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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Breakfast links: Picking leaders
Downs, Porter to WMATA Board; GM search down to 3; Terry Bellamy becomes interim head of DDOT; Biddle gaining steam; Metro operators urinating on tracks; Gray urges fight for DC congressional vote; Georgetown ANC endorses more CaBi stations; And…. Keep reading…
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Cheh, Wells try again to fix snow fines
Mary Cheh and Tommy Wells reintroduced a bill this morning to set up fines for failing to clear sidewalks. During last year’s storms, many residents and businesses toiled to keep their sidewalks clear, but some did not. The biggest offenders were commercial properties like this parking lot or this apartment building, where one tenant told us the property owner didn’t… Keep reading…
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Riders appeal to Metro police to stop bag searches
Over 100 people packed a hearing room at WMATA headquarters last night for a Riders’ Advisory Council meeting about the random bag searches Metro instituted in December. Police representatives explained the basic facts of the program in the face of over 30 often-impassioned arguments against the program. As Bob “Dr. Gridlock” Thomson tweeted, the crowd… Keep reading…
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What would you ask the at-large candidates?
Tonight, the Ward 6 Democrats are holding the last candidate forum for the vacant at-large DC Council seat prior to the Democratic State Committee’s selection of an interim appointee. Based on the committee membership Chairman Kwame Brown announced before the holidays, we can assume that this member will sit on four committees: Public Works and Transportation, Economic… Keep reading…
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Sound off on WMATA bag searches tonight
Tonight, the WMATA Riders’ Advisory Council is holding a public meeting to discuss the controversial bag search program launched without public discussion in December. I’ll be chairing the meeting, which starts at 6:30 pm sharp at WMATA HQ, 600 5th Street, NW in the committee room (past security, left and then right.) The meeting will start with public comment,… Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Some sunny news, some more gray
The Gray era begins; SmarTrip of the future; Bowser defends density; Tax policy spurred demolitions; Preserve King Farm’s transit limitations?; It’s the pedestrian’s fault there was no crosswalk; Goodbye, shuttles; In case you missed it. Keep reading…
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Candidates short on details as DCDSC ponders appointment
Amid biting budget forecasts, endemic unemployment in struggling neighborhoods, bursting juvenile crime and many other burdens, DC will fill Kwame Brown’s at-large seat as he becomes chair. It’s a very important position, one of just 13 men and women who will steer a city of 600,000 through tough times. The city’s Democratic clubhouse of about 80 people,… Keep reading…
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Is Rhee’s new project on the right track?
Several weeks ago, former DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee topped off her media blitz by unveiling her new venture, StudentsFirst, on Oprah. With this grand annoucement, local residents got a peek at her vision to take her agenda to the national level. At times, I’ve been a fan of Rhee’s passion and drive, but on some occasions, her methods have pushed me towards skepticism. Unfortunately,… Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Stepping up
Tysons working to be more bikable; Escalator work accelerating; Cold keeps shelters full; DC Schools’ COO departs; Others find same DC population shift; Travel options on New Years Eve; Norton will fight through 2012; And…. Keep reading…
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Downtown posts big gains in housing units
Recent American Community Survey data reveal strong growth in the number of housing units in downtown Washington and adjacent neighborhoods. Of the 10 census tracts that saw the greatest net increase in units, 9 are located within the area covered by the L’Enfant Plan. After comparing the housing unit numbers from the 2000 census and the recent ACS averages… Keep reading…