Breakfast links: Spain’s Arlington primary win bolsters Missing Middle advocates
NCinDC by The Waycroft-Woodlawn neighborhoods in Arlington, as seen from the Virginia Hospital Center licensed under Creative Commons.
Advocates in Arlington see Spain’s primary win as a win for Missing Middle housing
JD Spain Sr., a supporter of Arlington’s recently passed Expanded Housing Options reforms (commonly called “Missing Middle” housing), secured the Democratic nomination for the Arlington County Board, and Missing Middle advocates see it as a sign of growing acceptance of pro-housing policies among Arlington voters. Spain and fellow pro-housing candidate Tenley Peterson together garnered 56% of first-choice votes in the primary. Natalie Roy, an opponent of the housing reforms, secured 43% of the votes after three rounds of tabulation. (Daniel Egitto / ARLnow)
DC Council funds task force to study reparations for Black Washingtonians
The DC Council’s 2025 budget includes $1.5 million in “pre-funding” for a task force to study reparations for Black residents generationally harmed by slavery and Jim Crow-era institutional racism. The task force will explore restitution options to help address racial wealth disparities. (This article may be behind a paywall). (Meagan Flynn / Post)
$25 million federal grant funds 1.8-mile trail connecting Fort Lincoln to Anacostia Riverwalk Trail
DC secured a $25 million federal RAISE grant to construct a new, 1.8-mile-long, multimodal trail linking Fort Lincoln to the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. The project, long envisioned by community leaders, will commence construction in January 2026. Additionally, the grant includes funding for a new pedestrian bridge and rehabilitation of the New York Avenue NE bridge connecting DC and Maryland. This initiative is part of a broader $1.8 billion federal investment across 148 projects nationwide, aimed at enhancing community infrastructure and fulfilling longstanding local infrastructure aspirations. (Cuneyt Dil / Axios)
Special election dates set for Prince George’s County Council seat
Following Jamel “Mel” Franklin’s resignation, Prince George’s County Council announced special primary and general elections for the vacant at-large council seat. The primary election is set for August 6, and the general election for November 5. Candidates must file by July 5. Franklin, who resigned after being charged with felony theft, embezzlement, and perjury, had served on the council since 2010. (Emily Venezky / WTOP)
Takoma Station reopens ahead of schedule with upgraded amenities
Takoma Station will reopen Friday, June 28, two days ahead of schedule, with upgraded amenities. Metrorail crews rebuilt a track interlocking and addressed drainage issues between Fort Totten and Takoma for a smoother ride. The station now features brighter lighting, new communication cabling, signage, paint, sidewalk repairs, and new rail ties. Additional improvements include new digital passenger information displays. (Jenny Gable / DC News Now)
Alexandria Mayor shares concerns about adding toll lanes to Woodrow Wilson Bridge
Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson expressed concern that the Virginia Department of Transportation’s plans to add toll lanes to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge would make plans to include rail in the future impossible. Wilson’s concern contrasts with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay, who says expanding toll lanes to the bridge is a step toward eventually adding a rail corridor. (Vernon Miles / ALXNow)
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