Members of an Arlington advisory panel are expressing concerns that feedback on the county’s proposed Climate Action Plan doesn’t fully represent the broader community.
Jason Schwartz, representing the Housing Commission on the county’s Climate Action Plan Advisory Group, raised concerns about the underrepresentation of renters and those living in multifamily properties in an online survey being used as a planning tool by staff.
A potential ban on gas-powered leaf blowers in Arlington is moving forward, with county staff preparing draft regulations for community and County Board consideration.
Board action as early as this summer could start the clock ticking on a multi-year phaseout period.
The Arlington County Board has unanimously adopted a new policy statement on the county’s response to changing climate conditions.
But some on the same side of the issue as the five elected officials urged them to move even more quickly and aggressively.
Ranked-choice voting, a climate resolution, the contentious Melwood development proposal and the draft Fiscal Year 2026 county budget are all on the agenda for a County Board meeting slated for Saturday (Feb. 22).
Among the highlights:
Arlington residents seeking to reduce their carbon footprint now have a new app to help.
GetGreen Arlington, produced by the county and the nonprofit EcoAction Arlington, seeks “to inspire and empower residents and businesses to take climate action.”
Arlington has a new top climate official to steer the county toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 — a goal that some activists fear the county is not on track to meet.
Jennifer Fioretti, previously deputy director of the Dept. of Parks and Recreation, has been named Assistant County Manager for Climate Policy, the county announced in a press release. She will oversee the development of policies that engage both county government and the broader community in achieving Arlington’s environmental goals.
Three Arlington high school students presented research at one of the world’s largest data visualization conventions this month.
Rising Washington-Liberty High School seniors Karin Anderson and Annie Trucano, along with recent graduate Kaitlyn Fado, traveled to San Diego to present at a conference attended by about 17,000 industry professionals. Their presentations at the 2024 Esri User Conference showcased the effects of climate change, invasive insect species and urban planning challenges in the DC area.
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Arlington is rolling out a series of green initiatives, pouring millions into revamping its public infrastructure.
The D.C. area’s council of governments wants to get at least half of the region covered in trees.
After years of shrinking tree cover, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) adopted a goal earlier this month of maintaining a minimum canopy of at least 50% throughout the D.C. area. It is calling on local governments including Arlington to commit to a similar goal.
Arlington is facing a flood of questions about stormwater management around Lubber Run.
The county postponed a public meeting about potential flood mitigation measures in the watershed, originally scheduled for last Wednesday, “due to staff needing more time to respond to last minute community requests,” Stormwater Outreach Manager Aileen Winquist told ARLnow.
Arlington is one of the most climate resilient places in the nation, according to a new set of rankings.
USA Today ranks Arlington No. 2 on its new-for-2024 “top-ranking cities for climate resiliency” list.
An intensifying climate and ongoing impacts of the shift to remote work will transform Arlington over the next 25 years, experts say.
At the same time, the county’s workforce will need to become more nimble to keep up with changes driven by artificial intelligence.
