Breakfast links: Virginia governor McAuliffe’s tax plan could be a funding breakthrough for Metro
Virginia’s governor proposes higher taxes in Northern Virginia to fund Metro
In a new plan released Monday, exiting Governor Terry McAuliffe proposes that people in Northern Virginia pay higher taxes on real estate, hotel stays, and gasoline to provide Metro with dedicated funding, which has been long sought. (Robert McCartney / Post)
Riders aren’t feeling Metro’s better performance
In the year since Metro launched its Back2Good initiative, the numbers say the system's reliability has improved. But riders feel otherwise due to higher fares, service cuts, and more recent issues like the partial Red Line shutdown. (Martine Powers / Post)
MGM National Harbor delivers on all fronts — except jobs
In its first year, MGM National Harbor has provided millions in tax revenue to Prince George's County. However, the casino isn't creating as many middle-class jobs as promised. Most are low-wage, part-time positions without benefits. (Luz Lazo / Post)
Did Arlington move too fast in creating housing conservation districts?
Arlington leaders say neighborhood conservation districts will help preserve affordable housing by making it harder to convert multifamily properties into single family homes, but residents feel the districts were created too quickly and without their input. (Patricia Sullivan / Post)
Slugging is a part of the past, present and future of commuting
Slugging, where motorists pick up extra passengers for the sole purpose of being able to ride on less-congested and toll-free HOV lanes, has been common among Northern Virginia commuters for decades and will only become more so with the new dynamic tolling on I-66. (Martin Di Caro / WAMU)
Should fully electric vehicles be exempt from I-66 tolls?
Many hybrid vehicle owners in Virginia bought their cars for the sole purpose of being able to drive on I-66 toll-free. Now that the toll exemption for hybrids is gone, some say there should be a new exemption for fully electric vehicles. (Fredrick Kunkle / Post)
Former DC mayor says it’s not too late to address inequity problems
Former DC Mayor Anthony Williams played a pivotal role in the city's revitalization, and he's deeply concerned that many District residents are being left behind as the city prospers. But he's optimistic that isn't not too late to change. (Courtland Milloy / Post)
Planning board clears Marriott’s downtown Bethesda HQ plans
The Montgomery County planning board unanimously approved Marriott's plans for its new headquarters in downtown Bethesda. Once the project is completed by July 2022, the 300-foot tower will be the tallest in the county. (Bethany Rodgers / Bethesda Beat)
Arlington’s revamped Farilington Park won’t have an amphitheater
Final plans for renovations to Arlington's Fairlington Park on South Stafford Street will swap a new amphitheater with a playground, on the grounds that the current amphitheater isn't being used enough. Plans also call for a picnic area. (Chris Teale / ARLnow)
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