Washington, D.C. –The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) Board of Directors voted unanimously today to adopt Policy Focus & Priorities for 2010, which focus heavily on regional economic recovery and job creation.

COG Board Chairman and District of Columbia Councilmember (At-Large) Kwame Brown briefed the Board on the priorities. 

“We believe that COG can significantly contribute to the direction and speed of economic recovery in the region by leveraging existing programs, re-focusing some activities to elevate jobs and economic issues, and taking advantage of the fact that we have strong and growing partnerships with federal decision-makers,” Brown said.

 While acknowledging that these issues have not traditionally been a primary focus area for COG, Brown noted that the difficult economic situation faced by local governments and residents of the region made it necessary to place significant focus on economic recovery and job growth.

He also noted that actions taken to counter the current economic downturn, such as improving workforce development, will make the region more competitive, nationally and globally, in the long term as well. 

COG Vice Chair and Prince George’s County Council Vice Chair Andrea Harrison agreed with Brown’s assessment. “While it’s initially about jobs for our people, we also need to make sure we’re doing everything we can to create sustained economic development throughout the region.”

Brown also made clear that COG’s focus on economic and job-related matters will not reduce its focus on other issues. Additional COG priorities for 2010 include:

• Endorsement of the Region Forward plan by COG member jurisdictions;
• Implementation of the Regional Climate and Energy Action Work Plan;
• Participating in regional initiatives to reduce foreclosures;
• Developing policies aimed at restoring the Chesapeake Bay