What's Happening at the DC Office of Planning

District of Columbia sent this bulletin at 12/17/2025 04:20 PM EST

December 2025

Happy holidays from our team at the Office of Planning!

As the year draws to a close, we are reflecting on our work to carry forward what worked well and improve on existing practices.

Highlights this year included new takes on our Streets for People and Commemorate DC programs, initiating a rewrite of the District's comprehensive plan, planning for Rhode Island Avenue NE and Poplar Point, opening new grants for community engagement and African American history, and co-hosting an exhibit at Dupont Underground. We led walking tours to share our love for history, urban design, and public space with equally passionate residents and visitors alike. We also celebrated the first year in our new office by opening a planning library as a resource for our staff and other DC agencies.

We look forward to a new year of planning alongside you for a District where all residents can thrive.

Sincerely,

Anita Cozart

Director, DC Office of Planning

OP team photo outside of 899 North Capitol St NE

Dupont Underground exhibit "Common Ground, Common Futures" focused on redesigning public spaces, featuring work from OP and others, Feb. 27, 2025

People viewing a Dupont Underground exhibit and a wall of post-it notes where people wrote their favorite public space in DC

Outreach for the Rhode Island Avenue Planning Study, Mar. 1, 2025

Attendees converse and view project posters at an open house for the Rhode Island Avenue Planning Study

Mayor Bowser launches the DC 2050 project at The Strand, Mar. 3, 2025

Mayor Bowser speaks to a seated crowd at the launch of DC 2050 at The Strand restaurant

Outreach for the Poplar Point Plan, Apr. 4, 2025

A group stands in a grassy area during a meeting and walking tour for the Poplar Point Plan

Tabling to speak with Anacostia River Festival attendees about DC 2050 and the Poplar Point Plan, May 17, 2025

OP employees staff an informational table and speak to residents at the Anacostia River Festival

LGBTQ+ history walking tour, co-hosted with Rainbow History Project and the DC Preservation League during World Pride, June 6, 2025

Participants and walking tour guide discuss the surrounding space during an LGBTQ+ history walking tour

Engaging residents on commemoration and public art through arts and crafts for Commemorate DC, Jul. 24, 2025

OP staff help children paint shirts under a tent at an outdoor event

Tour of Art Ave, a public art exhibit created by the Golden Triangle BID with funding from our Streets for People grant program

OP and Golden Triangle BID staff stand next to an outdoor statue featured in the Art Ave outdoor exhibit in downtown

Ribbon-cutting for our new office library of plans and planning resources, Oct. 28, 2025

OP's Director cuts a ribbon on the agency's new office library of plans and planning resources

Partnering with Zero Waste DC to help residents smash and compost their pumpkins post-Halloween, supporting DC's food waste goals, Nov. 15, 2025

OP staff help farmers market attendees smash their pumpkins in an outdoor area before composting them

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