Officials Develop Blueprint For Regional Growth
Elected officials of COG’s member jurisdictions began the year with Reality Check on Growth, a conference designed to predict what’s in store for metropolitan Washington as the region’s population continues to climb. The one-day summit brought together members of the business community, environmentalists, developers and elected officials to develop a blueprint for sound regional growth. The focal point of the event was a three-hour exercise in which participants were asked to map out housing and jobs using high-tech maps and plastic toy building blocks.

COG Sponsors First Animal Services Awards Ceremony
Animal services professionals and volunteers were honored for their outstanding assistance to animals, animal owners and their communities during the 1st Annual COG Animal Services Awards.The event, the first of its kind in the country, also recognized local elected officials and businesses for their strong support of animal services in the region.

Board Updates COG’s Strategic Plan
The Board updated its Strategic Plan to better address the changing needs of the National Capital Area. The new version is intended to serve as a guide to promote regionalism among COG’s members and to provide a framework for the COG fiscal year work program and budget.

COG Board Contests Inaugural Requirements
The COG Board of Directors voted unanimously to send a letter to President Bush requesting that the federal government cover the expenses of the recent inauguration. The District of Columbia has been instructed to use its Homeland Security funds for the nearly $12 million in expenses related to the event.