In 2019, officials from the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia took regional collaboration to the next level through their work at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG).
Following major shared accomplishments in 2018, like securing dedicated funding for Metro and Amazon's HQ2 selection, leaders shifted their focus to preparing for future growth.
This fall, they unanimously adopted three regional targets on housing, agreeing to collectively address the area’s production and affordability challenges. Bold actions like this, coupled with continued progress in the areas of transportation, environment, and public safety planning, are Creating a Region Where Everyone Can Live and Thrive.
Get more highlights from the year in regional leadership and partnership in the 2019 annual report and in the slideshow below:
2019 Year in Review
Officials at COG set three regional housing targets to address production and affordability challenges.
COG hosts 100+ area leaders for a regional conversation with Amazon before final vote in Arlington.
Metrorail Safety Commission receives federal certification and becomes independent of COG.
Greater Washington Board of Trade, COG, and Consortium of Universities form Connected DMV, a smart region movement.
Spring and fall Street Smart campaigns help raise awareness about pedestrian and bicycle safety.
Clean Air Partners’ summer campaign raises awareness about the impact of everyday actions on air quality and public health.
Fairfax County Public Schools, Prince George’s County, and Anacostia Coordinating Council receive COG Climate and Energy Leadership Awards.
COG and the Government Alliance on Race and Equity launch regional learning cohort to advance racial equity.
Global Covenant of Mayors name COG a “Regional and Metro-Scale Climate Leader.”
Commuter Connections and University of Maryland launch incenTrip app to help commuters plan trips and earn rewards.
Capital Fortitude, a full-scale regional exercise, evaluates how area governments would respond to a biological attack.
COG, partners help region prepare for full, accurate 2020 Census count.
U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen speak to the COG Board about increasing and renewing federal Metro funding.
18,000 participate in Bike to Work Day, organized by Commuter Connections.
COG hosts hundreds of officials for a Complex Coordinated Attack Symposium.
COG recognizes Foster Parents of the Year from jurisdictions across the region.
The TPB trains community leaders on the transportation planning process at its Community Leadership Institute.
What our Region Grows report tracks area farming and food production trends.
Homelessness in Metropolitan Washington reports fewest number of persons experiencing homelessness in 18 years.
Annual Report on Crime and Crime Control shows crime down in the region for the fifth year in a row.
Potomac Water Quality in Metropolitan Washington report shows reductions in pollutants and improved water quality in the river.
How Safe Are Our Roads? report shows alcohol-related crashes, injuries, and drunk driving arrests all decreased in the region.