Photo by Seth Anderson on Flickr.

Price to play

Do contractors have to “pay to play” to win contracts from the DC Council?  WAMU examined $10 billion worth of contracts to explore whether campaign contributions influence the council’s award decisions.  

Not most expensive?

Contrary to what some headlines blared, DC isn’t the country’s most expensive city. The original government report compared large metropolitan regions and didn’t consider differing price levels earning power. (WSJ, Post)  

When growth doesn’t pay

New residential development in Loudoun County costs the county $1.20 for each $1 in tax revenue it generates — a net loss. The county had thought it was $1.62, but a new report from real estate interests suggests the lower figure, still worse than break even. (WBJ)  

DC still undecided

Many DC voters are still undecided on the mayoral race, and seem disengaged. The candidates will hold their third debate tonight. (Post)  

Can’t cross the street to school

Clarksburg got a new elementary school, but it’s right on a big arterial road that’s not safe to cross on foot. Kids living nearly across the street have to take a bus across. (WUSA9)  

Stop for school buses

Using cameras on school buses, Montgomery County has issued over 800 citations to drivers who failed to stop for the buses. (Post)  

Make it look traditional

Architect Shalom Baranes designed a “contemporary and organic” building for Alexandria’s waterfront. The architectural board turned it down and wants something that looks like the rest of Alexandria. (WBJ)  

What’s next in transportation

What new transportation projects might we expect in the coming years? New entries to the regional list include streetcars and some HOV lanes in DC, a new interchange near Greenbelt, and wider roads in Virginia.  (Post)  

And…

A cabbie teaches you how to get around DC’s street grid. (WAMU) … Google Express brings same-day delivery to DC. (WBJ) … How does the cost of owning a car stack up against exclusively using Lyft or Uber? (NerdWallet)