Photo by Timothy Vollmer

To make a positive impact, it’s important to do more than just read about and discuss issues online. We publish our weekly events post to tell you about opportunities to get out and act!

Our region’s amount of housing that’s affordable is dwindling. It’s a huge challenge that we have to address if we want the region to include people of all income levels and backgrounds. This week, there are two chances to learn about tools we can use to help solve the problem.

Inclusionary zoning (IZ) and community land trusts are two of the many ways to create affordable housing. On Tuesday at 5:30 pm at 1030 15th Street NW, get the lowdown on the history and future of IZ from Gene Bulmash, the inclusionary zoning program manager at DC’s Department of Housing and Community Development.

On Saturday, learn about how community land trusts can create housing and empower residents, and learn about the potential to create one in Anacostia. The meeting is at 2 pm at the Anacostia Arts Center (1231 Good Hope Road SE).

These other great events are coming up soon as well:

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, November 14 to 16: Loudoun County, like DC, is taking a close look at their Comprehensive Plan, their guide for future growth, development, and transit decisions. Now is your chance to weigh in! Attend one of three public meetings this week: Monday at 45020 Aviation Dr in Sterling, Tuesday at 1500 E Market St in Leesburg, and Wednesday at 26020 Ticonderoga Rd in Chantilly. All meetings start at 6:30 pm.

Monday, November 14: DC’s Comprehensive Plan, the guidebook for where and how to grow, is due for an update. We need your help to make it the best it can be. The last meeting is Monday, November 14 at 6:00 pm at 1001 Monroe St NE. If you didn’t make a meeting in your neighborhood, you can fill out the survey here or sign up here to get further updates from GGWash about ways to make a difference in the Comp Plan process.

Tuesday, November 15: Get a full update on Safetrack from WMATA Chief Operating Officer Joe Leader at this month’s Action Committee for Transit meeting on Tuesday at 7:30 pm at the Silver Spring Civic Center (One Veterans Place).

Wednesday, November 16: Our transportation system needs to serve everybody, including older adults and people with disabilities, but there are often gaps in access. Head over to an open mic-style event to hear, learn and develop recommendations to make transportation services easier for everyone to use. The event starts at 4 pm and is at 4058 Minnesota Avenue NE.

Thursday, November 17: Get your fill of storytelling and urbanism at this Pecha Kucha, a fast-paced storytelling-style event on Thursday at 6:30 pm at the Wonder Bread Factory (641 S Street NW). Hear quick stories from DC Department of Environment Director Tommy Wells and a few Greater Greater Washington Contributors.

Thursday, November 17: With a college, residences, and two major roadways all coming together at Ward Circle in NW, balancing traffic and pedestrian safety can be hard. Attend a DDOT meeting about Ward Circle this Thursday at 7 pm at 4430 Newark Street NW to hear about and weigh in on the issue.

As soon as you’re able!: There’s no need to leave the house for this one. The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, which controls $400 million per year in funds for building new transportation projects, wants to know what you think our region’s transportation priorities should be. Should we have more transit access and more frequent service? More Park and Rides or highway connections? Take the NVTA’s survey to weigh in.

Calendar: Beyond what we’ve highlighted here, there are many other worthwhile events across the region. Check out more great events in our events calendar:

Do you know of an upcoming event that may be interesting, relevant, or important to Greater Greater Washington readers that should go to our events calendar? Send it to us at events@ggwash.org.

Claire Jaffe was born in DC and now lives in the U Street area. She is a University of Michigan graduate and currently works at Coalition for Smarter Growth. On her off time, Claire can be found biking the street of DC or exploring the many green spaces throughout the region.