Breakfast Links: New WMATA term, same Metro problems
Jack’s back for another year as WMATA board chair
DC Councilmember Jack Evans was re-elected for a second year as WMATA board chair, and has the task of closing Metro's $290 million budget deficit. Evans said he doesn't want to increase fares, but he's unlikely to find additional funding anywhere else. (Martin Di Caro / WAMU)
Finally, a breakthrough for the Grimke School?
Residents of U Street and Shaw have been waiting for years for the 130-year-old Grimke School to become something other than a vacant property. The District might soon close a deal that could turn the school into a mixed-use development. (Shaun Courtney / Post)
The private sector takes a bigger slice of the region’s economy
More job growth in private sector industries like health care, technology, and hospitality means the region's economy is becoming less reliant on the federal government, but that could make the DC area more vulnerable to recessions. (Aaron Gregg / Post)
Metro didn’t break even on its big weekend
Even with the Inauguration and near record-breaking ridership for the Women's March on Washington, Metro lost money two weekends ago due to higher operational costs like paying for more staff and contractors. (Max Smith / WTOP)
Lower corporate taxes could harm affordable housing development
If Trump makes good on his promise to cut business taxes, that could make Low-Income Housing Tax Credits less desirable, harming affordable housing construction. Investors are putting less money in now, in anticipation of the change. (Josh Cohen / Next City)
Number of local banks in the DC area shrink
The number of local banks in the DC region has shrunk from 70 in 1999 to just 36 today, due to consolidation. No new banks formed during the same period. (Andy Medici / WBJ)
DC’s rental market is strong but shows signs of slowing down
Demand is still strong for Class A apartments in DC, but they're not being snatched-up at quite as high of a rate as they were a year ago. This is probably due to a slight decrease in the number of people moving into the District. (Nena Perry-Brown / Urbanturf)
Take a look Westbard’s mixed-use future
The development company Equity One just released its renderings for the contentious redevelopment of Westbard in Bethesda. The project is expected to be completed in phases over 10 years, with the first phase connecting Westbard Avenue to River Road. (Karen Goff / WBJ)
What will the new administration do on education?
If Betsy DeVos is confirmed as Secretary of Education, it'll probably means more support for voucher programs that allow students to choose from private and parochial education options. DC leaders wants to stop that from happening. (Perry Stein / Post)