Posts tagged Retail
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National links: You’ve heard of Universal Basic Income — what about Universal Basic Mobility?
Universal Basic Income is getting a lot of consideration right now — this author thinks we also need to consider Universal Basic Mobility. Why is the world is full of buttons that don't do anything? Sometimes revamped public spaces remain barren, but things food trucks and live music can be the key to success. Keep reading…
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As Reston grows, neighbors want more control to say no
Reston's neighborhood association is asking Fairfax County to give it more control over future growth, as residents try to figure out how to absorb new neighbors without losing community ties. In an area that prides itself on being inclusive, a contentious planning process has revealed some big tensions over increasing density. Keep reading…
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Why is that house or storefront vacant?
In an area like DC where the population is growing, one question often vexes neighbors: why is that house or storefront vacant? It just doesn’t seem to make sense. Why do landlords leave properties empty when they could be getting rent? Keep reading…
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After 20 years of debate, it’s time to replace this Takoma Junction parking lot
People move to Takoma Park for its unique sense of place, which in turn contributes to the city’s rapidly increasing housing costs and displacement. Unfortunately, some local activists have seized on Takoma Junction — a modest development project on a city-owned parking lot — as a gentrification “proxy war.” Keep reading…
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Building(s) of the week: The “shopfront” house
Looking at DC’s older neighborhoods and streetcar suburbs can reveal great examples of what more granular, ad-hoc development looks like. The question is how we can create an environment for new neighborhoods to grow in a similar way. Keep reading…
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Business Improvement Districts are expanding across the Washington region. What’s a BID anyway?
In order to attract new businesses and residents and better maintain the downtown area, a group of local businesses and property owners in Silver Spring want to start a business improvement district, or BID. But what is a BID anyway? Keep reading…
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National links: Cities are playing with behavioral science and urban design
Cities are experimenting with behavioral science to improve the lives of their residents. It's not just Amazon that's killing morter-and-brick retail — it's debt and an overbuilt market. Amid the autonomous vehicle hype, here are four things that transit agencies should remember. Keep reading…
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Tysons Corner wants people to live on the edge
There are big changes afoot in Tysons Corner, a flashy “edge” city where many people go to work, eat, and shop — but rarely live. Tysons’ vision for 2050 is to build transit-oriented development, a mix of density, and walkable spaces in an effort to attract new residents. Keep reading…
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Are “Opportunity Zones” an opportunity for DC residents, or only for investors?
Opportunity Zones are a new provision in the recently-passed Republican tax bill meant to create incentives for economic development. After flying under the radar during the debate over the bill, the provision is now getting some small degree of attention. But cities and states should be giving Opportunity Zones much closer scrutiny. Keep reading…
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Election links: Anita Bonds and her thousand-dollar donors
This week the impact of Anita Bonds' reliance on big money donors is scrutinized, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand endorses Aruna Miller in for Congress, Ed Lazere calls for HQ2 hearings, and Maryland gubernatorial hopeful Alec Ross gets embroiled in a scandal over insensitive language. Keep reading…