Year in Review Summary of NVRC accomplishments for FY2014/2015

2015 was a year of accomplishment at the Northern Virginia Regional Commission. Several projects were completed, several new ones launched and important demographic studies undertaken by the Commission vividly highlighted the importance of the region to the Commonwealth of Virginia. NVRC continues to play an important role in the public health, environment and economic well-being of the region.

Four Mile Run

Construction was launched and completed on the Alexandria portion of the Four Mile Run Restoration Project. The project is a model for regional cooperation and serves as a great example of citizen engagement and of an urban stream restoration. The Arlington portion of the project will commence construction in 2016. NVRC is pleased to work with the City and County to help coordinate the project.

Energy and Sustainability

We launched our inaugural Solarize campaign and by the end of the year 53 contracts for new solar PV systems were signed. The systems increase the amount of solar kW installed by 11.64% in Northern Virginia and 3.72% statewide as compared to 2013. The projects have a construction value of $1.48 million.

In addition, 459 families received FREE home energy checkups. The average checkup will save a family approximately $72 per year.

We created the first on-line Solar PV mapping tool in Virginia as a pilot in Dumfries and will expand it to the entire region in 2016.

Workforce

The issue of workforce continues to dominate the region. Based upon direction from the Board of Commissioners of the NVRC after its strategic planning session, the NVRC hosted a regional roundtable dedicated to workforce on September 22. We were pleased the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Terrence McAuliffe, business leaders and public sector leaders participated in the event. The event was co-sponsored by NVRC, George Mason University, the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce and the Northern Virginia Technology Council.

Photos from the Workforce Roundtable event held on September 22, 2015.

Economic Vitality

NVRC completed a groundbreaking study in 2015 on the impact of Federal government procurement in the region and the Commonwealth. Approximately 90% (equivalent to $261 billion) of Federal procurement spending in Virginia occurs in ten jurisdictions. In rank order, based on obligated contract award amounts, they are: Fairfax County, Arlington County, City of Newport News, City of Norfolk, Loudoun County, Prince William County, City of Alexandria, Virginia Beach and the Cities of Portsmouth and Hampton.

If Northern Virginia were a State it would rank second in the nation, behind only California, in the amount of Federal procurement dollars it has received over the past five years.

Human Services

NVRC helped provide medical care, supportive services and/or housing to approximately 2700 low-income persons with HIV/AIDS in Northern Virginia and portions of Planning Districts 7, 9 and 16.

This program is made available through a number of funding streams that together have provided approximately $17 million to the region over the last two years.

Water

NVRC plays a critical leadership role in protecting the drinking water supply of the region.

NVRC staff chair the U.S. EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Urban Stormwater Workgroup and play a leadership role across multiple State and Federal agencies impacting the quantity and quality of drinking water in the region. Such activities include:

  • Urban Stormwater Workgroup
  • Water Quality Goal Implementation Team
  • Watershed Technical Workgroup
  • Modeling Workgroup
  • Virginia DEQ BMP Clearinghouse
  • Total Maximum Daily Pollutant Load Implementation Plan for the 4 Mile Run Watershed

Community and Military Partnerships

Community and Military partnerships are vital to the region. As such NVRC helped to provide partnership training for public-public partnerships assisted by Booz Allen Hamilton with Fort Belvoir, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Fort Meade, Joint Base Myer/Henderson Hall, Navy Yard, Joint Base Anacostia/Bolling and Ravanna Station. Using several agreement types, partnership agreements were completed between the community and the military for:

  • Playground Inspections
  • NVRC/Fort Belvoir and Marine Corps Base Quantico Commuter Centers
  • Opening of golf courses to public
  • Trails
  • Lorton Workhouse Art Center
Commuter Day at Fort Belvoir and agreement signing regarding the Lorton Workhouse Art Center

Coastal Resources Management

NVRC actively works with local government and private sector partners to protect our shorelines. Activities include:

