District of Columbia

Key Planning Details of the Proposed $1.9 Billion Rail Bridge Between D.C. and Virginia
Analysis of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for a project that would add an additional bridge to supplement the rail capacity of the Long Bridge over the Potomac River.

Penalty for Paying Cash for Transit Fare Fails the Equity Test
A proposal to charge riders who pay fare in cash an extra 25 cents faces criticism.

Evaluating D.C.'s Progress Toward Vision Zero
Vision Zero is an ambitious goal, but it's impossible if traffic safety ideas aren't tested and implemented on the street.

Washington Is A Good (Baseball) Town. So Is Houston.
Decades ago, Bill Fulton wrote that Washington was not a good baseball town—and was skewered by legendary sportswriter Shirley Povich. The World Series made him rethink both D.C. and Houston—as baseball towns and as cities.

How D.C.'s Comprehensive Plan May Change
Along with a commitment to produce more affordable housing, Washington D.C. is making general amendments to its Comprehensive Plan. The result may be more "honesty" and nuance around housing.

Friday Funny: Zoning Provides Nationals Fans With Another Bragging Point Over Astros Fans
The worlds of baseball and zoning collide again.

It’s Time to Embrace Congestion Pricing
Charging based on demand and for access is commonplace—except on roads.

Short-Term Rental Legalization Hangs on Zoning Changes in D.C.
The D.C. Zoning Commission delayed a decision that would be the final step toward legalizing Airbnb and other short-term rental companies operating in Washington, D.C.

Scooter Rides Aren't So Cheap Anymore
Although electric scooter rental companies won't confirm the reasoning behind price increases for scooter rides in the Washington, D.C. region, it's likely the same story will be repeated in other regions as well.

Is NIMBY-Shaming a Viable Housing Strategy?
Facing a severe housing shortage, Washington, D.C. grapples with how to approach the challenges presented by local stakeholders who oppose any and all development.

Zoning Stifles New Construction in D.C.'s Pricey Neighborhoods
New research by Jenny Schuetz shows that already-expensive neighborhoods in D.C., zoned for low-density single-family homes, are not doing their part in adding new supply to meet rising demand.

Controversial Decision Limits Solar Panels on Historic Homes in D.C.
"I realize that we are in crisis politically as well as sustainably. But…"

D.C.'s Food Hall Boom Going Strong
Food halls continue to be popular additions to the restaurant scene in Washington, D.C.

Report: D.C. Area Commuters Driving Alone Less
With all the bad news about plummeting ridership as the D.C. Metro transit system has struggled to deal with maintenance issues, a new report indicates that regional commuters are still driving alone less.

Latest from D.C. Comprehensive Plan Framework Update
The District of Columbia has been working for more than a year to update the D.C. Comprehensive Plan Framework Element. A new draft was recently released to the public, with a vote coming potentially very soon.

Reducing Transportation Emissions by Targeting Fuel Suppliers
Modeled on the nation's first mandatory cap-and-trade program that only targets power plant emissions, the Transportation & Climate Initiative subjects transportation fuel to a similar market-based program. It took a major step forward on Oct. 1.

Solo-Occupant Hybrid Vehicles Lose Access to Carpool Lanes
A change in federal law on Monday meant that over 16,000 Virginia motorists must double or triple-up when using carpool lanes in Virginia. Next month, electric vehicles will need three occupants to drive free on I-395 when HOV lanes become HOT.
Green Electricity for Lime Scooters
A new program that will incentivize scooter "juicers," the people who collect and charge electric scooters for a fee, to switch to green energy.

In D.C., Sidewalks Don’t Equal Walkability
In theory, sidewalks are what make cities walkable. But in Washington, D.C., many sidewalks are not accessible to the people who use them.

Study Identifies Inclusionary Zoning's Fatal Flaw
Inclusionary zoning can't work because of the exclusionary zoning policies that the system relies on, according to new research.
Pagination
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This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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