By Alex Baca (Housing Program Organizer) • April 30, 2020
Housing has been a reliably zeitgeisty topic, nationally and in DC, for several years. Discussions about it get heated. It’s combative! It’s intensified, just like everything else, by COVID-19! So many people—residents, advocates, experts, elected officials—are stakeholders in how housing works. Given that, what are we all going to say about it now?
Are you looking for a store in the region that is observing good social distancing? Chances are MOM’s Organic Market, Wegmans, or Trader Joe’s may be your choice. Are you wondering what supply items are most in-demand? Your suspicions may be right if you guessed toilet paper.
The earth is in the throes of a climate crisis and many local governments want to do their part in saving the planet. But first, they have to measure the carbon they need to stop emitting.
What will public transit look like as social distancing eases? It’s hard to know, as more workers may opt to telework or those that commute will avoid public transit in favor of individual cars. (Jordan Pascale / WAMU)
With soaring unemployment and continued shutdowns, many individuals and businesses are facing shortfalls and crunches when it comes to rent and bills. There is a growing call, endorsed by the DC Tenants Union, for a strike on rent this month if elected officials don’t suspend rent and mortgage payments. (Marissa J. Lang / Post)
The Montgomery County Council approved $54.9 million for a pedestrian tunnel beneath Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda, continuing the Capital Crescent Trail. The tunnel will be adjacent to the new Purple Line route, helping to connect those networks. (Katherine Shaver / Post)
Arlington County has approved a much slimmer budget than the council was eyeing earlier in 2020, due to the uncertainty caused by the coronavirus. The budget anticipates declining revenue and delays on several items while freezing certain rates to account for that. (ARLNow)
A development application for the Buzzard Point Coast Guard headquarters includes an application for space to house DC Central Kitchen. The application includes space for DCCK’s operations, as well as space for their office needs. (Nena Perry-Brown / UrbanTurf)
DC’s restaurants and their workers need assistance. Local restaurants are asking for flexibility for how to use funds from the Paycheck Protection Program to help keep them afloat, while waiting to be able to safely re-open for customers. (Eliza Berkon / WAMU)
