Wayne Avenue and Second Avenue in Maryland Image by Dan Reed .

Across the country, we are seeing changes to how we use our streets. Some streets that were previously designed for cars have been repurposed to make space for people eating, biking, walking, and social distancing. Streets are public spaces just like parks, so we shouldn’t settle for the status quo that they are just for cars.

We want to know how you think Montgomery County’s streets could change to better prioritize people. If you are a student of any age who frequents parts of Montgomery County, you should submit an entry to our “Reimagine our Streets” art contest. Entries should include a photograph of a Montgomery County street, and an artistic rendering, in any medium, of that same street, redesigned for greater enjoyment, happiness, beauty, and/or functionality. For examples and inspiration, check this site out.

Entries are due October 15 and will be judged by a panel on artistic quality as well as quality-of-life improvements shown in the art. Prizes: 1st, $150, 2nd, $100, and 3rd, $50. Submit all entries to Daniel Marcin, by email to dsmarcin@gmail.com, or on Twitter to @daniel_marcin.

Monday, September 21

Learn about the Beltway and I-270 expansion plan: Did you want to understand more about Governor Larry Hogan’s toll lane expansion plan on the Capital Beltway and I-270? In July, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released a draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) on the project. Now it’s time for the public to weigh in for comment. From 6:30 to 8 pm. Monday, you can learn how “to submit written comments,” and receive tips on “making your comments the most effective.” Click here to get more information about this free event.

Wednesday, September 23

How federal control has impacted urban renewal in the District: Even though the District is closing in on a million residents (over 700,000 and counting) its lack of voting representation in Congress has left DC vulnerable to federal decisions. Join journalists Sam Smith and NBC4 reporter Derrick Ward as they “look at the history of urban renewal across the District to consider implications of federal control for our current day.” This event is from 7:30 pm to 9 pm, Wednesday. Click here for more information about this free event.

Thursday, September 24

Is telework our future?: Working from home may have become the “norm” or many workers during the pandemic, but how will this new work dynamic impact people in the long run? Join the Eno Center for Transportation as they present a paneled discussion about how we got here, and what behavioral science can tell us about improving telework., and how to improve alternatives to transportation. The conversation begins at 2 pm on Thursday. Click here to register.

Monday, September 28

Learn about how to keep your street safer in Ward 8: It’s time again for the next traffic safety meeting for Ward 8, held at 5 pm, September 28, via Google Hangouts. Attendees will get a chance to meet community leaders and District agency staffers, to unpack what needs to happen to make safer for all Ward 8 residents. Click here for more information about this free event.

Check out more urbanist events on our events calendar. Do you have an event you’d like to see featured in the weekly events post? Submit it here!

Tagged: events

George Kevin Jordan was GGWash's Editor-in-Chief. He is a proud resident of Hillcrest in DC's Ward 7. He was born and raised in Milwaukee and has written for many publications, most recently the AFRO and about HIV/AIDS issues for TheBody.com.