by Danielle Finley, Associate Director of Political Engagement
Welcome to FIVE FOR FRIDAY: A weekly roundup of Public Policy Issues and Headlines. In this Issue: 1. County Leaders Discuss Federal Policy Changes and Local Government Challenges 2. Executive Order Targets Disparate Impact Liability 3. WMATA removing 57 bus stops from Northern Va. service 4. D.C. to consider 'single-stair' policy for midsize multifamily buildings 5. Former Republican nominee will run again to replace U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly.
By Fairfax County Government
In the May edition of the “Connect with County Leaders” podcast, Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill sat down with Matthew D. Chase, CEO and executive director of the National Association of Counties (NACo). Their conversation highlighted the changing relationship between federal, state and local governments and the challenges facing counties across America.
By Alexia Smokler, Washington Report
On April 23, 2025, the president issued an executive order entitled "Restoring Equality of Opportunity and Meritocracy." It declares the policy of the United States "to eliminate the use of disparate impact liability in all contexts to the maximum degree possible to avoid violating the Constitution, Federal civil rights laws, and basic American ideals."
Fifty-seven bus stops are set to be cut from Metrobus' routes in Northern Virginia, according to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. The changes have been scheduled to take effect June 29. The 2025 Better Bus Network Redesign was first announced in November 2024, when WMATA released a list of 500 stops transportation authority wanted to get rid of across the DMV. WMATA's website claims fewer stops would make Metrobus service "quicker and more streamlined."
By Ben Peters, Washington Business Journal
The "single-stair" debate is coming to the District. The D.C. Council is considering legislation that would pave the way for a building code amendment allowing a single entrance/exit and stairway for multifamily residences up to six stories. To facilitate evacuations, most building codes, including those in D.C., have long required two stairwells and two exits in multifamily buildings.
Six months after being defeated by Rep. Gerry Connolly in what turned out to be his final election, the most recent Republican nominee for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District will return to the campaign trail. Mike Van Meter, who garnered almost 33% of the vote in the 2024 general election.