Brian E.
@brianengels.bsky.social
Analytical data geek, data-driven decisions, Ph.D. Urban Studies. #urbanplanning, #GIS, #geography. Views are my own.
Sunset from #Chantilly #Virginia earlier. #sunset #nature #clouds #NoVA #VA #DC #photography #photo #colors #sky #weather #pink @capitalweather.bsky.social
January 14, 2026 at 1:34 AM
Sunset from #Chantilly #Virginia earlier. #sunset #nature #clouds #NoVA #VA #DC #photography #photo #colors #sky #weather #pink @capitalweather.bsky.social
Reposted by Brian E.
A Washington Post article suggests that, beyond a certain threshold, larger homes don't make people happier. Instead, well-being is correlated with affordable housing in walkable neighborhoods where they feel socially connected.
www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
![Excerpt reads: "Prioritize your neighborhood
Neighborhoods drive our happiness (or unhappiness) more than we think.
When Lina Martinez, director of POLIS, the Center for Wellbeing Studies at Universidad Icesi in Colombia, studied the happiness of households in the city of Cali, she couldn’t find much difference between poorer and richer areas. “Their happiness is pretty much the same,” she said. But that changed when she isolated neighborhood conditions, such as access to transit, health care and parks. “The conditions of the neighborhood affect happiness,” she said. “I can’t link that to the space where [people] live.”
That aligns with findings from a 2023 study of the Vancouver metro area: Researchers found no significant differences in well-being between people living in single detached homes, duplexes, townhouses, laneway houses and apartment buildings (basement units smaller than 300 square feet were the only negative exception). What did people say they missed most in their neighborhood? Affordability, proximity to family and friends, and a sense of community. Home design was eighth on the list."](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:ks3gpa6ftoyaq7hmf6c4qx4c/bafkreicapfknasylzk2lqzaxxeb5mchgnru75obggn45dusda6j5zogvuu@jpeg)
January 7, 2026 at 4:29 AM
A Washington Post article suggests that, beyond a certain threshold, larger homes don't make people happier. Instead, well-being is correlated with affordable housing in walkable neighborhoods where they feel socially connected.
www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
There are #sunrises and then there are #moonrises. Tonight in western Fairfax Co. #moon #moonscape #fairfax #dc #sky #clouds #photography #moonpic #moonscape #winter #January @capitalweather.bsky.social
January 5, 2026 at 12:14 AM
There are #sunrises and then there are #moonrises. Tonight in western Fairfax Co. #moon #moonscape #fairfax #dc #sky #clouds #photography #moonpic #moonscape #winter #January @capitalweather.bsky.social
Reposted by Brian E.
NEW: This is very interesting — Seattle City Council has allowed 8-unit buildings up to 3 storeys, or 10 apartments up to 4 storeys (they call them “stacked flats”) if they add green features (like bioswales or green roofs) or preserve trees, in all residential zones across the entire city!
Seattle Council Approves Eight-Unit Apartment Buildings Everywhere - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett Maybe calling them “stacked flats,” rather than “apartments,” was a stroke of genius. On Tuesday, the…
publicola.com
January 2, 2026 at 5:41 AM
NEW: This is very interesting — Seattle City Council has allowed 8-unit buildings up to 3 storeys, or 10 apartments up to 4 storeys (they call them “stacked flats”) if they add green features (like bioswales or green roofs) or preserve trees, in all residential zones across the entire city!
Clear skies open up behind the front as winds and cold air start to push in. Western FF Co. #weather #photography #sky #nature #clouds @capitalweather.bsky.social
December 29, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Clear skies open up behind the front as winds and cold air start to push in. Western FF Co. #weather #photography #sky #nature #clouds @capitalweather.bsky.social
Reposted by Brian E.
"Parent just expires after waiting for their child to finish what should have been a 3 minute chore."
creativebyrovelo.com/therovelorecord
creativebyrovelo.com/therovelorecord
December 29, 2025 at 12:07 AM
"Parent just expires after waiting for their child to finish what should have been a 3 minute chore."
creativebyrovelo.com/therovelorecord
creativebyrovelo.com/therovelorecord
Sundog (?) from yesterday. Western FF. No filters. #fairfax #dc #sky #clouds #photography #weather #sundog #rainbow #prism #christmas @capitalweather.bsky.social
December 25, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Sundog (?) from yesterday. Western FF. No filters. #fairfax #dc #sky #clouds #photography #weather #sundog #rainbow #prism #christmas @capitalweather.bsky.social
Moonscape tonight from western Fairfax County. Unedited. #moon #moonscape #fairfax #dc #sky #clouds #photography #moonpic #moonscape @capitalweather.bsky.social
December 4, 2025 at 11:55 PM
Moonscape tonight from western Fairfax County. Unedited. #moon #moonscape #fairfax #dc #sky #clouds #photography #moonpic #moonscape @capitalweather.bsky.social
Happy Thanksgiving.
