Thank you for accepting this testimony on behalf of the Coalition for Smarter Growth. CSG advocates for walkable, bikeable, inclusive, and transit-oriented communities as the most sustainable and equitable way for the Washington, DC region to grow and provide opportunities for all.
Author: Elena Sorokina
ACTION ALERT! Tell the Council: support new homes on corridors and say no to more barriers
ACTION ALERT! Tell the Council: support new homes on corridors and say no to more barriers
CSG in the News: The W&OD Trail is a Northern Virginia treasure at risk
September 11, 2025 | Sonya Breehey, Kevin O’Brien | Greater Greater Washington
The W&OD is a popular 45-mile linear park and trail, providing communities from Arlington to Purcellville a vital connection to active transportation, recreation, and conservation. Yet Dominion’s clear-cutting and a potential long-shot commuter rail proposal could significantly change this important corridor.
As we enjoy and celebrate the W&OD, let’s not be complacent or take it for granted.
Together with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, CSG co-authored an op-ed for Greater Greater Washington explaining why we must act now to protect the trail.
The op-ed has been supported by Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling, Friends of Holmes Run, FairfaxForward, Northern Virginia Families for Safe Streets, Northern Virginia Bird Alliance, Nature Forward, and Bike Loudoun.
Get Involved: Sign the petition demanding that Dominion halt its clear-cutting plan and return to the negotiating table with NOVA Parks, and stay informed about the campaign.
Testimony: Support for University Boulevard Corridor Plan (MoCo)
We ask for your support for the goals of safe streets, vibrant and inclusive communities, and transit-oriented homes and businesses laid out in the University Boulevard Corridor Plan and in our county’s 30-year general plan, Thrive 2050.
Event: Fault Lines. Screening of a housing documentary, followed by a panel discussion and a social hour
A screening of Fault Lines, a documentary exploring housing and policy, followed by a panel of regional leaders and a community social hour. The panel will examine Northern Virginia’s housing challenges and explore strategies to build more inclusive and livable communities in our region.
Press Release: CSG welcomes Governor Moore’s executive order to boost housing production in Maryland
The Coalition for Smarter Growth commends the Moore-Miller administration for enacting the Housing Starts Here executive order, demonstrating Maryland’s commitment to building the homes we need in a strategic, sustainable, and inclusive way.
Maryland: Comments on Frederick draft Climate and Energy Action Plan
We commend Frederick County and the City of Frederick for preparing this plan and setting targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 (from 2010 baseline) and 100% by 2050.
CSG in the News: Rally Against Widespread Tree Removal On W&OD Trail Planned In Vienna
August 28, 2025 | Emily Leayman| Patch
The Rally for W&OD will be held on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the Vienna Town Green (144 Maple Avenue E), which the trail runs through. The rally seeks to stop tree cutting along the trail and get elected officials and decision makers to negotiate a new agreement on the tree maintenance policies. Event sponsors include the Sierra Club Great Falls Group, Washington Area Bicyclist Association, Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling, Coalition for Smarter Growth, Nature Forward and Fairfax Families for Safe Streets.
Supporting our Capital City and its people
A message from CSG’s team
MD Comments: Draft Go Prince George’s
We wish to provide some initial comments on the draft Go Prince George’s in advance of its formal consideration.