Brookings: Projects - Greater Washington Research at Brookings

Metropolitan Policy Program

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:41:15 GMT

In collaboration with:
The New Republic

A blog exploring what it means to be a metropolitan nation.

Recent Posts
(Links go to TNR.com)

Local Government Finances: The Next Casualty?
by Mark Muro

How the Recession’s Affecting Immigration
by Jill Wilson and Audrey Singer

Building a Strong, Independent DC Community College

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A report commissioned by Greater Washington Research at Brookings and DC Appleseed underscores the need for a strong community college in the District of Columbia. The report, conducted by JBL Associates, recognizes the steps already taken by the new Community College of the District of Columbia (CCDC) and recommends that the city support CCDC in moving towards independence from the University of the District of Columbia, with its own administration, board of trustees, budget and academic accreditation.

The Case for Budget Autonomy in the District of Columbia

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Testifying before the U.S. House Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia, Alice M. Rivlin, Director of Greater Washington Research at Brookings, asserted that the District of Columbia government should have greater autonomy over its own budget. Once the District government finalizes its budget spending out of its own source revenues, Dr. Rivlin states that it should not be altered or delayed by Congress.

MetroDCMonitor: Tracking Economic Recession and Recovery in the Greater Washington Region

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Greater Washington Research at Brookings partnered with the Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program to create the first MetroDCMonitor, a quarterly publication tracking indicators of economic recession and recovery in the Washington region and the nation’s 100 largest metropolitan areas. The report finds that the Washington area is weathering the recession comparatively well with a less volatile labor market than other metros and a healthy gross regional product. However, the housing market is weaker, and regional averages mask varying levels of economic distress throughout the area.

If the District of Columbia becomes a State: Fiscal Implications

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In her testimony before the Council of the District of Columbia, Special Committee on Statehood and Self Determination, Alice Rivlin explores the fiscal implications of DC statehood.

Roundtable Discussion: Road-use Pricing

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 25, 2009, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Severe congestion and underfunded public transportation systems in the Washington, D.C. region and nationwide call for a more sustainable way of pricing transportation. To help inform the policy debate on transportation financing and traffic management, Greater Washington Research at Brookings hosted a roundtable bringing together experts from the policy, planning, advocacy, and development community.

Road-use Pricing: How Would You Like to Spend Less Time in Traffic?

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In new analysis from the Greater Washington Research at Brookings, Alice Rivlin and Benjamin Orr review traffic congestion and transportation financing in the Washington, D.C. region and nationwide; suggesting that the national capital region should serve as an example of what sustainable transportation policy looks like.

Road-use Fees Could Solve Our Transit Woes

Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Alice Rivlin and Benjamin Orr urge the Washington region to implement an innovative road-use pricing program of charging by vehicle type, miles traveled, and traffic conditions. This will, in turn, lead the nation toward less congestion and a more sustainable method of financing transportation infrastructure.

Increasing Employment, Skills and Earnings

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Testifying before the Council of the District of Columbia, Martha Ross called for renewed attention to programs connecting young people to job training and the labor market, urging attention to program quality rather than just numbers served.

Immigration, Politics and Local Responses

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

February 26, 2009, 2:00 PM to 4:00 pm

The Metropolitan Policy Program and Greater Washington Research at Brookings hosted a discussion on a new report that examines the local, regional and national factors that led Prince William County, an outer suburb of the nation’s capital, to adopt tough measures against unauthorized immigrants.

Stimulus For a Truly Capital City

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Alice M. Rivlin co-authored an op-ed with Walter Smith of DC Appleseed calling for a new federal partnership with the District of Columbia to transform the nation’s capital into a truly great capital city.

Demographic and Economic Trends in the National Capital Region and their Effects on Children, Youth and Families

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Greater Washington Research at Brookings presented information on the demographic and economic trends of the Washington Rregion to Venture Philanthropy Partners, a regional philanthropic organization. The analysis focuses on the stresses and challenges facing a region that is generally prosperous but with some geographic areas and populations in economic distress.

Building the Best Capital City in the World

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Greater Washington joined with DC Appleseed, Our Nation’s Capital, George Washington University and Arent Fox LLP in a study of what it would take to make the District of Columbia the “best capital in the world.” The Brookings authors review how the city’s special status as a federal district limits its fiscal resources, and discuss the District’s decade of balanced budgets and good management, along with its impressive efforts to rejuvenate the city’s infrastructure.

