Breakfast links: A Dem committee will choose its nominee for a vacated Arlington County Board seat
![](/images/made/images/posts/_resized/polling_place_427_800_473_90.jpg)
A polling place sign in Arlington, Virginia by Arlington County licensed under Creative Commons.
Arlington County Board seat nominee to be selected by a committee?
To fill an Arlington County Board seat vacated by the late Vice Chair Erik Gutshall, the Arlington County Democratic Committee will have to nominate a candidate through a virtual closed caucus by May 8 for a special election that’s scheduled for July 7. Arlington Democrats are asking Governor Ralph Northam for an extension so both parties can hold an open nomination process while observing social distancing. (Blue Virginia)
Hogan unveils reopening plan for Maryland
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan unveiled a three-phase plan to reopen the state on Friday. While governors hope a gradual reopening can begin by mid-May, nothing will move forward until the state first sees a two-week reduction in hospitalizations. (Andrew Giambrone / DCist)
Northam forms a coronavirus reopening task force
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam formed a COVID-19 Business Task Force consistent of business leaders across the commonwealth to advise how to reopen the economy once the pandemic begins to subside. (Valerie Bonk / WTOP)
Rent increases in Montgomery County will be capped
The Montgomery County Council approved a measure last week to cap rent increases for residential units at 2.6% for the duration of the coronavirus state of emergency and a 180-day period following the end of the pandemic. (Briana Adhikusuma / Bethesda Beat)
Massive multifamily project in Bethesda gets approval
The Montgomery County Planning Board signed off on a 1,130-unit multifamily project that will be constructed over 10-15 years on Battery Lane in Bethesda. The units will be a mix of apartments and townhomes. (Nena Perry-Brown / UrbanTurf)
Taxis face harsh new reality amid pandemic
Taxi operators have seen trips drop by 90% across the region as the coronavirus has grounded the industry to a halt. Many operators were already seeing tough times due to competition from ride-hailing services. (Luz Lazo / Post)
Have a tip for the links? Submit it here.