Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Tejada Joins Governor's Urban Policy Task Force
Panel to design comprehensive strategy
ARLINGTON, Va. — Arlington County Board Member Walter Tejada was selected by Governor Timothy M. Kaine to be part of the Governor's Urban Policy Task Force, a Cabinet-level task force that will review economic, social, and fiscal conditions in Virginia’s urban areas.
The panel also will develop benchmarks to track the effectiveness of state programs serving residents of urban areas, and recommend approaches that encourage collaboration among localities within Virginia’s metropolitan regions.
“The challenges of urbanization present a diverse range of policy issues – economic development, education, transportation, public safety, and human services,” Governor Kaine said. “The Task Force will allow us to measure successes as we evaluate the health and vitality of our urban areas.”
“I am excited about the opportunity to help shape a 21st century urban policy for Virginia. As our county—and its citizens, students and businesses—compete in a global economy in the knowledge era, metropolitan regions will become the most critical nodes to success.” Said Arlington County Board Member Walter Tejada. “Consequently, ensuring the adoption of a comprehensive policy to ensure the health and vitality of Virginia’s local governments will be central to the state’s ability to be an international leader.”
The Task Force will be chaired by the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, and includes the Secretaries of Education, Health and Human Resources, Natural Resources, Public Safety, and Transportation. Dr. Earl H. McClenney, Governor Kaine’s Senior Advisor for Urban Policy, will advise the panel.
Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles 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. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency's highest award for "Smart Growth" in 2002. 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.
