Photo by Elvert Barnes on Flickr.

Over the next few weeks, get ready to talk about DC’s zoning update, discuss the future of Metro, tell Montgomery County how to spend its money, join us for the next Greater Greater happy hour, and more.

Testify on zoning: The DC zoning update is in its home stretch! The Zoning Commission still wants to hear from more residents, and supporters of allowing more walkability and affordability need to speak up at the hearings on February 8-13.

If you want help formulating what to say, have questions about the proposed changes, or just like hanging out with fellow planning activists, join the Coalition for Smarter Growth this Wednesday, January 22 for a happy hour in Dupont Circle at the Big Hunt, 1345 Connecticut Avenue NW, from 6 to 7:30 pm. RSVP here.

Below the jump: a roundtable discussion on WMATA with Eleanor Holmes Norton, Richard Sarles, David Alpert and more; learn about Metro’s plans for Arlington; and join us for happy hour in Silver Spring.

Talk transit with David and Congresswoman Norton: Eleanor Holmes Norton is hosting a public roundtable discussion on issues facing WMATA on Wednesday, January 22 at One Judiciary Square, 441 4th Street NW.

General Manager/CEO Richard Sarles; Jackie Jeter, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689; Klara Baryshev, chair of the Tri-State Oversight Committee; and Greater Greater Washington’s David Alpert will talk about how Metro is changing, ways to finance future improvements, and how to improve ridership.

The future of Metro in Arlington: WMATA has big plans for Metro all over the DC area: a loop, new stations, and a new tunnel. Arlington County is central to many of these plans. Come hear Shyam Kannan, WMATA’s Director of Planning, speak about how Metro can balance aging infrastructure, a growing DC area population, and its plans for improving the Metro system in Arlington County and beyond.

This event is Thursday, January 23 from 6 to 8 pm at Founders Hall on George Mason University’s Arlington campus, located at 3351 Fairfax Drive. Please RSVP here for this exciting event.

Come to happy hour with us!: Join the Greater Greater Washington community for our next happy hour at Urban Butcher in Silver Spring from 6 to 8 pm on Wednesday, January 29. Urban Butcher is located at 8226 Georgia Avenue, two blocks from the Metro, several bus routes, and Capital Bikeshare, so take your favorite type of transportation and come chat with fellow GGW readers and contributors.

Envision Southwest DC: The DC Office of Planning is working with area residents to create a Small Area Plan for the Southwest neighborhood. The Southwest Neighborhood Plan will focus on urban design, land use, and neighborhood preservation. OP is looking for a community-led vision for the neighborhood, especially for the future of several underutilized, District-owned properties.

Share your ideas for making life in Southwest even better this Saturday, January 25 from 10 am to 12 pm at the Capitol Skyline Hotel, located at 10 I St SW. For more info, check out the neighborhood plan website.

Shape the Montgomery County budget: Have some ideas on Montgomery County’s budget? Discuss the FY 2015 operating budget with Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett at one of two remaining budget forums. Residents are encouraged to attend to help Leggett and County Council understand budget needs and priorities, particularly for transportation projects and the ongoing revitalization of Wheaton and White Flint.

The last two forums are Monday, January 27 at the Mid-County Community Recreation Center, 2004 Queensguard Road, and Wednesday, January 29 at the Silver Spring Civic Building, One Veterans Place in downtown Silver Spring. Both forums are from 7-9 pm.