Breakfast links: MWCOG recommends $462 million increase in subsidies for WMATA
Georga Avenue-Petworth Metro station by Emma K Alexandra licensed under Creative Commons.
MWCOG releases report with WMATA funding recommendations
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) released a report Tuesday making suggestions to combat WMATA’s $750 million shortfall. The report recommends up to $462 million in additional support from DC, Maryland, and Virginia, as well as fare increases, service adjustments, and other measures, while a more permanent structural fix to the transit agency’s funding issues is worked out. (The Washington Business Journal article is behind a paywall) (Dan Brendel / Business Journal, Jessica Kronzer / WTOP)
DC Council votes to restore eligibility to first-time homebuyer aid seekers who applied prior to new restrictions
The DC Council passed emergency legislation Tuesday to restore eligibility to applicants who applied for the Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) before new restrictions were implemented in October. The Mayor warned that this would further deplete the program’s funds. 77% of HPAP funding has already been committed, less than one-quarter of the way through fiscal year 2024. (This article may be behind a paywall). (Meagan Flynn / Post)
Advocacy group gives Maryland transit a near-failing grade
The Central Maryland Transportation Alliance (CMTA)’s annual report card assigned a D+ overall for Maryland’s transportation system this year. The report highlights issues in job access, affordability, and reliability. CMTA emphasizes the need for focused improvements and increased funding to address systemic issues in Maryland transit. (This article is behind a paywall). (Daniel Zawodny / Baltimore Banner. Tip: Alex H)
Baltimore’s economy saw huge growth due to city’s role in addressing pandemic supply chain disruptions
Baltimore’s economy benefited from the city’s role in addressing global supply chain disruptions in 2021 and 2022, fueled by its deepwater port, location along I-70, and large blue collar workforce. Its GDP grew by 5.9% in 2022, a higher rate than most other large economies in the US. Economists note that this pace of growth is not likely to continue. (This article is behind a paywall.) (Ramsey Archibald / Baltimore Banner)
Fairfax County to revamp landscaping ordinance
Fairfax County is set to approve its first major landscaping ordinance update in 40 years, aimed at increasing green spaces in parking lots and streets. The new rules, recommended by the Planning Commission, will require more trees in parking areas and along street frontages, including a ten-foot wide planting strip with trees every 30 feet. Parking garages will also need to provide 10% shade coverage on their top decks. The ordinance will be considered for final approval by the Board of Supervisors on January 23. (Acacia James / FFXnow)
DC has its first non-citizen elected official
Abel Amene, an Ethiopian immigrant, became the first noncitizen to hold a public office in the District with his swearing in as the Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for single member district 4D02. Abel would like to see his district become a 15-minute neighborhood with the addition of a library and grocery store, and notes, “When people ask, ‘How do we improve public safety?’ It’s about land use.” (This article may be behind a paywall) (Theresa Vargas / Post)
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