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News Highlights
| Archived News Highlights |
| New Annual Report/Regional Directory Available Online | |
This year's report, Moving the Region Forward, examines the many ways COG and its members are working to shape a more prosperous and sustainable metropolitan Washington. |
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| Ron Kirby joins a panel of experts to discuss transportation in the region | |
| Watch a video of the COG Transportation Planning Director's appearance on the PBS special. | |
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| COG Board Chair, Vice Chair, and Executive Director appear on Viewpoint to discuss the region's response to the recent snowstorms | |
| Brown, Principi, and Robertson also discuss the upcoming COG after action forum on the snow response. | |
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| COG Board Chairman Kwame Brown featured in CNN Piece on Minority Unemployment | |
| COG's Closing the Gaps to Build the Future report examines ways to build a stronger, more resilient regional workforce. | |
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| COG Chairman Penelope Gross Appears on NBC's "Viewpoint" | |
| Gross participates in a discussion on the region's past and future. | |
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| COG Ad Highlights New Regional Proposals and Initiatives | |
| In 2009, COG and area leaders proposed the K Street Transitway, a Regional Bike Sharing System, a Neighborhood Stablization Program, and a Workforce Development Task Force. | |
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| Region Forward © featured on NBC's "Viewpoint" | |
Watch Sharon Bulova, Stewart Schwartz, and David Robertson discuss the Greater Washington 2050 report. |
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| Region Forward © Discussed on News Channel 8 | |
| 2050 Coalition Chair Sharon Bulova and COG Executive Director David Robertson are interviewed on NewsTalk with Bruce DePuyt. | |
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| WAMU Features Region Forward © | |
WAMU-FM report features 2050 Coalition members and COG podcast series. |
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| TPB Gives Final Approval to Purple Line Light Rail Project | |
| "Return to L'Enfant" proposal components also approved for inclusion into region's long-range transportation plan. | |
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| COG and the Board of Trade Host Forum on Street Light Technology | |
| Forum exposes regional officials and leaders to new, state-of-the-art street lighting technology. | |
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| COG Mourns the Loss of Jim Shell | |
Jim began his career at COG in April, 1989, and was a major player in assisting the region with water security, emergency water supply and drought response planning, pollution prevention, hydrilla harvesting, wastewater management, Potomac River and Anacostia restoration, and many other accomplishments. He was a gentle and kind colleague and friend and will be deeply missed. |
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| TPB Hosting Public Outreach Meeting | |
| October 15 meeting will focus on update of region's long-range transportation plan. | |
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| COG Board Releases Greater Washington 2050 Report for Comment | |
COG members, stakeholders and the public are invited to review the draft report, Region Forward ©. It proposes goals, targets, and a compact agreement to guide future planning. Comments are due by November 30, 2009 at 5 p.m. |
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| Region's Health Officers Discuss Preparations for H1N1 Virus | |
| Watch the officers on NBC 4's Viewpoint. | |
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| Event Builds Awareness for Next Year's Census | |
| COG hosts Census in Schools regional kick-off. | |
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| Column Features Recent COG/NCPC Meeting | |
| COG Chairman Penelope Gross, Obama Advisor Valerie Jarrett talk to The Washington Post about opportunities for federal-regional partnership. | |
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| Experts, Officials Discuss Climate Change Adaptation | |
COG report recommends developing a plan to address possible effects of climate change. |
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| COG's Climate, Energy, and Environment Policy Committee Holds Inaugural Meeting | |
 Chairman Jay Fisette led committee members in a discussion on the requirements for meeting recommendations of the National Capital Region Climate Change Report. |
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| Obama Administration Officials, Local and Regional Leaders Discuss Building a Stronger Federal-Regional Partnership | |
