🏠 Alexandria passes controversial zoning law

What's CITY Talking About?

Alexandria’s Controversial “Zoning For All”

Alexandria has eliminated single-family-only zoning, after several heated public hearings about the policy. That means multi-unit buildings can now be built on lots originally zoned for only single-family homes. The city’s planning office estimates that only 66 of 9,000 single-family lots will be converted into denser housing. [City Cast DC 🎧]

Hearing on New Crime Bill

Around 80 D.C. residents showed up at a council public hearing Wednesday to share opinions on Mayor Muriel Bowser’s new crime bill. They voiced critiques of the bill as well as concerns over the rise in public safety issues in the District. A lot of the criticism focused on its rollback of major police reform legislation and an anti-loitering statute. [Washington Post 🔒]

• Related: Some components of Bowser’s sweeping anti-crime bill contradict her own voting record. [City Cast DC 🎧]

Morbid Traffic Death Record

More people died in traffic accidents this year than in the past 16 years. The city has recorded 45 traffic deaths so far in 2023, up more than 60% from the same period in 2022. This indicates that D.C.’s efforts to reduce traffic deaths, including investments in bicycle lanes, lowering speed limits, and new speed cameras, are not working. [Axios]

What To Do

🐶 Paws & Pints Holiday Party | Friday | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Dress you and your furry friend in matching holiday sweaters and pose with Santa at this Atlas Brew Works event. [Donation, Ivy City]

🎄 FONA Christmas Tree Sale | Saturday | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Shop dozens of local vendors and enjoy some good crafting before picking out the perfect tree. [Free, National Arboretum]

🏬 Department Stores: A Feminine Oasis | Saturday | 10 - 12 a.m.

Learn about D.C.’s iconic department stores and their role in advancing consumerism and women's rights. [$55, Downtown]

🖼️ Native Art Market | Saturday - Sunday | 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Indigenous artists from across the Western Hemisphere will be selling their crafts and offering opportunities to learn about traditional Native arts. [Free, National Mall]

⛄ Calico Winter Fest | Sunday | 1 - 9 p.m.

Calico’s patio will be decked out for this party, complete with ornament-making and an ugly sweater contest. [Free, Blagden Alley]

⛵ Alexandria Boat Parade | Saturday | 5:30 p.m.

Enjoy food stalls and a pop-up beer garden on the waterfront as you wait for the boats to pass. [Free, Alexandria]

🎆 Holiday Boat Parade | Saturday | 6 - 9 p.m.

Watch sixty decorated boats parade along the Potomac while you enjoy live music, s’mores, and fireworks on land. [Free, The Wharf]

🎉 Britney’s B-day Bash | Saturday - Sunday | 11:59 p.m. - 3:00 a.m.

This dance party/drag show will celebrate the queen of 2000s pop herself into the wee hours of the morning. [$5, Shaw]

🎁 Winter Wonderland Market | Sunday | 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Your favorite dive bar - Wonderland - is hosting dozens of local makers and offering hot drink specials and tarot readings at this winter festival. [Free, Columbia Heights]

📖 Mount Pleasant Book Sale | Sunday | 2 - 4 p.m.

$1 paperbacks and $2 hardcovers. Doesn’t get better than that. [Free, Mount Pleasant]

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DC Insider Trivia

Before we get to the trivia of the day, let’s answer last week’s question:

Approximately how many spies are currently living in D.C.?

1. < 500
2. 2,000
3. 10,000
4. > 40,000

Yes! There are over 10,000 spies working and living in D.C. That is approximately 1.4% of the population, so chances are you know one, work with one, or are neighbors with one. Former CIA agent Lindsey Moran says despite no longer being an agent, she still keeps up spy best practices when in D.C. “I’m always looking for cameras, and I’m wary of people who chat me up in bars, especially around embassy row. You are right to be on your guard.”

🏅 Congratulations to Hey DC readers Vincent H., Christine M., and Paula O. for being the first three to get last week’s question right!

Now, for this week's trivia question:

D.C.’s cherry blossom trees that bloom along the Tidal Basin were a 1912 gift from the mayor of what international capital?

1. Kyoto
2. Taipei
3. Tokyo
4. Stockholm

Today on City Cast

Controversial Zoning in Alexandria, Metro Shutdowns, and Christmas Markets

Alexandria has moved to ban single-family zoning — a wonky concept with big implications. Plus, we're chatting about a new debate over closing Metro for repairs and Christmas market festivities.