February held a packed agenda. Before turning to some of the many things we did, I want to congratulate Jay Fisette on his outstanding career on the County Board. Jay decided it is time for him to take on a new challenge. He will serve out his term, so we will have his experienced leadership on the Board for the rest of the year, and I wish him all the best in whatever he undertakes next. We approved the several projects in the 6.5 acre Western Rosslyn Area Planning Study: a school, a park, an affordable housing complex, parking garages, a fire station, and a mixed-use residential … [Read more...]
January’s Board meeting was light, but a lot is happening
It has been quite a month. Regular Meeting Items: Our first full set of meetings for 2017 had a light agenda. Of note was a revision to our newly adopted short term rental policy enabling renters, by permission of their owner, to rent their home out for short term stays. We also allowed multiple contracts for one homestay. We approved loans to APAH to move forward with purchasing several buildings in Westover and renovating them for affordable housing. At the same time, we strengthened our Tenant Assistance Fund (TAF) to make it more efficiently tailored to the needs of individual projects. … [Read more...]
Join together as 1 of Many
As we conclude our celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday, I want to share with you a number of events this coming weekend for those of us wishing to express concerns about the direction of the new administration. Arlington Democrats have put together a set of events around the Women’s March on Washington on Saturday. I’m planning to attend all three. We will be making signs for the march on Friday evening. We will be gathering from 6:00-9:00 pm in the basement of Clarendon Presbyterian Church, 1305 N Jackson Street. We will share fun, fellowship, and creativity as we prepare for … [Read more...]
A new year for your County Board
Happy New Year! Last night, the County Board held its annual Organizational Meeting. My colleagues and I each gave our thoughts and spoke about our goals for the year ahead. I built on the themes that I discussed last month at my swearing-in and made my goal for 2017 to connect our government with our people, and our people with each other. I truly believe that when we are all connected, we can solve any problem. You can read my full remarks, or watch a recording of the meeting on the Arlington County website. My remarks begin at the 1:09 mark. We also unanimously elected our colleagues … [Read more...]
Libby’s 2017 Organizational Meeting Remarks
The Arlington County Board met on January 3rd, 2017 for their annual Organizational Meeting. Below is a video recording and the full text of Libby's remarks on her priorities and outlook for the year Thank you, Chair Fisette. Congratulations to you and our new Vice-Chair. Thank you to all my colleagues for your partnership and teamwork last year during my Chairmanship. Thanks to everyone here and tuning in, with a special shout out to the Arlington County Civic Federation for holding their first meeting here with us later this evening. We’re all starting the new year … [Read more...]
A new term, the sharing economy, and a path forward on towing
As 2016 winds to a close, your County Board continues to be busy. Last Tuesday, I had the honor of being sworn-in for my second full term on the Arlington County Board. It was a wonderful ceremony, featuring an original poem by Arlington’s Poet Laureate, Katherine Young, and food from three local, small businesses. Thank you to everyone who was able to join; it meant so much to me to see you in the audience. If you couldn’t join, you can watch a recording of the ceremony or read a transcript of my remarks online. On the 10th, we approved regulations to allow for short-term home rentals … [Read more...]
Libby Sworn In For Second Full County Board Term
I had the honor of being sworn-in today for my second full term on the Arlington County Board. Below is a link to watch the ceremony, and the transcript of my remarks follows. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us, and to all of you for your support. Click here to watch a recording of the ceremony Thank you, everyone, for coming. It means so much to see you all here. I want to add special thanks to the people who made today possible: our County Board staff for setting up the room and reception for us. Thanks to my four County Board colleagues for serving … [Read more...]
Mark Your Calendars!
I hope your Thanksgiving was happy and safe. I had a wonderful time with family, and am now looking forward to closing out 2016. With that in mind, please mark your calendars for three upcoming events: Inform: Arlington County Manager Mark Schwartz and School Superintendent Dr. Patrick Murphy are beginning the 2018 budget process with a public forum in which residents will share their priorities and ideas for the FY 2018 budget. The forum is tonight from 6-8 pm at Wakefield High School. I know this is short notice, but if you can't make it, you still can participate via a livestream on … [Read more...]
A busy month for your county government
What a month November has been. I hope that you are all looking forward to time with friends and family next week and to reflecting on everything for which we can be truly thankful. Last week’s presidential election did not go as we had hoped, and I share many justifiable concerns about the direction of federal policy and its impact on the most vulnerable in our society. My colleagues and I addressed these concerns and our commitments to all Arlington residents at our meeting less than 24 hours after the election. I invite you to watch our remarks and to reply to this note if you would like to … [Read more...]
Thank you!
While we are all disappointed and concerned about the outcome of yesterday's national elections, I am honored that I will have the privilege to serve you for four more years on the Arlington County Board. Thank you for your support. I am especially thankful to everyone who worked hard to make this victory happen. First, I must again thank everyone who contributed time, money, and spirit to my primary campaign in the spring. Without you, this general election would not have been possible. A big shout out goes to my manager, Scott Pedowitz, and to key volunteers like Brendan Adams and Fran … [Read more...]
