Opinion Posts
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GGWash Picks of 2023: The case for rider joy
Kai Hall, GGWash’s policy officer, argues that transit and local leaders should pursue rider joy as a visionary long-term strategy to build cultural, political, and financial support for transit. Keep reading…
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GGWash Picks of 2023: Street parking in DC is way too cheap
This post makes the case for residential parking passes in DC being worth far more than what the District charges for them. How much revenue is the city losing out on, what could be done to align the cost of RPPs with their true value, and what could all that money pay for? Keep reading…
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GGWash Picks of 2023: Tastee Diner is not Silver Spring’s soul
I wondered why I can’t just give in and enjoy Tastee Diner the same way. One reason is that, for a few reasons, I didn’t go to Tastee Diner much. The other is that to say one diner marks the decline of an entire community is short-sighted. Keep reading…
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In our inbox: Kids on errands, sports in transit, a Green Line extension, and road pricing reflections
In our inbox this winter: readers shared their thoughts about posts on extending Metro’s Green Line; accessing sports venue via transit; why kids’ ability to navigate their cities matters; and one idea for pricing DC roads. Keep reading…
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How planning staffers can advocate for best practices
A planner writes about how members of his profession can promote better practices in implementing urban policies. Keep reading…
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Vienna drags its feet on housing reform. Isn’t there a responsibility to act?
Enclaves like Vienna have for years opposed serious housing reform, leaving Fairfax County with few options to address its housing shortage. Keep reading…
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The ride was never free: It’s time to price our roads for health and climate
Road pricing policies reduce the adverse health effects of vehicular emissions on residents. Studies have shown the policy has reduced premature deaths, road traffic injuries, and childhood asthma where it’s been applied. A new report from George Washington University suggests DC, which struggles with persistent health inequities, is leaving health gains on the table. Keep reading…
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Adding sprinklers to older buildings is expensive, but it’s worth it
Needless to say, a fire is not when you want to find out you are missing a lifesaving tool. And honestly, when’s the last time you looked at your fire safety plan where you live, if you even have one? This is exactly the kind of thing the government is here to regulate. Keep reading…
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Anne Arundel County can’t ignore school segregation
Anne Arundel County Public Schools in Maryland is redistricting schools for the first time in nearly thirty years. Despite a stated commitment to diversity, the county’s schools are becoming increasingly segregated by race and class, affecting academic outcomes for vulnerable students. As it’s currently set up, the redistricting project may not help. Keep reading…
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Four urban design rules to make children’s playgrounds fun for…parents?
The first post in this series looked at what makes a great playground for kids. You know who else spends a lot of time in those spaces? Parents. In part two, we’re talking about what features appeal most directly to parents and other caregivers in playgrounds. Keep reading…