channel show, hosted by COG Chairman Penelope Gross. To watch the show, click here.

Community Planning & Services News

COG, U.S. Census Bureau Continue Regional Outreach on Upcoming Census

On August 26, COG hosted a regional Census in Schools kickoff event for the U.S. Census Bureau. The Census in Schools program provides school officials and educators with resources to teach students about the importance of the census, so they can help deliver this message to their families. To view a video clip from News Channel 8 on the event, click here. To view a video clip from Telemundo, click here.

Environment News

MWAQC: Region Shows Most Improved Air in over a Decade

Preliminary regional data for 2009 shows there was less pollution from ozone this year than at any time in the last decade, according to the Metropolitan Washington Air Quality Committee, which monitors the area’s air quality.  "On behalf of those of us who have been working for cleaner air, it is gratifying to see that programs implemented five years ago are finally showing results – though it is critical that we do not rest on our laurels,” said District of Columbia Councilmember At-Large Phil Mendelson, who serves as MWAQC Chairman.  “We must not pause in our drive to have cleaner, healthier air to breathe.” To read the COG news item, click here.

Transportation News

Car Free Day Draws Attention to Transportation Alternatives

Commuter Connections used the weeks leading up to Car Free Day on September 22 as an opportunity to promote its services and encourage area residents to try ridesharing, taking transit, bicycling, walking, and teleworking instead of driving to work alone.  To read a Washington Post article on the benefits of going car-free, 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: Latest Episodes

Nicholas Ramfos , Commuter Connections Director : Car Free Day 2009

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.