Coalition for Smarter Growth Honors Congressman Gerry Connolly
COALITION FOR SMARTER GROWTH
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release Contact: Stewart Schwartz
February 26, 2009 202.244.4408 ext. 121
Cell: 703.599.6437
Smart Growth-Conservation Group Honors Congressman Gerry Connolly
Coalition for Smarter Growth 2009 Livable Communities Leadership Award
Recognizinga record of leadership in Northern Virginia in support of smart growth, affordable housing, and conservation
WASHINGTON, DC – Last night at a special reception, the Coalition for Smarter Growth recognized Congressman Gerry Connolly, of Northern Virginia’s 11th District, with its sixth annual Livable Communities Leadership Award. Arlington County Board member Chris Zimmerman presented the award (photo) on behalf of the Coalition, recognizing Congressman Connolly’s leadership as Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and on Northern Virginia and DC regional organizations.
The reception, held in the beautiful headquarters space donated by National Trust for Historic Preservation, attracted over 120 guests (photo), including a wide range of business, non-profit and government leaders to support the Coalition and Mr. Connolly.
“Gerry Connolly boldly changed the course of Fairfax County toward a more sustainable future,” said Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director of the Coalition for Smarter Growth. “He earned our recognition for championing Fairfax County’s substantial contributions to the critical priorities of our region: transit-oriented development, conservation, affordable housing and fighting climate change.”
“I am honored to receive this award from the Coalition. As a Northern Virginia Congressman, I intend to continue to work collaboratively with my congressional colleagues, local and regional government officials, and forward-thinking organizations like the Coalition to promote a green agenda, enhance the quality of life for our citizens, and sustain our vibrant economy,” said Congressman Connolly.
The Coalition recognized the following accomplishments:
Transit-Oriented Development: Mr. Connolly prepared the county for sustainable growth by making transit-oriented development a core principle and focus for future growth, approving the MetroWest mixed-use community at Vienna Metro, initiating the Tysons Land Use Task Force, and supporting the resulting bold, green vision for Tysons Corner.
Conservation: Under his leadership, the County Board added hundreds of acres of parkland and trails, pledging 10 percent of the County’s land as permanent open space. The County increased protection of streams and the Chesapeake Bay by dedicating one penny of the real estate tax rate to stormwater projects.
Housing: Mr. Connolly championed affordable and workforce housing to offer more people convenient access to jobs and housing, and to reduce long-distance commuting traffic. The county dedicated one penny on the tax rate to preserve affordable housing and promoted the extension of bonus-density-based inclusionary zoning to mid-rise and high-rise buildings. Mr. Connolly led approval of 270 units of workforce housing on the county’s government center property.
Energy and Climate Change: Gerry Connolly made Fairfax County a leader in fighting climate change by championing the “Cool Counties” initiative, committing to energy efficient practices not only within the county government, but also within local neighborhoods, schools and businesses. Fairfax County created the nationwide Cool Counties program along with King County, WA and the Sierra Club.
The Coalition for Smarter Growth is proud to continue an award program initiated by the Washington Regional Network for Livable Communities prior to its merger with the Coalition in 2007. Previous awardees include:
- Bob Peck (2008), former President of the Greater Washington Board of Trade and currently with The Staubach Company
- Dan Tangherlini (2007), DC City Administrator, and former director of DC
Department of Transportation and interim general manager at WMATA (Metro)
- James O. Gibson (2006), longtime advocate for urban communities through
foundation and non-profit work, currently with the Center for the Study of Social Policy
- Leslie Steen (2005), currently Vice President for Real Estate, Wesley Housing Development Corporation
- Chris Zimmerman (2004), Arlington County Board member and long-time leader on regional bodies including the Council of Governments and the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, among others.
The Coalition is a regional leader in ensuring that transportation and development decisions accommodate growth while revitalizing communities, providing more housing and travel choices, and conserving our natural and historic areas. Coalition partner groups include the Piedmont Environmental Council, Audubon Naturalist Society, Sierra Club, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Clean Water Action and others. The Coalition’s website is www.smartergrowth.net.
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