Breakfast links: Mayor Bowser takes to Twitter to fight to keep the DC Circulator free
Bowser keeps lobbying for a free DC Circulator
Mayor Muriel Bowser has been appealing to the public via Twitter to keep the DC Circulator free. The DC Council recently has moved to reinstate fares due over concerns that free rides mostly benefit the wealthier residents that live along the Circulator’s routes. (Luz Lazo / Post)
A new initiative provides DC students places to shelter from gun violence
A spike in shooting incidents near schools has prompted the District to launch the Safe Spots initiative, which will allow participating businesses and organizations to shelter students who feel unsafe. The District is also expanding the Safe Passage program, which helps students commute safely. (Natalie Delgadillo / DCist)
Once-dockless Spin scooters are now getting docks
Electric scooter operator Spin is adding docking stations for its previously dockless scooters to help recharge batteries and prevent users from leaving the scooters in less-than-convenient locations. Spin also hopes to make the docking stations solar-powered this fall. (Luz Lazo / Post)
The lowdown on DC’s new short-term rental law
When DC’s short-term rental law goes into effect on October 1, those who rent out housing on sites like Airbnb will be prohibited from renting out a principal dwelling for more than 90 days if they’re absent. Exceptions apply if a resident needs to leave the District to care for a sick relative. (Nena Perry-Brown / UrbanTurf)
The region’s largest developer wants more affordable housing
JBG Smith, the Washington region’s largest developer, is spearheading an initiative to deliver 2,000 workforce-friendly housing units. Its executive says affordable housing is key to attracting and maintaining a vibrant labor market. (Marisa M. Kashino / Washingtonian)
Metro bus garage workers in VA may strike
Workers at a Metro bus garage in Lorton, Virginia just voted to authorize a strike. Metro contracted the garage out to a private company last year, and according to the Amalgamated Transit Union, these workers make $12 less per hour than others in the area. (Jordan Pascale / WAMU)
A special election will decide the fate of rail transit in Phoenix
Voters in Phoenix will soon decide in a special election whether to continue investment in the region’s light rail system or shift focus to boosting auto infrastructure. Opponents are concerned with the high costs of rail transit construction. (Katherine Davis-Young / Post)
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