The plan calls for policies that support adaptive reuse, new housing construction, and improved public parks and facilities.
A Downtown Action Plan for Washington, D.C. provides recommendations for a $400 million, five-year project to revitalize its downtown by encouraging new housing construction and improving public facilities and safety.
As Danielle McLean explains in Smart Cities Dive, “annual tax revenue generated in the busy district has fallen by $243 million since 2019 — a downward trend that could cost D.C. another $193 million over the next five to 10 years without intervention, according to the new action plan summary.”
The plan addresses office vacancies, public safety, and other recent concerns. For one, the plan calls for changes to building height requirements that have held back adaptive reuse projects and new developments.
Additionally, “D.C. plans to support residential population growth downtown by creating a grant program that encourages amenities such as grocery stores, daycare, parks and senior services.”
The plan includes proposals for dynamic parking pricing and Vision Zero projects. “The full version of the plan is slated for release in May.”
FULL STORY: DC’s downtown revival plan, from office conversions to ‘neighborhood safety centers’
Denver Voters Approve Downtown Revitalization Bonds
The city wants to bring new projects and residents to the downtown core, where 13 million feet of vacant office and retail space await new tenants.
Office Conversion Sees No Sign of Slowing
The adaptive reuse of office buildings for residential and other uses will grow by as much as 63 percent in 2024 over last year.
How the Post-Covid Reality Is Reshaping Central Business Districts and Urban Centers
U.S. cities are working to redefine their downtowns in response to the “donut effect:” people and businesses abandoning city centers and flocking to suburban areas and beyond.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
How Community Science Connects People, Parks, and Biodiversity
Community science engages people of all backgrounds in documenting local biodiversity, strengthening connections to nature, and contributing to global efforts like the City Nature Challenge to build a more inclusive and resilient future.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Dear Tesla Driver: “It’s not You, It’s Him.”
Amidst a booming bumper sticker industry, one writer offers solace to those asking, “Does this car make me look fascist?”
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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