COG Reports Show Population is Growing At Slower Pace
Population and job growth in the National Capital Region continues to climb, albeit at a somewhat slower pace than in previous years, shows a report released by the COG Board of Directors during its July meeting. Economic Trends in Metropolitan Washington, 2001-2005 reports that the metropolitan region grew by more than 312,600 people and added more than 119,000 jobs between 2001 and 2005. Those increases were slightly lower than the previous five-year period studied, but reflected rapid growth in the region’s outer suburbs such as Loudoun County, where the population grew by 30.7 percent. “The rapid growth that is occurring in outer suburbs reflects tremendous economic health,” said Executive Director Dave Robertson. “But the consequences of this growth — worsening traffic congestion, higher housing prices — remind us of the fundamental need for sound, sustainable development.”

Report Finds Low-Income Populations at Disadvantage
Local governments should better coordinate bus stop locations and their proximity to residences and jobs, according to a TPB subcommittee report. The group's new study found that people with very low incomes, who are more likely to take the bus or walk to work than the general population, face significant barriers in commuting by public transit. The report gives several recommendations for transit agencies and local governments, and stresses the importance of providing adequate information about the transportation services and options available to low-income commuters.

Energy Plan Helps Governments Devise New Strategies
Educating the public on how to make wise energy choices -- by taking measures such as maintaining vehicles and using public transit -- is essential in an era of rising costs, says a new strategic plan created by COG's energy advisory subcommitee. Public outreach is one of several recommendations outlined in Powered By Energy Efficiency: Fueled By Energy Conservation. The plan, completed this month, focuses on actions that COG and its members can take to help the region adjust to changing energy demands.

Hot Summer Increases Use of Air Quality Forecasting System
A steamy summer that led to the region's first code red days since 2004 has also prompted COG and Clean Air Partners to remind residents of the need to be careful on hot days when air pollution increases. Quality of the region's air has greatly improved in recent years, but extremely high temperatures in July and August can still create a mix of unhealthy ozone pollution. COG lets residents know when they should stay indoors and avoid driving through the air quality forecasting system.

Annual Assessment Shows More Incidents of Homicides, Robberies
As incidents of burglary and motor vehicle theft went down in 2005 in metropolitan Washington, homicides, rapes, robberies, aggravated assaults and larceny went up, shows COG's annual Report on Crime and Crime Control. Executive Director Dave Robertson told The Washington Post that the increases in robberies and other crimes can be attributed -- at least in part -- to the region's growing population and surges in development. The report details the crime statistics of local jurisdictions as well as crimes reported by state and federal officers, and provides law enforcement administrators with criminal statistics.