A new day begins in Virginia. Image by Erin used with permission.

Virginia leaders set to vote on compromise budget deal today

Governor Youngkin and Virginia legislators have reached a budget deal, announced over the weekend, and the legislature is set to vote on it in a special session today, May 13. The budget does not include any tax increases nor any tax cuts. It also does not include Democrats’ desired language that would recommit Virginia to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative after Youngkin ended the state’s participation via executive order.  (Graham Moomaw / Virginia Mercury, Rachel Tillapaugh / WJLA)  

New efforts emerge to tackle DC’s vacant properties

Several initiatives are currently underway in the District to explore how to revitalize the city’s 3,300 vacant commercial and residential properties, such as a new Vacant Property Caucus made up of Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners. Some of the ideas include improved tracking and data collection as well as raising taxes on vacant properties to pressure owners of vacant buildings into making changes.  (Emily Wishingrad / Bisnow DC)  

Road safety bill named for Sarah Langenkamp becomes law in Maryland

Last Thursday, May 9, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed into law the Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Memorial Act, which adjusts the penalty for hitting a cyclist in a protected bike lane to be on par with that for hitting a pedestrian in a crosswalk: up to two months in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. The bill is named for a diplomat who died after a truck driver struck her while she was cycling in a bike lane on River Road in Bethesda.  (Ginny Bixby / MoCo360)  

Zoning change to allow large outdoor screens in Arlington shopping centers moves forward

Arlington’s Planning Commission unanimously signed off on proposed zoning changes that would allow large outdoor screens in six shopping centers in the county. The screens are part of an effort to encourage socializing in the county by bringing new entertainment experiences to the county’s retail centers.  (Daniel Egitto / ARLNow)  

Most UMD Purple Line construction to wrap up by fall 2024 instead of 2025

The majority of Purple Line construction on the University of Maryland, College Park campus will be completed by fall 2024 rather than in 2025, according to university president Darryll Pines. The unviersity and state have worked to expedite construction in recent months. For the past few years, construction projects have prompted road and sidewalk closures in the campus’s main thoroughfare.  (Lillian Glaros / The Diamondback)  

Washington region home prices hit record high in April 2024

The median price of a home in the Washington region reached a new record high of $640,000 in April 2024, breaking a previous record of $605,000 set in May of last year. According to one economist, the region’s large number of cash buyers have helped to push the median price higher.  (UrbanTurf)  

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