2007 Saw Gains in Affordable Housing, Infrastructure, Capital Projects and Action on Climate Change for Arlington County

Outgoing Board Chairman Paul Ferguson marks year’s accomplishments in year-end press conference held at new 9-1-1 center

ARLINGTON, Va. – December 11, 2007 – Arlington County government preserved Buckingham Villages and 300 units of affordable housing, completed key capital projects and reduced its carbon dioxide footprint by 1,060 tons during 2007, County Board Chairman Paul Ferguson said today during the Board’s year-end press conference at the County’s new Emergency Communications Center.

“We’ve attended to basic needs this year,” Ferguson said. “We finished key capital projects and made real progress on others. We repaired and improved infrastructure, completed Neighborhood Conservation projects and got off to a good start in our long-term effort to reduce County government’s greenhouse gas emissions.”

Ferguson noted that the County maintained its Triple-A rating with bonding agencies for the seventh consecutive year, kept real estate taxes the lowest of any major jurisdiction in Northern Virginia, and maintained an unemployment rate well below the state and federal average despite a national economic slowdown. Among the year’s highlights:

Fresh AIRE moves forward
Chairman Ferguson announced the County’s Fresh AIRE (Arlington Initiative to Reduce Emissions) program on Jan. 1, 2007. Under the program, Arlington committed to reducing government greenhouse gas emissions 10 percent from 2000 levels by 2012.

During 2007, Arlington held its energy consumption flat, even as it added new facilities, and increased its purchase of wind-generated energy. These efforts allowed the County to reduce its carbon dioxide footprint in 2007 by 1,060 tons.

Through Fresh AIRE, the County sponsored free energy audits for homes and businesses, gave away thousands of energy-efficient light bulbs and held dozens of workshops on energy efficiency. It established a permanent funding stream for environmental programs by enacting a residential utility tax.

“We’ve made real progress this year in controlling our energy consumption, and in helping residents and businesses learn how to cut consumption and hold down costs,” Ferguson said. “Fresh AIRE is on track, and I am confident that we will reach our goal of reducing greenhouse gases generated by County operations and facilities 10 percent by 2012.”

County completes key capital, infrastructure projects
The County completed the Shirlington Branch Library and Signature Theatre complex, and opened a completely renovated Greenbrier Park, which now offers first-rate athletic facilities to the entire Arlington community. “We are nearing completion on this state-of-the-art Emergency Communications Center and advancing construction of the Fairlington Community Center, the Shirlington Transit Station and the Four Mile Run Connector,” Ferguson said.

The County also opened a transition center for those directly impacted by the Base Realignment and Closing (BRAC) process, and established a fund for curb and gutter work throughout the County to pave unimproved streets. Eleven streets were paved under new program by November.

Buckingham Villages preserved
One of the County’s most significant achievements, Ferguson noted, was the approval of a community plan to preserve much of the 17-acre historic Buckingham Villages, including 300 new committed affordable apartments and several new public amenities.

Ferguson stepping down after 12 years on Board
Ferguson, who was elected Clerk of the Arlington County Court in November, is leaving the Board after 12 years of service.

“Arlington is a healthy, thriving, diverse community,” Ferguson said. “Our schools remain among the best in the nation. Our crime rate is the lowest it has been since 1960, our real estate tax is the second lowest in Northern Virginia, and our property values are stable, despite the national economic downturn. Our employment rate is the lowest in the state and we are attracting new businesses and new jobs. Much remains to be done, but 2007 has been a good year for our County.”

Walter Tejada picked as 2008 Board Chairman
Arlington County Vice Chairman Walter Tejada will be the next chairman of the County Board, Ferguson revealed. At its traditional New Year’s Day organizational meeting on Jan. 1, 2008, Tejada is expected to be voted as Chairman and Barbara Favola as Vice-Chair.

More information
Visit the County’s website to read the full Year-End 2007 Report, as well as a fact sheet on the new Emergency Communications Center.

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Arlington, Va., is a world-class urban community that was originally part of the “10-mile square” parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation’s Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Known for its urban villages and transit-oriented development, Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use. In 2002, the county was the first recipient of the Environmental Protection Agency’s highest award for “Smart Growth.” Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world – including the Pentagon – Arlington stands out as one of America’s preeminent places to live, visit and do business.