Photo by Intrepidteacher on Flickr.

Where the rent isn’t too high

80% of Singaporeans live in public housing. The city shows how an economically successful place can remain affordable, as well as the level of investment and political will needed to truly tackle the problem. (NYT)  

Affordable housing aids other goals

Without affordable housing, poorer residents cannot address health or education challenges. Strengthening the Housing Production Trust Fund and connecting families with homes can help. (DC Fiscal Policy Institute)  

Microunits show fancy face

Three microunit projects around the District prioritize location and convenience over other features. But will prospective tenants with enough money to rent these choose these “hotelized” apartments? (UrbanTurf)  

Some Virginians vote Tuesday

Virginia’s elections for town and city races are Tuesday. In Herndon, the mayor’s race is between incumbent Lisa Merkel, who wants walkable development near the Silver Line, and a challenger who opposes it. Economic development is also an issue in Fairfax City’s election. (Post)  

From Fred Flintstone to mixed-use

The owner of a Loudoun County quarry wants to redevelop it as a 2,500-house neighborhood. However, the county is currently only planning offices in the area, meaning that quarrying may continue. (Post)  

App data also helps planners

Strava, the app for tracking biking and running workouts, has publicly released

is selling some of its data. And although it is not representative of all users and trips, planning agencies have already found ways to use it. (Streetsblog)  

Wind turbines’ impacts cause delays

Legislators in Maryland voted to delay wind turbines on the Eastern Shore because they may interfere with military radar. Concerns about their impacts on birds can also delay wind projects, despite buildings causing many more deaths. (Post, The Grid, Neil)  

And…

Zipcar launches one-way car sharing. (Newspress, Circle Thomas) … More than twice the expected number of riders packed South Florida’s

the Orlando area’s new commuter rail on its opening day. (CNBC) … How big is Houston? About the size of Oahu. (Imgur, Neil)  (Tip: Circle Thomas)