November 27, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Happy Thanksgiving.
Reposted by Brian E.
From the very first census in 1790, the U.S. has measured race – but never in the same way and rarely without controversy. In this new data essay, we look at how the census has approached racial and ethnic measurement over time.
Counting Race: How the Census Measures Identity and What Americans Think About It
How the U.S. government measures race has changed substantially since censuses began in 1790. Today, Americans differ on whether the government should ask about race.
www.pewresearch.org
November 11, 2025 at 7:20 PM
From the very first census in 1790, the U.S. has measured race – but never in the same way and rarely without controversy. In this new data essay, we look at how the census has approached racial and ethnic measurement over time.
Best time of year, by a longshot. Peak #Fall in Northern #Virginia @capitalweather.bsky.social @matthewcappucci.bsky.social
November 9, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Best time of year, by a longshot. Peak #Fall in Northern #Virginia @capitalweather.bsky.social @matthewcappucci.bsky.social
The vibrant colors of peak Fall in Northern Virginia @capitalweather.bsky.social @matthewcappucci.bsky.social
November 9, 2025 at 10:18 PM
The vibrant colors of peak Fall in Northern Virginia @capitalweather.bsky.social @matthewcappucci.bsky.social
Reposted by Brian E.
One reason safe streets advocacy is so critical is that there's no way to get media to even cover driver violence with basic journalistic integrity.
In some cases it's because ness outlets depend on car industry ads; in others, it's because many reporters/editors themselves have carbrain.
In some cases it's because ness outlets depend on car industry ads; in others, it's because many reporters/editors themselves have carbrain.
Car fleeing police slams into bar in Tampa, killing 4 people and injuring 11
Car fleeing police slams into bar in Tampa, killing 4 people and injuring 11
Police say vehicle was involved in street racing before driver fled from authorities and then crashed into Ybor City bar
A speeding car fleeing police slammed into a crowded bar early on Saturday, killing four people and injuring 11 in a historic district of Tampa, Florida, known for its nightlife and tourists.
An air patrol unit with the Tampa police department spotted the car driving recklessly on a freeway at about 12.40am after police said the silver sedan had been seen street racing in another neighborhood, according to a police department statement. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 9, 2025 at 5:35 PM
One reason safe streets advocacy is so critical is that there's no way to get media to even cover driver violence with basic journalistic integrity.
In some cases it's because ness outlets depend on car industry ads; in others, it's because many reporters/editors themselves have carbrain.
In some cases it's because ness outlets depend on car industry ads; in others, it's because many reporters/editors themselves have carbrain.
November 9, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Bring on the cool, cloudy days. November never disappoints as the leaves put on their last show
November 9, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Bring on the cool, cloudy days. November never disappoints as the leaves put on their last show
Reposted by Brian E.
One aspect of US political history that I think is underplayed is that on several measures—health care, housing, transportation, basic assistance—by the late 60s/early 70s, the nation was headed in a similar direction as European social democracies. Domestic policy was ambitious & liberal.
And if that blew your mind, read up on the Family Assistance Plan, the proposal from Milton Friedman (!) that Nixon embraced -- would've been essentially a negative income tax for the poor in which they'd get cash payments.
The bizarre tale of President Nixon and his basic income bill
In 1969 President Richard Nixon was on the verge of implementing a basic income for poor families in America. It promised to be a revolutionary step – had the President not changed his mind at t...
thecorrespondent.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:05 AM
One aspect of US political history that I think is underplayed is that on several measures—health care, housing, transportation, basic assistance—by the late 60s/early 70s, the nation was headed in a similar direction as European social democracies. Domestic policy was ambitious & liberal.
Reposted by Brian E.
The countries with the highest life expectancy are all rich economies. The countries with the lowest life expectancy are the poorest economies. Poverty cuts three decades of life expectancy figures. Source: buff.ly/aTxUtfE
November 6, 2025 at 3:22 PM
The countries with the highest life expectancy are all rich economies. The countries with the lowest life expectancy are the poorest economies. Poverty cuts three decades of life expectancy figures. Source: buff.ly/aTxUtfE
Reposted by Brian E.