The Economic Outlook and Washington Area Nonprofits

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Alice M. Rivlin spoke at Nonprofit 911, an event convened by eight regional organizations in the Washington area to address the nonprofit sector’s challenges in the current economic climate. She predicted a long and deep recession and urged nonprofit organizations in the region to work together in new and creative ways in order to meet increased demand in a time of declining resources.

Quality Schools, Healthy Neighborhoods, and the Future of DC

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

New analysis by Greater Washington Research at Brookings, the Urban Institute and 21st Century School Fund argues that Washington, DC can become a more family-friendly city by linking its investments and policies in public schools, affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization together.

Why Washington Needs a Community College

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Writing in the Washington Post, Brookings’ Alice M. Rivlin and Walter Smith of DC Appleseed argue that a community college should be established in the District of Columbia.

Envisioning Opportunity: Three Options for a Community College in Washington, D.C.

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Of the 50 largest cities in the United States, Washington, D.C. is the only one without a fully fledged community college. Washington needs a community college in order to provide all District residents with increased opportunities for employment and further education in an affordable and flexible manner, argue the authors of this report, who offer three options for creating a community college in the nation's capital.

Planning for Quality Schools: Meeting the Needs of District Families

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The District of Columbia is struggling to attract and retain families with children. Most newcomers are singles and childless couples. The total number of school-age children has declined slightly. Many of the city’s schools suffer from long-standing physical, management and academic problems. The availability of quality public schools, near affordable family-friendly housing, will help determine the city’s success.

The Bear Stearns Rescue: The Fed’s Money Well Spent

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Alice Rivlin discusses why the recent rescue of Bear Stearns by the Federal Reserve, was "money well spent." The Fed's actions, she says, were aimed at "protecting the rest of the country—and indeed the world—from the possibly devastating consequences of a financial meltdown."

Public Oversight Roundtable on Eliminating Poverty Among District Residents

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In testimony before the D.C. City Council Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs, Alice M. Rivlin presents recommendations for reducing poverty in the District. She gives examples of education and training programs that could be funded in the FY2009 budget and reviews longer-term workforce development strategies.

Population Dynamics in the District of Columbia since 2000

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Evidence from a variety of sources indicates that there is renewed interest in living in the District of Columbia. Brooke DeRenzis reviews changes among D.C.’s population since 2000 and examines movement in and out of the city. She finds that the city has drawn newcomers from across the country. Many of those leaving the District are settling in the Washington region’s suburbs.

St. Elizabeths Hospital Campus

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The federal government is planning to devote the entire 176-acre West Campus of the St. Elizabeths Hospital, a national historic landmark, to the exclusive use of the Department of Homeland Security’s headquarters.

Putting Patients First: Developing and Maintaining Patient-Centered Medical Practices

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Focus groups of low-income Washington, DC residents conducted by the DCPCA Medical Homes DC project identified multiple barriers to health care access and problems within the system. The identified barriers are common across the country, especially among low-income and minority populations, and the paper recommends several promising practices that health centers can enact to improve access to care and the patient experience.

A Pathway to the Middle Class: Migration and Demographic Change in Prince George's County

Sun, 01 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

A dynamic county in a rapidly changing region, Prince George's County has experienced significant demographic transformation during the last 15 years. This paper examines how migration has contributed to the changing demographic landscape of Prince George's County.

Reducing Poverty in the District of Columbia: A Community Discussion

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

March 26, 2007, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

In recent years, the District of Columbia has enjoyed marked job growth, increases in city revenues and a development boom. Yet too many DC residents have been excluded from this prosperity. The Brookings Greater Washington Research Program released a new report introducing practical strategies for increasing the skills, earnings and employment of the District's low-income residents.

Reducing Poverty in Washington, D.C. and Rebuilding the Middle Class From Within

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

In her presentation at the Brookings event on reducing poverty in Washington D.C., Martha Ross discusses how to help the city's low-income residents move into the middle class over the next few years.

D.C. Housing Task Force Recommendations: One Year Later

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The Brookings Greater Washington Research Program sent the D.C. Mayor and the City Council a report on the status of the implementation of the Housing Task Force recommendations.

