The John A. Wilson Building in Washington, DC. Image by Angela N. used with permission.

DC Council passes $21 billion budget with increased housing vouchers and revised tax policies

The DC Council has given its final approval the city’s fiscal year 2025 budget, including funding over 600 additional housing vouchers and restoring allocations for a new jail and youth sports complex. The budget addresses debates over tax increases, spending priorities, and maintaining essential services as federal aid diminishes. Lawmakers also discussed the future of the city’s sports betting program, aiming to improve its performance and revenue generation. (This article may be behind a paywall.)  (Michael Brice-Saddler / Post)  

An increasing number of region’s residents say they’re struggling

An increasing number of the region’s residents say they’re struggling to make ends meet, with the effect more pronounced for Black and Latino residents, according to a new Gallup poll commissioned by the Greater Washington Community Foundation. Respondents also report feeling that they have little influence in local government decision-making. That said, a majority feel they are better off than their parents were at their age.  (Maryland Matters)  

Arlington secures $18M for pedestrian bridge to National Airport

Arlington County is set to receive $18 million from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority to build a pedestrian bridge linking Crystal City to National Airport. Construction on the CC2DCA multimodal connection is slated to begin in FY 2028, with completion expected by FY 2030 at a total estimated cost of $57.2 million.  (Daniel Egitto / ARLnow)  

Coalition aims to defeat Baltimore ballot measures on council size reduction and property tax cuts

A coalition of Baltimore groups and elected leaders has launched a campaign to oppose two proposed charter amendments likely to appear on voters’ ballots this fall. One measure seeks to halve the size of the Baltimore City Council, while the other aims to cap and reduce the city’s property tax rate. Opponents argue these changes could lead to severe cuts in city services, including reductions in fire services, teacher layoffs, and the closure of neighborhood libraries. (This article is behind a paywall.)  (Emily Opilo / Baltimore Sun)  

Arlington proposes new plan to boost waste diversion to 90% by 2038

On Saturday, June 15, the Arlington County Board will consider a new 20-year plan to, among other goals, divert 90% of waste from landfills and incinerators by 2038. The plan includes creating new community outreach positions, adding glass recycling drop-off points, expanding composting initiatives, and building a facility for hard-to-recycle materials. It also proposes increasing fees for additional trash containers while keeping recycling and organics cart fees unchanged.  (Daniel Egitto / ARLnow)  

Georgetown Call Your Mother location faces neighborhood opposition over zoning laws

Call Your Mother, a popular bagel shop, faces opposition from local residents over its ability to serve sandwiches at its Georgetown location. Neighbors complain about the shop’s patrons leaving trash and occupying stoops, while supporters, including DC’s Office of Planning, highlight its community value and the potential job losses if it closes. The DC Board of Zoning Adjustment is reviewing the application, with a second hearing scheduled for September 25. (This article may be behind a paywall.)  (Ellie Silverman / Washington Post)  

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