Breakfast links: Growth patterns

Inner-ring suburbs lose residents

After decades of decline, the nation’s downtowns are experiencing growth while areas 2-5 miles from the center lose population. How can these areas be brought back without gentrification? (Urbanophile)

Families avoid coastal metros

Families with children aged 5 to 14 overwhelmingly moved to metro areas in the South and Intermountain West, driven by cheaper housing and more jobs. Will new families help these regions sustain growth? (Newgeography)

Can’t always get what you want

How did Capital Bikeshare manage to install 25 stations this summer even while the manufacturer is bankrupt and other orders are delayed? It bought used stations from Ottawa along with 250 bikes. (Post)

Cash crunch at Metro

WMATA will need to take out a loan to avoid running out of capital money for repair work. That’s because the federal government won’t give it funds until after the money has been spent, thanks to past contracting irregularities. (Post)

DC’s Grand Central

The proposed Union Station expansion could double the number of passengers in 20 years and ignite a building boom, similar to Grand Central Terminal a century ago. But with demand for office space dropping, who will pay for it all? (Post)

It’s too crowded

Residents in Manassas often drive an hour and 45 minutes to work, thanks to heavy traffic. Some say “no one wants to live” there because of it. (Post)

DC mayoral choices “uninspiring”

Despite an impending election, few District residents are excited about the choices. Meanwhile, the candidates are working to distinguish themselves through their platforms. (Post)

Cleaner rivers not clean enough

A study tracking pollution in rivers found much lower risks to humans, as regulations cut the use of toxic pesticides. New generations of pesticides, especially for pets, continue to cause harm to fish. (NYT, charlie)  (Tip: charlie)

One stop for homeless help

Denver’s new homeless shelter not only provides a place to stay, but also total healthcare and social services. Could such a novel complex work in DC? (Denver Post, Neil)  (Tip: Neil)

And…

A streetcar connection could make or break the 11th Street Bridge Park. (CityLab) … District officials will argue for statehood today despite slim chances. (Washington Times) … An active commute is a happy commute. (CityLab)