Pictured: Busy day on the 15th Street NW protected bike lane. On April 21, a federal judge blocked plans to remove the popular protected bike lane along the National Mall. This is a major win for advocates, riders, and our friends at WABA, who led the fight.
Dear Friend,
From the halls of MD and VA General Assemblies to the streets of our neighborhoods, it has been a busy season for transit and housing advocacy in our region! Check out our newsletter for the updates you need to stay informed, from workshops, webinars, and walking tours to our upcoming Livable Communities Leadership Award & Reception.
Regional
Celebrate smart growth at our Livable Communities Leadership Awards (May 13, RSVP)
Join us for the Livable Communities Leadership Award & Reception, honoring the smart growth leaders who are making our region more livable and inclusive. Enjoy live music, stunning views, drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and great company.
Bike to Work Day (May 15, register)
Choose from over 100 pit stops to get coffee, food, free gear and a t-shirt on your way to work. A great chance to connect with other community members, local businesses, and organizations.
Climate benefits of smart growth (learn more)
Smart growth is critical to addressing the climate crisis. Check out our new resource page. We’ve compiled our recent climate initiatives, fact sheets, and reports in one convenient place.
We have a new address! (contact us)
We are thrilled to share that our team has officially moved into a new office in Franklin Square. We are sharing space with Smart Growth America, and we are eager to use this location as a hub for advocacy and collaboration. Please direct your correspondence to 1350 I Street NW, Suite 425, Washington, DC 20005.
Washington D.C.
Virtual workshop: Explore the draft future land use map and share your feedback (take survey by May 17)
Take 10 minutes to give your input on the draft future land use map (FLUM) via the Office of Planning’s online survey. What to look for: explore where you live and question if the draft FLUM is too conservative with areas that could offer increased housing options.
TOD Tour: Bryant Street NE and Tanner Park via MBT (June 6 @ 10 am, RSVP TBA)
Join us to learn about how the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) has inspired the Bryant Street NE development and connects Alethia Tanner Park in NOMA. We’ll bike the one mile from Bryant Street NE to Tanner Park. Bring your bike, borrow a free Veo e-bike, or just join us for the first stop at Bryant Street NE. Stay tuned for details!
Maryland
How do Montgomery Council & Exec. candidates support smart growth? (learn more)
CSG and Montgomery for All asked candidates how they would tackle housing, zoning, transit, walking, biking, and community input. Read their responses and get informed ahead of the June 23 primary election!
Montgomery Democratic County Executive candidate forum (watch the recording)
Last month, CSG and partner organizations hosted the five Democratic County Executive candidates for a live forum on transportation issues, and later this month, we’ll host the Republican candidates (details to come soon).
Wins and losses in the Maryland General Assembly (learn more)
Maryland delegates and senators advanced transit-oriented development, housing certainty, street safety, and statewide transit governance. But they did not take action on important bills for data-driven transportation spending and climate accountability, starter homes, and other issues.
Two opportunities to support more affordable housing in Montgomery
Join Montgomery Housing Alliance members to call for more affordable housing funding in the county budget, and advocate for housing at the Chevy Chase Library.
Rhode Island Ave. Trolley Trail Day – walk, run, bike, eat, shop (June 13, more info)
We are excited to promote another celebration of the Rhode Island Ave. Trolley Trail following our walking tour in the fall of this outstanding resource for nearby Prince George’s communities, and a model for what we can accomplish along the Central Ave./Blue Line corridor and other parts of the County.
Virginia
Comment on Duke Street land use framework plan (comment by May 28)
The draft framework lays out proposed future land uses, building heights, open space, and circulation for the Alexandria Duke Street corridor. Learn more about the plan and upcoming meetings. Come out for CSG’s June 6 walking tour (register).
Webinar: The Future of Sustainable Transit in Northern Virginia (May 7 pm, register here)
We’re lucky to have an amazing regional Metro and bus network. But it’s no accident. It’s the result of hard work by the agencies, elected officials, and advocates. Join CSG and partners for a virtual panel discussion by regional experts who will cover the opportunities and challenges ahead for our transit network.
Support walking, biking, & transit projects (comment by May 17)
The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) is taking feedback to inform its funding decisions. Check out the projects in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Falls Church, Loudoun, Manassas, and Prince William. Submit a comment or sign up to speak at the hearing on May 14.
Urge VA legislators to fund transit (take action)
Virginia state delegates and senators will return to Richmond to reach an agreement on the state budget. However, their current proposals do not adequately fund our transit systems. Even if you’ve already sent an email on transit funding this year, they need to hear from you again!
Speak up for Braddock Road Safety Improvements (take action by May 16)
Alexandria City Council will hold a public hearing on May 16 before they decide on the proposed Braddock Road Corridor Improvements. We can’t lose this opportunity to fix dangerous conditions and provide a more connected and safer Braddock Road. Send an email today to show your support!
Thanks for all you do,
Stewart Schwartz
Executive Director
Coalition for Smarter Growth
Image credits: Carrie Kisicki, Bill Pugh; “Franklin Square” by BeyondDC, CC BY-NC 2.0; Cheryl Cort; Terry Granger via Unsplash; EcoAction Arlington; “Arlington’s Veitch Street protected bike lane” by BeyondDC, CC BY-NC 2.0; City of Alexandria, Hugh Kenny.