Last week, I shared my priorities for 2023 at the County Board's organizational meeting. Just in case you missed them, below is a video with my thoughts on missing middle, the budget, our office vacancy rate/economic development, schools, climate issues, traffic safety, and hunger.
My Priorities for 2023 in 9 minutes
Arlington also marked two milestones over the last few weeks that reflect the strength of our community. First, we reached 100% of our County Government is powered by renewable energy. That's two years early on a goal that we had for 2025: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/VAARLINGTON/bulletins/3410f6 Next step: our whole community, residents and businesses, needs to be renewably powered by 2035. We have work to do.
Second, we were named "Fittest City in the US," an honor we have received a number of times, including 2021. The video below is unconventional, but I think it provides a sense of our community that you'll enjoy. The award also reflects our community's decisions and commitment to health. We have work to do in this area as well: much more work to do on health equity.
Arlington's been named the "Fittest City in America" again.
On hunger, the County is looking for a Vista AmeriCorps Member. This job will help us implement the Food Security Strategic Plan; it's a great opportunity for those of any age who want to take a year to make a difference on hunger and poverty. I did AmeriCorps via Teach for America when I was straight out of college. To learn more and apply, go here: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=116055
On homelessness, I think you will enjoy this podcast on how the number of homeless have gone down, but the visibility of those who are homeless seems to have increased. Hear from Mayor Bowser regarding this challenge in our region: https://www.mwcog.org/newsroom/2022/12/13/podcast-addressing-homelessness-with-innovation-and-collaboration/
If you'd like to make a difference in Arlington on homelessness, go here to learn more about how to help individuals or families in immediate need: https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Departments/DHS/Public-Assistance/Homelessness If you are interested in a big volunteer role in addressing homelessness, email me.
Happy new year to you and your family: let's make it our best year yet!
