Breakfast links: Affordable housing efforts get a boost from health organizations
Health organizations commit millions to housing and economic development
Citing a link between physical health and community wealth, a coalition of 46 health insurance companies, hospitals, and doctors’ groups has committed at least $700 million to investments in affordable housing and economic development in the cities where they’re located. (Jared Brey / Next City)
Regional governments increase scrutiny inside recycling bins
As part of a pilot program started this fall, inspectors with the DC Department of Public Works have been scouring recycling bins around the District and leaving “Oops” tags citing any non-recyclable material. Montgomery County and the City of Alexandria have similar programs. (Jacob Fenston / WAMU)
Jack Evans tries to stop the recall effort
Embattled DC Councilmember Jack Evans filed a challenge with the Board of Elections that says over 2,000 of the 5,600 signatures on recall election petition should be discarded. The recall effort needs 5,000 signatures of registered Ward 2 voters to trigger an election. (Fenit Nirappil / Post)
The Sierra Club asks for Jack Evans expulsion
Citing DC Councilmember Jack Evans’ role in advocating for the Pepco-Exelon merger and killing an increase in parking taxes—all while collecting money from Exelon and a parking executive—the Sierra Club in a letter asked the DC Council to expel Jack Evans because “there is substantial evidence that Mr. Evans is corrupt.” (Jacob Fenston / WAMU)
The DC Council likely won’t expel Jack Evans
Although nine of the 13 members on the DC Council have called on Jack Evans to resign and a majority want to censure him and strip him of committee assignments, only three say he should be forced from office. Eleven votes are required for expulsion. (Fenit Nirappil / Post)
Opinion: How to address Arlington’s affordable housing crisis
Among the author’s ideas to improve affordable housing in Arlington: approve a one-time bond issue to fully fund Arlington’s affordable housing plan, modify zoning and land use rules to allow for denser development, and increase the incomes of lower-income residents. (Carmen Romero / ARLnow)
Environmental groups oppose Hogan’s lane widening project
In a joint letter, the Potomac Conservancy, the Rock Creek Conservancy, and the Audubon Naturalist Society came out in opposition to Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s plan to widen the American Legion Bridge and add lanes to I-270 and the Beltway. The groups cite the project’s lack of an environmental impact statement. (Kate Masters / Bethesda Beat)
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