Board Releases BRAC Study
COG released its analysis of the Department of Defense's proposed base closings and realignments just as hearings began on potential effects in the National Capital Region. The analysis, requested by the COG Board and conducted with the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University, suggests that an initial drop in jobs would be followed by an increase to 13,700 more jobs than original projections indicated the region would have in 2020. The report was reviewed by the COG Board July 13 and is being forwarded to the independent Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission as well as local, state and federal leaders.

Poster Session Focuses on IRE Research
Participants of the Institute for Regional Excellence 2005 cohort wrapped up months of research and presented findings on various topics to COG's Chief Administrative Officers Committee in July. During a special poster session, IRE students presented the results of months-long research on numerous issues affecting the region, such as retention rates among foster parents and obesity and a lack of pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. The presentations involved group projects that were part of the 12-month IRE program.

Commuter Connections Announces 2005 Award Winners
During its annual awards program, Commuter Connections honored five area businesses and local governments for promoting commuting practices that reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. Commuter Connections works with local businesses throughout the year to educate and promote alternatives to employees who drive alone to work. This year's recipients included American University, Chevy Chase Bank and the National Wildlife Federation for encouraging transit use and offering options for telework, or working from home.

ENVIRONMENT

Region's Air Continues to Improve
COG's efforts to clean the region's air continued in July, when air quality forecasts did not exceed the code orange designation of "unhealthy for sensitive groups." Despite warnings of excessive heat, the region's air -- although hot – never reached Code Red or unhealthy conditions. Although ozone values have been relatively low this summer, the COG region has experienced nine code orange days, which are considered exceedances of the 8-hour ozone standard. Throughout the summer, the Metropolitan Washington Air Quality Committee held special strategic planning sessions to brainstorm innovative ways to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s air quality requirements.