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: In this Issue: 1.White House Keeps Pressure on Powell Over Rate Cuts and Renovations 2. Court considers the role of developers in Arlington ‘missing middle’ housing suit 3. Abigail Spanberger unveils ‘Growing Virginia Plan’ to strengthen workforce, boost economy 4. General Assembly considers shift to even-year state elections 5. Northern Virginia Transportation Commission backs regional transit funding plan.
By COLBY SMITH, The New York Times
The White House showed no sign of easing its pressure campaign on Jerome H. Powell, the chair of the Federal Reserve, who is facing allegations of mismanaging both the economy as well as a roughly $2.5 billion renovation of the central bank’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. President Trump on Tuesday accused Mr. Powell of being “political” for not voting to cut interest rates this year and ignoring his demands to reduce borrowing costs by around three percentage points. Those decisions have so far been unanimously supported by the Fed’s policy-setting committee.
By MARGARET BARTHEL, WAMU-FM
Arlington County was the first local jurisdiction in the D.C. suburbs to end single-family-only zoning, voting in 2023 to open up neighborhoods of mostly detached single-family homes to duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, and small apartment buildings. It’s known as ‘missing middle’ housing — homes that fall between detached houses and high-rise apartment buildings. Arlington has been in court to defend its so-called “Expanded Housing Options” policy, or EHO, ever since. It’s a legal fight that may presage what awaits other jurisdictions in the area as they consider tweaking zoning rules to allow for denser forms of housing.
By PRINCESS HARRELL, WJLA-TV
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger unveiled her “Growing Virginia Plan” on Tuesday, outlining a proposal to grow the state’s economy by investing in apprenticeships, job training, and workforce development, starting with students as early as middle school. The three-term congresswoman detailed her plan during a campaign stop in Prince William County, standing alongside electricians, labor leaders, and lawmakers who support a more inclusive approach to economic growth.
By DAVE RESS, Richmond Times-Dispatch
Virginia’s odd-year elections bring lots of attention and lots of money to state races, but a legislative panel is asking whether running them at the same time as national elections might mean more Virginians get a voice in their government. The last time state officials asked, in 1979, they took no action. But now a new General Assembly panel is asking, and it got some hints at just how complicated the question is at its first hearing on the topic.
By RYAN BELMORE, Alx Now
The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission endorsed a multi-billion-dollar regional transit funding proposal Thursday, even as Virginia faces a $153 million shortfall in its share of the plan. NVTC’s Resolution #2571 supports the DMVMoves initiative’s proposed $500-600 million annual funding program starting in fiscal year 2028. The plan would fund Metro infrastructure improvements and establish a regional bus priority program serving Alexandria and other jurisdictions.