Photo by Lindsay Buckley on Flickr.

Hard road to affordability

The supply of affordable housing in DC is so low that any serious efforts to tackle the problem would likely require billions in spending; low-cost solutions like inclusionary zoning aren’t certain. (The Atlantic)  

City prices outpace outside

Housing prices in DC are jumping way ahead of those in Maryland or Virginia.  DC homes now cost 27% more than ones within the Beltway but outside District lines, and are 44% pricier than outside the Beltway. (WAMU)  

More jobs for the ‘burbs

The DC area is home to some of the fastest-paced job growth in the nation, and it’s mostly concentrated outside the District.  Northern Virginia saw the most new jobs, but Maryland is starting to catch up. (Post)  

Green light for practice facility

Events DC selected construction companies Smoot and Gilbane to build the planned Wizards practice facility in Ward 8.  But there’s still a lot of controversy out there regarding the project’s $65 million price tag. (City Paper)  

More transparency, please

Organizations in favor of open government are worried that the current bill to create a new Metro Safety Commission would allow the group to keep information secret instead of sharing it with the public. (WTOP)  

Transit center’s birthday wishes

A lot of hard work went into making the Silver Spring Transit Center possible, and as long as the space immediately around it remains unused, its value to residents and commuters will be limited. (Post)  

Designs to beat the heat

Architecture might be a more efficient way to beat the summer heat than air conditioning, and other elements like shade trees, solar collectors and better ventilation systems can make a difference. (Post)  

Bikes on the hill

Maryland Avenue NE in Capitol Hill will get bike lanes and a “road diet.” Some urbanists say the bike lanes aren’t enough, but other neighbors don’t want anything to change at all. (WABA) … Bike lanes are also in the works for New Jersey Avenue SE and E Street/South Carolina Avenue SE. (WashCycle)