Ask regional officials to do more on safety, sustainability, and affordable transportation options.
Author: Elena Sorokina
Support for Omnibus Text Amendment Zoning Commission Case 25-12 (DC)
CSG’s comments on a number of provisions in Case No. 25-12.
Speak up for better transit along Route 7
The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) is conducting a study of the benefits and impacts of the proposed Route 7 BRT that will connect the Mark Center in Alexandria to Tysons via Bailey’s Crossroads, Seven Corners, and Falls Church.
What to know about the University Boulevard Corridor Plan — and how you can help
The University Boulevard Corridor Plan lays out in detail how we can achieve safer streets, a wider and more accommodating variety of housing options, and greater environmental resilience.
CSG in the News: Route 7 BRT planners welcome feedback at recent Culmore open house
October 20, 2025 | Scott McCaffrey | FFXNow
Among the open house attendees was Sonya Breehey, a Falls Church resident who was viewing proposals both as a prospective rider and as a staff member of the pro-transit group Coalition for Smarter Growth.
“This is really important — BRT is really an opportunity,” she said. “So many people ride the bus.”
Breehey also voiced hope that transit improvements would be complemented by pedestrian safety initiatives. A study conducted by the Coalition for Smarter Growth and the immigrant advocacy nonprofit CASA in 2022 found that much of the Route 7 corridor is decidedly unfriendly to those trying to walk or cross.
In memoriam: EYA founder Bob Youngentob dies at 64
CSG honored Youngentob with its Livable Communities Leadership Award in 2018. Youngentob was EYA executive chairman and helped shape some of Greater Washington’s best known communities, including Reservoir District and Riggs Park Place in D.C.
CSG in the News: DC metro region leaders exclude I-495 express lanes project from long-term plan
October 16, 2025 | Nathaniel Cline | Virginia Mercury
Since 2022, Virginia has been conducting a study on adding the express lanes, which public speakers at Wednesday’s meeting referenced. About 13 people spoke at the meeting, many in opposition to the project, with some noting that the state’s study lacked cost estimates for decommissioning private toll lanes in hopes of building a Metrorail line. Others said the express lanes would lead to an increase in vehicles and air pollution levels.
“Only by clearly leaving out the preferred alternative can the region ensure that there’s collaboration among jurisdictions to explore alternatives,” said Bill Pugh, transportation and climate director for the Coalition for Smarter Growth, emphasizing the need for sustainable transportation alternatives and what he called the negative environmental and social impacts of the project.
CSG in the News: Key vote on I-495 Southside express lanes project postponed to 2026 or beyond
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.
Press Release: Transportation Planning Board Votes to Remove Southside Express Lanes Project from Regional Plan
During a meeting at the Transportation Planning Board today, leaders from DC, Maryland, and Virginia voted to exclude the controversial Southside Express Lanes project from the regional plan Visualize 2050.
Smarter growth blog: YIMBYTown takeaways
In September, land use champions from across the country gathered in New Haven for the annual YIMBYTown conference. CSG’s team attended to share our lessons-learned from the DC area while learning from others.