Breakfast links: Office vacancies in DC continue to increase
Glow of office windows at dusk by Rich Renomeron licensed under Creative Commons.
DC office vacancy rate ticks up over last three months
The DC office vacancy rate inched up from 20.3% in the first quarter of 2023 to 20.4% in the second quarter, with law firms seeking to optimize and enhance their spaces representing 36% of new leases. This reflects a trend in which law firms are more focused on renovations and relocations to higher quality spaces than in the past. (Emily Wishingrad / Bisnow)
Montgomery County RideOn bus ridership increases to 80% of pre-pandemic levels
RideOn buses in Montgomery County are now at 80% of pre-pandemic levels, carrying 55,000 people per day. Montgomery County has introduced a Trip Planner app to give accurate arrival and departure times and, just like on Metrobus, riders can now request “courtesy stops” between official stops at night for safety. (Kate Ryan / WTOP)
Alexandria mayor cites need for “collective action” to address WMATA budget shortfall
Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson notes that all options need to be on the table given WMATA’s budget shortfall, and that DC, Maryland, and Virginia will need to work together to rethink the funding model. In a newsletter to residents, he notes that solving the WMATA funding deficit will be painful regionwide. This year Alexandria contributed $56.6 million in operating dollars and $16.6 million in capital contributions to the transit system. (James Cullum / ALXNow)
Maryland Governor Wes Moore notes transportation achievements, challenges from first six months on job
Maryland Governor Wes Moore cites rebooting the Red Line as an achievement and notes the challenges in managing the gas tax and rollout to electric cars. The exchange was part of a six-month assessment interview with Maryland Matters reporter Bryan J. Sears. Moore also said he would not call a special session to work on affordability issues around the gas tax, but looks forward to resuming that conversation in January. (Bryan P. Sears / Maryland Matters)
DC Public Service Commission report reveals clean energy progress and decreased emissions
The DC Public Service Commission’s biennial report highlights growth in clean energy and reduction in pollution. In 2022, 16% of energy sold in DC was clean. Carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and and sulfur dioxide emissions have all dropped significantly in the last few years. (Washington Informer)
Large rezoning and development efforts for Falls Church Metro finalized
Fairfax County has approved rezoning efforts at Falls Church Metro, for a project that will include 810 multifamily and 85 townhomes, in addition to office and retail spaces on the 24-acre site. (This article is behind a paywall) (Dan Brendel / Washington Business Journal)
DC driver’s licenses get makeover
DC’s driver’s licenses will have a new look starting on July 17. Two of the most notable changes are the image of Frederick Douglass Bridge in the background of the license and the word “USA” printed next to Washington, DC. DC DMV officials hope these and other more security-focused changes make it harder for the IDs to be counterfeited and easier for them to be recognized as legal IDs in airports and other security checkpoints. (Jordan Pascale / DCist)
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