On October 25, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments hosted a reception that brought together members of COG board and policy committees alongside the region’s four U.S. Senators – Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen from Maryland and Tim Kaine and Mark Warner from Virginia.
COG Board Chair Kate Stewart noted to the gathering of government officials that metropolitan Washington is fortunate that the senators’ leadership at the federal level so closely aligns with local officials’ regional priorities and vision for the future. In fact, teamwork amongst the senators beyond jurisdictional lines and across various levels of government was a key theme in each of their remarks. The senators also expressed their collective respect for the essential services and programs that local government officials provide for their communities.
Senator Cardin led off the remarks with a strong appeal for D.C. statehood that was echoed by his counterparts in the delegation and has been a priority for officials at COG. The senators cited major legislative initiatives in recent years to support local jurisdictions and advance their priorities, including the American Rescue Plan Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The latter two initiatives, they noted, have created tremendous opportunities to invest and reinvest in the region’s transportation network, water infrastructure, and clean energy—and to do so while prioritizing equity, a key theme in COG’s planning framework for 2030, Region United.
To view full-size photos from the reception, visit the COG Facebook page.
The senators highlighted efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay and local waterways as well as conduct a Potomac water supply secondary source study as additional examples of how federal and regional leaders are collaborating to tackle key challenges.
Regarding Metro, the speakers agreed that collaboration across all levels of government will be essential to help find a long-term, sustainable funding solution for the system and ensure it can meet the needs of the region. The senators thanked COG for recent efforts to convene area leaders and stakeholders to chart a path forward and committed to continue working closely with local and state officials on Metro and the region’s other priorities in the months and years ahead.
MORE:
Region United: Planning framework for 2030
Searchable databases: IIJA and IRA funding opportunities