Breakfast links: Corrupt contracting?
Image by clement127 licensed under Creative Commons.
Mayor’s office (likely) under investigation
Sources say the DC Inspector General will open an investigation into allegations that the mayor's office tried to influence the award of contracts. Former employees claim that they were fired because they did not award contracts to one of Mayor Bowser's big campaign donors. (WAMU)
A stadium for the transit center
Montgomery County wants to replace two parking garages near the Silver Spring transit center with a 5,000 seat stadium, retail, and mixed-income apartments. They're looking for a private partner to design, construct and operate the development. (BethesdaBeat)
Control for rent control
The DC Council passed a bill that will prevent landlords from using a loophole to raise the rent on elderly and disabled tenants in rent-controlled apartments, and in return gives landlords a tax credit for housing these “exempt” tenants. (WCP)
Arlington’s “accessory homestay”
In Arlington, you can now rent out your home through Airbnb or other short-term rental services for up to 185 days per year. New zoning regulations just require that the homeowner secure a special “accessory homestay” permit. (UrbanTurf)
Better deal for first-time buyers
Changes to DC's homebuyer programs should make buying easier for first-time homeowners. The city will increase the maximum amount that residents can borrow and relax repayment deadlines. (UrbanTurf)
Kaine’s Silver lining
Virginia senator and former vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine toured the ongoing construction of the Silver Line expansion to Dulles Airport. As governor, Kaine secured funding for the project by lobbying USDOT and routing revenues from the Dulles Toll Road to the project. (WAMU)
Millions for Metro injury
An Arlington man struck by a falling metal bar on his commute to work at Metro Center in August is now suing Metro for $50 million. He claims Metro failed to secure its own equipment. (Post)
Uber a transit benefit?
Some local employers are now including Uber Pool as part of their transit benefits program. The program allows workers to pay for commutes on transit with pre-tax wages. (WBJ)
A DASHing opportunity
The Alexandria Transit Company (the operator of DASH bus service) is looking for someone to join its Board of Directors. Are you the right fit? (ATC)
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