Breakfast links: Budgetary matters

Slip in the budgetary back door

Mayor Gray’s budget proposal includes language that would give the city budget autonomy, forcing Congress to actively deny the city autonomy rather than grant it. (Washington Times)

Gas tax hike goes down

Maryland’s General Assembly rejected a 6% sales tax on gas last night during the last night of the session. The tax, pushed by Governor O’Malley, would have ensured steady revenue for transportation. (Examiner)

Wal-Mart slows down

Rather than open 4 stores by the end of the year, Walmart will not open its first store until the end of 2013. Activist opposition contributed to the delay. (Post)

If a parking lot closes…

Two public parking lots in downtown Bethesda close today in anticipation of a massive, 940 space garage.  One wonders whether, with no parking for 30 months, people won’t just take transit. (Patch)

This boom ain’t a bubble

Despite fears of an impending apartment bubble, preference and census data indicates that perhaps the national boom in apartment construction is not only justifiable, but too small to keep up with demand. (Forbes)

The exurbs are toast

Census data show that exurban areas have taken a steep slide since 2010, and growth in central cities were largely to blame. (Streetsblog)

And…

The Howard Theatre, closed for 32 years, is open for business once again. (DCist) … Rosslyn Metro’s second entrance is now a hole in the ground. (DC Metrocentric) … Metro’s Rush+ service needs new signage, which will look like this. (TBD)