Breakfast links: To improve public health in cities, fund hospitals, clinics, and…trees?
Should trees be considered part of city infrastructure?
Trees in cities are a public good, and a new report from the Nature Conservancy makes the case that they offer tangible benefits for residents' health and the city's environment. However, urban trees are underfunded in most city budgets since they are viewed as a perk, not a public service. (Teresa Mathew / Citylab)
Fairfax County is considering allowing AirBnB
County supervisors in Fairfax are discussing changing zoning to permit short term rentals like AirBnB. The supervisors are taking public comment on whether to set restrictions, such as a limit on rental nights per year, before debating a final set of rules early next year. (Michelle Basch / WTOP)
Capital Bikeshare plans a huge expansion
Capital Bikeshare will add more than 100 stations and expand into Prince George’s County and Falls Church next year. Recently, several dockless bikeshare services hit the streets (maybe you've tried them!), but CaBi isn't worried. (Luz Lazo / Post)
Mobike is coming to Maryland
At the opening of a new protected bikeway in downtown Silver Spring, officials announced that dockless bikeshare program Mobike will be operating there later this month. Riders will be able to bike around Silver Spring and across the DC line. (Andrew Metcalf / Bethesda Beat)
Clarksburg developers appealing case with Montgomery County
Developers Pulte Home and Shiloh Farm bought land in Ten Mile Creek, then Montgomery County changed the area's land-use regulations. With their 1,000-home project stalled, the developers took the county to court. The judge threw the case out, but now they're appealing the dismissal. (Bethany Rodgers / Bethesda Beat)
The DC council could help pay for lead pipe removal
DC Councilmember Brianne Nadeau introduced a bill that would pay residents up to $800 to replace lead-containing pipes on their property connecting their home to the city's main water lines. (Andrew Giambrone / WCP)
The Los Angeles Metro is digging up fossils
The LA Metro is also building out a Purple Line for their city's subway. The construction near the La Brea Tar Pits has unearthed some impressive fossils, including a mammoth skull which will go on display in the LA Natural History Museum. (Brittany Martin / LA Times)
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