Reducing Poverty in Washington, D.C. and Rebuilding the Middle Class from Within

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

This paper makes a set of focused recommendations to increase the skills, earnings, and employment of at least 10,500 low-income, less-skilled residents over the next seven years.

A Vision for a Healthier D.C .

Thu, 19 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

In remarks at the 2006 Annual Meeting of the D.C. Primary Care Association, Alice M. Rivlin laid out a vision for a healthier District of Columbia.

Leaders Among Us: Developing a Community Health Worker Program in Washington, D.C.

Sun, 01 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. needs a strategy to better connect low-income and uninsured residents with high-quality primary care medical services. This paper recommends the development of a citywide community health worker program.

Health Status and Access to Care Among Low-Income Washington, D.C. Residents

Sun, 01 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Low-income residents of Washington, D.C. consistently have worse health outcomes and less access to health care than more affluent residents. This paper, part of the D.C. Primary Care Association's Medical Homes D.C. initiative, is jointly authored b

Approval of the Proposed Update of Washington, D.C.'s Comprehensive Plan

Tue, 26 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Alice Rivlin joined a panel with Mayor Anthony Williams and Planning Director Ellen McCarthy before the DC City Council on September 26, 2006 and testified in support of the Mayor's proposed update of the city's Comprehensive Plan.

Retrospective on the Accomplishments of DC Mayor Williams' Two Terms and Challenges for the New Mayor and City Council Leaders

Tue, 18 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Testimony by Alice Rivlin before the Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia.

Recommendations and Final Report of the DC Comprehensive Housing Strategy Task Force

Tue, 13 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Testimony by Alice M. Rivlin to the D.C. City Council's Committee on Economic Development.

Prince George's County: Setting the Context for the Future

Wed, 12 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT

At a session of Leadership Prince George's, Amy Liu summarized the major demographic and economic trends affecting Prince George's County and outlined an integrated approach to build on the county's strengths and address its challenges.

Homes for an Inclusive City: A Comprehensive Housing Strategy for Washington, D. C.

Sat, 01 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Mayor Anthony A. Williams and the Council of the District of Columbia established the Comprehensive Housing Strategy Task Force to recommend public policies to meet the housing needs of both the current District residents as well as an additional 100

Addressing the Challenges of Growth in the Washington Region

Fri, 24 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT

At the Potomac Conference, a gathering of several hundred business, public and non-profit leaders from around the Washington, DC region, Alice Rivlin gave the opening plenary presentation by providing current and projected data on the metropolitan area. Researchers from George Washington University, George Mason University, the University of Maryland, and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments contributed to the presentation. Dr. Rivlin ended her talk by challenging the attendees to consider several major challenges and opportunities facing the region.

Helping D.C.'s Lower Ninth Wards

Thu, 10 Nov 2005 00:00:00 GMT

In a vibrant city like Washington, concentrated poverty is inexcusable.

A New Federal Contribution to the District of Columbia? The Need, Likely Impact, and Some Options

Tue, 01 Nov 2005 00:00:00 GMT

The District of Columbia confronts a significant structural imbalance in its fiscal capacity, due largely to its status as a city without a state and from revenue limitations caused by the federal presence.

An Overview of the Washington DC Region

Mon, 24 Oct 2005 00:00:00 GMT

This presentation by Martha Ross at a meeting of the Washington Regional Network for Liveable Communities describes the demographic and employment characteristics of the Washington metropolitan region.

The Challenges of Plenty in Washington, D.C.

Sun, 14 Aug 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Alice M. Rivlin, The Washington Post, 08/14/2005

DC Public School and Public Charter School Capital Budgeting

Fri, 01 Apr 2005 00:00:00 GMT

This report focuses the many improvements needed in the way the city's public school system and public charter schools do their capital planning.

Improving Access to Health Care for Low-Income District Residents

Fri, 28 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT

This presentation by Martha Ross, in conjunction with Nicole Lurie of RAND and Allison Coleman of Capital Link, assesses the health status of low-income District residents and the system of community health centers serving them.

Making Choices: Exploring the Tax Issue

Wed, 20 Oct 2004 00:00:00 GMT

With a war to fight, the baby boom generation approaching retirement, and huge deficits looming ahead, we cannot afford the tax cuts that some thought affordable four years ago.

Managing Through the Fiscal Rapids

Fri, 15 Oct 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Fiscal issues, upstaged by terrorism and war, have not been prominent in the 2004 election campaign, but they are certain to dominate the next presidency and government at all levels.

