In January, Gov. Tim Kaine hit the ground running with a comprehensive legislative package that included meaningful reforms to resolve the inherent conflict in handling land-use planning for exponential growth at the local level while making transportation decisions in Richmond.

With the legislative session all but complete and attention now focused on resolving the budget impasse, some are asking what progress the administration made on these important reforms during its first legislative session — a fair and appropriate question. And significant progress has been made, in terms of legislation passed, administration action taken, and a shift in the atmosphere in Richmond toward smart-growth initiatives.