Events: Join us to talk housing and equity at our next happy hour!

Our next happy hour is in two weeks! This month, we'll talk about the DC Comprehensive Plan, a document that impacts housing, equity, economic development, and more in DC.

On Monday, February 13, from 6 to 8 pm, join contributors, readers, and our friends from the Coalition for Smarter Growth (CSG) for drinks and conversation at A&D Neighborhood Bar at 1314 9th Street NW near Mount Vernon Square.

At this happy hour, we will discuss how we can all take part in creating a more affordable and equitable city. DC’s guide to growth, the Comprehensive Plan, is being updated this year, and we have a unique opportunity to weigh in on what it says.

Should there be more housing? More affordable housing? More local economic investment? The DC Office of Planning is updating this document in 2017, and we will talk about ways you can get involved and make and impact.

A&D is a close walk from the Mt. Vernon Square Metro station and is also along the 70 bus route on 7th Street NW.

Join us to learn about our campaign and talk about what you see as the major priorities for the future of development in DC. You can RSVP here.

We've recently held happy hours in White Flint, Navy Yard, Chinatown, Clarendon, and Silver Spring. Where should we go next?

Can't make it? Check out some of the other great events happening in the next few weeks.

Today, Monday, January 30: WMATA recently released a proposal for its 2018 budget. The proposal raises fares, increases wait times for peak and off-peak trains, and cuts some bus lines. Give feedback in person on Monday at 5 pm at Metro Headquarters Building (600 Fifth Street NW). If you can't make it, fill out a feedback survey here.

Tuesday, January 31: Biking and walking improvements are coming to parts of Hummer Road and Sleepy Hollow Road in Annandale. Attend the public meeting tomorrow, January 31, at 6:30 pm at the Mason District Governmental Center (6507 Columbia Pike) to get the latest update and share your thoughts.

Next Monday, February 6: Fairfax County is looking at possible improvement to Braddock Road between Guinea Road and I-495, including additional travel lanes, HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lanes, and pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. Head to a public meeting in the cafeteria of Lake Braddock Secondary School (9200 Burke Lake Road) at 6:30 pm to get the latest and share you thoughts on the project.

Next Monday, February 6: The City of Alexandria is taking a closer look at its commercial parking policies. Before it does, the city is hosting Todd Litman, Executive Director of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute, to talk about the best ways to right-size commercial parking. The discussion will be on the second floor of Alexandria City Hall (301 King Street) from 7 to 9 pm.

Next Tuesday and Wednesday, February 7 and 8: Montgomery County could get a Bus Rapid Transit system down Route 355. You have two chances next week to get updated on the project and weigh in. The first is next Tuesday at Montgomery College, Germantown Campus, Bioscience Education Building (20200 Observation Drive) and the second is on Wednesday at the Executive Office Building (EOB) Cafeteria (101 Monroe Street). Both meetings begin at 6:30 pm.

Next Thursday, February 9: Blogging is a powerful way to share what you know, and now you have the chance to learn from us! Join Greater Greater Washington at their downtown office (1440 G Street NW) on February 9 at 6:30 pm for a blog training where you'll learn to write blog posts that effectively and persuasively share your ideas with the world. RSVP here.

Next Thursday, February 9: Does your employer offer you free parking? If it does, and you bike, walk, or take transit to get to the office, wouldn't it be better if you could put that benefit to use in other ways? Join the Coalition for Smarter Growth to talk about what we can do at the local level to encourage flexible commuter benefits — benefits that create less traffic and pollution and make a happier workforce on Thursday, February 9 at 6:30 pm at ZGF Architects (1800 K Street, NW, Suite 200).