LINK 2012: Greater Washington
Washington, DC / Maryland / Northern Virginia

The Washington, DC region covers 15 counties and the District of Columbia. With a population of 5.6 million people, this region is the 7th largest metropolitan area in the United States. Less than 50 miles away, a distinct region on its own, lies greater Baltimore – the nation’s 20th largest market with more than 2.7 million people living in five counties and the City of Baltimore. The 2012 LINK trip explored both of these dynamic regions.

LINK participants learned how leaders in the Baltimore region have worked to diversify the economy and helped the region become a cybersecurity hot spot. Greater Washington has also experienced a jump in the number of jobs in its education, healthcare and professional services sectors, making it one of few thriving regions in the midst of the great recession.

The program also explored how education is transforming the Greater Washington region through the reform of the DC Public Schools System and the inception of the Pathway to the Baccalaureate program in Northern Virginia. Transportation projects - express lanes, connector highways and new heavy rail - are changing the face of the nation's most congested region. And the area is quickly becoming known as a hub for 'walkable places' - places where residents can shop, work, go to school and see a show, all without driving. From redeveloped, inner-core neighborhoods to former suburban locations, these places are enhancing the livability of this growing region.

Presentations

Greater Baltimore Region Overview (PDF) - Tom Sadowski, Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore

Overview of the Greater Washington Region (PDF) - Dr. Steve Fuller, George Mason University

Dulles Corridor Metrorail Extension (PDF) - Supervisor Catherine Hudgins, WMATA Board Chair & Fairfax County Supervisor

495 Express Lanes - Tim Steinhilber, Transurban

Economic and Other Benefits of Smart Growth (PDF) - Supervisor Chris Zimmerman, Arlington County

Washington DC: City of the Future? (PDF) - Harriet Tregoning, DC Director of Planning

Lessons Learned: What's Next for the Atlanta Region? (PDF) - Chris Leinberger, Brookings Institution