Posts tagged Ralph Northam
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Plans for a regional rail vision solidify with the goal of better connecting Virginia, Maryland, and DC
Gov. Ralph Northam’s recent budget allocation of $50 million to extend intercity passenger rail service from Roanoke to the New River Valley is just the latest in a long line of sizable investments his administration has made into the future of rail in the commonwealth, including a $3.7 billion dollar track acquisition deal with CSX and the launch of the Long Bridge project. However, the Greater Washington Partnership — a business community think tank — says a new regional rail vision that includes Maryland, Washington and the federal government is crucial to maximizing Virginia’s investments. Keep reading…
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As Virginia’s eviction moratorium ends, the state scrambles to offer relief to those in need
Virginia recently launched the Virginia Rent and Mortgage Relief Program (RMRP), which uses $50 million in funding from the CARES Act to provide assistance to renters and homeowners. The relief program launched the same day Virginia’s statewide evictions moratorium expired, meaning that thousands of people can now be called to court for overdue rent or mortgage payments. Keep reading…
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The Virginia legislature will soon convene. How does it work?
The Virginia legislature convenes Wednesday and once the pomp and circumstance of the opening rituals subside, legislators will quickly set about making policies on issues from transportation and housing to guns and labor. Beginning this week I will be covering the 2020 Virginia General Assembly and the top issues that impact the region. Keep reading…
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Virginia’s big buy-in on rail could transform regional mobility
“We cannot pave our way out of congestion.” With that declaration, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced a historic 3.7 billion dollar rail deal with CSX on Thursday that will allow the Commonwealth to drastically expand Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) service over the next decade. Keep reading…
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Maryland and Virginia will widen the American Legion Bridge. Will this make transportation better or worse?
The states of Maryland and Virginia announced an agreement Tuesday to build and widen the American Legion Bridge, which carries the Beltway between Fairfax and Montgomery counties. Should urbanists be pleased about fixing a major traffic problem without building an Outer Beltway, or frustrated that states which don’t have money for transit suddenly seem to have billions of dollars for this mega-project? Keep reading…
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Election links: Signature issues in the DC Council race
More signature fraud as paid family leave takes center stage in the DC Council at-large race, Hogan maintains a commanding lead though Jealous maintains a popular platform, Virginia Democrats and Republicans battle over redistricting, and more in our election link roundup. Keep reading…
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Election links: Governor Northam weighs in on a key congressional race
This week Northam names his pick in Virginia's contentious 10th congressional district, Bowser delivers the final State of the District of her first term, and candidates across the region make the case that we can somehow have affordable housing without adding many homes. Keep reading…
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Virginia approves historic Metro funding, but cuts to other transportation may be a painful consequence
Local transit advocates in Virginia and elsewhere in the region are happy about the breakthrough in funding, which the system has lacked since it opened in 1976. However, much of the money is being pulled from transit, roads, and pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure improvements in Northern Virginia. Keep reading…
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If you live in Virginia, vote for pro-urbanism candidates on Tuesday, November 7!
On Tuesday, November 7, Virginia voters like you will cast their ballots for statewide office, state legislature, and some county positions. After surveying our contributors, here's who we think deserves your vote: Keep reading…
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Our endorsements for Virginia elections
Greater Greater Washington is officially endorsing Ralph Northam for governor, Erik Gutshall for Arlington County Board, Danica Roem for Delegate in District 13 (Prince William/Manassas Park), and Kathleen Murphy for Delegate in District 34 (Fairfax/Loudoun). Keep reading…