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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Do Something: The week of February 12, 2024
This week, here’s how you can Do Something about Moore Housing in Maryland (we really need your help!); bus priority on Columbia Road and H Street NE; accessory apartments in Virginia; and an important bill about fire safety. Keep reading…
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Our 2024 training on the DC Council’s performance oversight process, recapped
Watch our 2024 performance oversight training and decide if your oversight-testimony style is supporter, tone-setter, or government-knower. Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Majority of Marylanders oppose one-cent transportation sales tax
Most Marylanders say no thanks to funding transportation projects through a one-cent sales tax. Bowser says Monumental will be held to its lease; Va. Senator Lucas declares arena deal dead. Some Montgomery County councilmembers express concern over being overlooked for major sports venues. Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Potomac Yard arena plan may disrupt walkable Route 1 plan
Proposed Caps, Wizards relocation upends plans to urbanize Route 1. Virginia is closing a loophole that has enabled Marylanders to register cars in Virginia and avoid buying car insurance. Prince George’s County tenants rally for permanent rent stabilization. Keep reading…
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National links: Density creates happiness, when designed with well-being in mind
Is the key to happiness proximity to a coffee shop? Transit subsidies are productive. New York not flexing transportation funds. Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Arlington has lowest county-level traffic fatality rate in country
Arlington County has lowest traffic fatality rate in nation among counties with 100,000+ people. WMATA announces partial Red Line closure this summer as part of Purple Line construction. DC readies for next comprehensive planning process. Keep reading…
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A law to get climate and transportation on the same page in Maryland
The TCA would require the Maryland Department of Transportation and regional transportation planning agencies to measure and mitigate any forecast increases in vehicle travel and climate pollution caused by proposed highway expansion projects over $10 million, by improving transit, biking, or remote work options. Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Congress advances plans for RFK site redevelopment
House committee advances bill for redevelopment of RFK stadium site. EPA allocates $45 million for cleanup of contaminated Bear Creek in Baltimore County. Virginia General Assembly considering two bills to aid in cyclist safety. Keep reading…
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Do Something: The week of February 5, 2024
This week, here’s how you can Do Something about bus and bike lanes on Columbia Road; park funding and trans health care in Maryland; and accessory apartments in Virginia. And a Ludacris-inspired highway bill (we’re not kidding!) Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Latest WMATA budget avoids ‘transit death spiral,’ includes fewer cuts, fare hikes
New WMATA budget is better, still not great. Prince George’s County to spend $11 million for a safer Route 1 corridor. Maryland legislators considering networked geothermal heating and cooling for low-income communities. Keep reading…