The program complements an existing residential conversion initiative and could yield up to 2.5 million square feet of new commercial space.

A new program in Washington, D.C. encourages the adaptive reuse of downtown office buildings into almost any other business, with the program itself dubbed “Office to Anything” (but officially known as Central Washington Activation Projects Temporary Tax Abatement), reports Ida Domingo for ABC 7 News.
The program is aimed specifically at non-residential uses such as hotels, retail, entertainment, or other uses, acknowledging that residential conversions, which are supported by the 2024 Housing in Downtown program, are not possible for every building. In announcing the program, Mayor Muriel Bowser said, “Through Office to Anything, we will transform vacant and underutilized offices into new, productive uses that increase foot traffic, generate economic activity and tax revenue, and bring new vibrancy to DC’s commercial core.”
The program offers a 15-year property tax freeze and could impact up to 2.5 million square feet of underused office space. “Officials said the value of the total tax abatements available is subject to a cap of $5 million for 2027, $6 million for 2028, and $8 million for 2029, with 4% growth each year after.”
FULL STORY: Office to Anything': DC launches program to turn empty offices into new businesses

Legendary Parking Guru Donald Shoup Dies at 86
Urbanists are mourning the loss of a dynamic voice for parking reform and walkable cities.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

Federal EV Charging Program Suspended
The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program planned to fund the construction of hundreds of EV charging stations across the country.

A Monument to Resilience: Native Hawaiian Art Installation Honors History and Healing
The towering ʻUmeke Lāʻau installation by Native Hawaiian artist Meleanna Aluli Meyer, unveiled at Honolulu's city hall, is a powerful symbol of cultural resilience and healing.

Rethinking Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Which Trees Should We Plant?
Fire experts emphasize the need to replace highly flammable trees like Mexican fan palms and eucalyptus with fire-resistant species such as oak, sycamore, and toyon, while also strengthening home fire defenses to reduce wildfire risks in California.

Fremont, California Criminalizes Homelessness, “Abetting” Encampments
Non-profits worry the ordinance, which does not explicitly exempt service providers, will have a chilling effect on unhoused residents and those who offer resources.
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