(Washington, DC) The DC Council on Tuesday unanimously approved Mayor Adrian M. Fenty’s nomination of Harriet Tregoning to serve as director of the DC Office of Planning.

“This city is on the verge of greatness,” Tregoning, told members of the Council during her confirmation hearing on Feb. 22. "But to truly be a globally competitive city in the 21st century, we also need to substantially reduce the disparities that divide the city -- the haves from the have-nots. An inclusive city -- one city -- is a goal I intend to vigorously pursue, especially in terms of health, environment, housing, transportation and economic prosperity outcomes."

“Harriet is one of the foremost experts in progressive best practices for growth and development policies in the country,” Fenty said. “I can’t think of a more qualified person to lead the necessary planning to transform the District of Columbia into a world-class city.”

 Tregoning says she will focus on achieving the following:

• More liveable, mixed-used neighborhoods with improved transportation choices, housing and retail opportunities that will accommodate all residents, regardless of income, age or family status

• Robust citizen participation that identifies and preserves distinctive community character and contributes to a shared civic life

• Higher quality environmental and recreational amenities

• Increased public investment in neighborhood connectivity, infrastructure and community amenities

A 15-year resident of the District, Tregoning is regarded as a national leader and innovator for smart growth policies. Prior to joining the Office of Planning, she was director of the Governors’ Institute on Community Design  and co-founder, with former Maryland Governor Paris Glendening, of the Smart Growth Leadership Institute, a national, nonpartisan advisory organization that helps state and local governments guide growth and development.

Tregoning served as Glendening’s planning secretary, before he appointed her Secretary of Smart Growth in 2001, a cabinet-level post where she oversaw state initiatives to revitalize urban neighborhood, increase transit-oriented development, promote walkable communities and persevere historic buildings and open spaces. She founded the Smart Growth Network and led a number of smart growth initiatives for the federal Environmental Protection Agency.