Intersection of Hope and Transit in Providence, RI. Photo by Carrie Kisicki
Dear Friend,
Spring is finally just around the corner, and things are definitely heating up at both the MD and VA General Assemblies and in our local communities. Unlike global issues, we can each make a difference by jumping into local and state decision-making. We see a moment for action and optimism. Let’s tackle the action items ahead together!
Regional
Teaming up for Climate Action! (learn more)
“Team Smarter Growth” got blasted by water cannons and buckets of ice water during Chesapeake Climate Action Network’s 21st annual Polar Bear Plunge, raising money for climate advocacy. CCAN held the event on the shore due to the Potomac River sewage spill – CSG signed on to a joint letter by Potomac Conservancy, highlighting the need for fix-it-first infrastructure policies.
Save the date for our Livable Communities Leadership Award!
Join us Wednesday, May 13, at 6pm in the heart of Downtown DC on the rooftop of the beautiful Martin Luther King Jr Library to celebrate this year’s exciting awardees. Stay tuned for our announcement!
GoDMV Commuter Challenge (sign up)
Get rewarded for green commuting! Register and log your transit, walking, biking, and carpool trips from April 1 to May 15 to compete for cash and raffle prizes.
Help us bring our community together! (fill out the form)
Do you know of or have access to great locations for future CSG supporter events? This could be a club room or community center, a private dining space, a cool bar, or a home. If you have access to a suitable space, please share the details with us. There is no obligation or commitment to host.
Washington D.C.
Help shape DC’s future (3/18 and 3/21, RSVP)
DC has announced a team to build a new library, community center, and mixed-income housing at the Chevy Chase library site. The project includes 54 affordable homes at 30% and 50% AMI, 123 market-rate units, retail, a public park, and recreational spaces.
Maryland
Support these three key housing bills at MD General Assembly (learn more and take action)
Email your state legislators today to support the Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act (advances TOD near high-frequency rail), Maryland Housing Certainty Act (vests development applications upon submission, increasing certainty), and Starter and Silver Homes Act (permits smaller, less expensive homes on smaller lots and allows townhouses by-right where detached homes are permitted).
EVENT: Urbanist Karaoke in Silver Spring (3/17 @ 7pm, RSVP)
Do you have what it takes to become the next Montgomery for All Idol? Montgomery for All and CSG are co-hosting karaoke night at the American Legion post in Silver Spring on March 17. Bring your friends and sing your favorite place-based and urbanism-related songs!
Speak up for housing and walkability in the Blue Line corridor (3/10, take action)
The Blue Line Sector Plan focuses higher‑density mixed‑use development around the Capitol Heights, Addison Road/Seat Pleasant, and Morgan Metro stations. Support this plan for a more walkable, transit-oriented community.
Support Go Prince George’s Countywide Transportation Plan (3/24 @ 6 pm, sign up to testify)
Good news! This draft plan incorporates the 2023 Urban Streets Design standards for walk- and bike-friendly roadway designs in transit centers and urbanized areas. See the plan overview here, read the draft plan, and see our preliminary comments. We’ll soon share talking points and sample letters.
Virginia
New Bike/Ped Priority Projects Proposed in Fairfax (learn more, take survey)
Fairfax County needs your feedback on their proposal to add several new pedestrian and bicycle projects to its priority list. Attend one of the upcoming virtual meetings (3/11 at noon or 3/12 at 7pm) to learn more, and take the survey by the March 31 deadline.
Unanimous Vote Endorses Braddock Road Improvements!
Thanks to all who testified and sent comments in support of the Braddock Road Corridor Improvements in Alexandria! Supporters of the safety improvements outnumbered opponents, and the Traffic and Parking Board voted unanimously to support the project.
Budget season – Arlington and Alexandria edition
Help shape local investment priorities on housing, transportation, schools, etc, during this difficult budget season. Join us for Alexandria’s City Council Budget Public Hearings Mon. 3/9 and Sat. 3/14 and Arlington’s County Board Budget Public Hearing Tues. 3/24.
It’s the final countdown at the VA General Assembly (learn more)
We have made real progress on housing bills. Bills are moving on inclusionary zoning, housing on faith land, reducing parking minimums, and expediting affordable housing. But we don’t yet have the funding locked in for Metro and other transit yet. Check out our webpage!
Alexandria’s transit-oriented plan for Duke Street (learn more, provide input)
Check out the latest updates on the Duke Street Land Use plan, including proposed districts and community idea case studies. Share your ideas via the engagement hub by Mar 13.
Thanks for all you do,
Stewart Schwartz
Executive Director
Coalition for Smarter Growth
| Image credits: Carrie Kisicki; Brandi Panbach; DC 2050; MNCPPC; Cheryl Cort; Fairfax County; City of Alexandria; Arlington County; Becca Dedert; Bill Pugh; Hugh Kenny. |