What a month! A big thank you again to everyone who worked so hard for our primary win. This was really a grassroots campaign.
Now, we are turning to November, and I am working together with my fellow candidates for our elections and to ensure Democratic victories from the school house to the White House. We’ve also had much County business, and I’d like to share highlights of our June Board meeting and my report to the Chamber of Commerce on the state of the County.
County Board Update
Your Board’s June agenda was packed with important items for keeping Arlington moving forward. The Board approved new development projects adding nearly 700 new homes in separate developments in Ballston, Courthouse, and on Columbia Pike. We also tended to the basics, approving contracts for infrastructure improvements and stormwater management along Four Mile Run, accepting a Neighborhood Conservation plan to improve walkability in Long Branch Creek, and expanding access our Financial Fraud, Waste & Abuse Hotline to the general public. To grow and to improve our green space, the Board also purchased and accepted donation of land for parks and approved renovations for Woodlawn Park, improving the playgrounds, trails, and nature protection there.
State of the County
Last week, I had the privilege of speaking at a Chamber of Commerce’s State of the County event. I am proud to say that the state of the County is great! I spoke about how bringing down our office vacancy rate remains one of our greatest challenges, and how we are all working together — elected officials, Economic Development staff, and private sector leaders — to attract new businesses to Arlington. I also talked about government is working differently, from improved debate and collaboration on the Board to being more responsive to resident and business concerns and complaints, so that we can serve all Arlingtonians better.
On a personal note, I look forward to having all my children and grandchildren with me this summer. I’ll be at a number of holiday parades and events for the 4th and wish everyone a happy and safe holiday.
