Is it possible to create economic mobility for all members of our community? Can we bring equity into vital issues like transportation and housing?    

In this episode of the Thriving Voices podcast, Andrew talks with Chuck Bean, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) to discuss how COG prioritizes and plans for important issues like the environment, transportation and public safety for the Metropolitan Washington area. 

Chuck Bean is an executive and civic leader with more than 25 years of experience in government, nonprofits, and philanthropy. Since 2012, Bean has served as Executive Director of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), one of the country’s prominent regional councils and metropolitan planning organizations. COG is an independent, nonprofit association that brings area leaders together to address major regional issues, including economic development, land-use, human services, public safety, and environmental and transportation planning. Its membership is comprised of 300 elected officials from 24 local governments, the Maryland and Virginia state legislatures, and U.S. 

In this episode, Andrew and Chuck Discuss: 

• What is the purpose of the Council of Governments 
• A brief history of population and economic growth history in the Arlington area 
• How transportation planning can increase economic mobility for all 
• The Malaise and Mojo of the Arlington area 
• Why rapid growth effects homelessness 
• What factors do economic mobility depend on 

What Chuck thinks it takes for a community to thrive fully?  

The inclusion of everybody in opportunity 

How do you help your community to thrive?  

Volunteering and being active in the public sphere 

More About Chuck Bean and Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments 

Bean previously served as President of the Nonprofit Roundtable of Greater Washington and the Director of the Community Capacity Fund. Bean earned his Master of Public Policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. 

Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) website: https://www.mwcog.org/ 

Twitter: @Chuck4theRegion 

Connect with Andrew Schneider  

Thrivingvoices@arlingtonthrive.org  

To learn more about Arlington Thrive, visit arlingtonthrive.org  

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