Author: Elena Sorokina

CSG in the News: Key vote on I-495 Southside express lanes project postponed to 2026 or beyond

Posted on by Elena Sorokina

October 15, 2025 | Scott McCaffrey | FFXNow

Critics of the toll lanes, however, believe once they are in place, it would be difficult — or impossible — to retrofit the bridge for transit.

Some of those critics lined up to make their case in advance of the TPB’s final discussion. Their concerns went well beyond the Metro question and to the core of VDOT’s efforts to date.

“Multi-billion-dollar decisions should not be made based on flawed and incomplete information,” said Bill Pugh of the Coalition for Smarter Growth, which opposed inclusion of the project. He accused VDOT of trying to push through a “conclusion-first” study justifying the project’s feasibility.

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Walk the Rhode Island Trolley Trail with us

Posted on by Elena Sorokina

Join us this Saturday to learn about the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail southern section. 

Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail Walking Tour
Saturday, October 18, 2025
10 am-12 pm

RSVP

Meet at: Busboys & Poets, 5331 Baltimore Ave, Hyattsville, MD 20781

Join us for a walking tour to explore how the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail is helping to build a stronger, more vibrant community. See how the trail helps support local businesses, strengthens community bonds, and improves accessibility. 

We’ll start at the front of Busboys and Poets and walk south to the new trail extension at Charles Armentrout Drive. This event is co-sponsored by the Coalition for Smarter Growth, RISE Prince George’s, the Capital Market, LISC & WABA.

Alexandria wants your feedback on its Housing Master Plan update

Alexandria wants your feedback on its Housing Master Plan update

Posted on by Elena Sorokina

Alexandria wants your feedback on the next phase of its Housing Master Plan (HMP) update! We commend the city for promoting goals and strategies essential to fostering an inclusive Alexandria and would like to encourage you to show your support for the plan’s Revised Draft Housing 2040 Principles and Goals by the October 19 deadline.

Talking points: Arlington 2050 Comprehensive Plan update (VA)

Posted on by Elena Sorokina

Arlington 2050 is an initiative to update Arlington County’s Comprehensive Plan, which will guide the direction of the county’s long-term community and economic development. Updated every five years, this is an opportunity to share your vision for the future of Arlington.  If you would like to promote a vibrant, walkable Arlington that prioritizes opportunity, inclusion, and affordability, we have developed several talking points you can include in your feedback under each county principle.

CSG in the News: Moore plans to ‘supercharge’ affordable housing. The crisis will still take years to resolve.

Posted on by Elena Sorokina

September 15, 2025 | Sam Janesch | The Baltimore Sun

“What people need to understand, what our legislators and decisionmakers need to understand, is we’re already years behind on making these changes,” said Carrie Kisicki, the Maryland advocacy director for the Washington, D.C.-based Coalition for Smarter Growth. “As fast as they can go into effect, it doesn’t mean our housing market or our housing crisis is going to be fixed in a year or two.” […]

“The problem is actually probably even more acute than we see in the state-level numbers,” Kisicki said, adding that some adults like her who live in the Washington area might consider less expensive options in northern Virginia rather than Montgomery or Prince George’s counties.

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