Program Coordination and Master Facilities Planning Best Practices Project (District of Columbia)

Sun, 01 Aug 2004 00:00:00 GMT

This report describes a variety of approaches that have been developed in other cities which have resulted in multi-year, inter-agency coordinated program planning around capital investments with considerable community interaction and support.

Capital Program Coordination (District of Columbia)

Sun, 01 Aug 2004 00:00:00 GMT

This report sets forth for the city recommendations on how to move from an annual capital budget with no serious long term planning to a ten-year capital program with capital budgets that implement the plan.

Thin the Soup or Shorten the Line: Washington-Area Nonprofits Adapt to Uncertain Times

Sun, 01 Aug 2004 00:00:00 GMT

An analysis using survey results, tax documents, interviews, and local government budget data finds that human services nonprofits have coped with fiscal stress in a variety of ways, many of which could erode the quality and quantity of services.

DC Language Access Act

Mon, 21 Jun 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 21, 2004 at 12:00 AM

Washington's Metro: Deficits by Design

Tue, 01 Jun 2004 00:00:00 GMT

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's extraordinary lack of dedicated finding sources makes the agency vulnerable to recurrent financial crises, according to a new brief by Robert Puentes.

Polyglot Washington: Language Needs and Abilities in the Nation's Capital

Tue, 01 Jun 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Metro Washington's ?limited English proficient? (LEP) population increased by nearly 80 percent in the 1990s, according to a new paper by Audrey Singer and Jill H. Wilson.

A Fair Plan for D.C.'s Deficit

Wed, 05 May 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Alice M. Rivlin and Walter Smith, Washington Post (5/5/04)

Thin the Soup or Shorten the Line: Choices Facing Washington Area Nonprofits

Tue, 30 Mar 2004 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

March 30, 2004, 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

Documenting Neighborhood Conditions in Washington, DC

Thu, 01 Jan 2004 00:00:00 GMT

A chapter by Brookings senior research analyst Martha Ross examines neighborhood economies in DC Agenda's 2004 Issue Scan.

Strengthening the Core of the Washington Region

Thu, 23 Oct 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Speech by Alice M. Rivlin given to the D.C. Marketing Center at the Washington Convention Center on October 23, 2003

Federal Spending, Especially on Security, Kept Washington Economy Growing in 2002

Wed, 01 Oct 2003 00:00:00 GMT

This report by Stephen Fuller analyzes the substantial increase of federal spending in the Washington area during 2002 and how this boost cushioned the area's economy during a national recession.

100,000 More DC Residents--Who Benefits?

Tue, 30 Sep 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Speech by Alice Rivlin given to the Washington Regional Network on September 30, 2003

Improving Health Outcomes in D.C.

Mon, 14 Jul 2003 00:00:00 GMT

A letter to the editor of the Washington Post discusses the District's program to provide health care to low-income and uninsured residents.

Immigrant Growth and Change in Metropolitan Washington, D.C.

Thu, 12 Jun 2003 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 12, 2003, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Immigrant Trends in Metropolitan Washington

Thu, 12 Jun 2003 00:00:00 GMT

This presentation by Audrey Singer at the Brookings Institution presents findings from a new report that examines immigrant trends in metropolitan Washington. The analysis of the growth and location of the foreign born in the Washington region uses C

At Home in the Nation's Capital: Immigrant Trends in Metropolitan Washington

Sun, 01 Jun 2003 00:00:00 GMT

An analysis of the growth and location of the foreign born in metropolitan Washington region reveals that almost half of the area's 832,016 immigrants arrived in the 1990s, presenting an array of challenges region-wide.

Neighborhood 10: Ten Strategies for a Stronger Washington

Thu, 17 Apr 2003 00:00:00 GMT

District of Columbia Mayor Anthony Williams presented this PowerPoint at the release of ""Revitalizing Washington's Neighborhoods: A Vision Takes Shape"" - a discussion paper published by the Brookings Greater Washington Research Program. The presentat

Revitalizing Washington D.C.'s Neighborhoods: A Vision Takes Shape

Tue, 01 Apr 2003 00:00:00 GMT

This discussion paper proposes that the District of Columbia target its development resources on key neighborhoods, and foster a broad-based dialogue to ensure all the city's groups share in the benefits.

