Breakfast links: The last vote
Council votes
DC Council voted down a proposal to add more cops, passed a tax abatement for Howard Town Center, and reduced some traffic fines from $125 to $92 in the last day of legislating for the current two-year session. (Post)
Barry’s ex-con law fails
Amid contentious debate, the Council voted down Marion Barry’s proposal to ban firms from asking job applicants about their criminal records. (WAMU)
Step back for campaign finance
Mary Cheh withdrew her proposal to cap campaign donation money orders because Tommy Wells was going to try to strengthen it through amendments. (Washington Times) … There’s a new loophole making it harder to tie corporate donations to the people behind them. (City Paper)
Frederick, Howard tops in schools
According to Maryland’s new school accountability ratings, Frederick, Howard, and Montgomery met the standard, while Prince George’s fell short. Closing the achievement gap is 40% of Maryland’s measure. (Post)
Build high in Pentagon City?
Arlington Ridge’s civic association is fighting a set of 22-story buildings in Pentagon City. The developer would contribute to recreation facilities and the streetcar; residents say they worry about traffic. (Examiner)
Calling all car apps
The Department of Energy is challenging app developers to use open data to make cars safer and more fuel-efficient. Every car generates data about itself, and DOE is looking for innovative app ideas and products that use that data. There are five $10,000 prizes; apply by January 15. (Jenifer Joy Madden)
LA approves 1st area without parking minimums
LA has approved a new mixed-use zoning with no parking minimums in a neighborhood north of downtown. If LA can move away from parking minimums, can DC? (Curbed LA)
And…
Compare the capacity of different Metro vehicles. (BeyondDC) … Aaron Weiner evaluates Chris Dickersin-Procopp’s proposal for an Anacostia grocery store location. (City Paper) … Peter Franchot decides not to let married gay couples file joint tax returns. (Washington Times) … Want to be NCPC’s webmaster?