OSEM Bureau Chief Retires

After 7 years of leadership, Demetra McBride, Bureau Chief of the Office of Sustainability and Environmental Management (OSEM) in Arlington County’s Department of Environmental Services, has retired. Demetra brought 13 years of progressive climate and energy expertise from Florida and California to Arlington, as well as an innovative, data-driven approach that was recognized with national and international awards and distinctions (including the United Nations Compact Award for Public Sector Innovation). In Arlington, Demetra led climate adaptation, mitigation and resiliency efforts across both the Stormwater (Infrastructure and Watershed) Management and Arlington’s Initiative to Rethink Energy (AIRE) programs. Under her leadership, both AIRE and Stormwater teams accomplished several key initiatives driven by community equity and a whole-of-government approach, including Carbon Roadmap Strategies, a Risk Assessment and Management Plan, GHG reduction efforts, clean transportation planning, a significant federal grant portfolio and early climate/heat-risk work with community-based organizations. Demetra’s valued tenure at the County was recognized by County staff and local public advocates in a farewell retirement celebration this December. We thank Demetra for her public service and congratulate her on her (likely active) retirement!

2024 Green Building Incentive Policy (GBIP) Updates

As seen in a recent USGBC article, the draft update to Arlington's GBIP is on track to be finalized in early 2025, adding new incentives and pathways for developers aiming to decarbonize existing buildings. The County recently concluded a public comment period, resulting in edits to the initial draft. All comments and suggestions from the public in addition to responses from County Green Building Staff can be found in an Appendix on the GBIP webpage. View the 2024 GBIP Update Engagement Summary.

Updates on EV Charging in Arlington

Using an interactive map, EV owners can now stay up to date on where to find a charging port in Arlington, with 31 charging ports currently available at County facilities. The County's EV Charging Rate Ordinance was updated by the County Board, effective on January 1. View the map of chargers and the Board Meeting video on the EV Rate Ordinance.