COG Ad Highlights New Regional Proposals and Initiatives This year, the federal stimulus offered metropolitan regions across the country the opportunity to take action to build stronger and more economically-competitive communities.  COG and regional leaders responded by crafting new proposals to improve the region's transportation system, aid neighborhoods affected by housing foreclosures, and improve the environment.  In addition to pursuing stimulus funding, COG focused on long-range planning through its Greater Washington 2050 initiative as well as workforce development.       In July, COG--working with a regional consortium comprised of 6 area jurisdictions--submitted an application for funding from the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP2).  The proposal seeks funding for the consortium to acquire, rehabilitate and resell foreclosed and abandoned properties and provide financial assistance to homebuyers that will do the same.  It would also allow the consortium to redevelop some foreclosed and abandoned properties into permanent supportive housing. For more information on the NSP2 proposal, click here.      In September, COG--on behalf of the Transportation Planning Board--submitted an application for funding from the Transportation Investments Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Competitive Grant Program Administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation.  The proposal includes the creation of a number of priority bus corridors, as well as the reconstruction of K Street to include a Busway.  The TIGER proposal also included an expanded regional bike-sharing program.  For more information on the TIGER proposal, click here. The COG Board of Directors identified workforce development as a priority for 2009.  COG assembled a regional workforce development task force government, business, labor, and education stakeholders to lead the effort.  The group has reviewed the current state of the region’s workforce development system and will be providing a report and recommendations in January 2010. Finally, COG's Greater Washington 2050 Coalition has proposed goals, targets, and a compact agreement to guide future planning.  The group of public, private and civic leaders are calling for a comprehensive approach to solving challenges and a commitment to measuring regional progress.  Its final report, Region Forward ©, is scheduled to be presented to the COG Board of Directors in January 2010.  For more information on Region Forward ©, click here.        ----------- Release Date: Nov 30, 2009