Economy tops COG's list of 9 issues for '09

WASHINGTON - "Responding to the economic crisis and its effect on area governments will be the No. 1 issue for COG in 2009," Mike Knapp, chairman of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, told regional leaders Wednesday.

COG is out with its nine key regional issues for '09.

1. Regional Economy
2. Transportation
3. Climate Change
4. Federal-State Partnership
5. Foreclosures
6. Emergency Preparedness
7. Greater Washington 2050
8. Pedestrian Safety
9. Anacostia Watershed Restoration

Knapp says more needs to be done to combat the region's high foreclosure rates.

"The drop in home prices and loss of property tax revenue has taken a heavy toll on our communities," he said.

COG plans to work closely with the incoming Obama administration, Knapp says.

In early 2009, Knapp says the association of 21 local governments will focus on how regional priorities can be addressed through a new federal stimulus package.

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