  • NVRC obtained over $300,000 in grant funding to construct a living shoreline and provide outreach and education for local governments on design and implementation. The project at Leesylvania State Park will stabilize and reduce erosion.
  • Coordinated the Northern Virginia Clean Water Partners Stormwater Education Campaign.
  • Coordinated the Plant NoVA Natives Program working with multiple stakeholders throughout region.
  • Published a 50-page full color native plant guide.
  • Instructed over 100 individuals on how to build a residential rain garden.
  • Co-hosted stormwater retrofit workshop with Fairfax County.
  • Worked with Virginia Association of Counties Coastal Insurance Study Task Force

Collaboration

NVRC has undertaken a number of initiatives over the course of the year to facilitate unilateral transfers of technology and policy innovation from overseas to Northern Virginia. Work is prioritized based upon partner countries trade and investment. NVRC works with the international efforts of Northern Virginia's research, commercial, scientific and civil society organizations. Activities this year include:

  • Establishing formal partnership with the Northern Virginia Technology Council International Committee.
  • Co-hosted event with George Mason University with Congressman Don Beyer to discuss international activities at the local/regional level.
  • Co-hosted workshop on cyber security and peer-to-peer technical exchange on climate and energy innovation to Germany. NVRC partnered with the American Council on Germany and the Heinrich Boell Foundation in these activities.
  • Other partnerships included with the George C. Marshall International Center, the Northern Virginia Community College, the Smart Cities Council and the Center for Climate Studies.
Photos: (left) NVRC staff participated in the French Embassy's two-day symposium on climate change (center) Signing of agreement with the Northern Virginia Technology Council International Committee (right) Former Governor Norbert Ruetgers of North Rhine Westfalia at the George C. Marshall International Center

Bikes, Trails and Pedestrian Safety

NVRC is pleased to have revised and distributed the only bicycle, pedestrian and safety pocket guide in both Spanish and English in Virginia. Nearly 100,000 copies of the guide were distributed to more than 50 groups in Northern Virginia and statewide. NVRC maintains a pedestrian/bike safety web site.

NVRC held three training events in high crash areas on safe riding, walking and rules of the road. Events included more than 300 helmets fitted and given away to adults and children. More than 400 people signed pledges to walk, ride and drive more safely after receiving training.

Trails

NVRC supported local trail projects including sponsorship and administration of three projects: Mt. Vernon Trail improvements, Whites Ford Park and Neabasco Creek boardwalk. NVRC also worked with Loudoun County parks, citizens, GIS and transportation on Potomac Heritage Trail projects in the region.

Solid Waste and Toxics

NVRC provides management to the Solid Waste Management Board for participating localities in Northern Virginia. NVRC completed a training on the proper handling and disposal of fluorescents, electronics and batteries with government, universities and local businesses in the region reaching over 10 million square feet of commercial space. A member of the NVRC staff serves as the President of the Virginia Recycling Association.

Blanket/Coat Drive 2015

NVRC, working with our local governments, faith community and private sector partners, successfully coordinated our third annual blanket/coat drive to help the Syrian refugees in Turkey.

The 2015 drive was our most successful ever collecting some 144,000 pounds of blankets and coats exceeding the total collected in 2014 by more than 300%!

Want to Learn More?

This on-line report summarizes some of the accomplishments of the NVRC over the course of the past 12 months. You can view the full list by clicking on the link below.

or visit the NVRC web site.

Created with images by Andreas Demmelbauer - "Solar Panel" • tpsdave - "pentagon washington dc military" • Wind Watcher - "Tight and Light - Kite Over The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel" • Rousseau - "book stack learn"

Made with Adobe Slate

Make your words and images move.

Get Slate

Report Abuse

If you feel that this video content violates the Adobe Terms of Use, you may report this content by filling out this quick form.

To report a Copyright Violation, please follow Section 17 in the Terms of Use.