Three local leaders were recognized today by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) for their partnership, collaboration, and service to the metropolitan Washington region.
City of Rockville Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton received the Elizabeth and David Scull Metropolitan Public Service Award. The Scull award is given to a local, state, or federal elected official, who demonstrates great leadership at the regional level. It is named after the late Montgomery County Councilmembers, who were strong supporters of COG and regional cooperation.
As Chairman of the Transportation Planning Board (TPB) at COG, Newton led the TPB’s partnership with the COG Board of Directors to advance new funding for Metro. Additionally, she supported the transition from the TPB’s Constrained Long-Range Transportation Plan to Visualize 2045 – a new plan that will show all the regionally-significant transportation investments planned through 2045. Also under her leadership, a TPB task force identified a set of projects, programs, and policies, beyond those in official plans that the region could implement to better address long-term transportation challenges.
DC Water CEO and General Manager George Hawkins, WSSC General Manager Carla Reid, COG Deputy Executive Director Stuart Freudberg, and COG Executive Director Chuck Bean
DC Water CEO and General Manager George Hawkins received the Ronald F. Kirby Award for Collaborative Leadership. The Kirby award recognizes non-elected government executives, who work collaboratively with elected officials, stakeholders, and their communities to shape a better region. The award is presented in the memory of Ron Kirby, COG’s Transportation Planning Director from 1987 to 2013.
Under Hawkins’ leadership, DC Water has become nationally and internationally known for its innovation and management of a water and wastewater utility through its branding Water is Life. Additionally, he worked on addressing infrastructure issues, including investing in treatment at the world’s largest advanced wastewater treatment plant – Blue Plains – as well as the one-half billion-dollar project to produce electricity from its sewage stream. He also supported the Clean Rivers Project to nearly eliminate raw sewage and stormwater pollution in the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers and Rock Creek.
Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax, President of the Piedmont Environmental Council Chris Miller, Wesley Housing Development Corp. Senior Advisor Leslie Steen, CSG Advocacy Manager Pete Tomao, COG Board Chairman Kenyan McDuffie, COG Executive Director Chuck Bean, and CSG Deputy Director Aimee Custis
The Coalition for Smarter Growth (CSG) received the Regional Partnership Award. The Partnership award is presented to organizations or individuals who have worked with COG to improve the quality of life for area residents.
The non-profit coalition aims to promote walkable, inclusive, and transit-oriented communities. Led by Executive Director Stewart Schwartz, CSG educates communities about the importance of smart growth and well-designed plans and projects. CSG’s advocacy for solutions to increase funding for Metro, increase affordable housing, and fight climate change help advance the goals in COG’s Region Forward Vision.