Manassas Town Hall. Manassas, Virginia, has seen rents increase 8% over the last year. Image by Adam Fagen used with permission.

Washington region rents rising fastest in outer suburbs

Washington region rents are up by 3.5% since last year, while rents are down 1% on average nationwide. The fastest rent growth has occured in the far-out suburbs — Leesburg is up 9% and Manassas is up 8%. One economist points to the construction of new housing as helping to temper rent increases.   (Jeff Clabaugh / WTOP)  

DC reaches goal of producing 36,000 housing units

In 2019, Mayor Bowser set a housing production goal of 36,000 units by 2025 — a goal Washington, DC, has achieved ahead of schedule. DC has yet to hit the goal of producing 12,000 new affordable units, but is on track to do so by the end of 2025.  (UrbanTurf)  

Fairfax County to consider comprehensive plan amendments to enable redevelopment in Springfield

The plan amendments would target properties at the intersection of Springfield Boulevard and Amherst Avenue that could be redeveloped for up to 732 housing units. Several developers are eyeing the area, which includes nine parcels on just under six acres of land.  (James Jarvis / FFXNow)  

MoCo Council to vote on bills related to tenant rights, campground zoning, vehicle noise, and office vacancy

The bills would require landlords to educate renters on their “ban the box” rights, enable campgrounds in more places in the county, fund a pilot vehicle noise abatement program, and provide grants to businesses moving to the county or expanding their space.   (Ginny Bixby / MoCo 360)  

700 multifamily housing units in DC will see upgraded air quality to reduce asthma triggers

The Environmental Protection Agency provided the $20 million in funding to the National Housing Trust and DC Children’s Law Center, which will cover the cost of updates to homes in Anacostia and Mount Vernon Square. The money will go to replacing gas appliances with electric versions, fixing water leaks, upgrading HVAC, and replacing insulation and carpet. (This article is behind a paywall.)  (Auzinea Bacon / Business Journal)  

230-unit Shaw development faces up to two-year delay

The approval for the planned-unit development at 7th and P Streets NW originally went through 2024, but has now been extended through 2026. The developer needs the additional time to secure more financing for the project.  (UrbanTurf)  

Alexandria nonprofit creates three affordable housing units in former single-family home

The project by nonprofit Alive! was completed over the course of six weeks. It includes an office downstairs along with the three private units, which will provide transitional housing for women and their families.   (Vernon Miles / ALXNow)  

Baltimore’s Hanover Street Bridge could receive pedestrian-friendly makeover but will take years

Maryland lawmakers secured a federal grant to cover the costs of planning a makeover for the 108-year-old bridge to improve sidewalks, bike lanes, and connections to trails. Planning is anticipated to take four years; funding for construction is not yet secured. (This article is behind a paywall.)  (Saul Pink / Baltimore Banner. Tip: Former Commenter)  

Driver strikes, kills pedestrian in Silver Spring Saturday night

The man was crossing the street at the intersection of University Drive and Langley Park Saturday night around 9:00 pm and has not yet been identified. The driver stayed at the scene.  (MoCo 360)  

Washington region under drought watch

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments is asking residents to voluntarily decrease water use to protect the supply amidst extreme heat and rainfall totalling four inches less than average over the last two months.  (Kate Corliss / WTOP)  

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