The Purple Line has been Montgomery and Prince George’s County’s top priority transportation project for several years now for good reason. For the state’s capital investment of $300-$700 million and local investment of $220 million, the project will leverage $900 million in federal funds and $600 million-$1 billion in private capital. Long term, the economic, environmental, and social benefits will far exceed this initial investment.
Author: Elena Sorokina
Purple Line goes to Hogan in May
Maryland transportation officials say Gov. Larry Hogan will get options about the future of the Purple Line in mid-May.
Caring for the Potomac: Developers have a role in maintaining and improving river’s health
It might sound counterintuitive, but the health of the Potomac River might be improving thanks to large-scale development in places like Tysons Corner and Rockville.
Testimony to restore capital funding to the Bicycle Pedestrian Priority Areas
While Bicycle Pedestrian Priority Areas were first created 20 years ago by state legislation, the program has been slow to start. Now, as driving has begun to decline in the county over the last decade and rates of walking, cycling, and transit use in the county have been on the rise, it’s more important than ever to ensure it is safe and comfortable to walk, cycle, and take transit. Last year, people driving struck 483 people who were walking in the county – 60 more people than in 2013. We have much more work to do.
Comments on Seven Corners Plan, Sears Site, and the Future of Fairfax
The development proposals for Seven Corners and the Sears site, when combined with improved transit connections and an improved street network, will attract professionals and a diversity of incomes, while improving the look and feel of Route 7, enhancing property values throughout the area.
Metro committee delays vote on budget options for two weeks
Transit advocate groups also agree that between fare increases, service cuts or increased subsidies from the jurisdictions, only the third is palatable. “Eighty-percent of those you polled support increasing state and local investment to meet Metro’s full operating budget shortfall, rather than include $46 million in fare increases and service cuts. When we see $46 million, we think of the spending on road and interchange projects where a single interchange can cost that much,” says Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director of the Coalition for Smarter Growth.
Metro’s Board heard public reactions Thursday to proposed fare hikes
Though not yet set in stone, the budget proposal being considered would provide for up to a 10-cent increase for both Metrorail and Metrobus fares. Additionally, rail headways would increase, leaving more time between trains in some cases, and late-night rail service would be eliminated, with some bus routes being eliminated and airport service ending entirely.
DC Affordable Housing Alliance Meeting on Shared Equity Homeownership
Presentation by Brett Theodos, Senior Research Associate, The Urban Institute
Related materials:
- Shared equity research at The Urban Institute (full reports and case studies)
- Blog post Can affordable housing create wealth and stay affordable? By Brett Theodos
- Summary article A Promising Way Forward for Homeownership: Assessing the Benefits of Shared Equity Programs. By Kenneth Temkin, Brett Theodos, and David Price
- Journal article (requires subscription or library access): Sharing Equity with Future Generations: An Evaluation of Long-Term Affordable Homeownership Programs in the USA. By Kenneth Mark Temkin, Brett Theodos, and David Price.
Blog post by Angie Rodgers. Worried about DC gentrification? A new bill would speed it up and lose affordable housing.
City First Homes
Other resources
Fact sheet: Maryland state highway walking and biking safety bills
Between 2003 and 2012, 5,799 people total were killed in traffic-related crashes in Maryland, 1,067 of them while walking. Such preventable, needless tragedies indicate a need for renewed focus on safety for everyone utilizing Maryland’s roadways. As driving continues to decline in Maryland, and walking, cycling, and transit usage rises, there is an urgent need to address the safety of all Maryland traveler
Testimony to WMATA Board Regarding FY2016 Budget
This is why we so strongly support Metro’s rehabilitation programs and Metro Momentum, beginning with the investment in 8-car trains and downtown station capacity. It’s also why we — and 80% of those you polled — support increasing state and local investment to meet Metro’s full operating budget shortfall, rather than include $46 million in fare increases and service cuts.