Verband Region Stuttgart visit to Northern Virginia September 2023

A 18-member delegation of elected officials and senior governmental staff from the Stuttgart region of Germany, visited Northern Virginia as part of a study tour of the region. On Monday through Wednesday, September 18-20, the delegation observed the region’s work to develop and implement plans for climate resiliency, mitigation (especially in the transportation sector), promote applied science and technology research with counterparts at George Mason University, promote affordable housing and local economic development.

For over 24 years, the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC) and its governmental counterparts from the Verband Region Stuttgart, have worked together to promote the continuous exchange and application of innovative policies and technologies between the regions. The partnership is exceptional for the practical, problem-focused, outcome-oriented results emanating from the decades-long exchanges. The benefits to Northern Virginia have included informing the evolution and development of renewable energy, watershed restoration, transportation safety, and economic development.

Day One Agenda

Discussion/Tour w/Students & Educators on from Arlington County Schools Career Center; Career Technical Education Exchange with Stuttgart

Delegation meets with faculty, staff and students at Arlington County Public Schools (ACPS) Career Center. ACPS works with Mercedes Benz to provide internships to ACPS students.

Discussion at Arlington County Offices on Global Economic Engagement & FDI Project/Amazon HQ2

Briefing from Arlington County staff on Amazon's HQ2 project in National Landing.

Walking Tour of Amazon HQ2/National Landing

The delegation had the opportunity to take a walking tour of National Landing and also of the Amazon HQ2 project that opened earlier this year in Arlington County.

Amazon HQ 2 Video

Discussion at Loudoun County Economic Development on Data Centers and Sustainable Economic Development

The delegation received a briefing from Loudoun County Economic Development staff on the County's economic development strategy and also learned first hand on the growth of data centers in the region and the impact on energy demand.

Day Two Agenda

Discussion/Overview of Ovation at Arrowbrook and Walking Tour

The delegation received a briefing from Fairfax County staff and the private sector developer on this affordable housing project that meets the needs of residents who are at 60% or below of the Average Median Income.

Discussion at Fairfax County Government Center on Fairfax County Climate Resiliency Planning and the County's Metro Silver Line/Dulles Corridor Planning

The delegation received extensive briefings on the Resilient Fairfax plan and planning along the Silver Line/Dulles Corridor.

Discussion and Walking Tour of Potomac Living Shoreline

The delegation took a walking tour of the Leeslyvania State Park Living Shoreline project which was a cooperative project with Prince William County, the Northern Virginia Regional Commission and other partners. Benefits of the project include:

800 linear feet of stabilized shoreline
22,000 square feet of enhanced riparian buffer habitat
25,000 square feet of restored inter-tidal marsh and beach habitat

Shoreline before and after plantings. See video below for more details.

Walking Tour of Alexandria Waterfront

City of Alexandria staff provided a walking tour describing the City's waterfront planning which includes green and grey infrastructure elements to address issues related to storm water and sea level rise along the Potomac River.

Day Three Agenda

Discussion on Applied Climate Resiliency Research and Virginia Climate Center at George Mason University with the University of Stuttgart

The delegation received a briefing from the head of George Mason University's Virginia Climate Center regarding the impact of climate change in Northern Virginia and Virginia as whole. Other data was shared related to flooding and local and regional efforts to address resilience informed by research conducted by the Center. George Mason University and the University of Stuttgart are working cooperatively in areas of mutual concern.

Acknowledgements

We want to express our gratitude to the staffs at the City of Alexandria, Arlington County, Arlington County Public Schools, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County and George Mason University's Virginia Climate Center for their time in presenting to the delegation on the important work they are undertaking in Northern Virginia. With many thanks to Dr. Dale Meaderis (NVRC) and Frieder Oesterle (Verband Region Stuttgart) for providing critical staff support in developing and executing the program. We are grateful to Dr. Alexander Lahl, Mr. Thomas Kiwitt and the members of the Regional Council of the Verband Region Stuttgart for their unwavering leadership and support of this partnership.

Proud of our 24 years of partnership.

Northern Virginia Regional Commission

Appreciate