Canada is set to launch a C$50 billion ($35.5 billion) infrastructure fund to build projects in sectors such as hospitals, transportation and housing, as the government tries to boost an economy that’s being squeezed by US tariffs.
Canada to Start $36 Billion Building Fund as Carney Seeks Economic Growth
Canada is set to launch a C$50 billion ($35.5 billion) infrastructure fund to build projects in sectors such as hospitals, transportation and housing, as the government tries to boost an economy that’s being squeezed by US tariffs.
bloom.bg
November 4, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Canada is set to launch a C$50 billion ($35.5 billion) infrastructure fund to build projects in sectors such as hospitals, transportation and housing, as the government tries to boost an economy that’s being squeezed by US tariffs.
Reposted by Brian E.
In Jane Jacobs’s old neighborhood, more heritage rules will mean more exclusion and gentrification.
We know how the story ends. It shouldn’t be allowed to happen again.
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
We know how the story ends. It shouldn’t be allowed to happen again.
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
Will heritage stop housing development in the Annex?
If a new heritage district is created, it should acknowledge the tradeoffs and explicitly define how the area will change
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 3, 2025 at 3:54 AM
In Jane Jacobs’s old neighborhood, more heritage rules will mean more exclusion and gentrification.
We know how the story ends. It shouldn’t be allowed to happen again.
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
We know how the story ends. It shouldn’t be allowed to happen again.
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
Some clouds from yesterday evening that didn't look real. Looked more like a painting. View from Northern VA. @capitalweather.bsky.social @matthewcappucci.bsky.social
October 31, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Some clouds from yesterday evening that didn't look real. Looked more like a painting. View from Northern VA. @capitalweather.bsky.social @matthewcappucci.bsky.social
Reposted by Brian E.
We know a lot about urban data, mapping, and storytelling! Now so can you. We’ve published an online textbook of learning materials on data analytics, data visualization, and narrative techniques, to make complex urban trends understandable and engaging. https://tinyurl.com/4wur8jfk
October 16, 2025 at 6:00 PM
We know a lot about urban data, mapping, and storytelling! Now so can you. We’ve published an online textbook of learning materials on data analytics, data visualization, and narrative techniques, to make complex urban trends understandable and engaging. https://tinyurl.com/4wur8jfk
Virginia's GDP growth drops from 6.2% to 1.7%. Three new economic reports issue warnings about why and what comes next. cardinalnews.org/2025/10/21/v...
Virginia’s GDP growth drops from 6.2% to 1.7%. Three new economic reports issue warnings about why and what comes next.
The reports also suggest the state may be losing high-wage jobs but gaining lower-wage jobs.
cardinalnews.org
October 22, 2025 at 1:28 AM
Virginia's GDP growth drops from 6.2% to 1.7%. Three new economic reports issue warnings about why and what comes next. cardinalnews.org/2025/10/21/v...
Reposted by Brian E.
New Mexico made childcare free. It lifted 120,000 people above the poverty line | New Mexico | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/11/childcare-new-mexico-poverty
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/11/childcare-new-mexico-poverty
New Mexico made childcare free. It lifted 120,000 people above the poverty line
The state, which has long ranked worst in the US for child wellbeing, became the first and only in the country to offer free childcare to a majority of families
www.theguardian.com
May 22, 2025 at 1:11 PM
New Mexico made childcare free. It lifted 120,000 people above the poverty line | New Mexico | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/11/childcare-new-mexico-poverty
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/11/childcare-new-mexico-poverty
You need to listen to this: "How to respond to #societal #collapse" | Sarah Wilson | TEDxSydney | www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7Ay...
How to respond to societal collapse | Sarah Wilson | TEDxSydney
YouTube video by TEDx Talks
www.youtube.com
October 14, 2025 at 8:16 PM
You need to listen to this: "How to respond to #societal #collapse" | Sarah Wilson | TEDxSydney | www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7Ay...
Reposted by Brian E.
We often call better city-building ideas bold and visionary when they’re really just common sense given the real-life crises that cities are facing. But true common sense isn’t particularly common these days, so it’s considered bold.
Paris & @annehidalgo.bsky.social are praised for their visionary, progressive city-building, but they don’t get nearly enough credit for just being really pragmatic! Everything they’re doing is common sense.
They’re moving a lot more people with less space while cleaning the air & cooling the city.
They’re moving a lot more people with less space while cleaning the air & cooling the city.
October 5, 2025 at 7:59 AM
We often call better city-building ideas bold and visionary when they’re really just common sense given the real-life crises that cities are facing. But true common sense isn’t particularly common these days, so it’s considered bold.