Breakfast links: Count it!
The Census is in
The 2010 Census results were released yesterday. Virginia continued with double-digit growth, Maryland experienced nearly 10% growth, and DC topped 600,000 for the first time since the 1950s. Neither Virginia, nor Maryland will see any change in their Congressional delegation size. (WUSA)
Census results complicate DC vote fight
After the last Census, DC voting rights advocates partnered with Republican-heavy Utah, who was left just short of gaining another House seat, to fight for a seat for both. This year, Utah got their seat anyway thanks to continued growth and the next state in line, North Carolina, is itself a politically balanced state. (WAMU)
New federal money for K Street transitway
The Federal Transit Administration has awarded DC a $1 million planning and analysis grant to explore new streetcar technology and advance the K Street Transitway plan. (Examiner)
New UMD president gets the Purple Line
It looks like Wallace Loh’s rule at the University of Maryland may be a breath of fresh air for Purple Line advocates, after years opposition under C. Dan Mote. Loh has talked with officials at Portland State University about the light rail on their campus. (Rethink College Park, Cavan) (Tip: Cavan)
Tax break and much more passes
The DC Council passed a 20-year, $46 million tax abatement for a planned hotel in Adams Morgan. That’s one of many bills passed yesterday including ones on rent control, open meetings (though exempting Council committees), and rules limiting homeless shelters to DC residents. (TBD, Post)
BRAC parking cap cut from defense bill
Virginia Senator Congressman Jim Moran’s proposed cap of 1,000 parking spaces at the new BRAC headquarters in Alexandria was cut from the Defense Reauthorization Act, leaving the onus on the Pentagon to take steps to reduce driving to the new campus. Moran says he will reintroduce the cap in 2011. (Dr. Gridlock)
WABA begins responsible cycling campaign
WABA wants area cyclists to make a New Years resolution to respect the rules of the roads and other road users, as part of a new campaign to increase responsible cycling and combat the image that all cyclists are scofflaws. (WTOP)
Passenger rail coming to Norfolk
Virginia signed a deal with Norfolk Southern that will allow passenger rail to come to Norfolk, VA. Service currently ends in Newport News. The state will use $87 million in federal money to upgrade the rail and a new connection built between CSX rail and NS rail. (Railway Age, David C) (Tip: David C)
Pick a mode in SF
A neat tool using open data in San Francisco lets people compare the time and cost of traveling from one place to another and back using that city’s two car sharing systems, biking, walking, and transit. (ModePick via @joooe)