| Valerie Jarrett, Adolfo Carrion, and Xavier Briggs speak at a special COG/NCPC event. | |
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| TPB and FTA Hold Priority Bus Conference | |
| Conference examined ways in which to improve the region's transporation system by utilizing priority buses. | |
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| Officials Hold Fireworks Safety News Conference and Demonstration | |
| Fire marshals addressed the dangers associated with the use of illegal fireworks and showed how fireworks are mishandled and improperly used. | |
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| Panel of Area Leaders Discuss Greater Washington 2050 Initiative | |
  Listen to Greater Washington 2050 Coalition Members Barbara Favola, Alan Imhoff, Jim Dinegar and Stewart Schwartz, and COG Executive Director David Robertson discuss the initiative and the region's future on WAMU's The Kojo Nnamdi Show. |
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| COG Recruiting Stakeholders for new Climate, Energy and Environment Policy Committee | |
| Applications due by July 10, 2009. | |
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| Foster Parents Honored At Regional Appreciation Gala | |
COG and the Freddie Mac Foundation present area foster parents with awards for service. Plus, Chairman Gross discusses the Gala in the latest episode of 'The COG Podcast.' |
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| COG and the Joint Force Headquarters - National Capital Region host Third Annual NCR Interagency Chaplains Conference | |
 Major General Richard Rowe and COG’s David McMillion deliver opening remarks at the event held at |
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| Jay Fisette Named Chair of COG’s new Climate, Energy and Environment Policy Committee | |
 New group will provide the leadership and support to reach the goals outlined in COG's National Capital Region Climate Change Report. |
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| Area Students Honored at Clean Air Partners' Annual Meeting | |
Contest winners stress importance of curtailing air pollution and its effects on climate change. |
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| Sharon Bulova and Dave Roberston Discuss Greater Washington 2050 | |
Watch a video clip of the Fairfax County Chairman and COG Executive Director on NewsChannel8's NewsTalk discussing a new survey of the region's residents. |
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| Information, Updates on the H1N1 Flu | |
 Latest updates on the H1N1 Flu from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. |
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| COG, Area Urban Foresters Contribute to USDA's New People's Garden Project | |
| COG, U.S. Forest Service, and region's urban foresters have been working together to make use of urban wood from local trees felled by storms and routine maintenance. | |
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| COG and Baltimore Metropolitan Council Sign New Cooperative Purchasing Agreement | |
| Washington and Baltimore regional officials will work together to secure even better value for dollars spent on goods, services and construction. | |
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| COG Honors Local Citizens For Service To Animals | |
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| New PSA Highlights Famous Foster Children | |
Black History Month message encourages area residents to become foster parents. |
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| Barbara Favola and Ron Kirby Talk Stimulus | |
Watch a clip of their appearance on Newstalk with Bruce DePuyt as they discuss the stimulus package and its potential impact on the region. |
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| ‘Heart Gallery’ on Display in COG Lobby | |
 The Freddie Mac Foundation Heart Gallery is on display in the lobby of the COG building until January 30. |
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| Penelope Gross, Michael Knapp, and Phil Mendelson Discuss Key Issues Facing the National Capital Region | |
Watch the COG leaders on NBC4's Viewpoint. |
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| New COG Podcast: Greater Washington 2050: Thinking About the Future | |
| An expert panel discussed how economic developments, technological innovations, and climate change can affect the future of the National Capital Region. | |
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| COG Congratulates Gerry Connolly and Other Members for their Recent Electoral Victories | |
 Longtime COG Board Member Gerry Connolly of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors was elected to Tom Davis’ open seat in Virginia's 11th Congressional District. COG also extends its thanks to District of Columbia Council Member Carol Schwartz and U.S. Congressman Tom Davis (VA-11) for their many years of service to the region.
