November 10, 2024

From Resilience to Reverence: Celebrating Native American Heroes this Veterans Day

November 10, 2024/ Fernando Arias

This Veterans Day, I’m reflecting on a personal journey I took recently at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. As I explored the exhibits, I was struck by the depth of Native American military service and the resilience of the veterans whose stories filled the museum. Though I had always known of Native Americans’ contributions to our country, seeing these artifacts, hearing their stories, and learning of their unique service traditions left a profound impact on me.

August 23, 2024

Self-Determined: An American Story

August 23, 2024/ Fernando Arias

An American is not just a person from a particular place; it is the embodiment of a spirit—the spirit of resilience, of hope, of the relentless pursuit of a better future. It is someone who knows that being American is not about blind pride but about the courage to confront the nation's flaws and work toward its ideals. It is someone who, in the face of division and differing visions, holds fast to the belief that the best version of America is one that values every individual's right to self-determination and the pursuit of happiness.

November 22, 2017

How can we revitalize Adams Morgan's Triangle Parks?

November 22, 2017/ Fernando Arias

When I learned about the Envision Adams Morgan project in late 2016, I was inspired to get more involved in my community's affairs. I saw where could add value because it was apparent to me that the community lacked champions to raise awareness about this plan, and to add energy to activating its thoughtful goals.

November 19, 2017

Adams Morgan Partnership BID (AMPBID) Gateway Beautification Project -- Kick Off Meeting

November 19, 2017/ Fernando Arias

Last week, I joined community leaders, design consultants, and the leaders of the Adams Morgan Partnership business improvement district to kick off the Gateway Beautification Project in Adams Morgan.

June 06, 2017

Don't Hold for Paris: Take Local Climate Action Now!

June 06, 2017/ Fernando Arias

Borrowing some inspiration from panelist Dr. Alaa Murabit during her remarks at Urban Expeditions, "we forgo the important for the urgent", here are some practical and important actions we can take at the local level to keep the momentum of the Paris agreement moving:

May 31, 2017

Tools and Targets: On the importance of Local Action

May 31, 2017/ Fernando Arias

As an architect and urbanist, I searched on the web for local groups and initiatives underway I could check out to see where I could contribute my time and energy most effectively. This is how I learned about the Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs) in Washington, D.C.

April 25, 2017

Adams Morgan Vision Framework Plan 2017 Kickoff Meeting

April 25, 2017/ Fernando Arias

This past weekend, commissioners from the local Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) along with friends and members of the Adams Morgan community gathered with me at what the Washington Post calls “the best coffeehouse in the district”, to discuss a path forward to activate key goals from the Adams Morgan Vision Framework Plan.

November 11, 2015

Reflecting on Veterans Day: The Will to Public Service

November 11, 2015/ Fernando Arias

Serving in the US Army was a life-changing experience for me. It was during those years that I realized the importance of commitment, dedication, honor, and discipline. The leaders and heroes I served with helped shape me into the man I am today.

January 13, 2014

TRANSMILENIO: Bogota, Colombia | Bus Rapid Transit

January 13, 2014/ Fernando Arias

TransMilenio is a bus system with dedicated bus lanes which run through Bogota. Passengers typically reach the stations via a bridge over the street. Usually, four lanes down the center of the street are dedicated to bus traffic. There are both express and local buses, the latter stopping in every station to pick up passengers.