Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Executive Directors Report

February 2004 Executive Director's Online Bulletin

David Robertson, Executive Director

Welcome to the first issue of our newly revamped, electronic newsletter, the Executive Director's Online Bulletin. Each month, you can expect to receive timely bulletins keeping you current on news, programs, and activities at COG.

Upcoming Events

COG Board Meeting Mar 10, 2004

TPB Meeting Mar 17, 2004

Electric Power Summit Mar 31, 2004

more >>

HOMELAND SECURITY

New Public Affairs Show Premiere Features COG Members
Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge discussed regional emergency preparedness with Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Gerry Connolly and other local officials during a town hall meeting that served as the premiere for "Target Washington: Sesno Reports." The show, sponsored by WETA and George Mason University (GMU) and hosted by veteran journalist Frank Sesno, is a new public affairs series exploring issues, opportunities and challenges facing the National Capital Region. The premiere was followed by an online chat with COG Executive Director Dave Robertson.

Updated Emergency Alert System Plan Being Finalized
After a series of meetings sponsored by COG, an updated Emergency Alert System (EAS) plan for the region is nearing completion. The plan has been renamed the Washington, DC National Capital Region Emergency Alert System Plan and consists of updated operating procedures and an expanded coverage including Frederick County, MD. Also, a new satellite system being installed will link area jurisdictions, the National Weather Service and key EAS sources.

COG BOARD

New Board Leaders Take the Helm
The 2004 COG Board of Directors will be chaired by District of Columbia Council Member Phil Mendelson. COG appointed Greenbelt Mayor Judith ("J") Davis and Arlington County Board Member G.N. Jay Fisette to serve as vice chairs.

The Board also appointed chairs to oversee several policy committees. They are: Prince George's County Board Member Peter Shapiro, Chesapeake Bay Policy Committee; Arlington County Board Member Barbara A. Favola, Committee on Noise Abatement and Aviation at National and Dulles Airports; Arlington County Board Member Walter Tejada, Human Services Policy Committee; Alexandria Council Member Joyce Woodson, Metropolitan Development Policy Committee; Fairfax County Supervisor Penelope A. Gross, Public Safety Policy Committee; and D.C. Council Member-at-Large Carol Schwartz, National Capitol Region Emergency Preparedness Council.

TRANSPORTATION

Partnering with the Private Sector to Promote Telework
A new cooperative effort by the Council of Governments and the Greater Washington Board of Trade (BOT) aims to encourage 50,000 more telecommuters in the region by 2005. The "Better Work Through Telework" initiative marks the first time that public and private organizations in the metropolitan Washington area have come together to promote telecommuting, also known as telework. COG supports telework through its Commuter Connections program, an annual conference, and periodic seminars for employers. Last year, the program launched an aggressive mass marketing campaign to promote using mass transit, ridesharing, and telecommuting as alternatives to commuting alone by car.

ENVIRONMENT

Wise Water Campaign Hits the Ice
The Wise Water Use public education campaign will sponsor a night with the Washington Capitals scheduled for the March 30, 2004 game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The campaign will be highly visible throughout the MCI Center with a display table, video and audio public service announcements, and paraphernalia such as logo tattoos and t-shirts. Similar sponsor nights also are being scheduled for this summer with minor league baseball teams. For more information, contact Jim Shell at 202-962-3342.

Schoolyard Pollution Prevention
Under a grant from the DC Environmental Health Administration, COG DEP staff will conduct a pollution prevention program with approximately 75 sixth and seventh graders at two public schools in the District of Columbia. The project, scheduled for April, will have students and teachers conduct a pollution prevention audit and develop projects aimed at reducing pollution at school. Local media and officials will be invited to participate.

You are receiving this Online Bulletin because you are a member of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG). If you would prefer not to receive this newsletter, or need to change your email address, please visit COG's Subscription Central. Comments may be sent to Heather Nalbone.