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 Picks of 2023: Street parking in DC is way too cheap
This post makes the case for residential parking passes in DC being worth far more than what the District charges for them. How much revenue is the city losing out on, what could be done to align the cost of RPPs with their true value, and what could all that money pay for? Keep reading…
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GGWash Picks of 2023: Tastee Diner is not Silver Spring’s soul
I wondered why I can’t just give in and enjoy Tastee Diner the same way. One reason is that, for a few reasons, I didn’t go to Tastee Diner much. The other is that to say one diner marks the decline of an entire community is short-sighted. Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Arlington’s $10 million plan to boost ART bus ridership
Arlington needs $10M to improve bus service; more than 10x that amount to go zero emissions. Potomac Yard arena could cost taxpayers $1.15 billion. Local forests at risk of imminent failure, due to deer overpopulation and invasive plants. Keep reading…
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Bikeshare Beat: Members carried CaBi in November
Record-breaking bikeshare ridership numbers powered by CaBi members, e-bike riders. Keep reading…
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Do Something: The week of December 18, 2023
For this week’s Do Something, Alex and Dan share their thoughts on the holidays–and what it means to be here (in DC and Maryland, respectively) this time of year. Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: MWCOG recommends $462 million increase in subsidies for WMATA
MWCOG releases report with WMATA funding recommendations. DC Council votes to restore eligibility for first-time homebuyer assistance to applicants who applied prior to new restrictions. Advocacy group gives Maryland transit a near-failing grade. Keep reading…
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How planning staffers can advocate for best practices
A planner writes about how members of his profession can promote better practices in implementing urban policies. Keep reading…
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Vienna drags its feet on housing reform. Isn’t there a responsibility to act?
Enclaves like Vienna have for years opposed serious housing reform, leaving Fairfax County with few options to address its housing shortage. Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Downtown Red Line closures begin
For downtown businesses and arts organizations, partial Red Line shutdown feels like a Scrooge move. Traffic, inadequate transit, and uncertain ROI top Alexandrians’ concerns over the stadium deal. Mayor Bowser convenes Capital One Arena task force. Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: WMATA board weighs difficult budget tradeoffs
Some WMATA board members think doomsday budget is avoidable, but they still face tough path forward. Potential Potomac Yard “transit arena” doesn’t have enough transit for an arena. Photojournalist captures DC’s dramatic development over the course of 20+ years. Keep reading…