Newsroom: Arlington County Board Chair Calls For Era Of Recovery And Renewal In Annual State Of The County Address

Press release from the Arlington County Government:

June 15, 2021

Arlington County is on the road to recovery, but it needs to reach further toward an era of renewal. That’s the message from County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti, who delivered the annual State of the County address this morning. The session, hosted by the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, was held virtually.

“There are indications of economy recovery,” said de Ferranti, who noted that the County was in the process of a second grant program to assist small businesses and that the commercial real estate outlook was looking promising due to delayed real estate decisions during the pandemic. However, he urged attendees to consider additional measures as well. “We have not yet realized the economic renewal we want and need.”

Throughout his address, de Ferranti noted how the effects of the pandemic also brought instances of inequities to light throughout the County – inequities in housing, health, and public safety. He noted the County’s efforts toward addressing those inequities that ensure every Arlingtonian is provided with the opportunity and resources to succeed.

“An era of inclusive economic growth, of housing policies that enable us to have a safe and healthy place to live, and an era where we work to ensure all Arlingtonians have access to food – that’s the spirit we need,” said de Ferranti. “That’s our goal as we recover and work toward a new era of renewal.”

The annual event also honored public safety personnel and first responders from Arlington County’s Fire Department, Police Department, Office of Public Safety Communications & Emergency Management, and Office of the Sheriff, who have exemplified extraordinary heroic actions and exceptional performance of their duties.

This press release was produced by the Arlington County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.