Chris Zimmerman, County Board Vice-Chairman, Launches 2010 Re-Election Campaign

Arlington, VA:  In a bid to continue his focus on “smart growth,” social justice, and community involvement, Chris Zimmerman, Vice Chairman of the Arlington County Board, today announced he would seek re-election in 2010. Zimmerman, a Democrat, was first elected to the County Board in January 1996, and has served as Chairman of the Board in 1998, 2002 and 2006. For 2010, he is serving as Vice-chairman of the Board for the fourth time.

“I’ve been a proud resident of Arlington County for more than 30 years, and have been privileged to serve on the County Board as we’ve accomplished some of our greatest community successes. As we continue to meet the challenges and opportunities facing Arlington, our residents enjoy safe, livable neighborhoods, high quality schools, a nationally-recognized approach to planning, transportation and housing, and the highest-possible fiscal rating.” Zimmerman added, “I look forward to working together with all Arlingtonians to find innovative solutions that reflect our values and benefit everyone in the County.”

Chris has focused much of his work in Arlington on the issues of transportation, development, and housing. He has worked to improve public transportation and to make Arlington more pedestrian-friendly, and devoted himself to efforts that ensure the availability of affordable housing in the County.

Recognized as a regional leader on transportation and transit-oriented planning, Zimmerman has also represented Arlington on numerous regional commissions and boards. Since 1998 he has represented Arlington on the Board of Directors of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (METRO), serving as its Chairman in 2002 and 2008. A select list of his leadership roles includes the metropolitan area Transportation Policy Board, the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, and Virginia Transit Association.

Zimmerman received the first Washington Regional Network for Livable Communities annual Leadership Award, in 2004. He has also been honored for his work by the Virginia Transit Association and the Arlington Coalition for Sensible Transportation.

Overall, Zimmerman has more than two decades’ experience as a community activist, having previously served as a civic association president, member of the Planning Commission, and head of the Neighborhood Conservation Advisory Committee. Professionally, Zimmerman served as Chief Economist and Committee Director for Federal Budget and Taxation at the National Conference of State Legislatures. He holds a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Economics from The American University.

Chris lives with his wife Mary Beth in Arlington’s Douglas Park neighborhood. Their three children have all attended Arlington Public Schools. (Daughter Madeleine is a Wakefield High School student; daughter Rebecca is a graduate student at Marymount University; and son Nathan is a graduate of Virginia Tech.