Metro Panel Releases Final Draft Report for Public Comment
The Metro Funding Panel, created by the COG Board of Directors in September to study alternative sources of funding for the Washington Area Metropolitan Transit Authority, released a final draft report for public comment. The document outlines key findings and recommendations for securing funding for the region's public transit system as it faces a budget shortfall. The final report will be released at a press conference in early January.

Bruce Williams, Stargazer Win COG Regional Awards
Takoma Park Mayor Pro Tem Bruce Williams was honored at the COG Annual Membership and Awards Luncheon with the 2004 Elizabeth and David Scull Metropolitan Public Service Award for his dedicated regional leadership. This year, his leadership was most evident in his role in developing a new Strategic Plan for COG. COG also honored the Stargazer Foundation of Fairfax, VA with this year’s Regional Partnership Award. The non-profit foundation helped COG develop an online, virtual information center for the region’s public information officers to use in the event of an emergency.

Florida Tells COG Board Inclusiveness Is Key to Economic Vitality of Region
Economic development expert Richard Florida told an audience of regional elected officials and specials guests that the future of the National Capital Region depends on attracting and retaining the most diverse population of workers possible. Florida, best-selling author of The Rise of the Creative Class, served as the keynote speaker at COG's Annual Membership and Awards Luncheon.

MWAQC Analysis Shows Region's Air Quality Has Improved
An analysis completed by the Metropolitan Washington Air Quality Committee (MWAQC) in December shows that the region's air quality is improving, with only two Code Red days in 2004, compared with as many as 31 days in previous years. Results of the MWAQC study were hailed by the Maryland Department of the Environment as evidence that our control strategies are taking hold and moving us toward cleaner air.

Commuter Connections Releases New Data
New data presented to the Transportation Planning Board in December indicates an increase in one-way commuting distances over the past three years. According to statistics from the 2004 State of the Commute Survey, the average one-way commuting distance jumped from 15.5 miles in 2001 to 16.5 miles this year. The survey is conducted every three years by Commuter Connections, a regional commuter assistance program supported by the District, Maryland and Virginia Departments of Transportation with state and federal transportation funds. The full report is expected to be released in Spring, 2005.