Virginia

Northern Virginia is an economic engine and with smart investments in walkable, inclusive, transit-oriented communities, the region can continue to thrive while reducing traffic and saving open space.

That’s why we support transit communities, revitalization of aging commercial corridors, and transit investments in Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun, and Prince William.

Yet, some still push for a return to 1950s-style development and an outer beltway that will gobble-up farms and forests, and divert resources from existing transportation needs. That’s why we must also fight for reform in transportation policies at the state level and encourage smart growth policies statewide.

Latest Happenings


Comments on Draft Programmatic Agreement for the Tri-County Parkway in Prince William and Loudoun Counties, Virginia

Comments on Draft Programmatic Agreement for the Tri-County Parkway in Prince William and Loudoun Counties, Virginia

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The following comments on the Draft Programmatic Agreement (PA) for the Tri-County Parkway (TCP) are submitted on behalf of the Southern Environmental Law Center, the Piedmont Environmental Council, the Coalition for Smarter Growth, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the National Parks Conservation Association. Our organizations recognize the irreplaceable value of Manassas National Battlefield Park (Battlefield).

Comments on Arlington County’s Columbia Pike Plan and Streetcar

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The key to a sustainable and equitable future for our region is a network of transit-oriented communities which mix a range of housing with jobs and services. We need the next generation of transit including streetcar, light rail, and bus rapid transit to expand high capacity transit service to more of our region, expanding access to jobs, reducingvehicle trips and fighting climate change. TOD not only maximizes transit trips but it also maximizes walking and bicycling trips as demonstrated by recent Council of Governments' travel surveys.

Testimony to Alexandria Planning Commission on Beauregard Small Area Plan

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The plan has benefitted from very extensive community involvement and input, particularly regarding the need to preserve and add affordable housing. We commend the community, and our affordable housing partners in particular, for helping to shape this plan and increase the number of committed affordable units. The plan has also benefited from the developer’s early inclusion of the nation's top new urbanist architecture, town planning and transportation experts.

Fairfax: Testimony to the Planning Commission Tysons Corner Committee on Financing Transportation Improvements

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First let me note that transit-oriented development can generate significant tax benefits for Fairfax as demonstrated by the Arlington experience. Arlington's two Metro corridors occupy just 11 percent of their land and generate something like 50% of their property tax base, generating revenues that have supported improvements in neighborhoods across Arlington -- recreation centers, traffic calming, parks and schools.

Groups Urge Virginia to Stop Unnecessary Highway and Save Historic Battlefield

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Contact: Stewart Schwartz, CSG, 703-599-6437 Chris Miller, PEC, 703-507-5790 Jenni Brewer, NTHP, 202-588-6380 Pamela Goddard, NPCA, 202-454-3365 Morgan Butler, SELC, 434-977-4090 Groups Urge Virginia to Stop Unnecessary Highway and Save Historic Battlefield  New Highway Proposed on Site of 150th Anniversary Weekend Reenactment of First Battle of Manassas Washington, D.C. (July