Opinion Posts
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If DC is serious about being a green city, it should encourage dockless scooters
Since I left the US Department of Transportation a couple of years ago, one of the most transformative developments in how Americans get around is the e-scooter. I see them every day in downtown Washington, DC and in several major cities where I travel. Keep reading…
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Ready for holiday shopping? Here are some urbanist holiday gifts for kids, from local merchants
Back for 2018, here's a roundup from our contributors of urbanist gift ideas for kids. In prior years, we have rounded up baby railfan-specific suggestions and more general classics. This year, we've got some ideas for how to shop local in our own great region. Keep reading…
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Opinion: We need a safety makeover for Montgomery’s state highways
Just weeks ago, a driver hit and injured four high school students who were waiting for their school bus to arrive on Georgia Avenue. This tragedy followed three other pedestrians deaths on Georgia Avenue this year. Sadly, this is not a new phenomenon. Keep reading…
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Opinion: Why should we trust the wealthy who deride transit about Amazon?
Hundreds of city managers across the US view HQ2 as a golden ticket, but it’s a decidedly less clear proposition to the rest of the people living in the possible recipient cities. Many of these places are grappling with sky-high housing prices, deferred transit backlogs, and ever-steepening inequality, and it seems unlikely that Amazon will solve these issues. Keep reading…
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Reed: The urbanist case for Nancy Floreen for Montgomery County Executive
Montgomery County voters have to choose between sitting at-large councilmembers Nancy Floreen and Marc Elrich for county executive on November 6. The Greater Greater Washington community is far from unified in its view on this race. To help readers think about the issues, we're bringing you a pair of opinion pieces by members of our community who are backing different candidates. Keep reading…
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Ross: The urbanist case for Marc Elrich for Montgomery County Executive
Montgomery County voters have to choose between sitting at-large councilmembers Marc Elrich and Nancy Floreen for county executive on November 6. The Greater Greater Washington community is far from unified in its view on this race. To help readers think about the issues, we're bringing you a pair of opinion pieces by members of our community who are backing different candidates. Keep reading…
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Should you go to jail over the cost of a bus or Metro ride?
It’s hard to believe a severe level of force improves our Metro system or makes riders and transit workers safer. Under our current law, the consequences are very serious: up to a $300 fine (133x the base rail fare), 10 days in jail, and a potentially lifelong criminal record. Keep reading…
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Hogan’s road-widening plan would harm residents’ health — and the planet
In these hyper-partisan times, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan likes to position himself as a different kind of Republican, one who sees both sides of issues and unites political factions. Regarding roads and public transportation, this is a false portrait. Keep reading…
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Racing cars though our neighborhoods — a supreme endorsement?
Julie O'Brien describes Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, her “carpool dad” neighbor, as regularly “racing” his vehicle through DC and Maryland “just to catch the last 15 minutes” of his daughters' sporting and religious activities. The fact that she sees herself as conferring a badge of honor rather than issuing a warning of recklessness is worth pondering. Keep reading…
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Why Marc Elrich is not the right choice for Montgomery County Executive
Marc Elrich is considered by many to be the front-runner in the Montgomery County Executive’s race. Greater Greater Washington has endorsed George Leventhal, but we know that many activists we agree with but for whom housing is not their top issue are supporting Marc Elrich. We wanted to explain why we believe he would be a dangerous choice for County Executive. Keep reading…