Breakfast links: Metro urges funding increases as it faces massive financial shortfalls
Metro pylon at Metro Center station by Rex Block licensed under Creative Commons.
Metro works to convince regional leaders to increase funding
Metro is urging jurisdictions throughout the region to step up financial contributions to the transit agency as federal stimulus dollars dwindle and the system faces massive funding shortfalls starting July 2023. Some Metro and regional government officials also call on more federal support for operational costs because federal workers make up the transit agency’s largest customer base. (Justin George / Post)
DC, Baltimore work with the Urban Institute to increase Black homeownership
From 2004 to 2019, Black homeownership nationwide fell from 49.7% to 40.6%, marking a generational decrease. The Urban Institute is working with DC, Baltimore, and other cities and states on strategies to increase Black homeownership. (Tim Henderson / Maryland Matters)
Enrollment increases are pressuring Alexandria to build more schools
Alexandria City Public Schools expects about 2,000 more students to join the existing 15,700 students in their schools by 2024. The expected major increase in enrollment has prompted local officials to examine options to convert offices into swing spaces while more permanent school buildings are constructed. Some recreational sites are being considered for potential redevelopment into new schools. (James Cullum / ALXNow)
Major improvements coming to BWI
The Maryland Board of Public Works approved a $332.5 million contract for a major project this week that will enhance BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. The funding will go towards construction that will enhance the baggage handling system and the connector between Terminals A and B. The projects are scheduled to finish by 2026. (John Domen / WTOP)
Unhoused women face security, health challenges in DC
Outnumbered three-to-one by their male counterparts, unhoused women experience disproportionate rates of sexual violence and challenges accessing adequate healthcare. While women’s shelters are available, they often run out of bed space and have insufficient security, meaning many unhoused women can’t find space in the shelters or feel unsafe using shelters. (Gaspard Le Dem / DCist)
Loudoun County considers short-term safety improvements for Route 15
On Tuesday, the Loudon County Board of Supervisors will consider a list of safety and operational improvements for Route 15 that can be completed within the next several years. The improvements are being considered because the long-term plan to address safety concerns along Route 15 will not be completed until 2040. (Neal Augenstein / WTOP)
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