Annual Membership and Awards Luncheon to Feature Best-Selling Author
The 2004 COG Annual Membership and Awards Luncheon will feature best-selling author Richard Florida, whose ideas have influenced urban revitalization around the country. Join COG at the National Press Club on December 8, where you can network with colleagues as we honor the region’s outstanding leaders, review accomplishments of the past year and preview COG’s annual video. The meeting will be followed by a book signing with Mr. Florida, author of "The Rise of the Creative Class." Guests are encouraged to register online to ensure a seat reservation.

Transportation Planning Board Gives Green Light To ICC
TPB members voted at the November meeting in favor of regional transportation plans that include the Intercounty Connector (ICC), the proposed highway that would link Interstate 270 with Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 1 in suburban Maryland. In order for local transportation projects like the ICC to receive federal funding, they must be incorporated in TPB-approved plans. While a large majority of the TPB voted for the transportation plans, members from the D.C. Council, Prince George’s County Council, College Park, Greenbelt and Takoma Park voted oppose of the region’s financially constrained long-range plan, Citing concerns about development and funding .

Clean Air Partners Awards Regional Leaders
Last month, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County were honored for their participation in Air Quality Action Days program, which encourages efforts such as waiting until after dark to refuel cars, limiting driving by carpooling or taking transit. The annual awards are a part of the Clean Air Partners program, chartered by COG to promote voluntary actions to clean up the air on Code Red Days.

Federal and Local Partners Examine Regional Impact of Security Measures
A conference sponsored by COG, the National Capital Planning Commission, the Greater Washington Board of Trade and the Federal Facilities Council focused on regional impacts of security measures on local economic development, transportation systems and urban design. Participants of the Surviving Security conference discussed new ideas and strategies to maintain economically vibrant communities in a post-9/11 world. Stephen Fuller, Director of the George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis, talked about the significance of the federal presence in the region and its impact on everything from economic development to real estate and planning.