Photo of Gerry Connolly receiving CSG’s 2009 Livable Communities Award
The Coalition for Smarter Growth is deeply saddened by the passing of Congressman Gerald “Gerry” Connolly, a fighter for his community and our democracy. We extend our sincerest condolences to his wife Cathy and their family.
Congressman Connolly was a champion for transforming Fairfax County and our region with walkable, transit-oriented communities and an advocate for connecting people and communities through transit.
- Congressmen Connolly spearheaded the replanning of Tysons Corner creating a vision for a walkable, bikeable, vibrant community now emerging around four Silver Line stations.
- He led the creation of the Dunn-Loring/Merrifield transit-oriented community plan, which led to the successful and vibrant MOSAIC District.
- The Congressman led the expansion of the local bus network, and was a leader in the push for the Metro Silver Line, which now connects Tysons, Reston, Dulles International Airport, and Loudoun County.
- He was a strong proponent of affordable housing and a healthy environment, spearheading the 1 penny fund for affordable housing and 1 penny fund for water quality improvements.
- His vision for the Cross County Trail now provides an active transportation gem connecting through the heart of Fairfax County from Mount Vernon to Great Falls.
- In Congress, he continued his advocacy for Metro and Metrobus at the Federal level.
CSG proudly supported and campaigned for these initiatives, and in 2009 awarded then Fairfax County Chairman Connolly our Livable Communities Leadership Award.
Congressman Connolly cared about making the world a better place and he made things happen. We are forever grateful for his leadership of Fairfax County and in Congress, and his unwavering commitment to the environment, transit, affordable housing, and transit-oriented development.
We mourn his passing and extend our deepest condolences.
Stewart Schwartz
Executive Director
Coalition for Smarter Growth