Opinion Posts
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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…
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Make a home for affordable housing in Chevy Chase DC
Opinion: A group of clergy makes the case for an inclusive, growing future for Chevy Chase, DC. Keep reading…
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Historic districts can stymie planning. Sometimes that’s the goal.
How does historic district designation affect planning? A recent application for historic status in Chevy Chase got us looking through our archives. Keep reading…
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A Chevy Chase group wants a historic district. What’s a historic district?
Historic districts sound charming, but what do they mean for neighborhoods’ ability to grow and evolve with changing needs over time? We’ve got an explainer for that. Keep reading…
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Why driving in cities is like serving jury duty
After serving in a jury selection pool for the US federal court system, Caitlin Rogger reflects on how a valuable purpose can be undermined by a tedious and wasteful process. It’s a lot like driving. Keep reading…
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Three urban design rules to make playgrounds fun for kids
Playgrounds are great…but many can be greater. Choices and diverse play options can dramatically change how kids experience designated play spaces. Keep reading…