A Metro train seen leaving the Dupont Circle Metro station. Image by Daniel Kelly used with permission.

WMATA board approves budget that preserves service, increases fares

WMATA’s board approved a $4.8 billion budget on Thursday, April 25, that protects transit service, avoiding the doomsday scenarios previously projected. The budget includes fare increases to take effect on July 1. Bus and base rails fares will increase from $2 to $2.25 and the max rail fare will increase from $6 to $6.75. MetroAccess fares will increase from $4 to $4.50. Weekend fares, now $2, will range from $2.25 to $2.50. This year’s budget crisis was resolved with increased funding from DC, Maryland, and (anticipated from) Virginia, but WMATA’s long-term funding needs remain unresolved. (Disclosure: Tracy Hadden Loh, WMATA board member, is also on the GGWash board.)  (Adam Tuss / NBC 4 Washington, Tom Roussey / ABC7, Gabby Allen / DC News Now)  

Governor Moore signs housing package into law

Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed 261 new bills into law on Thursday, April 25, including the three that encompass his housing package. The three new laws will enable increased housing density near transit (and some other locations) for projects that meet a certain threshold of affordability, establish a state-level community investment entity, and set up a statewide Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs.  (William J. Ford / Maryland Matters)  

WMATA hires third inspector general in two years

The WMATA board named Michelle Zamarin as its new permanent inspector general at a meeting Thursday, April 25. Zamarin is the third inspector general in two years. She joins WMATA after serving in a leadership role on fraud and corruption cases at the US Attorney’s Office in DC. (Disclosure: Tracy Hadden Loh, WMATA board member, is also on the GGWash board.)  (Tom Roussey / ABC7)  

New bikeways, micromobility parking move forward at UMD; shuttle bus routes preserved

Although the University of Maryland’s self-supported Department of Transportation Services faces $7 million in debt, shuttle bus routes will be protected in the coming academic year with a fee increase of $22 per student, per semester. Additionally, with the help of grant funds, development of two new bikeway segments is expected to move forward and 240 new micromobility parking spaces will be installed.  (Bridget Byrne / The Diamondback)  

Arlington is meeting targets for housing production but not affordability

During a recent Bisnow panel, development leaders highlighted Arlington County’s progress on housing production but emphasized the need for more housing at lower price points, and the complexities in meeting that need. In Arlington, the average price of a one-bedroom apartment is higher than that of DC, with ramifications for the local economy, they noted, as service industry workers struggle to live within a reasonable distance of Arlington jobs.   (Emily Wishingrad / Bisnow)  

Plans for new industrial development in Silver Spring announced

Donohoe Development Co. has announced plans to build a $100 million industrial project at 8800 Brookville Road in Silver Spring, the first industrial development in the submarket since 1991. The project will include four buildings totaling 400,000 square feet: two flex industrial buildings and two self-storage buildings. Donohoe is under contract to acquire the property from the county’s Housing Opportunities Commission. (This article is behind a paywall.)  (Dan Brendel / Business Journal)  

Mount Vernon Triangle hotel sells at foreclosure auction for just 22% of debt owed

A Holiday Inn Express building at 317 K Street NW sold at a foreclosure auction for $18.5 million, though the lender is owed $83 million and the property is assessed at $52.8 million. One lawyer argues that a higher sale price should have been possible but inadequate marketing meant too few companies were present to bid. (This article is behind a paywall.)  (Daniel J. Sernovitz / Business Journal)  

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