2021 September newsletter

Working to create great communities

Dear {{FirstName or 'Friend'}},

Summer is coming to an end and cooler weather is just around the corner. But many land use, transit, housing, and bike/ped issues will be heating up! Keep reading for a preview of what’s coming up.

Regional

Congress needs to hear from you!

The Senate cut $10B in transit funding in their bipartisan infrastructure bill (the only transport mode reduced in their deal).

We’re fighting to get the House to restore it in their $3.5T reconciliation bill. Transit is critical for access to jobs, economic development, and fighting climate change. Email or call your DC/MD/VA Representative to ask for the $10 billion for transit. It should also be flexible dollars – for capital OR operations.

Car Free Day on September 22nd!

Car-free day raises awareness of the impact of driving and promotes greener modes of transportation. Try out a full day walking, biking and using transit. Take the pledge for a chance to win a Capital Bikeshare annual membership, Samsung Galaxy Tab A, Monthly SmarTrip Card, and more! More information here.

Big changes to Metro: reduced fares, increased service Increased frequency on Metrorail and 36 key bus routes Eliminated bus-rail transfer fees Reduced price for bus passes Weekend trips on Metrorail, a flat $2 per ride Late service for Metrorail will be extended on Fridays and Saturdays until 1am

Learn about all of the changes beginning September 5 and other updates on Metrobus service.

D.C.

Supporting a better & more inclusive Chevy Chase

We’re teaming with Ward3Vision to help the community plan a more inclusive Chevy Chase and Ward 3. The ongoing Chevy Chase Small Area Plan is a great opportunity to ensure a more vibrant main street and new mixed-income housing opportunities.

Watch your inbox for more information, and if you live in Ward 3, sign up to be on Ward3Vision’s email list.

Making accessory dwellings units (ADUs) easier to do

This fall, we expect the Zoning Commission to make building an accessory apartment (second dwelling) easier. We’re also excited to help the District advance its plan for financial and technical

assistance to moderate- and low-income homeowners. The just adopted District budget includes funding for this new program.

Join our DC ADU online forum to keep up on the latest ADU news.

Maryland

The I-495/I-270 fight

On Aug 11, the Maryland Board of Public Works voted 2 to 1 on an initial contract with toll road company Transurban to widen I495 and I-270 with four toll lanes. Governor Hogan and Comptroller Peter Franchot voted yes. Treasurer Nancy Kopp expressed strong opposition because studies of critical financial and environmental risks are not complete. With a climate and equity crisis upon us, we’ll continue to push for our transit-oriented alternative.

Become a member of Montgomery for All

Become a member of Montgomery for All! Our grassroots group is advocating for an inclusive and transit-oriented future in the county’s new general plan, Thrive 2050. The annual membership fee is $5. Additional donations are welcome! If you’d like a fee waiver, contact jane@smartergrowth.net. Register for our next (virtual) meeting September 9 from 7-8pm.

Join our RISE Prince George’s County group

If you live in Prince George’s County, check out the mission and focus of RISE Prince George’s and sign up here to join. We’ll announce our September meeting soon. We’ll be talking about winning better buses, TOD, safer streets and housing for all, and how we can ensure that these are priority issues discussed in upcoming elections.

Prince George’s County zoning rewrite in the home stretch

Join us on September 13th and 14th at 5pm, to testify to the County Council and Planning Board on the Countywide Map

Amendment (CMA) which applies the new zoning code to all properties in the County. Here’s our most recent testimony. We encourage you to offer your general support. Submit comments in advance or sign-up to testify.

Prince George’s Climate Action Plan needs smart growth

We’ve made some progress, but the proposed strategies don’t fully recognize smart land use and transportation as a climate solution with many co-benefits. Be sure to send the Commission an email letting them know you support smart growth solutions.

Learn more about our recommendations.

Virginia

DASH to Launch New Bus Network, Go Fare-Free

Alexandria’s DASH bus is launching a redesigned bus network on September 5 that will bring more frequent service to more people.

With increased funding from the city, the agency is also eliminating its $2 fare. Fare-free buses enhance economic opportunity, grow ridership, and promote environmental goals.

Making Fairfax safer for walking and biking

Creating safe and connected ways to walk and bike in Fairfax County will take a strong vision and public involvement. That’s why your input to the ActiveFairfax Transportation Plan is so important. Learn more at the public meeting on September 15 and provide comments on the plan’s draft vision, goals, and objectives through September 19. We'll follow up soon with more details.

Metroway Extension to Pentagon City

Currently, the Metroway bus rapid transit line runs in dedicated lanes most of the way between Braddock Metro and Crystal City.

Arlington will soon begin construction of the transitway’s extension from Crystal Drive to Pentagon City, starting with the 12th Street

South Complete Streets project. Join the public information meeting today for the latest updates.

That’s all for now. Stay tuned for our annual fall mixer – Smart Growth Social, supporter happy hours, and much more!

Thanks for all you do, Stewart Schwartz

Executive Director Coalition for Smarter Growth

Images from Jane Lyons, Daniel Kelly (Flickr),, Commuter Connections, Daniel Kelly (Flickr), Long & Foster, UrbanTurf, Lane Construct, Coalition for Smarter Growth, Cheryl Cort, Prince George's County, Prince George's County Council, Metroway Virginia, Alexandria Transit Company, Fairfax County

Support a thriving D.C. region today by donating!

Visit us online at smartergrowth.net

Coalition for Smarter Growth

P.O. Box 73282

2000 14th Street NW

Washington, DC 20009

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