Housing Partnership Calls for Nominations
The Washington Area Housing Partnership seeks nominations for its first Best Practices Awards. The new awards program seeks to honor COG member jurisdictions, elected officials and agencies who are reponsible for creative policies, programs and other strategies that foster affordable housing opporunities in the region's jurisdictions. Applications are due August 31.

Fifth Annual Gala Honors Foster Parents
The fifth annual Foster Parent Appreciation Gala sponsored by COG and the Freddie Mac Foundation again drew a crowd of more than 600 foster parents and their guests. The event was an opportunity for elected officials to honor nine outstanding foster families, and gave foster parents the opportunity to enjoy an evening of dancing and fine food. Among the award recipients selected this year for their dedicated service were a single woman who has fostered more than 100 children and teens, as well as a husband-and-wife team in wheelchairs.

Crowds Battle Weather for Bike to Work Day
The pouring rain didn’t stop hundreds of dedicated bicyclists from turning out to celebrate Bike to Work Day on May 20. More than 5,000 people pre-registered for the event co-sponsored by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, Commuter Connections and COG. The event is held every spring to increase awareness of bicycling to work as an environmentally-friendly alternative that reduces road congestion and improves personal health.

New Programs Help Clean Region's Air
A strategic planning session held by the Metropolitan Washington Air Quality committee fostered information-sharing and brainstorming as jurisdictions seek new and creative ways to help clean the region's air. The special meeting highlighted eight innovative programs, such as cooperative wind energy purchasing and diesel retrofitting, adopted by cities and counties to help reduce air pollution.