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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WalkScore now includes Transit Score
WalkScore, the web site that ranks the walkability of a location based on the accessibility of nearby amenities, has added some new features. First, the WalkScore number itself is becoming more accurate with new tweaks such as measuring actual as opposed to as-the-crow-flies distances and incorporating pedestrian friendliness metrics such as intersection density and block… Keep reading…
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MPD steps up traffic safety enforcement, outreach
After a slew of pedestrian incidents in the past few weeks, two of which have happened within a block or so of the Navy Yard metro station, the DC Metropolitan Police Department was out in force last night around Nationals Park, ticketing both drivers and pedestrians and giving people helpful advice on traffic safety. With more people taking note of the frequency of bicycle and… Keep reading…
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Should urbanists be nervous about Vince Gray? Part 3: Does Gray believe in Smart Growth?
This one is easy. On Smart Growth, Gray is on the right side. Sorry, antis. It’s true that many who oppose a growing city and think that a three-story townhouse is a skyscraper supported Vince Gray early, figuring he must be better than Mayor Fenty. However, they would be disappointed with a Gray mayoralty. Gray recently walked along Wisconsin Avenue from Tenleytown… Keep reading…
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Breakfast Links: Learning to share
Bike sharing the social way; Healthy employees are happy employees; Prince William County goes to the dogs; There must be an app for that; P is for Portland, but not for pedestrian; Newspaper page rage. Keep reading…
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Put a lid on DC’s reservoirs
Washington, DC has two major open-air reservoirs and several smaller capped ones. Each of these are, however fenced off for security creating dead zones in the city. Instead, D.C. should follow Seattle’s lead and put lids on its reservoirs. This will improve the quality of our water, make our water supply more secure and add acres of public space to the District’s portfolio. Starting… Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: One step at a time
Take this lock and stick it; Metro opens data; Getting to work; We aren’t getting any younger; No turn on red; You don’t say. Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: What a mess
Seat hogs rejoice; Murder is sooo 1991; As the crow flew; Stay right for cars; Cities of God and man; Atlanta express buses face shutdown; Fare hikes and the federal benefit; Third time’s the charm. Keep reading…
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Street tree care: How can it improve?
Washington, DC is nicknamed “City of Trees,” but its appropriateness is at risk along with many of DC’s trees. We must improve the way we care for our city’s trees to make this nickname relevant again, and soon. A few years ago, the city planted trees in the median of North Capitol Street, from Michigan Avenue to Hawaii Avenue, while the street was undergoing… Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: The bike Rorschach test
Prince William County still sprawling; Metro collaborating with programmers; Increasingly alone driving alone; The Lorax army; Not all buses are created equal; Yes, schools still matter; Underground Fight Club; DC a hard place for Latinos; Spinning up conspiracies. Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: You are what you eat
UMD’s East Campus rises from the ashes; DC’s worst slumlord; Soccer moms rejoice!; If you’re building in San Francisco; Fare gate somersault; Drop that burger. Keep reading…