Opinion Posts
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The Washington region falls short on Latinx wellbeing
As the nation marks Hispanic Heritage Month, we dive into a report showing Latinx people are benefiting less from well-being gains in the Washington region than others. Pandemic-era protections, and housing and transportation policy could help local jurisdictions tackle the disparities. Keep reading…
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How demonstrational bike lanes may save our bike lane dialogues
Too often, public-engagement processes address speculation about the potential impact of bike lanes on a wide range of aspects. An increasing number of cities have turned to demonstrational bike lanes to bridge the information gap. Keep reading…
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Montgomery County just passed rent stabilization. Now what?
Montgomery County has had a big last six months: In that time the county has passed an increase to the recordation tax, a property tax increase, and, most recently, passed a (pretty good!) permanent rent stabilization law. So…now what? Keep reading…
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Transit in the Washington region has a future, if we plan for it
The pandemic dealt Metro a huge blow, but ridership can bounce back. Cultivating more rail and bus users will require local funding and adaptation to new normal travel patterns. Keep reading…
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Transit Diary: A mother of two shares a glimpse into her “bike-first” life
Follow along Aileen Nowlan’s “bike-first” life. Keep reading…
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Transit-oriented development is not enough
Huge numbers of people want to live near opportunity and drive less. As urbanists and advocates, we should be open-minded about how to help them, and what good land use looks like. Keep reading…
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Stop yesterday from stealing tomorrow’s housing on Connecticut Avenue
DC’s elected leaders have chosen to enable more housing and affordable housing in high-opportunity areas like Cleveland Park and Woodley Park. But overcoming preservationist blockades is not a sure thing. Keep reading…
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The path to one million Metro rides a day starts with service enhancements
Achieving the targeted one million Metrorail trips per day will require a new era of operational and service enhancements. This is part 8 in a series about how DC can achieve its Vision Zero and climate goals, with parts 7 - 9 highlighting the role of our regional transit rail system, Metrorail, in achieving those goals. Keep reading…
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How and why to start a walking school bus
When kids walk to school, they benefit from the physical exercise as well as interaction with their community. One way to make it easier for kids to walk to school safely is a walking school bus. Keep reading…
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Takoma Park’s vacant hospital campus could become new homes…one day
Four years ago, Takoma Park’s Washington Adventist Hospital moved away, leaving vacant buildings and a 15-acre site in its wake. Montgomery County planners soon began examining ways to bring new homes, shops, and usable green space. And soon enough a handful of neighbors in the famously lefty town are trying to block it by making some pretty wild claims. Keep reading…