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| 2008 Emergency Preparedness Council Senior Leaders Seminar | |
The EPC held its 2008 Senior Leaders Seminar on October 21. The goal of the seminar was to ensure that all jurisdictions in region are prepared to effectively respond to and recover from a pandemic influenza. |
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| NARC, NGA, COG Hold Joint Event | |
Conference focuses on how states and regions can work together to achieve common goals. |
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| Cultural Alliance Launches Online Regional Arts and Culture Index | |
The new web site, CultureCapital.com, plans to serve as a one stop shop for arts and cultural events in the |
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| Car Free Day Metro DC | |
 The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area held its first region-wide Car Free Day event on September 22. Car Free Day is an opportunity for residents and workers to see how their streets might look and feel with fewer cars on the road. |
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| COG In The News | |
 A brief listing of recent COG activities as reported by various news agencies. |
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| Six COG Member Jurisdictions Honored as Top Digital County Governments | |
The awards were presented in Kansas City, MO at the National Association of Counties Conference from July 11-15, 2008. |
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| COG Wins Potomac Champion Award from Alice Ferguson Foundation | |
 COG Board Member and Greenbelt Mayor Judith Davis and COG Executive Director David Robertson display the Potomac Champion Award from the Alice Ferguson Foundation. |
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| COG Board Member Bruce Williams honored by Equality Maryland | |
 Takoma Park Mayor and COG Board Member Bruce Williams was honored with an award by Equality Maryland at its 7th Annual Night Out for Equality. |
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| Outstanding Foster Parents Honored | |
| COG and the Freddie Mac Foundation honor region's foster parents at 6th annual gala. | |
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| Regional Green Building Program Honored | |
| COG wins 2008 Sustainability Award from American Society of Civil Engineers-National Capital Section. | |
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| Greater Washington 2050 Coalition to Engage Younger Residents | |
| The Greater Washington 2050 Coalition, a group of regional leaders, decided to reach out to younger residents on issues of growth and quality of life in the National Capital Region. | |
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| COG Travels to Annapolis, Richmond | |
| Regional priorities discussed during outreach to state elected officials. | |
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| 50th Anniversary Video Available Online | |
Narrated by ABC7 News Anchor Gordon Peterson, the video chronicles the histories of both COG and the region it has served since 1957. |
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| Clean Air Partners Celebrates 10 Years | |
| Clean Air Partners commemorated its 10-Year Anniversary by dedicating a cherry tree along the Washington, DC tidal basin. | |
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| COG Official Named President of VML | |
 COG congratulates Jay Fisette, Arlington County Board Member and Former COG Board Chair, on his selection as the first Arlington County representative elected president of the Virginia Municipal League. |
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| Preliminary Estimates of Region's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Released | |
| At its bi-monthly meeting in September, members of COG's Climate Change Steering Committee reviewed preliminary estimates of emissions caused by electricity, vehicles, residential and commercial fuel use, airplanes and other local sources. | |
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| CLRP Now Available for Viewing Via Google Earth | |
 Wondering what the TPB has in store for the region's roadways? Try out a new interactive way to see what's happening using Google EarthTM. Click "more" to learn about the advanced visualization of the CLRP. |
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| Latest Drought Report Now Available | |
| COG continues to monitor the dry conditions throughout Maryland, Virginia, and the District. | |
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| Local Jurisdictions To Save Millions After Reverse Auction | |
| Local jurisdictions will save millions of dollars in natural gas supply over the next three years, thanks to the region's first natural gas reverse auction. | |
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| National Capital Region Practices Response to a Hurricane | |
| Emergency personnel, elected officials and various other leaders from throughout the region responded to a mock hurricane to help them prepare for possible weather-related emergencies in the future. | |
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| Campaign Aims to Educate Homeowners, Protect the Chesapeake Bay and Improve the Environment | |
| The “Healthy Lawns, Clean Water” the campaign encourages homeowners and businesses to do their part in protecting the bay. | |
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| Trash Free Potomac Watershed Initiative | |
| A clean-up by the Student Action Committee created by COG and the Alice Ferguson Foundation were featured on Fox 5 News. Click here to view the news clips. | |
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| Pilots Gather for Forum on Helicopter Noise | |
| Pilots discuss ways to lessen the impact of helicopter noise on communities. | |
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| Third Edition of Air Quality Newsletter Released | |
| Click here to read the newsletter. | |
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| Congressman Chris Van Hollen Welcomes Student Leadership | |
 Twenty high school students met with Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen to take a leadership role in the Trash Free Potomac Watershed Initiative. |
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| Homeland Security Exercise Pulled from Lessons Learned after 9/11 and Hurricanes | |
| Emergency managers and social service officials completed an exercise this week designed to practice the long-term recovery procedures needed after a natural or man-made disaster. | |
