Breakfast links: Affordable housing could be an important campaign issue in 2020
Is affordable housing primed to be a key issue for presidential candidates?
With housing costs growing faster than wages, political strategists and housing experts believe affordable housing may become a major political issue in 2020. Three Democratic senators expected to run for president have all introduced housing bills. (Naomi Jagoda / The Hill)
The future of urban package delivery may be bikes, not drones
Using electric cargo bikes for package delivery may be suitable for 20% of deliveries, according to a Dutch study. In the UK over the last 20 years, delivery van traffic increased 71% while car traffic only increased 13%. (Carlton Reid / Forbes)
Here’s what young riders REALLY want from Metro
Never mind later service and shorter headways, what young riders really want are hand-lettered SmarTrip cards, neon-lettered signs with quotes like “No Bad Vibes Allowed—If You See Something, Say Something,” and trains with shiplap siding. (Rachel Kurzius / DCist)
The urban heat island effect, mapped by block in DC and Baltimore
Using data collected on August 28, researchers found significant block-by-block temperature variation across DC. Due to the urban heat island effect, it was as much as 17 degrees hotter in parts of Northeast DC than in parts of Rock Creek Park. (Jason Samenow / Post)
Prince George’s votes to waive developers’ school construction fees
Prince George's County Council overrode a veto to waive school construction surcharge fees for some developers. While councilmembers believe this will attract more residential development, the county executive believes the waiver runs afoul of state law. (Rachel Chason / Post)
The DC Council is expected to approve Airbnb regulations today
New regulations cap the number of days per year a property can be rented out for short-term use on sites like Airbnb or Home Away, among other limitations. If passed, Airbnb warned councilmembers it would support putting the issue before voters in 2020. (Robert McCartney / Post)
Virginia finalizes plans for new bike and pedestrian bridge in Falls Church
The Virginia Department of Transportation expects to complete the new Washington and Old Dominion Trail bridge by fall of 2020. The bridge will span the crossing at the trail's intersection with Fairfax Drive and I-66. (Alex Koma / ARLnow)
Money pours into DC Board of Education campaigns
Advocates for both charter schools and public school have contributed over $225,000 toward four DC State Board of Education seats up for reelection. The board sets policies for graduation, academics, and teacher qualifications. (Perry Stein / Post)
Have a tip for the links? Submit it here.