A Sound Fiscal Footing for the Nation's Capital: A Federal Responsibility

Tue, 01 Oct 2002 00:00:00 GMT

This report presents the responsibility of the federal government towards Washington, D.C. Federal Responsibility

Calling 211: Enhancing the Washington Region's Safety Net After 9/11

Sun, 01 Sep 2002 00:00:00 GMT

This paper reports on the difficulties experience by hotel workers after 9/11, and highlights the need for a more seamless and accessible social-services system.

District Budget Woes Recur

Sat, 01 Jun 2002 00:00:00 GMT

This report analyzes the current situation of the D.C. budget.

Welfare Rolls No Longer in Rapid Decline

Wed, 01 May 2002 00:00:00 GMT

This paper looks at the change in the number of welfare participants in the past years.

International Diversity Continues Rapid Increase in the Washington Area

Fri, 01 Mar 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Washington Area Trends - Issue No. 21

Effects of Telecommuting on Central City Tax Bases

Tue, 01 Jan 2002 00:00:00 GMT

This report estimates the potential adverse economic and tax base reductions caused by telecommuting in the District of Columbia and suggests how other cities may be affected.

Households Increase Faster Than Housing Units

Sat, 01 Dec 2001 00:00:00 GMT

Washington Area Trends - Issue No. 20

Changes in Federal Procurement Nationally Favor the Washington Metropolitan Area

Sat, 01 Sep 2001 00:00:00 GMT

Washington Area Trends - Issue No. 19

The Future of the Core of the Washington D.C. Region

Thu, 14 Jun 2001 08:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 14, 2001, 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Envisioning a Future Washington

Fri, 01 Jun 2001 00:00:00 GMT

This paper sets out a bold overall vision for economic development and fiscal viability in the District of Columbia over the next ten years.

The Right Health Choice for the District

Sun, 15 Apr 2001 00:00:00 GMT

An Oped by Alice Rivlin, Senior Fellow, The Brookings Institution, in The Washington Post, discussing the District of Columbia's health care

Federal Procurement Increases $2.9 Billion in 2000

Sun, 01 Apr 2001 00:00:00 GMT

Washington Area Trends - Issue No. 18

The Economic Impact of George Washington University on the Washington Metropolitan Area

Sat, 01 Jul 2000 00:00:00 GMT

In 1993, the university and hospital generated a total of $1.2 billion of direct and indirect economic activity within the Washington metropolitan area.

Potential Problems in the District's 2001 Budget

Sat, 01 Apr 2000 00:00:00 GMT

The District's financial recovery is at a critical stage and will be threatened unless sound budget decisions are made over the next several weeks.

Housing for a Population Increase in the District

Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT

This reports looks at the rapid expansion of the Washington area in recent years.

Contradictory Food Assistance Trends Suggest Eligible Persons Not Being Served

Mon, 01 Nov 1999 00:00:00 GMT

Welfare to Work Series

Over 13,000 Washington Area Children Provided Health Insurance

Fri, 01 Oct 1999 00:00:00 GMT

Welfare to Work Series

Welfare Reform is a "Big Deal"

Sun, 01 Aug 1999 00:00:00 GMT

Welfare to Work Series

Loudoun County Faces Financial Challenges

Sun, 01 Aug 1999 00:00:00 GMT

Loudoun County is now the third fastest growing county in the country with population and school enrollments increasing 10 percent annually.

Assessing the District's Population Loss

Thu, 01 Jul 1999 00:00:00 GMT

The District's population declined an estimated 65,100 from 1990 to 1996.

Financing DC Tax Reductions

Tue, 01 Jun 1999 00:00:00 GMT

The District has enacted tax changes that will reduce its annual revenues by an estimated $287.6 million when fully implemented in 2004.

Use of Federal Job Credit by DC Hotels

Tue, 01 Jun 1999 00:00:00 GMT

Research Brief

Home Buyer Credit Widely Used

Sat, 01 May 1999 00:00:00 GMT

Results from this survey answer some questions about the credit's use and how it affected the behavior of home buyers.

Slower Growth in Federal Spending in Metropolitan Washington FY 1998

Sat, 01 May 1999 00:00:00 GMT

Washington Area Trends - Issue No. 7

Mayor Williams' Revenue Proposals

Thu, 01 Apr 1999 00:00:00 GMT