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| Forum Explores Solutions to Climate Change | |
| COG's Regional Climate Change Staff Roundtable brought together more than 75 stakeholders to begin plans for a regional climate change agenda. | |
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| Officials Tour LEED certified building | |
| Regional leaders participate in green building tour at the National Association of Realtors | |
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| COG Board Seeks Information Regarding Public Health and Environmental Concerns of Endocrine Disruptors | |
| Initiative part of COG’s ongoing monitoring of regional water quality concerns in the Potomac watershed and in light of recent reports regarding ‘intersex fish.’ | |
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| Highway Congestion Could More Than Double Without Change, Officials Say | |
| Adjustments to the region's development patterns and transit plans can help the region avoid more than doubling traffic congestion by 2030, transportation officials said at a press conference October 18. | |
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| COG, Local Utilities, and Giant Food Work Together to Share Water Conservation Tips with Area Residents | |
 Thousands of milk cartons will display water saving tips thanks to a new partnership between Giant Food and the region's Wise Water Use campaign. |
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| As Region Grows, Officials Discuss Ways to Make it Greener | |
| At COG's Green Building Conference, participants discussed ways to develop a greener, more environmentally-friendly Washington region. | |
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| TPB Releases Long-Range Plan for Public Comment, Debuts New Plan Website | |
 The TPB released the proposed new long-range transportation plan at the Citizen Advisory Committee meeting on September 14, 2006. |
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| Be Ready. Make a Plan. | |
 Now is the time to prepare your family for emergencies. Find out how... |
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| TPB Sponsoring Safe Routes to School Course | |
| On Tuesday, September 12, the Transportation Planning Board is sponsoring the Safe Routes to School National Course in Arlington. The course is offered free of charge. Registration is required. | |
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| Commissioner Lovell Makes Appearances as Wayne Water Drop | |
| Frederick County Commissioner John R. Lovell, Jr. helps promote wise water during a Frederick Keys baseball game August 11. | |
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| Fairfax Water Dedicates New Treatment Plant | |
| Northern Virginia’s largest water utility, dedicated the Frederick P. Griffith Water Treatment Plant and Visitor Education Center in July. | |
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| Putting Discarded Wood to Good Use | |
| At a recent COG workshop, participants shared ideas on how to put discarded raw timber from the region's urban forests to better use. | |
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| Clean Fuels Discussed in Detail at COG Seminar | |
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Ethanol, compressed natural gas, and biodiesel were the hot topics during a seminar at COG... |
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| Pawn Database Selected for International Award | |
| COG's Regional Pawn Database Sharing System was recognized with an award from the International Association of Chiefs of Police. | |
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| COG Testifies at Homeland Security Funding Hearing | |
| Regional leaders answered questions from members of the House Government Committee on Reform during a hearing in June. | |
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| COG Board Acts to Strengthen Anacostia Watershed Restoration Partnership | |
| The Board took action at its June monthly meeting. | |
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| Forum Explores Strategies for Combating Local Meth Problem | |
| COG brought together law enforcement and health officials to discuss local impacts... | |
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| Workshop Highlights Hydrogen Technology | |
 Government officials and industry experts discussed the newest research in alternative fuels during a one-day session cosponsored by COG and the National Hydrogen Association. |
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| Officials Testify at Chesapeake Bay Program Reauthorization Hearing | |
| Local, state, and federal officials provided testimony on a proposed bill telling Congress there is no way to clean up the Chesapeake Bay by 2010 as called for in an agreement signed six years ago by the region’s governors, state legislators, and the EPA. | |
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| Water Use it Wisely Day | |
 On April 20, the region's Water Use It Wisely conservation program was showcased during Green DC Week. |
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| Annual Report Released | |
| Find out how COG regional solutions are born and built -- in the face of growth and development and changing needs. | |
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| Workshop at COG Brings Together Leading Water Quality Experts | |
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Dozens of the nation's leading experts on nutrient removal gathered together to discuss new ways to improve water quality... |
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| Area Leaders Unite to Promote Pedestrian Safety Campaign | |
| Area officials from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia launched the COG-sponsored Street Smart campaign and reaffirmed their dedication pedestrian safety. | |
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| TPB Seeks Public Comment on New Projects | |
| The TPB invites members of the public to comment on proposed changes to its Contrained Long Range Plan | |
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| EPC Member Shares Preparedness Tips with Schoolchildren | |
| Representatives from the Red Cross and COG shared emergency preparedness tips with schoolchildren, while participating in Read Across America Day. | |
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| Bladensburg Joins COG as Adjunct Member | |
During the February Board Meeting, the Town of Bladensburg, MD was welcomed as a new Adjunct Member to COG.
