Purple Line vehicle at testing facility. Image by Maryland Transit Administration

The Purple Line may open in 2026, a year earlier than last projected

The Purple Line light rail is on track to open in fall 2026, according to project spokesperson David Abrams. It was previously delayed to at least 2027. Better communication and scheduling among the project operators, along with state and local officials is aiding in the sped-up timeline, which will still be four years and $1.6 billion behind normal schedule.  (Ginny Bixby / Moco360)  

Proposed downtown DC housing tax breaks raise equity issues

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser’s proposal to increase tax breaks for downtown office-to-residential conversions from $2.5 million in 2024 to $41 million in 2028 has had a mixed reception. Real estate developers state the tax breaks are necessary to increase housing, but some councilmembers and activists believe it is a misuse of local resources at a time when emergency rental assistance is being cut.  (Martin Austermuhle / DCist)  

Arlington consortium to end homelessness receives $3 million in federal funding

Arlington County and nonprofits Doorways, PathForward, New Hope Housing, and Bridges to Independence will receive $3 million in federal funding to ensure survivors of intimate partner violence have access to housing and other supportive services. Arlington’s spectrum of services, the Continuum of Care, is estimated to have reduced overall homelessness by 66% in the last 12 years.  (Jo DeVoe / ARLNow)  

Bowser’s proposed traffic camera expansion draws equity concerns

The DC Council had previously passed a law requiring revenue from DC’s traffic enforcement cameras to be invested in street safety improvements, but now Mayor Muriel Bowser proposes using the ticket revenue from 342 new cameras to close citywide budget gaps. Although the mayor has charged a task force to study associated equity impacts, fair fine advocates and Councilmember Charles Allen expressed concern that the move would deteriorate public confidence in the District’s commitment to ending traffic deaths. Note: This summary has been updated to correct an error.  (Jordan Pascale / DCist)  

Montgomery County planning board application period extended to April 14

The Montgomery County Planning Board application deadline for two full-term positions has been extended to April 14. The board reviews development actions, oversees management of the county park system, and members also serve on the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission alongside Prince George’s County Planning Board members.  (Kiersten Hacker / Montgomery Community Media)  

Prince George’s County to join DC, MoCo in piloting guaranteed income for residents

The Prince George’s County Council approved a guaranteed income pilot measure Tuesday night. While the specifics will be finalized by a county work group in the coming weeks, the proposed version will be similar to ones done locally in DC and Montgomery County and in other communities nationwide. An example given for the Prince George’s County version could provide between $500-$800 without strings to up to 200 people.  (Colleen Grablick / DCist)  

DC Council unanimously approves new street vendor laws

The DC Council voted Tuesday to approve a measure decriminalizing street vending. While a provision was added that food vendors will still need to be authorized by DC Health in order to have a way to track potential foodborne illness, other vendors will be able to operate with less restriction. The measure still must be approved by the mayor and Congress.  (Héctor Alejandro Arzate / DCist)  

Tall Ship Providence returns to Alexandria’s Waterfront Park with new amenities

A new attraction is coming to the Old Town Alexandria waterfront: a maritime heritage center anchored by a renovated Tall Ship Providence. After renovations are completed on the ship in a few weeks, it will be floated from Baltimore to Alexandria’s Waterfront Park to a new dock hosting a theater, gift shop, ticket office, and educational center. The boat will be available for private tours, charters, and public sailing events.  (Fatimah Waseem / FFXNow)  

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