Governor Warner Announces Urban Policy Task Force
Group Will Study Unique and Complex Challenges Facing Virginia Cities

For Immediate Release
April 29, 2003

RICHMOND -- Governor Mark R. Warner today appointed a task force to study the challenges facing Virginia’s cities and urban areas and to recommend actions that will make the state a more effective partner for urban areas seeking to rebuild and revitalize. A report from the Governor’s Urban Policy Task Force is due on September 30, 2003. "Graying populations, aging infrastructure and declining revenues present enormous challenges for many of our urban areas," Governor Warner said. "I expect this Task Force to produce a range of options that will help us forge an effective partnership with local governments to make our urban areas even better places to live and work." In general, cities in the Commonwealth have been unable to attain the economic prosperity and social vitality enjoyed by surrounding jurisdictions. Virginia’s urban areas have disproportionate concentrations of low income and other underserved residents, and significant limitations to new and rehabilitated economic development.

The Governor’s Urban Policy Task Force will:

1. Identify state laws, policies, regulations and funding formulas that contribute to the fiscal stress of core cities or inhibit their ability to attract business development or residents; deliver services effectively; or maintain an adequate quality of life;
2. Identify new strategies, programs and policies that will promote urban revitalization; and
3. Outline a comprehensive set of actions to remove barriers to community development and economic vitality, including administrative changes and possible legislative proposals for consideration by the 2004 General Assembly.

• Maurice Jones, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Social Services and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, will serve as chairman;
• Delegate Fenton Bland of Petersburg;
• Jean Boone, advertising director of the Richmond Free Press;
• Darlene Burcham, City Manager of Roanoke;
• David Canada, City Manager of Petersburg;
• Mike Edwards, deputy director of the Virginia Municipal League;
• Chris Evans, Virginia Brownfields Coordinator for the Department of Environmental Quality;
• Greta Harris, Executive Director of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation Office in Richmond;
• Jerrauld Jones, Director of the Department of Juvenile Justice;
• Linda McMinimy, coordinator of the Virginia First Cities Coalition;
• John Moeser, professor of urban studies and planning at Virginia Commonwealth University;
• Karen Rae, Director of the Department of Rail and Public Transit;
• Connie Sorrell, Director of Policy for the Virginia Department of Transportation;
• Dan Tatar, Assistant Vice President and Community Affairs Officer for the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond;
• Dan Timberlake, Assistant Superintendent for Finance for the Virginia Department of Education;
• and up to five additional representatives, to serve at the discretion of the Governor.