Newsroom

Aug 30, 2011

While catching up on some non-Hurricane Irene news yesterday we noticed an interesting set of articles presenting two problems – environmental and climate degradation and economic uncertainty – that can be solved through a common solution: promoting and creating green jobs.

Aug 26, 2011

Over the past few years a number of reports and articles have popped up discussing a trend that would have seemed completely unrealistic only a few years ago – the amount Americans are driving is continuing to decrease. Over at Ezra Klein’s Washington Post blog Brad Plumer points that the rate of driving is significantly off the peak reached in 2007 and questions the common assumption that this reduction will change course once the economy starts growing at a steady pace again.

Aug 24, 2011

Housing in America is undergoing a transformation. Lifestyle priorities and a renewed interest in urban walkable areas are making sprawling far-flung homes less attractive. Economic forces are also contributing to changing housing preferences.

Aug 18, 2011

It’s conventional wisdom that metro Washington exists in a bubble protected from the worst effects of economic slowdowns and recessions through which other parts of the country have to suffer. The direct and indirect effects of the federal government by design a steadfast employer and investor are the basis of the bubble surrounding the nation’s capital.

Aug 17, 2011

When people use the program, every $5.00 they spend generates $9.00 in total community spending, according to federal estimates. Many cities and counties in metropolitan Washington are missing out on the economic boost SNAP can provide because most of their eligible participants don’t take advantage of the benefit.

Aug 17, 2011

We know that metropolitan Washington has a relatively high rate of transit usage relative to other metro areas in America. In fact the American Community Survey (ACS) shows that Washington D.C. has the second highest rate of transit usage (37.1 percent) in the U.S. behind New York City and that the District is tied with Boston as the city with the second-highest rate of overall non-auto transportation (about 50 percent of daily trips do not involve a car).

Aug 16, 2011

Several area schools participating in the new, free Commuter Connections service. Additional schools are encouraged to join.

Aug 16, 2011

AAA Mid-Atlantic recently warned that August is the most deadly month on U.S. roadways . As WTOP noted last week “Five of the deadliest days of the year on U.S. roads are in August. An average of 123 people die each year on August 3.” Unfortunately this fatal August trend proved correct in our area this past weekend when eight people were killed in auto accidents in metropolitan Washington .

Aug 15, 2011

COG is working with state and local governments, universities, and scientists from around the region to monitor and provide up-to-date information on the algae blooms that have developed in the river near Mattawoman Creek in Maryland and Aquia Creek in Virginia.

Aug 9, 2011

If you were to ask most Americans what a ‘Healthy Community’ means to them some responses would be: a safe place filled with whole fresh food plenty of exercise and free of disease. Unfortunately many communities across the nation—including some in our metro Washington region—lack these important healthy attributes.