Graphic of image of a conversation circle at the DC 2050 workshop with participants talking in a facilitated discussion. Text overlay: "What we heard about Housing Affordability: “Housing affordability overall should be goal #1." “The only way to keep DC affordable is to increase supply to meet demand. We need way more upzoning in way more places.” “Ensure all or most new housing is actually affordable and given to DC residents.” “Pilot social housing -a new paradigm for affordable housing.” “We should think more creatively about housing affordability -- market rate housing makes neighborhoods affordable too!”"
Graphic of image of the Director of the Office of Planning in conversation with four workshop attendees. Text overlay: "What we heard about: Housing Density:" “We need way more housing density.” “More density could help support affordability.” “DC should be building so much housing that landlords have to compete for tenants.” “Preserve single family homes in upper NW near Wisconsin Ave. Do not add more density there other than townhouses and duplexes." “Ward 1 is already the densest ward in DC. Less high-rises, more mid-rise buildings and townhomes. Protect neighborhoods.”
Graphic of image of a conversation circle at the DC 2050 workshop with participants talking in a facilitated discussion. Text overlay: "What we heard about: Single Family Housing": “Allow gentle density everywhere.” “Why not spread the density throughout the city to mitigate negative impacts?” “Open up single family neighborhoods in Ward 3 to six plexes & duplexes.” “People paid money to live in a quiet residential neighborhood in Crestwood. Don't change it to moderate scale.” “At a minimum allow rowhomes in every housing category.” “Vast swaths reserved for single-family housing belong in the suburbs, not within District limits.” “Leave single family housing on RI Avenue NE alone!”
Graphic of image of two workshop participants in dialog with an Office of Planning employee while looking at boards on easels at the DC 2050 workshop. Text overlay: "What we heard about: Planning Beyond Housing:" “There is much more to a city than homes and jobs. Where is the planning for parks, schools, recreation, services?” “Community space needs to be prioritized.” “I want to see more opportunities for small businesses to obtain and (remain in) commercial spaces to accompany the housing.” “Think about seniors - senior spaces, walkability.” “Transportation must be improved to handle these proposed changes.” “Prioritize tree cover, green + open space to increase energy efficiency and public health.” “Food justice in all wards. There should be grocery stores at the hubs of each ward/neighborhood.”
Thanks to everyone who attended our in-person workshops last month about DC 2050 (the District's next comprehensive plan). We had a lot of great conversations about the draft future land use map and more. Here's some of what we heard.
DC2050.com
