ALEXANDRIA, VA – On May 16, the Coalition for Smarter Growth awarded the 2023 Livable Communities Leadership Award to City of Alexandria’s mayor, Justin Wilson, for his dynamic work in land use and transit sustainability in the greater Washington D.C. area. Wilson was honored for work to elevate the city to a regional standard for walkable, transit-oriented communities.
“Our community greatly benefits from Mayor Justin Wilson’s leadership and vision for our city. He understands that action on climate change, action on affordable housing, and action on strengthening transportation choice and public transportation improves the quality of life for all Alexandrians,” said City Manager James Parajon. “This leadership award highlights the mayor and the Ccty’s commitment to making city services sustainable, accessible, and community oriented.”
The Frederick & Diana Prince Livable Community Leadership Award is given annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to smart growth in the greater Washington D.C. region. Such growth initiatives address critical community needs such as services accessibility, sustainable transportation options, and mixed-use development.
Throughout his tenure on the Alexandria City Council, Wilson has supported initiatives which address those principles of smart growth.
For example, the Redella S. “Del” Pepper Community Resource Center, which opened in April, serves as a centralized hub for the health and human services needs of residents.
Also, on Friday, May 19, the Potomac Yard–VT Station opens. It will provide three of this city’s neighborhoods with walkable access to the region’s Metrorail system.
In the coming decade, the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus and Inova Hospital Complex will engage the community through mixed-use development and 21st century innovation.
The Coalition for Smarter Growth is based in Washington, DC. Its mission is to advocate for walkable, bikeable, and transit-oriented communities. The organization believes this is the most sustainable and equitable way for the region to grow and provide opportunities for all.
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