Welcome to FIVE FOR FRIDAY: A weekly roundup of Public Policy Issues and Headlines from around the Northern Virginia Region, the Commonwealth and on Capitol Hill.
1. 2022 FY Federal Omnibus Bill: NAR Priorities
The $1.5 trillion bipartisan bill funds the government through the fiscal year ending Sept. 30 and contains many NAR advocacy priorities, including flood insurance, affordable housing, and transportation. Read NAR’s full analysis of provisions important to real estate.
Related: Beyer nabs $1.4 million in federal funding for three local health, parks projects
A $1.5 trillion spending bill that cleared Congress on Friday has funding for three projects in Arlington. The bill also sends Arlington County more than $1.4 million to pay for a health initiative and two parks projects, for which Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) requested federal assistance last May. In total, the spending package has $5.4 million earmarked for 10 projects in Northern Virginia, at Beyer’s request.
2. Youngkin, state officials break ground on 495 NEXT project
Gov. Glenn Youngkin joined state and local officials Monday morning to break ground on a two-and-a-half-mile extension of the express lanes on Interstate 495 between the Dulles Corridor and the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Fairfax County.
3. Expanding Housing Choice: The Missing Middle Housing Study Virtual Walking Tours
Participate in a virtual walking tour to explore the various neighborhoods from your home. The Missing Middle Housing Study has entered Phase 2 of the timeline study and is examining how more diverse housing options can expand the community. The Missing Middle Housing Study Virtual Walking Tour provides examples of existing diverse, house-scale housing in Arlington's neighborhoods, including Ashton Heights, Aurora Highlands, Ballston-Virginia Square, Cherrydale, Green Valley, and Penrose.
4. John ‘Til’ Hazel Jr., lawyer and developer who transformed Virginia suburbs, dies at 91
John T. “Til” Hazel Jr., a Virginia lawyer and developer who played a crucial role in building the Capital Beltway and transforming Northern Virginia from a rural outpost of Washington into an economic powerhouse, died March 15 at his home in the Fauquier County community of Broad Run. He was 91. His son Richard M. “Dick” Hazel confirmed the death but did not immediately provide a cause.
5. Authority To Lower Speed Limit Given By Alexandria City Council
Saturday's Alexandria City Council meeting resulted in several notable decisions, including giving the city manager authority to consider setting speed limits below 25 mph. City Council gave other notable approvals. Final approval was given to ordinances allowing Ting, Inc., and Lumos Telephone, Inc. to construct broadband services, which will give city residents choice in broadband internet service providers.