Zimmerman to Resign from Arlington Board, Take Smart Growth Job

Arlington County Board member Chris Zimmerman announced Wednesday that at the end of January he will resign from public office to become vice president for economic development at Smart Growth America, a national nonprofit based in DC.

Zimmerman, 54, who won his fifth term in 2010, is the second-longest-serving board member in Arlington's history, according to a news release.

"I cannot possibly express the gratitude I feel for the tremendous honor and opportunity I have been given to serve this amazing community," Zimmerman said in a speech that was broadcast on the county's television channel and streamed online. "It is not an easy job, but it is as energizing and rewarding as anything I can imagine having spent the last couple of decades doing."

Zimmerman called his announcement a three-months notice. He recounted many of the accomplishments county leaders have made since he joined the board in 1996, including in the areas of smart growth, which ties together land use and transportation planning; efforts to make the county more pedestrian and bicycle friendly; and the expansion of public transit and investment in affordable housing.

"Arlington is looked upon with admiration, in our region and far beyond," he said.

He also talked about how Clarendon, once known as the home of used car lots, had transformed into the "dynamic heart of a world-famous transit corridor," and the similar transformations of Shirlington, Potomac Yard, Pentagon Row and, now, Columbia Pike. Zimmerman has been a leading advocate for the planned streetcar along the Pike.

Smart Growth America bills itself as an advocacy group for people who want to "live and work in great neighborhoods" on its website. Its philosophy is that smart growth principles support job creation, transportation options and promote affordable housing near jobs and grocery stores.

Zimmerman said the organization's goals align perfectly with his work as a local official, and that he has been working with them part-time "on a number of projects" for the last few months.

Zimmerman was introduced by his political ally and current Arlington County Board Chairman Walter Tejada, who said the speech "will be part of our hometown's history."

"Our community is better, our quality of life is better since you came into office," Tejada told him.

A special election will be held in the spring for someone to fill the remainder of Zimmerman's term, according to the county news release.