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| Van Hollen, Local Governments Commit to Trash Free Potomac by 2013 | |
 Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen signed a treaty at COG to clean the Potomac Watershed by 2013. |
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| Pawn System Recovers Stolen Goods | |
| COG, along with local police departments, reminds area residents to record the serial numbers of all possessions. | |
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| New Department of the Environment in D.C. | |
| Mayor Anthony Williams recently signed legislation establishing a new Department of the Environment for the |
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| Chesapeake Executive Council Explores New Measures | |
| At the Chesapeake Executive Council meeting attended by COG staff, several measures were adopted intended to accelerate protection and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries. | |
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| Radio Campaign Encourages Recycling | |
| COG has launched a two-week radio ad campaign to encourage residents and businesses of the area to do their part in keeping the environment clean. | |
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| Regional Leaders Address Homelessness | |
 The region's leaders today gathered to discuss collaborative solutions to homelessness. |
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| COG Board Supports Efforts to Clean Potomac | |
| At its November meeting the COG Board adopted a resolution to reaffirm support for the goal of achieving a Trash-Free Potomac River by 2013. | |
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| Cooperative Forecast Predicts Growth | |
| The region’s latest forecast for population and household growth reveals a robust economy that will continue to experience steady employment and population increases in coming decades. | |
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| COG Discusses Impacts of Rising Gasoline Prices | |
| On September 30th, approximately 40 participants gathered at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments for a panel discussion on the Impacts of Rising Gasoline Prices. Participants included officials from the State Energy Offices in the region, local government energy managers, and representatives of academia. | |
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| 2004 State of the Commute Survey Results Released | |
 The 2004 survey report documents trends in commuting behaviors in the metropolitan Washington Region. |
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| Regional Leaders Discuss Emergency Plans | |
.jpg) Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan and Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson joined COG Chair J Davis and other regional leaders to discuss area emergency plans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. |
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| Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts | |
| Many organizations are accepting donations to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. A list of organizations accepting cash donations is available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA is also requesting that volunteers coordinate their efforts with professional organizations. Read more in the FEMA press release. | |
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| Poster Session Focuses on IRE Research | |
 Members of COG's Chief Administrative Officers Committee were introduced to the Institute for Regional Excellence when participants of the 2005 class presented their results of months-long research in a special poster session. |
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| Renewable Energy Seminar Explores New Technology | |
 Up-and-coming technologies, cleaner air, and more affordable sources of electricity were all part of discussions at a Renewable Energy Seminar. |
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| Homeland Security Grants Available | |
| Grants are now available through the 2005 Homeland Security Grant program at the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice in the District of Columbia. | |
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| Frederick Farm Tour Features Best Practices | |
 The region’s elected officials braved the heat on a recent June day for an inside look at Frederick County’s agriculture and nutrient management. |
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| Radio Town Hall Focuses on Violence and Pedestrian Safety | |
| On June 12, COG and Clear Channel Radio hosted a Community Breakfast Forum on two of region’s most serious issues: violence and pedestrian safety. | |
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| "Street Smart" Launches Pedestrian and Bike Safety Campaign | |
 A new three-year campaign will educate the public on pedestrian safety. |
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| Foster Families Honored at Third Annual Gala | |
 COG and the Freddie Mac Foundation honored nine outstanding foster families at the third annual Foster Parent Appreciation Gala. |
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| Board Chair Fields Questions on Life in Washington | |
 COG Board Chair Jay Fisette answers questions from Washington Post readers interested in issues related to life in the metropolitan Washington area. |
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| 2005 Regional Directory Available | |
 COG's new 2005 Regional Directory offers contact information for key officials in the metropolitan Washington area. |
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| Broadband Task Force Will Research Internet Accessibility | |
| The COG Board of Directors voted to create a Broadband Task Force that will advise elected officials on regional and local broadband policy initiatives and best practices. | |
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