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.
Downtown Pittsburgh Set to Gain 1,300 New Housing Units
Pittsburgh’s office buildings, many of which date back to the early 20th century, are prime candidates for conversion to housing.
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.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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