Think Regionally

Latest Episodes:

Episode 5: Prioritizing Safety on our Region's Roadways Mar 13, 2023

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The United States trails behind similarly industrialized countries when it comes to preventing roadway fatalities and serious injuries, and the metropolitan Washington region is no exception. Leaders in our region are looking to change that.

In this episode of Think Regionally, host Robert McCartney hears from guests on region-wide efforts to improve roadway safety, including redesigning streets so that all users co-exist safely within our transportation networks, using equity to target historically underserved areas, and increasing public outreach and education on the shared responsibility of safety.

Episode 4: Building momentum in 2023 Jan 30, 2023

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In 2022, area officials on the COG Board of Directors outlined bold priorities in COG's Region United: Metropolitan Planning Framework for 2030, which calls for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, accelerating housing production, creating transit-oriented communities, and advancing racial equity.
On this special episode of Think Regionally, host Robert McCartney talks with newly elected COG Board Chair and Montgomery County Councilmember Kate Stewart on her vision for the region's work in 2023, which includes building momentum on the priorities outlined in Region United, plus other issues like advancing mental health initiatives, supporting region-wide economic development, and focusing on Metro’s long-term success.

Episode 3: Addressing homelessness with innovation and collaboration Dec 14, 2022

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The number of people experiencing homelessness in metropolitan Washington has been steadily declining thanks to innovative programs to house those in need. Despite this progress, area leaders stress that in our large, expensive, and growing region, there's still more work to do.

In this episode, host Robert McCartney talks with some of the region's biggest champions for housing and homeless services about the progress made over the last few years and key actions and strategies to prevent and end homelessness.

Episode 2: Taking action on economic inequities Nov 21, 2022

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For the past two years, the region has seen an increase in area governments, businesses, and non-profits recognizing and committing to address the economic inequities highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the national reckoning on race. Regional leaders understand that each sector has a part to play in the journey to make metropolitan Washington a more equitable region for all residents to work, live, and play.

Episode 1: A holistic approach to addressing health inequities Oct 24, 2022

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Data shows life expectancy across the metropolitan Washington region can differ drastically within a single city or county, from neighborhood to neighborhood. Health experts Dr. Reuben Varghese and Dr. Steven Woolf join host Robert McCartney to diagnose factors that lead to different health outcomes and explore solutions.

Episode 9: The Future of the Economy (Part III) Jul 13, 2022

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Metropolitan Washington is home to a very highly educated workforce and attracts investment from some of the largest technology companies in the world, competing with similar metro regions like Silicon Valley and New York. The region also faces many of the same challenges as its competitors such as high-priced housing, traffic congestion, and widening inequality.

Episode 8: The Future of Transit (Part II) Jun 15, 2022

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The area’s elected officials and other leaders are looking to rely more on public transit as we plan for the future. That means expanding and improving service on Metrorail, bus lines, and commuter rail. The challenge is that it's expensive both to build and operate transit. Plus, it takes a long time to construct or renovate rail lines, bridges, and tunnels, and to alter roadways to allow for express bus service.

Three regional leaders join host Robert McCartney to discuss big ideas (and challenges) for the region to consider in part two of a three-episode series on the region’s future.

Episode 7: Picturing a post-COVID region (Part I) May 04, 2022

Show notes

Even as the COVID-19 pandemic recedes, it will have long-lasting impacts on our region. One of the biggest changes is likely to be an increase in people teleworking, significantly affecting not only how people work, but also where they choose to live and where companies locate jobs. Our next three episodes will focus on what local leaders should consider as they plan for the future of the region's economy, transportation system, and more. In this episode, host Robert McCartney is joined by two long-time COG regional planners. mwcog.org/thinkregionally

Episode 6: Electric Vehicles in the DMV Apr 04, 2022

Show notes

Metropolitan Washington’s elected officials formally committed more than a decade ago to fight climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. But how far have we come as a region? And what must we do to fulfill the regional goal of a 50 percent reduction by 2030? Moving to electric vehicles and alternative fuels is one important solution, planners, experts, and officials tell host Robert McCartney on this episode of Think Regionally. With a regional push, a widespread, reliable electric vehicle charging network is on the horizon. mwcog.org/thinkregionally

Episode 5: Pressing for progress on housing Feb 28, 2022

Show notes

Officials in metropolitan Washington set shared housing targets in 2019 to ensure all residents have quality housing they can afford. Meeting the targets is essential for the region’s economy, as employers say it’s hard to find and keep workers because housing is so expensive. And progress on housing also contributes to regional priorities related to transportation and climate change. In this episode, host Robert McCartney talks with three leaders in the government, business, and non-profit sectors about innovative ways they’re partnering to solve the region’s housing shortage. mwcog.org/thinkregionally

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