VDOT renews controversial push to widen the southern Beltway
The Virginia Department of Transportation is back with a revised concept for widening I-495 for toll lanes from Springfield, VA to Oxon Hill, MD. While CSG is glad to see future Metro is better protected in this revised concept, major questions and concerns remain, including a flawed conclusions-first study. Stay tuned for CSG updates on how you can support better analysis and solutions for the corridor.

Early voting in VA, DC, MD for the November 3 general election
Important federal, state, and local elections are happening Nov. 3, and all three jurisdictions have early voting options. Check out the Virginia, DC, or Maryland board of elections or your local jurisdiction for more information.

Week Without Driving (10/1 to 10/8; learn more)
Help us build grassroots support for sustainable, equitable, and transit-accessible communities in Baltimore County! You’ll focus on on-the-ground advocacy, including engaging local stakeholders, analyzing land use and zoning issues, and delivering public testimony. Full-time and part-time options available.

Rally & ride to save Hains Point public access (RSVP)
Join another rally and ride led by WABA to protect Hains Point on Sunday, October 4, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The Hains Point Hoopla 3.0 will have two elements: a demonstration bike ride and a rally! Featuring remarks by Davey Hearn, former Olympian accused of vandalizing the reflecting pool.

Alert: Tell DC Council to build affordable homes with a new Chevy Chase DC library and community center (take action)
After years of planning, hearings, and debates, the District is ready to authorize the building of mixed-income housing, including 90 affordable homes, along with a new Chevy Chase library and community center. Tell the DC Council it’s time to act.

DC Forum: Transportation Priorities for DC’s Next Mayor & Council (RSVP)
CSG is co-sponsoring this non-campaign forum to discuss transportation needs, challenges, and opportunities city-wide. We’ll turn the microphone over to attendees to share their thoughts. Sunday, October 18, 4 p.m.

Walk the future Central Ave. Connector Trail with us (10/24, RSVP)
On Saturday, October 24, 10 a.m., meet us near Morgan Boulevard Metro to explore the future Central Ave. Connector Trail (CACT) on the east end. Co-sponsored by: RISE Prince George’s, Blue Line Corridor Coalition, The Capital Market, WABA, and LISC.

Prince George’s County Bicycle Summit & Expo (10/17, RSVP)
We are joining our good friends at WABA, along with cyclists, advocates, community leaders, planners, and transportation professionals from across Prince George’s County, for an afternoon dedicated to shaping the future of bicycling in our community. Saturday, October 17, 1 p.m., Bowie City Hall.

Webinar: MoCo Master Plans 101 (10/5 @ 6 p.m., RSVP)
Join Montgomery County Planning staff and local advocates on Oct. 5 for a webinar focused on local master plans. Hear from planners and Montgomery for All members on both sides of community engagement—how feedback informs plans and what it’s like to participate.

Help expand access to ADUs in Montgomery County (sign up for hearing on 10/6; email the Council)
Montgomery County Councilmembers Fani-González and Friedson introduced Bill 41-26 to expand accessory dwelling unit (ADU) access! The bill removes owner-occupancy rules and waives fees for ADUs meeting affordability requirements. Sign up for the October 6 hearing, or email the Council to support Bill 41-26.

Fix Virginia’s misguided transportation priorities (take action)
Virginia’s Commonwealth Transportation Board is asking for input on the state’s transportation priorities. Too often, VA agencies prioritize fast, wide roads over safe, walkable communities that support new housing and transit. Join CSG in asking for reforms! Or come out in person to speak directly to state transportation officials on October 8, 2 p.m.

Speak up for Accessory Living Units in Fairfax County (send an email; learn more) 
While county staff are recommending several good updates to ALU rules, they’re still lagging behind neighboring jurisdictions. Requiring minimum lot sizes for detached accessory homes limits this housing option to only 14% of single-family properties in the county. If you haven’t already, please join CSG in sending an email today urging county leaders to pass strong, sensible ALU reforms and speak up at the Planning Commission hearing on Oct. 29! 

Check out the draft plan for a better Duke Street corridor! (learn more)
The City of Alexandria last week presented the draft land use plan for the Duke Street corridor, from King St Metro to the West End. The draft incorporates a year of community and CSG feedback and technical analysis! Comment on the draft is open through Nov. 13.

Hearings on Virginia Village redevelopment coming up! (learn more)
CSG is strongly supporting Virginia Village, the first major affordable housing development in Falls Church since 2011. But we need more voices of support at the Planning Commission hearing on Oct. 21 and the City Council hearing on Oct. 26 to make this project a reality. Please get in touch if you would like to be a part of this effort! 

Franconia-Springfield Plan Community Meeting (learn more)
On Oct. 20, Fairfax County planners will host a virtual community meeting to share the Preliminary Plan for the Franconia-Springfield area, which will guide the area’s future development for the next 20 years. Join to ask questions and share your ideas.

Green Fairfax Environmental Summit (join us)
On Monday, Oct. 19, CSG will present at Green Fairfax. Hosted by Supervisor Palchik, this free summit will feature expert panels on transit, climate resilience, and urban greening, plus a networking happy hour. Registration is required.