On December 12, COG held its biggest event of the year, the Annual Membership Meeting and Awards Luncheon, which brought together more than 200 area elected officials, and government, business, and nonprofit executives to celebrate regional partnership, make connections, and recognize outstanding leadership. COG President and District of Columbia Council Chairman Phil Mendelson led the meeting.
COG Board Chairman Matthew Letourneau provided remarks about regional accomplishments for the year and highlighted COG’s contributions, including securing dedicated funding for Metro, preparing for the selection of Amazon’s second headquarters location, establishing the Metrorail Safety Commission, and adopting Visualize 2045, a new long-range transportation plan for the region. Learn more about COG’s accomplishments and work in 2018.
Newly elected officials, including Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, and City of Alexandria Mayor-elect Justin Wilson came together for the first time with their regional counterparts and provided greetings at the event.
Remarks from Angela Alsobrooks, Marc Elrich, and Justin Wilson
County Executive Alsobrooks discussed the importance of working together on regional issues because the region is growing in population and jobs and that residents and workers cross jurisdictions. Hear more from her speech.
County Executive Elrich discussed some of the challenges that the region faces in the future, such as creating and preserving housing at all levels, and the need for leaders to come together to adopt regional policies. Hear more from his speech.
Mayor-elect Wilson discussed the value of collaboration, especially when it comes to public safety, cooperative purchasing, and transportation. Hear more from his speech.
Kate Stewart, Phyllis Randall, Angela Alsobrooks, and Muriel Bowser
During the business section of the meeting, COG elected all female corporate officers for 2019: President Angela Alsobrooks, Vice Presidents Phyllis Randall and Muriel Bowser, and Secretary-Treasurer Kate Stewart. COG Board Officers will be voted on at the January COG Board of Directors meeting. Read more about COG’s Corporate Officers in this WTOP article.
Phil Mendelson, Marc Korman, Brian Feldman, George Barker, and Chuck Bean
Six local leaders were recognized by COG for their partnership, collaboration, and service to the metropolitan Washington region. Virginia Senator George Barker, Maryland Senator Brian Feldman, and Maryland Delegate Marc Korman received the Special Regional Impact Award for their efforts to help ensure the long-term safety, reliability, and success of the Metro system. Additionally, former Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker received the Elizabeth and David Scull Metropolitan Public Service Award. Northern Virginia Transportation Commission Executive Director Kate Mattice received the Ronald F. Kirby Award for Collaborative Leadership. Leadership Greater Washington received the Regional Partnership Award. Read more about and see photos of the award winners.
MORE: Check out this Facebook album for more photos from the event and the hashtag #2018COG on Twitter for live updates from the event.