Dear Friends, 

Thanks for visiting my website.

On January 2, 2012, the County Board held our annual organizational meeting.  Arlington is probably the only jurisdiction in America that meets on January 1 or 2.  Each member takes a few minutes to identify their priorities for the year.  For the full text of my remarks from that day click on “Speeches.”

Following a couple of difficult years, Arlington continues to thrive.  Many developers have told me that the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor is the hottest sub-market in the U.S.  Our unemployment rate has remained below 4%, and stands at 3.4% now – consistently the lowest in Virginia.  Our property assessments dipped modestly, yet have held their value far better than most localities.

My focus for 2012 remains on our community’s sustainability -- fiscal, economic and environmental.  I will work toward the adoption of a Community Energy Plan as a part of Arlington’s Comprehensive Plan.  This effort will ensure our community’s long term economic competitiveness and environmental legacy – and is a model for other localities across the U.S.  I will also be teaming with my colleague Walter Tejada to begin an urban agriculture initiative this year.  And there is much more…as you can imagine.

Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.

Best,

Jay