DC Circulator bus wrapped in cherry blossoms, spotted in March 2023. Image by Joe Flood used with permission.

DC Circulator service could end by March 2025; transition plan not yet in place

If the DC Council votes in line with Mayor Bowser’s proposed elimination of the DC Circulator, service could end by March 2025. Last year, the Council requested DDOT develop a transition plan with WMATA to minimize the impact on riders and help retain operators. Councilmember Allen, who chairs the transportation committee, expressed frustration that DDOT does not yet have that transition plan and doesn’t expect to have it until after the vote on the Circulator’s future takes place. DDOT states that WMATA asked for the planning process to hold until summer. (The Post article may be behind a paywall.)  (Danny Nguyen / Post, Jess Arnold / WUSA9)  

Maryland Congressional delegation introduces bill to federally fund Key Bridge rebuild

Maryland’s US House Representatives and Senators unveiled a bill on Thursday that would require the federal government to cover all costs associated with the recovery and replacement of Key Bridge. While the legislation is expected to move forward in the Democratically-controlled Senate, Maryland’s lone Republican member of Congress, Andy Harris, will play a key role in securing bipartisan support needed for the legislation to pass the Republican-controlled House.  (Jennifer Shutt / Maryland Matters)  

Montgomery County Council and Executive disagree over potential budget deficit

Montgomery County Councilmembers are weighing whether to cut programs in response to County Executive Marc Elrich’s 4.9% budget increase, which comes without an increase in taxes and, according to council staff, may lead to a $115 million deficit. Elrich claims the Council’s projections are incorrect, and notes that the county has surplus reserves to fill any gaps.  (Ginny Bixby / MoCo360)  

New pedestrian bridge will be installed in Reston this weekend

This weekend, Reston will get a new pedestrian bridge over Wiehle Avenue at the Washington & Old Dominion Trail. One official notes it will provide a safer experience for pedestrians and cyclists, who currently share the road with motor vehicles.  (Fatimah Waseem / FFXNow)  

20012 zip code sees biggest spike in home price appreciation in 2024

An UrbanTurf survey has determined that the 20012 zip code — which consists of Colonial Village, Shepherd Park, and Takoma — has seen the highest increase in home value appreciation in the Washington region in 2024 at nearly 45%. 22204 — South Arlington — saw the second-highest increase at 37%.   (DC UrbanTurf)  

Advocates to rally for affordable housing outside Alexandria City Hall

Members of the organization African Communities Together, housing advocates, and Alexandria residents will rally outside the City Hall on Saturday during a Council budget hearing. They are pushing for increased afforable housing and tenant protections, noting that a “shocking” share of renters in Alexandria are cost-burdened.  (Vernon Miles / ALXNow)  

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