Regional Foreclosure Summit and Report Draw Large Crowd, Outstanding Media Coverage
On June 19, over 200 regional leaders representing public officials, the housing industry and nonprofit organizations gathered together during a summit hosted by COG and Freddie Mac to assess the region’s continuing vulnerability to foreclosures and how they can work together to strengthen the region’s safety net for those affected. Metropolitan Washington now has one of the fastest growing foreclosure rates in the country, with families losing homes six times more frequently during the first quarter of 2008 than in 2007, according to a study done by the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University and commissioned by COG and Freddie Mac. The summit and report received outstanding media coverage, including an A01 article in The Washington Post, and a number of local television features.
Wheelchair Accessible Taxicabs Coming to District Following Action by TPB
Wheelchair accessible taxicabs will be available in the District of Columbia for the first time following action by the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB). During its June meeting, the TPB approved twelve projects, including the accessible cabs, which will improve the access and mobility of persons with disabilities and low-income commuters in the region. As the designated recipient of federal funding under the Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) and New Freedom programs of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the TPB funds these projects.
Currently, none of the D.C.’s 6,500 taxis can serve passengers with wheelchairs who require a ramp or lift to get into a vehicle.
Area Residents Turning to Commuter Connections to Save Money as Gas Prices Continue to Soar
Record high gas prices mean driving alone to work is the most expensive it’s ever been. Over the past year (May 2007 to May 2008), the number of Commuter Connections Ridematching Program carpooling applicants has increased by 48%. In just one month, from April 2008 to May 2008, the number of carpool applicants increased by 22%. Commuter Connections' has also been actively promoting its Cost Calculator on its website to show area residents the high cost of driving alone to and from work, while also encouraging people to consider carpooling and taking transit.
Three Area Business Honored for Outstanding Commuter Programs
Three regional businesses with outstanding commuting programs for their employees—the National Geographic Society, Orange Business Services, and XM Satellite Radio—were honored by Commuter Connections on June 26 at the National Press Club.
The companies’ programs, which were initiated voluntarily, support alternatives to driving to work alone such as carpooling/vanpooling, teleworking, bicycling and taking public transit.
COG Fire Chiefs Warn About the Danger of Fireworks
As Independence Day draws closer, COG's Fire Chief's Committee, the D.C. Fire and EMS Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives held a demonstration on fireworks safety. The event was held at the D.C. Fire and EMS Training Academy and was intended to show citizens that fireworks should only be used by trained professionals.
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