The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) and the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) mourn the passing of two regional champions. U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly and former Fairfax County Supervisor Catherine Hudgins had close ties to the transportation community in the metropolitan Washington region and were advocates for transit, mixed-use walkable communities, and environmental initiatives that will continue to shape the region for years to come.
Gerry Connolly passed away on May 21 having served as a member of the U.S. Congress representing Virginia’s 11th District for 16 years and as ranking member of the House of Representatives Oversight Committee. Prior to his election as a representative, Connolly served on the Fairfax County Board from 1995 -2008, including five years as chairman. He was a proponent of regional collaboration, supporting open space preservation, expanded public transit service, environmental protections, and investments in education and infrastructure.
As noted by Fairfax County, key projects during his service include development of the Mosaic District, redevelopment of Tysons Corner into an economic hub served by multimodal transportation options, Metro’s Silver Line extension to Washington Dulles International Airport, and the creation of a connected bicycle and pedestrian trail network that has evolved into the 40-mile Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail. After his election to the U.S. House in 2009, Connolly continued to champion transportation-related policies through co-sponsorship of the 2010 Telework Enhancement Act, which requires federal agencies to allow a portion of their employees to telework at least one day a week.
At the May 21 National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) meeting, Chair James Walkinshaw called on fellow TPB members to remember Connolly’s tenure on the Fairfax County board as a time when the county began to transition from a “traditional auto-dependent mindset toward a pedestrian friendly, multimodal, transit-oriented future that has brought so many benefits.” Walkinshaw stated that the TPB has a responsibility to carry forward Connolly’s emphasis on regionalism.
Catherine “Cathy” Hudgins, who passed away on May 24, served as Fairfax County’s Hunter Mill District supervisor from 1999 - 2019, supporting the county’s efforts around affordable housing opportunities, diversity, and sustainable growth with emphasis on transportation. In addition to her role as supervisor, Hudgins was a member of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) board for 11 years, serving as board chair from 2011-2012. She served as TPB chair and chair of the TPB’s Access for All Advisory Committee and is remembered for leading an effort where TPB members were paired with AFA committee members to ride Metrorail together and discuss challenges and insights experienced by people with disabilities while navigating the region’s public transportation system.
Catherine Hudgins with TPB Access for All Advisory Committee members
Hudgins is celebrated for her role in the extension of Silver Line services to Tysons Corner, Reston, and Washington Dulles International Airport. As noted on the Fairfax County remembrance page honoring Hudgins, she was a “tireless leader and consensus builder” who understood that the Silver Line would spur continued economic growth and quality of life for community residents.
Both Connolly and Hudgins were recipients of COG’s Elizabeth and David Scull Metropolitan Public Service Award. Winning the award in 2000 and 2012, respectively, they were recognized for their outstanding service and regional leadership.
COG and the TPB are grateful for the leadership of Representative Connolly and former Supervisor Hudgins. They are leaving a legacy to be honored by all who serve the public and who strive to make the region’s transportation system not only viable but as connected, safe, and innovative as it can be.