Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments

FEBRUARY 2008 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S BULLETIN


Executive Director Dave Robertson

IN THIS ISSUE:
°
Outreach in Annapolis and Richmond
°
COG Joins Cool Capital Challenge
°
New Climate Change Site
°
Kickoff Meeting of Greater Washington 2050
°
New Projects Approved for TLC Program
°
TPB Accepting Applications for JARC & New Freedom Grants
Upcoming Events
MWAQC Meeting

March 7

COG Board Meeting March 12
TPB Meeting March 19
OUTREACH

Outreach in Annapolis and Richmond
COG held an outreach event in Annapolis, MD on February 5th to discuss regional priorities like Climate Change and the Chesapeake Bay with Maryland State and House members. COG staff also distributed the recent COG Board resolution urging uniform standards for teen drivers in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. On January 28, COG staff traveled to Richmond, VA to address members of the Northern Virginia delegation on similar topics.

ENVIRONMENT

COG Joins Cool Capital Challenge
The COG Board of Directors endorsed the “Cool Capital Challenge,” a grassroots campaign to reduce regional greenhouse gas emissions by 1 billion pounds by the end of the year. The challenge was launched in April 2007 by volunteers from businesses, government agencies, congregations, and community and environmental organizations.  

New Climate Change Page
COG recently launched a new web page with detailed information on its Climate Change Program, initiatives by local jurisdictions to limit greenhouse gases, and tips and links for citizens who want to learn more about the subject.  

PLANNING

Kickoff Meeting of Greater Washington 2050
On February 21, COG hosted the kickoff meeting of Greater Washington 2050, a new regional initiative to improve the quality of life for Washington area residents in the next 50 years by fostering stronger regional awareness, leadership and action. Coalition members outlined initial goals and participated in a discussion on regional planning with experts from the Brookings Institution and University of Maryland.

TRANSPORTATION

New Projects Approved for TLC Program
The region's Transportation Planning Board (TPB) approved eleven area projects as a part of its Transportation Land-Use Connection (TLC) program. The TLC program works with local governments in the metropolitan region to integrate land-use and transportation planning at the community level.

TPB Accepting Applications for JARC & New Freedom Grants
The TPB is accepting applications for Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) and New Freedom grants through April 30, 2008. The programs are designed to encourage creative, innovative projects that address the transportation needs of people with disabilities, individuals with lower incomes, and older adults.

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 Steve Kania.

Copyright © 2008, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. All Rights Reserved.