Breakfast links: Virginia House and Senate agree to a budget

Proposed arena promenade by Monumental Sports used with permission.

Virginia budget compromise excludes framework for Wizards and Capitals arena in Alexandria

The compromise reached between Virginia’s House and Senate on the state budget does not include provisions for a Washington Wizards and Capitals stadium in Alexandria. Governor Glenn Youngkin is left with options of adding a budget amendment after the legislative session or introducing a new bill in a special session. (This article is behind a paywall). (Drew Hansen / Business Journal)

Baltimore City Council considers proposal to sell city-owned vacant homes for one dollar

The Baltimore City Council is set to vote soon on a measure to sell vacant city-owned homes for $1, requiring buyers to renovate the homes and reside in them for five years. Some city leaders are urging reconsideration of the proposal to, among other concerns, make sure that there are enforcement mechanisms in place in case the required renovations do not happen. (Mike Hellgren / CBS News Baltimore WJZ)

DC woman faces six-month delay in securing housing despite voucher approval

Belinda Whitfield, approved for a studio apartment through DC’s Local Rent Supplement Program last fall, has yet to move in. Clerical issues, delayed follow-ups, and bureaucratic hurdles have contributed to the prolonged process. More than 6,000 people rely on voucher assistance for housing in DC and 40,000 are on the waiting list. (Mike Murillo / WTOP)

Prince George’s County task force recommends permanent rent caps to address housing affordability

A task force in Prince George’s County has recommended a permanent rent cap with annual increases between 4% and 10%, anchored to an inflation index. 52% of residents are rent-burdened, paying over 30% of their income on rent. The County Council is in the process of extending the temporary 3% rent caps, set to expire in April, to allow more time to review the task force recommendations. (John Domen / WTOP)

New emergency services coming to former Marshall Heights school campus

The Bowser administration and Universal Health Services, the operators of GW Health, have teamed up to bring a standalone emergency services center to the former Fletcher-Johnson middle school and recreation center campus in Ward 7. The new facility, pending approval, and construction, would open in 2027. (The Washington Business Journal story is behind a paywall). (Washington Informer, Sara Gilgore / Business Journal)

Arlington tests road treatment to reduce speeding on left turns

Arlington County plans to implement a pilot program using “hardened centerlines,” small raised bumps, at five intersections to reduce speeding during left turns. The initiative aims to enhance pedestrian safety, encourage wider and slower left turns, and increase crosswalk visibility. Similar safety measures have been employed successfully in DC intersections. (Jo DeVoe / ARLNow)

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