The first decade of the 21st Century is history, but as 2011 dawns on two of the Washington area’s favorite obsessions — politics and sports, though not necessarily in that order — all eyes are turning to see what the New Year brings. To discern what the future may have in store for the region, there are 11 to watch in 2011 who, based on their personal ups and downs, triumphs and failings on the local and national stages, will greatly influence whether the century’s second decade kicks off with a bang or a whimper for Washingtonians. VINCENT GRAY
The newly installed D.C. mayor will walk a political tightrope in 2011, trying to convince suspicious residents that he’s not Marion Barry. Gray tried to set a conciliatory tone with some of his department head picks, but also made key appointments that ticked off some of his most vocal supporters, especially the police and fire unions. Nice start. Now, the hard part. Gray inherits double-digit unemployment and a $175 million budget deficit. He also has to deal with school reform and a threadbare social services safety net. There is little margin for error.
