Breakfast links: Study finds student debt hinders homeownership, especially for Black DC residents
Rowhomes in HIstoric Anacostia by Erin used with permission.
Student debt contributes to plummeting homeownership rates for Black DC residents
A recent report from the Washington Interfaith Network’s Black Equity Through Homeownership Initiative has determined that student debt has had a disproportionate effect on declining rates of homeownership in DC, particularly for young Black residents. (Washington Informer)
Landlords claim DC voucher system is broken and proposed bill would make things worse
HUD required DC to reform its determination of reasonable rents for units rented with housing vouchers after an investigation uncovered rents out-of-step with (often exceeding) market rate. Ward 3 Councilmember Matt Frumin is floating legislation that would end an existing rent control exemption for units rented with vouchers. DC landlords voiced concerns in a recent Bisnow panel over the impact of these changes on their bottom line and the market overall. (Emily Wishingrad / Bisnow)
WMATA asks Virginia to lift cap on funding increases ahead of $750 million shortfall
In a session of the Commonwealth Transportation Board earlier this month, WMATA officials pointed to the need for Virginia to lift its current 3% cap on funding increases in order to avoid 5,000 layoffs and devastating cuts to transit service. Some legislators note that Metro is just one among a number of transportation priorities. (Nathaniel Cline / Virginia Mercury)
Multiple people injured in collision on 14th and U
At least four people have been injured (with some outlets reporting five), including one adult with serious injuries, after a vehicular collision on 14th and U Street NW on Monday afternoon. MPD has revealed that a police cruiser was among the vehicles involved. (Jessica Kronzer / WTOP, Laura Wainman / WUSA)
Takoma Park Police Department awarded $3,500 in grant funding for road safety initiatives
The Maryland Department of Transportation has awarded the Takoma Park Police Department approximately $3,500 in grant funding for initiatives to reduce distracted and impaired driving initiatives. (Suzanne Pollak / Montgomery Community Media)
Fairfax County approves projects for McLean’s downtown revitalization
The Fairfax County Board has approved the first projects for McLean’s greater downtown revitalization. These projects include an expanded headquarters for the candy company Mars and a seven-story mixed-use building. It’s the first step in a larger effort to turn McLean’s car-centric business area into a more walkable downtown. (Angela Woolsey / FFXNow)
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