Conference Explores Local Solutions to Obesity Epidemic
According to a recent COG report, the nation's rising obesity epidemic is costing Virginia, Maryland and D.C. roughly $3 billion a year. In November, local elected officials joined health agency officials, public health foundation representatives, school administrators and planning boards to discuss ways to combat the rising problem. During a one-day conference sponsored by COG, "Obesity: Tipping the Scales Toward Crisis," stakeholders discussed the public cost of obesity, reviewed policies and programs that have proven successful, and explored strategies that would be most effective for the metropolitan Washington region.

Press Conference Tackles Highway Congestion
Adjustments to the region's development patterns and transit plans are needed to help the region avoid more than doubling traffic congestion by 2030, transportation officials said at a press conference in October. The recently adopted 2006 Constrained Long Range Plan (CLRP) also shows that use of transit systems and roadways during the morning rush could increase by five-fold in some outer jurisdictions like Prince William County. In response, local officials are touting the TPB's Regional Mobility and Accessibility Scenario Study, which suggests alternate growth scenarios that could help relieve the impending congestion. A new technical assistance program will provide technical assistance to local governments looking to take on new projects that would better coordinate growth patterns with roadways and transit systems.

Forum Looks at Regional Access to Broadband Technology
As the Internet becomes an increasingly integral part of daily life, local governments throughout the country are evaluating their roles in providing access to information technology, with a growing number considering the possibility of broadband infrastructure as a basic service similar to water supplies and energy power lines. Elected officials of the metropolitan Washington area addressed the issue at a one-day forum that focused on development of regional broadband access. The event was organized by COG's Broadband Access Task Force, a group of local leaders that began meeting in January to foster development of broadband internet access throughout the National Capital Region.