Opinion Posts
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DC struggles to build affordable housing in wealthy neighborhoods. Here’s one reason why.
Building a new building is often a slow process, and affordable housing developers navigate it with an additional twist: when working through a competitive government funding process, it takes an especially long time to close on financing. Keep reading…
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How single-stair apartments can improve fire safety
A common objection to requiring only one staircase in new residential buildings is that it would roll back safety regulations to cut costs. But in fact, single-stair reforms have the potential to get more people into safer buildings. Keep reading…
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Run MARC commuter trains into Virginia. It could draw thousands more riders
With through-running service, trains from Maryland and Virginia would continue through Washington to the other jurisdiction. Just as Metro allows riders to travel from Northern Virginia to the Maryland suburbs and vice versa in a one-seat ride, commuters from further out in Virginia could commute to Baltimore, for instance. Keep reading…
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Chevy Chase historic district applicants admit what it’s actually about
The applicants who filed the nomination have made it clear that it mostly isn’t about history at all. A historic district nomination, at this time, is simply their latest entree in a long-running fight to limit new housing in Chevy Chase. Keep reading…
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In memory of Chris Laskowski
Chris was effective, thoughtful, and result-focused in his role working for the DC Council. He touched many lives and made DC a better place to live, work, go to school, and play. He passed away in January of this year. We’ll miss him. Keep reading…
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Prince George’s has ambitious transit plans, but they’re threatened by a lack of funding
As jurisdictions in the greater Washington region envision better bus systems and talk to riders about how to serve their needs, Prince George’s County will shortly release their Transit Vision Plan. Concerns remain about the funding source, but riders and advocates say the investment will pay off. Keep reading…
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ATU Local 689 answers your questions
You asked, and they answered! Representatives from the union that represents many of our region’s transit workers, ATU Local 689, answer questions submitted by members of the GGWash Neighborhood. Keep reading…
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DC CFO’s take on reserves replenishment cuts against equity goals, common sense
By insisting that DC’s mayor replenish reserves more quickly than what the law requires, the District’s CFO is setting DC on a course for tougher cuts than may be necessary in the 2025 budget, says Tazra Mitchell of the DC Fiscal Policy Institute. Building on a history of Congressionally-required conservative fiscal management, the approach will force reductions in essential services in a budget that already is expected to include deep cuts. Keep reading…
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WMATA’s funding crisis will disproportionately hurt essential workers with disabilities
In the absence of a regional, long-term operational funding solution for WMATA, essential workers with disabilities face mobility and job insecurity. Keep reading…
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Officials must act on promise to fix the region’s Visualize 2050 transportation plan
The Visualize 2050 plan demonstrates where the region’s priorities are – endlessly widening roads to move vehicles, or giving people affordable and sustainable travel options and proximity to jobs and services. The current version is lacking on both equity and sustainability fronts. Washington region residents have until March 30 to comment. Keep reading…