Breakfast links: New DC budget projections leave fate of fare-free bus program uncertain
S9 bus at its northern terminus of the Paul Sarbanes Transit Center in Silver Spring. S9 rides that originate in the District may not be free after all depending on budget projections. by Elvert Barnes licensed under Creative Commons.
Pessimistic budget projections make fare-free DC Metrobuses uncertain
DC’s plan to cover Metrobus fares that originate in the District is in jeopardy, as it was dependent on excess funding that is no longer expected, according to a revised budget projection released by the Chief Financial Officer on Wednesday. The DC Council could still choose to fund the program through its regular budgeting process. (Jordan Pascale / DCist)
Rise in remote work reducing DC tax revenues from commercial properties
DC’s latest quarterly revenue estimate finds that tax revenue from commercial properties in the District has significantly declined in the past year. Office occupancy is between 30 and 47 percent, persistently lower than pre-pandemic levels. In a statement, Mayor Bowser urged the DC Council to budget within the District’s means rather than increasing taxes to meet shortfalls. (Martin Austermuhle / DCist)
Poor living conditions lead Brightwood Park tenants to rent strike
At least 35 families at 1355 Peabody St. NW in Brightwood Park are withholding rent from the landlord of their building to protest inhumane living conditions. The landlord, Khan Properties, has previously been charged with failure to maintain properties in safe conditions by former DC Attorney General Karl Racine. (Morgan Baskin / DCist)
Alexandria fiscal 2024 year budget proposal funds WMATA, Four Mile Run Park, waterfront improvements
Alexandria’s proposed municipal budget for the fiscal year 2024 was released on Tuesday with several relevant line items. Notably, the budget allocates $185.1 million for WMATA’s capital program, $17.4 million to renovate Four Mile Run Park, $48.2 million for capital improvements related to flood mitigation along the waterfront, and $63.3 million for citywide street reconstruction and repaving. Public meetings on the budget start tonight and will run through March 18, with a stated final budget adoption date of May 3. (James Cullum / ALXNow)
Fairfax County compiles Black history and culture sites for potential nomination to National Register of Historic Places
The Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development is considering nominating several locations linked to African American history to be historic places. Candidate sites include the Louise Archer School, the Tinner Hill neighborhood, and Clifton Primitive Baptist Church. Residents may provide input through March 24. (Melanie Pincus / FFXNow)
Blue Line Corridor development receives million dollar pledges from Black developers
Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks this week celebrated $769 million in private investment by Black developers around the Blue Line corridor. Coming projects include transit-oriented development, over 1,500 residential units, and nearly 200,000 square feet of retail space. (John Domen / WTOP)
OPINION: BWI is the best Washington region international airport
Baltimore Banner columnist Christina Tkacik makes this claim about BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport after flying through and comparing all other Greater Washington and East Coast airports, as well as taking a Twitter poll of other flyers who stated their preference of the airport over Dulles. (Christina Tkacik / Baltimore Banner)
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