Elections in Maryland and Virginia are right around the corner - make sure to vote for GGWash's endorsed candidates - the endorsements are linked below!

Here's your roundup of this week's must-read posts: What a pair of kids' solo grocery trip says about DC's built environment; the transit workforce faces an impending wave of retirement; how much housing potential could we unlock in Rock Creek West if we upzoned?; plus, revisiting the history of the circles and squares that make up DC's urban form.

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Old Enough! DC edition: what a kids’ independent errand says about our built environment
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by Caitlin Rogger (Deputy Executive Director) • October 31, 2023

In some countries, it’s normal for kids to undertake errands on their own from a young age. Their built environment and culture prioritize their safety and ability to navigate independently. But American patterns of land use don’t encourage the same level of independence. The author sent her children on an errand to see how they’d manage on their own.
Transit workforce needs new solutions to survive
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by Kea Wilson (Streetsblog) • October 30, 2023

More than four in five transit workers nationally are approaching retirement, and that’s on top of an existing bus operator shortage. Transit agencies need to adapt to ensure a functional workforce, and advocates can help them.
A thought experiment: How many homes could we build in DC west of Rock Creek Park?
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by Hector Arbuckle (Guest Contributor) • November 2, 2023

DC neighborhoods west of Rock Creek Park have easy access to sought-after schools, jobs, shopping, and Metro, but are basically off-limits to all but the wealthy due to restrictive zoning. If you changed that, a lot more people could live there and enjoy those things. Like, a lot!
The lessons of DC’s circles and squares
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by Mark Eckenwiler (Contributor) • November 1, 2023

From the 1870s up to the present day, competing interests — erecting monuments and memorials, preserving space for civic recreation, and catering to vehicular traffic — have led to drastic changes in our shared public spaces.
Our endorsements for Rockville Mayor and City Council
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by Endorsements • October 4, 2023

This fall, voters in Rockville will choose a new mayor and a newly expanded City Council. GGWash endorses Monique Ashton for Rockville Mayor, and Kate Fulton, Izola Shaw, Marissa Valeri, and Adam Van Grack for Rockville City Council.
Our endorsement for Gaithersburg City Council
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by Endorsements • October 11, 2023

This fall, voters in Gaithersburg will choose three City Councilmembers, at least one of whom will be new. GGWash endorses Shanika Whitehurst for the open Gaithersburg City Council seat.




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