Breakfast links: Tax breaks for commercial properties or help for people experiencing homelessness?
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Shelter on a winter’s day by Bongeiste used with permission.
How will DC spend new tax revenue from online sales?
Anticipating $24 million in tax revenue from Internet purchases beginning in 2020, the DC Council is considering lowering commercial property taxes on properties worth over $10 million or funding services for people experiencing homelessness, among other options. (Rachel Sadon / DCist)
Maryland does economic soul searching after losing the Amazon bid
The chairman of the Maryland Economic Development Commission blamed the state’s “antiquated” regulations and higher taxes for corporations and top-earning residents as contributing to the state's losing Amazon bid. Unlike in Virginia, Maryland jurisdictions can levy a local income tax in addition to the state tax. (Katherine Shaver / Post)
A New York City suburb attempts to solve the gentrification puzzle
New Rochelle, NY sought community input to expedite approval of one overall action plan for adding 12 million square feet of development downtown, rather than approve plans on a project-by-project basis. Using form-based regulations, the city is planning on $4 billion in new investment, including up to 6,370 residences. (Aline Reynolds / NextCity)
Arlington County plans to slow hiring due to budget pressures
Citing budget pressures related to Virginia's statewide Medicaid expansion and increasing costs to fund Metro service, Arlington County Manager Mark Schwartz announced a “hiring slowdown” for Arlington’s government, which will leave dozens of positions vacant. (Alex Koma / ARLnow)
An audit finds DC tech incentives produce dubious results
An audit finds problems with DC tech incentive program, including the fact that many firms receiving the tax benefits are based outside the District. DC may also be giving tax breaks to companies that would have already done business in the city. (Ally Schweitzer / WAMU)
Historic Preservation supports the Scottish Rite housing project, with minor changes
The DC Historic Preservation Review Board voted to approve the proposed development's design with some minor changes, like adjusting the facade's glass-to-brick ratio and improving public access to the alley between the temple and the development. (Nena Perry-Brown / Urban Turf)
Prince George’s swears in a new county executive
Angela D. Alsobrooks was sworn in as the first woman to lead Prince George's County, Maryland’s second-largest jurisdiction. One of her first big decisions will be the choice of a permanent leader for the county’s public schools. (Rachel Chason / Post)
Mayor Bowser picks new leader of DC Public Schools
Mayor Muriel Bowser put forward Lewis Ferebee, the Indianapolis schools superintendent, as her pick as the next chancellor of DC Public Schools. Ferebee holds education views similar to those of past chancellors, including Antwan Wilson, Kaya Henderson, and Michelle Rhee. (Post)
Opinion: Time to build the Georgetown-Rosslyn gondola
Tom Davis, Ted Leonsis, and Matt Kelly write, “The project would introduce a brand-new option for transportation between the District and Virginia and provide a seamless connection between Georgetown and the Metro system via an aerial gondola over the Potomac River. This would all come at a fraction of the cost of a new Metrorail station or expanded bridge.” (Post)
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