By Alex Baca (Housing Program Organizer) • May 29, 2020
At her press conference on Friday, May 29, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the default speed limit on DC streets would be lowered from 25 mph to 20 mph and that DDOT would be closing some streets to through traffic as part of a “slow streets” initiative.
Expanding Metro is always a hot topic, and most people know of the Silver Line — part of which is under construction — or the proposed downtown loop. But do you know about the Rosslyn Y, the Brown Line, or the Beltway Loop?
Vacant suburban sites are in dire need of redevelopment. Will teleworking cause problems for the environment? Longer days and more meetings may be the future of office work, and more in this week’s National links.
By Nena Perry-Brown (Editorial Board) • May 29, 2020
While there were earlier movements that pushed for safe, affordable housing in the US, the country’s official public housing system was established in 1937 by the Wagner-Steagall Act.
As we speak, voters in Montgomery County are receiving ballots for the June 2 primary, which includes a crowded and often nasty race for school board. To help voters learn about the candidates, a group of progressive organizations put together an “Equity Questionnaire” on major issues affecting students.
New CDC guidelines met criticism for arguing that employees should avoid public transit entirely as offices reopen, and employers should offer incentives to drive alone. Meanwhile, Japan found that crowded trains were not a source of coronavirus transmission. (Matt Richtel / NYT, Dennis Normile / Science)
Across DC, a new program is hoping to use autonomous vehicles to deliver food to areas that face food insecurity. The program would help to limit contact with other people during the coronavirus pandemic. (Nick Iannelli / WTOP)
With DC and much of the surrounding area moving into phased reopening over the next week, Metro will maintain its limited hours and service with an eye to adjusting if needed. (Justin George / Post)
Microsoft has signed a deal to create an R&D hub in Reston. The company already has strong ties to Reston and Virginia, as a whole. The new deal will bring 1,500 jobs. (Jeff Clabaugh / WTOP)
As Northern Virginia moves towards Phase 1 of reopening its economy, local governments have decided to close certain streets on specific days and times. The move is aimed to allow restaurants and pedestrians more space to social distance. (WAMU)
With many across the region out of work and rent due on June 1, many are turning to a patchwork of federal, state, and local assistance measures. WAMU has compiled many resources on rent assistance for DC, Maryland, and Virginia. (Ally Schweitzer / WAMU)
