Posts by Patrick Kennedy — Advocacy Committee
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If you live in DC, Maryland, or Virginia, you need to understand “preemption”
When states pass legislation that bar localities from regulating local issues, or when the federal government does the same for states, this is known as “preemption.” Preemption affects a wide variety of policy decisions ranging from plastic bags to dockless bikeshares, so it's important for citizens to understand. Keep reading…
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Here are the major changes that could come to Metro bus routes
There are a slew of changes coming to major bus routes in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. If you'd like to weigh in on these updates, head to the public hearing tonight to make your voice heard. Keep reading…
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In Seattle, transferring between transit modes is free. Here, you only get a discount.
I’ve visited Seattle a few times recently, and while there I’ve used their bus, light rail, and streetcar. My experience transferring among these modes and several regional service providers leads me to say: I think the fare system out there is much… fairer, compared to ours. Keep reading…
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A look back at Jim Graham’s time on the WMATA Board of Directors
Former DC Councilmember Jim Graham passed away on Thursday at the age of 71. Perhaps the most significant aspect of his legacy is his service on the Metro Board. Keep reading…
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Closing the E Street sidewalk in front of the White House will hurt tourists even if the Secret Service says otherwise
Last week, the Secret Service announced that it’s closing the north sidewalk on E Street in front of the fence adjacent to the South Lawn of the White House. As a general rule, the arc of secure perimeters in Washington is long… but bends toward more and more restrictive access. Keep reading…
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A new hospital at St. Elizabeths could be a shot in the arm, but it won’t be a panacea
Last month, Ward 7 DC Councilmember Vincent Gray introduced a bill that would bring a new hospital to St. Elizabeths, a former psychiatric hospital near the Congress Heights Metro that the District plans to redevelop. The expectation is that a private management firm will want to take over the facility, and that it will be an economic spark plug for surrounding neighborhoods. Slam-dunk idea, right? Perhaps. Keep reading…
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What’s in a name? For DC’s West End, more than you might think.
DC's West End used to be in what's currently considered Foggy Bottom. Here's a history of how the neighborhood, its name, and its boundaries came to be. Keep reading…
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I don’t want the feds to take over Metro, but I think they might need to
On Wednesday, the Washington Post editorial board sparked a regional discussion by calling for the consideration of a heretofore radical idea: that Congress should consider imposing a financial control board on WMATA. That suggestion was amplified by WMATA Board Chair Jack Evans, who signaled his support for the idea. In a round-up of what Greater Greater Washington contributors… Keep reading…
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In defense of hyperlocal government in DC
Last week, Greater Greater Washington’s David Whitehead encouraged readers who live in DC to run for Advisory Neighborhood Commission office, a position that makes you part of a group that weighs in on a number of hyperlocal issues from housing to transportation. Some commented that DC would be better off without ANCs, but I don’t think that’d would help the city. In… Keep reading…
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An “Abe’s to Ben’s” Circulator could connect tourists to DC neighborhoods
The National Park Service plans to create a new Circulator route around the National Mall. NPS and the city could also improve transit options to nearby neighborhoods with a line from the Mall to Foggy Bottom, Dupont Circle, and U Street. Keep reading…