Quality of Life
Chris Zimmerman has also been a leader on several critical quality of life, environmental, and business issues. These include:
- Adopting a Living wage
- Chris spearheaded successful efforts to adopt a living wage ordinance in Arlington and similar provision at WMATA.
- Building Small Businesses
- Chris worked to double the budget and triple the staffing dedicated to helping small businesses. He supports small Arlington retailers and service providers, as well as non-profit organizations by supporting information, education workshops, and business development services. He also helps small businesses find affordable retail space, including new space when retailers have been displaced, and those impacted by BRAC.
- Strong commitment to Arlington schools and youth programs
- Chris’ support has resulted in increased funding for the renovation or new construction of almost every school facility in Arlington, and investments reflecting the highest teacher salaries and per-pupil funding levels in the region. At the same time, overall student achievement has risen, and the gap for minority students has narrowed.
- Supporting our seniors
- Chris initiated development of the blueprint that is now guiding county policies for seniors and planning efforts for the aging of our population, in areas ranging from health services to transportation. He created the Elder Readiness Task Force, which made specific policy recommendations integrating progressive goals and provisions for seniors into existing programs.
- Promoting Neighborhood Conservation
- Chris pushed for the most significant expansion of the Neighborhood Conservation program since its inception in the 1960s, with simplified requirements, greater staffing and bond funding. Almost all Arlington neighborhoods participate in the program.
