Breakfast links: WMATA inspector general resigns after releasing critical audit
Metro train near RFK Stadium complex by Emma K Alexandra licensed under Creative Commons.
WMATA inspector general resigns after releasing audit criticizing board
WMATA’s inspector general resigned Tuesday after learning the agency’s board planned to replace him. This occurred one day after the release of an audit in which the inspector general argued that the board failed to grant his office autonomy required by law. This is the second WMATA inspector general exit in two years. (Disclosure: WMATA Board Member Tracy Hadden Loh is also the chair of GGWash’s Board of Directors. Note: This article may be behind a paywall.) (Justin George / Post)
Alexandria officials concerned about VDOT’s plans for Capitol Beltway express lanes
Alexandria city officials are wary of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)’s plans to potentially expand the Capitol Beltway’s Express Lanes, fearing it may hinder public transit use and future transit projects, such as potential Metrorail expansion over the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. VDOT’s proposals focus on easing congestion but face criticism for potentially inducing more traffic and increasing accident severity. (Jo DeVoe / ALXnow)
Maryland housing secretary notes rent caps unlikely to solve housing supply crisis, floats other policies
At a recent housing coalition meeting, Maryland Housing Secretary Jacob R. Day expressed doubts that the state legislature would float rent caps as a solution to the state’s housing supply crisis. Day suggested alternatives such as an increase in state financing and a more streamlined planning and permitting processes. Dan Reed, GGWash’s regional policy director, spoke on the same panel, urging the state housing department to encourage housing production. (This article is behind a paywall). (Hallie Miller / Baltimore Banner)
Virginia General Assembly leans democratic, Rockville makes history, Gaithersburg adds new council members after Election Day
Meanwhile, Rockville voters elected the city’s first Black mayor, Monique Ashton, a GGWash endorsee. Ashton joins five newly elected city councilmembers, four of whom we also endorsed. In Gaithersburg, there will be one new councilmember, Yamil Hernandez, who edged out GGWash endorsee Shanika Whitehurst by 100 votes. (DCist, William J. Ford / Maryland Matters, Elia Griffin / MoCo360)
DC teens express their environmental realities in new book
A newly released book of poems and reflections from Anacostia High School, Through My Anacostia Eyes, offers a glimpse into the lives of DC teens and their relationship with nature. The book, a product of a summer internship program, serves as an outlet for creative self-expression but also calls for more youth support and community engagement. (This article may be behind a paywall). (Theresa Vargas / Post)
DC apartment construction sees slowest quarter since 2010
DC-area apartment construction has seen a significant slowdown, marking the slowest quarter since 2010. A report highlights that only 891 multifamily units began construction in Q3 of 2023, a sharp decline from last year’s 2,712 units. The downturn is attributed to the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes since March 2022 and persistently high construction costs. Although a surge in project completions is expected in the short term due to prior construction activity, the trend is anticipated to reverse post-2024. (This article may require submitting an email address to access). (Emily Wishingrad / Bisnow)
McLean free meals truck aims to make Lewinsville its permanent base
SevaTruck Foundation, known for its free meal distribution during the pandemic, is seeking to make Lewinsville Senior Center in McLean its long-term operational hub. The nonprofit used the center’s kitchen extensively to support community members facing hunger. Fairfax County has applied for a zoning amendment to allow SevaTruck’s continued use of the facility. (Angela Woolsey / FFXnow)
Have a tip for the links? Submit it here.