Breakfast links: A new gig platform provides quick cash, but at a cost to workers
Image by Jennifer used with permission.
A gig economy platform worries labor experts
A new online gig platform lets individuals find quick, temporary work. However, the platform matches businesses with workers as independent contractors, a designation that some labor experts say skirts labor laws and could expose workers to legal gaps. (Ally Schweitzer / WAMU)
A “mapathon” can make riding the bus better
Using open data, students at the University of Maryland in College Park helped map out bus movements to construct a more accurate, user-friendly app. The “mapathon” idea has been employed by large public transit systems to improve user experience and boost ridership. (Laura Bliss / CityLab)
Who lives in DC’s newest apartment buildings?
New data shows that DC's newest buildings attract young, single, new residents with salaries that are high but below the city's average salary. Interestingly, people earning more than $250,000 tend to live in older buildings. (Nena Perry-Brown / Urban Turf)
A large number of DC officials now oppose Proposition 77
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and a majority of the DC Council publicly oppose Proposition 77, which would raise the minimum wage for tipped workers. Opponents of the proposal argue that it would negatively affect businesses by saddling them with extra costs. (Martin Austermuhle / WAMU)
Rent concessions remain an unsolved problem
DC realtors are able to raise rents above quoted prices due to a loophole relating to “concessions.” Tenants continue to be surprised with high rent increases due to this loophole, while legislation to fix the issue languishes. (Morgan Baskin / City Paper)
Arguing whether or not DC is cool is missing the point
Recently, Washington Post author David Fontana wrote a much-discussed article decrying the fact that DC has become “cool,” but his beef really seems to be with the city's lack of affordability, access, and representation. (Alex Baca / CityLab)
Another danger of climate change: loss of local history
History saved in communities across the world are at risk due to climate change. Community libraries, museums, and historical sites could be destroyed by rising seas and more powerful storms in the coming years, erasing valuable history. (Sophie Yeo / CityLab)
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