Event: Alex Baca, “Land Use and the New Green Deal”

March 12, 2019

Silver Spring Civic Center

Alex Baca of Greater Greater Washington discussed the importance of land use policies to the environmental and socioeconomic issues addressed in the “Green New Deal.”  H.R. 109/S.R. 59, sponsored by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Ed Markey, targets climate change, health care, and employment, but does not discuss federal-level policies affecting land use, notably transportation funding. The federal government’s prioritization of roads over rails dovetails with state and local land use policies promoting suburban sprawl. The typical American suburb, a labyrinth of cul de sacs located far from commercial areas, enshrines private cars and marginalizes public transportation and affordable housing.  Denser, mixed-use development on a traditional street grid serviced by public transport networks would enhance both the environment and social equity.

Baca’s presentation was co-sponsored by the Montgomery County Action Committee for Transit, the Sierra Club, and One Montgomery Green. The organizations also gave updates on the county’s Bus Rapid Transit proposal, the state’s proposal for toll lanes on I-270 and 495, and Delegate Liermans’ counterproposal (HB 102) to give counties veto power over toll roads through their territory.