For Immediate Release

Saturday, January 01, 2011

Christopher Zimmerman Elected 2011 Chairman of Arlington County Board

• Mary Hughes Hynes elected Board vice-chair
• “Continuity of effort” in 2011
• Launches small business effort

The Arlington County Board today elected Christopher Zimmerman its 2011 chairman. The Board’s action came at the start of its traditional New Year’s Day meeting, kicking off what Zimmerman described as a “continuity of effort.” The Board elected Mary Hughes Hynes vice chair for 2011 and all Board Members outlined their priorities for 2011.

Zimmerman cited Arlington’s “legacy of transit-oriented development formed a foundation on which it has been possible to build a new of model of urbanism, one that is both environmentally responsible [sustainable] and offers a better life for those who live here.” He quoted Peter Calthorpe, who wrote in a newly-published took, “Urbanism is, in fact, our single most potent weapon against climate change, rising energy costs, and environmental degradation.”

Zimmerman outlined many long-range plans that will come to fruition in 2011, including: Columbia Pike Land Use and Housing Initiative; Streets Element of the Master Transportation Plan; East Falls Church Plan; follow up from Crystal City Sector Plan approved last year, including appointment of Citizen Review Council; Historic Resources Inventory; Land Acquisition and Preservation Policy, part of the Public Space Master Plan; Columbia Pike Streetcar project -- Environmental Assessment; and five-year review of the County’s Comprehensive Plan.

Zimmerman also highlighted a number of significant County projects that will come to fruition in 2011, including Phase I of Long Bridge Park, Fire Station No. 3 (Cherrydale), and the multi-year effort to expand and upgrade the Water Pollution Control Plant.  Also, in 2011, the County will deliver dozens of road projects, WalkArlington and BikeArlington projects, sanitary sewer and water main improvements, and Neighborhood Conservation projects.

Zimmerman launches small business effort

Zimmerman described a special “effort aimed at helping small businesses meet local permitting requirements for locating in or expanding their businesses as quickly and efficiently as possible.” He explained that “Local entrepreneurship is essential to the vitality of our community, to give it unique character, to mark it as an authentic place, not just another indistinguishable product in a chain of mass-produced suburbs. We must continue to find ways to help small businesses succeed.”

Zimmerman announced that he will “convene a ‘Chairman’s Roundtable’ to bring business owners together so that they can share their experiences, and help us develop ways to improve our processes and regulations. “ For example, he cited the need to improve the sign ordinance, “often a source of frustration for residents as well as merchants.”

>>Read Zimmerman’s Jan. 1 speech in full.

Christopher Zimmerman has been a resident of Arlington County since 1979.  First elected to the Arlington County Board in 1996 and re-elected in 1998, 2002, and 2006.  He served as Chairman in 1998, 2002 and 2006, and as Vice Chairman in 1997, 2001, and 2005. >>Read his full bio.

Hynes pledges to focus on capital maintenance

Board Vice Chair Mary Hughes Hynes emphasized strategic thinking, collaboration and innovation. In 2011, Hynes will serve as Board liaison to a new Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Working Group, which will help “develop strategies to address capital maintenance challenges.” She also spoke about the creation of a new Crystal City Citizens Review Council, to help with implementation of the Crystal City Sector Plan, which the County Board adopted this past summer.

Hynes also applauded new efforts to bring new approaches to monitoring live entertainment in Clarendon. The efforts involve collaborations with Virginia ABC and Arlington County staff from Police Department and Offices of Fire Marshal and Zoning. >>Read Hynes' speech in full.

Board Members cite 2011 priorities

Board Member Barbara Favola will focus on “issues that move us forward along the path of social equity. In my view, the most important social equity issue facing Arlington is the need to create a community where everyone can afford to live; and to conveniently access the many amenities Arlington has to offer.” She also pledged to work with community leaders to make progress toward implementing a year-round, low-barrier shelter for homeless persons.  >>Read Favola's speech in full.

Outgoing chairman Jay Fisette pledged to focus on fiscal sustainability and applauded the creation of the CIP Working Group. In 2011, Fisette will continue to advance the development of the Community Energy Plan, which will include “integrated policies for the generation, distribution, storage and use of energy in Arlington.” Work will begin this year on an implementation plan. >>Read Fisette's speech in full.

Board Member J. Walter Tejada highlighted a number of special community-building events in Arlington, including commemorations of the 150-year anniversary of the American Civil War and Arlington Sister City events. Tejada highlighted an initiative to “Tell Arlington’s Story… to build community, honor our history, and perhaps most importantly give ourselves a shared sense of identity.” Tejada also pledged to continue to promote a culture of fitness. >>Read Tejada's speech in full.

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.