This morning I am juggling meetings and work, but I wanted to give you a quick update on March and ask you to help us reach our critical fundraising goal by contributing what you can to raise the $2433 we need by tomorrow at midnight.
As far as County Board work, March is budget season. The Board's held 10 public meetings and counting--the last one of the month is tomorrow night. The budget is a statement of our values, so I have been digging in. We've made some progress already with 2 positions to help address conditions such as those at the Serrano--existing affordable units that need to be in better condition. The environment is also a big priority as is mental health care and substance abuse response.
As far as the March regularly scheduled board meetings, the Board approved a development project along Columbia Pike, the Elliott. I am very pleased about this project as it is development in a part of the Pike where it is needed. We also took a first look (final look in April) at the Clarendon Sector Plan. Balancing development with the community benefits we need to see there is our task. More to come on this next month.
We also appointed the Civilian Oversight Board of our police. I am very proud of moving forward on this: I am one of the board liaisons this year and was Chair last year when we passed the ordinance. There is much more work to do and I recognize it is not perfect, but we must engage and get started. Go here to learn more: https://www.arlingtonva.us/About-Arlington/News/Articles/2022/Community-Oversight-Board-COB
To continue the work, I must ask you with urgency to help us meet our goal of raising $2,433 by midnight tomorrow. March 31, tomorrow, is our second reporting deadline of this campaign. We are slated to get a contribution tomorrow, which will leave us at $2,433 to raise.
Four years ago, I sometimes used the phrase, "It's in your hands." This moment is such a time. I don't know who or whether we will hit our goal. I do know that it is important that we do. If you can help, I would really appreciate it.
