Breakfast links: Meet the new boss

Foxx for DOT

President Obama will nominate Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx as the new Secretary of Transportation. In Charlotte, Foxx pushed for increased density and a streetcar line and supported bicycle programs. (BikePortland)

A gift to ethics

Virginia is one of the few states left that allow public officials to accept personal gifts of any value. But a company paying for Governor McDonnell’s daughter’s wedding might make the state reconsider its ethics laws.  (Post)

Franklin School draws interest

The Franklin School is currently in rough shape and has significant preservation restrictions, but that hasn’t stopped developer interest in the former school. (City Paper)

Will autonomy survive?

Now that DC voters have approved budget autonomy, will DC actually get it? It’s unlikely to be killed during the Congressional review period, but it could get repealed later as part of other legislation or face a court challenge.  (Post)

Concrete blame game

Who’s to blame for the problems with the Silver Spring Transit Center? While the contractor obviously made mistakes, do Montgomery County or WMATA share some blame for lack of oversight? (Post)

Last stop for gas

The last gas stations on Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda will soon close, reflecting a trend across the region and nation of stations disappearing in walkable, transit-oriented areas. (Post)

Transportation trends

More people in the area who didn’t learn to ride a bike as a kid are doing so now as adults.  Many credit Capital Bikeshare and seeing other cyclists as inspiring them to ride. More people are also riding the bus, pushing jurisdictions to add service and consider dedicated lanes. (Post)

Plant a tree

DC and the region has many more trees on the west side of the city than the east. But not all residents of tree-sparser neighborhoods are eager for green; some fear they would attract crime or drive gentrification. (Or both?) (Post)