Photo by VDOT

To make a positive impact in the community, it’s important to do more than just read about and discuss issues online. We publish our weekly events post to tell you about opportunities to get out and act!

Right now, during rush hour, you can only drive on I-66 inside the beltway if you’re in a carpool, you’re law enforcement, or you’re driving a fuel-efficient. But that could soon change with a proposal to open the road to those willing to pay tolls.

What do you think? Weigh in on the project at one of two meetings this week. The first is Monday December 5 at 1301 North Stafford Street in Arlington and the second is on Thursday at 7130 Leesburg Pike in Falls Church. Both meetings are from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

Can’t make it? Check out some of these other great events:

Next Monday, December 12: Happy holidays! Celebrate with Greater Greater Washington at our holiday party next Monday at Il Parco, the new Italian restaurant inside Canal Park in Navy Yard (200 M Street SE). Meet contributors and readers, enjoy drinks and Il Parco’s famous Neapolitan-style pizza, and watch the action in the adjacent ice skating rink. Please RSVP to let us know if you’ll be there!

Tuesday, December 6: Residents of Arlington’s Four Mile Run Valley, near Shirlington, are thinking about changes to the green space, transit, and urban design for the area. There is one more opportunity to weigh in on the design, this Tuesday at 3500 23rd Street South in Arlington at 7 pm.

Tuesday, December 6: New protected bike lanes on Second Avenue and Wayne Avenue in Silver Spring could bring more connectivity to your neighborhood. Weigh in on the project and make it become a reality! The meeting is on Tuesday, at Silver Spring Civic Building (1 Veterans Place) in Silver Spring.

Wednesday, December 7: Are you passionate about parking? A work group in Arlington gets together regularly to discuss parking policies for new mixed-use developments. Attend the open house this Wednesday at 5:30 pm at 2300 Wilson Boulevard to learn more.

Wednesday, December 7: Virginia’s commuter rail, VRE, is planning an extension to Gainesville/Haymarket. Attend the third public meeting this Wednesday at 6 pm at 8301 Linton Hall Road in Bristow to hear about rider forecasts, cost, future station locations, and more.

Thursday, December 8: Looking for solutions to DC’s housing shortage? Pete Barber, Principal of Peter Barber Architects in London, thinks he knows what might help. Hear from him at a talk this Thursday, December 8 at 6:30 pm at 421 7th St NW. Tickets range from $10 to $35.

Calendar: Beyond what we’ve highlighted here, there are many other worthwhile events across the region. Check out more great events in our events calendar:

Do you know of an upcoming event that may be interesting, relevant, or important to Greater Greater Washington readers that should go on our events calendar? Send it to us at events@ggwash.org.

Claire Jaffe was born in DC and now lives in the U Street area. She is a University of Michigan graduate and currently works at Coalition for Smarter Growth. On her off time, Claire can be found biking the street of DC or exploring the many green spaces throughout the region.