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: Safety costs
Closures on the Red Line; Mayoral candidates on long-range planning; Let there be new energy efficient lights; Paying the price for safety; Charm City Circulator not so charming; One stop tranportation info shop; Turn right at the new paradigm. Keep reading…
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Teens and young adults aren’t mosquitoes
If you’re under 25, you’re not quite welcome in Chinatown. A new “Mosquito” device at the street level of the Metro entrance at 7th & H Streets in Chinatown is emitting shrill noise at 18 KHz, a high frequency that only young people can hear. Similar devices have been installed in Britain with the same purpose of discouraging young people from… Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: A difference of opinions
Tyranny of the minorty; Back and forth on parking minimums; Political soap opera; Trading barbs; The road not driven; Ban overboard; Feet in an actual street. Keep reading…
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You know you’ve arrived when…
Greater Greater Washington is the subject of the cover story in this week’s City Paper, about how our little ragtag band of bloggers here is getting to be a little bit influential. If you’re visiting us for the first time after finding out about us in the article, welcome! The best way to stay on top of what we’re talking about is to subscribe to the RSS feed, sign… Keep reading…
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Combine the Circulator and Metro maps for visitors
Visitors to DC generally navigate using the Metro map and a street map. The Metro map has become so iconic that it forms many visitors’ mental images of DC. However, that map makes no mention of Georgetown, Adams Morgan, and other major destinations. The Circulator serves those areas, and one of its roles is to serve as an easier-to-understand, no-change-required tourist… Keep reading…
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For state legislature in Montgomery County
Unlike the County Council, the state legislature has little day to day impact on shaping Montgomery County. Instead, they decide longer-term big picture issues, like how much funding is available for transportation, and individual delegates and senators also sign on to letters circulated about different issues. Because the state is involved in transportation funding but… Keep reading…
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For Prince George’s County offices
Prince George’s County has a large number of competitive races because of term limits. The County Executive and 5 of the 9 councilmembers are term limited out, creating many open and competitive seats. These races are also critically important because of Prince George’s poor track record of development. Most of the county leaders have focused on bringing large… Keep reading…
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Navy Yard sidewalks get sustainable stormwater systems
Near the soon to be opened and fantastic Park at the Yards, there’s a lot of new low-impact development infrastructure, a series of bioretention areas to capture stormwater. Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Biking and driving and parking, oh my
First to share; War of words; Up the road; Struck around the world; California dreaming; Driven by economics; A free response; What the colors show. Keep reading…
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For District of Columbia Council
The DC Council races include some no-brainers, and some tougher calls. First, the no-brainers. Tommy Wells and Mary Cheh deserve your unhesitating vote. Mr. Wells, finishing his first term representing Ward 6 (Capitol Hill, H Street, Near Southeast, Southwest Waterfront) has made “livable, walkable” communities the lynchpin of his candidacy, both four years… Keep reading…