Public Policy
The many local governments in the Washington region take actions every day that affect our downtowns and neighborhoods and the quality of life in our cities and counties. Greater Greater Washington writes about the public policies that influence our region and how they promote (or prevent) a growing, inclusive region with walkable urban neighborhoods.
Many different types of public policy influence where and how people live, work, and play. Education, which is one of the biggest reasons people choose a place,can help ensure the success of the next generation. And the environment is vital to preserving a livable region for our descendants.
Public safety and social justice issues affect how people of different backgrounds interact in our public places and whether people feel welcome. Health, food, and jobs are all vital parts of making our region thrive. And our governments make many budgetary and fiscal decisions that shape all of this.
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GGWash’s process for our 2024 DC primary endorsements
The District of Columbia’s 2024 primary election is June 4. Greater Greater Washington will be endorsing candidates in races for council seats in Ward 2, Ward 4, Ward 7, Ward 8; for the at-large majority-party seat; and for United States shadow senator and shadow representative. We’ll also weigh in on the emerging efforts to recall incumbent councilmembers. Keep reading…
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Permit renewal for Eckington asphalt plant raises questions about air quality, health
Fort Myer Eckington asphalt plant is situated, unusually, near a lot of people, schools, and recreational facilities. With the plant’s operating permit up for renewal, a neighbor took a deep dive into what that proximity means for a growing population. Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Reluctantly, officials approve $425 million Purple Line boost
Maryland approves $425 million in additional funds for Purple Line, reluctantly and with strings attached. Thousands ticketed since January 29 for violating DC’s bus lane laws. Arlington County proposes to cut low-performing bus routes in budget. Keep reading…
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What would you name your Single Member District? We mapped our ideas for all 345 of them
The work of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions and the Single-Member Districts that make them up have major local relevance, but their alpha-numeric titles make them seem remote and non-human. What if they each had a name based on a neighborhood, school, park, or other landmark? Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Arlington faces high housing costs and low inventory
Arlington has one of the most competitive, costly housing markets in the country. Investors make up 11% of homebuyers in DC, significantly less than the national average. Montgomery County Planning Board approves 390-unit apartment building near Forest Glen Metro station. Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: “Yes in God’s Backyard” policies gain steam
Region’s lawmakers look for ways to make it easier to redevelop churches to include affordable housing. Alexandria seeks public feedback on West End plan by March 31. Maryland leaders concerned about lack of revenue-generating measures for state’s $10B climate plan. Keep reading…
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Understanding car culture ‘denialism’ can help safety advocates respond
Opponents of change sow confusion with fake experts, logical fallacies, impossible expectations (moving goalposts), conspiracy theories, and selectivity (cherry picking). We can fight back. Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Virginia House and Senate agree to a budget—without an arena
Virginia budget compromise excludes framework for Wizards and Capitals arena in Alexandria. Baltimore City Council considers proposal to sell city-owned vacant homes for one dollar. DC woman faces six-month delay in securing housing despite voucher approval. Keep reading…
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Here’s what GGWash asked the DC Council to pay attention to during performance oversight hearings
At annual performance oversight hearings, DC Councilmembers probe agency leaders about how effectively their agencies performed in the previous year. Individual and organizational witnesses are invited to submit testimony too. Here’s what GGWash staff said. Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Montgomery County ditches parking minimums near transit
Montgomery County paves the way for parking-free housing near transit. Fairfax Connector workers reach tentative agreement. Region’s poverty rate declines, racial wage gap widens. Keep reading…