Breakfast links: Even some new Congressmembers struggle to afford housing in the region
Do non-rich Congressmembers need housing stipends to live here?
Following remarks by New York Congresswoman-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, news outlets reported on her inability, on a bartender's income, to rent an apartment in DC before receiving her $174,000 Congressional salary. Are housing costs in the Washington region preventing middle-class people from staying in Congress? (Nena Perry-Brown / Urban Turf)
DC changes lane directions for rush hour drivers on six roads each weekday
In the District, there are six roadways with lanes that reverse direction during weekday rush hour. On Connecticut Avenue, a 2011 study found the crash rate was higher during the reversible operations, especially head-on and sideswipe collisions. (Dave Stroup / DCist)
Prince George’s new County Executive looks to build live-work opportunities
In an interview, incoming Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks cited the nearly 70% of residents who leave the county to work each day as an opportunity to create development that will allow them to stay. (Patrick Madden / WAMU)
Ride the Winter Wonder Bus for a cheery commute
For a second year, the District Department of Transportation has decorated a bus for the holidays. This year it partnered with the Smithsonian National Zoo, and the theme is “How Zoo Animals Celebrate the Holidays.” (Jacob Fenston / WAMU)
Metro plans to extend service hours on New Year’s Eve
This year, Metrorail will extend New Year's Eve service past the ball drop, remaining open through 2 am. It will resume service later in the morning on New Year's Day, beginning at 8 am, and will follow a Sunday/holiday schedule. (Jordan Pascale / WAMU)
A driver struck and killed a pedestrian in Fairfax County
On Monday, a pedestrian died after being struck by a driver in Centreville, along Westfields Boulevard and Sully Station Drive. (Dana Hedgpeth / Post)
Would procurement reform free up urban infrastructure investment?
How should cities upgrade their aging water, transportation, and communications systems? Prince George’s County successfully pursued a 30-year public-private partnership with an engineering firm to address its stormwater challenges. (Shalini Vajjhala and Ellory Monks / Brookings)
This Spanish city redesigned streets to encourage children to play
Since 2000, Pontevedra, Spain instituted a “pedestrianization” policy that restricts traffic and eliminates physical barriers, resulting in an 8% increase in the number of 0- to 14-year-olds. “We want children to play all over our city, and to play whatever game comes to mind,” said one city official. (Jamie Velazquez / Citylab)
Have a tip for the links? Submit it here.