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January 2026

Image Credit: The Coalition

The District offers several programs to support vibrant commercial corridors where small businesses can thrive. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Great Streets, a revitalization initiative led by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED). Initially launched through legislation in 2012, there are now 15 Great Street corridors listed here and mapped out here.

DMPED makes grants available to businesses in these corridors, with opportunities for businesses at every stage: from pop-ups to test their business concepts, to local manufacturers that sell locally, to established retailers. The Great Streets Retail Grant Program includes an innovation top-up option to apply for an additional $20,000, which is one way businesses can incorporate green features. Grant recipients have used funds for initiatives such as activating vacant retail space to deliver vegan pastries, installing energy efficient LED signage, adding green roofs, and reducing textile waste by creating garments from responsibly sourced and upcycled materials.

New corridors are suggested by DC Councilmembers and selected in consultation with DMPED. One of the actions in Sustainable DC’s Built Environment section is to expand the number of Great Streets designated east of the river, so if you have a corridor in mind, let your elected officials know! Thriving small business corridors benefit District residents citywide, creating walkable spaces with unique character that encourage economic activity that stays local.

Last Chance for District Sustainability Awards The application period for the 2026 District Sustainability Awards closes soon! The awards highlight businesses, individuals, and organizations that are working toward a more sustainable DC. Does this sound like you or someone you know? Applications must be submitted by January 23 and are available at https://doee.dc.gov/service/sustainabilityawards. Don’t miss your chance to be recognized as a sustainability leader in DC!

Great Streets Grants The Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development has three grant opportunities ending January 16: Great Streets Retail Grant, DC Locally Made Manufacturing Grant, and the Emerging Retail Initiative. Each one has a different focus, and you can learn more and apply at https://greatstreets.dc.gov/page/small-business-grants.

DC 2050 Explore Possible Futures: Self Guided Virtual Workshop The DC Office of Planning is working alongside DC residents, community-based organizations, businesses, and elected officials to develop DC 2050, the District's next Comprehensive Plan. DC 2050 guides where and how we build new housing, grow job opportunities, connect neighborhoods, preserve our rich history, and invest in amenities. DC 2050 Explore Possible Futures: Self Guided Virtual Workshop is a new engagement tool to learn about place types and different approaches to accommodate future growth in DC. It also allows you to do a mapping exercise to show where you think the District can grow. The tool will close on January 19.

Request for Applications - RiverSmart Homes Landscaping Installation Program The Department of Energy and Environment seeks an eligible entity to: (1) install green infrastructure (GI) on private residential properties in the District of Columbia; (2) inspect existing GI to ensure function and design; (3) train and certify local landscaping businesses in the installation of rain gardens and BayScapes; (4) educate residents about stormwater issues and how to manage these issues; (5) provide GI maintenance services and information; (6) distribute incentives or rebates for GI installations; and (7) manage RiverSmart Ambassadors. The amount available for the project is $2,170,000. For more information, please visit https://doee.dc.gov/node/1809946. Applications are due January 20.

Request for Applications - Private Fleet Diesel Electrification and Low-NOx The Department of Energy and Environment seeks eligible entities to select and replace class 4+ medium- or heavy-duty diesel-powered vehicles with zero-emission vehicle equivalents, when these replacements will have a significant community benefit. Vehicles must be registered in the District or spend at least sixty percent (60%) of the time in the District to be eligible for replacement. The amount available for the project is $2,396,457. For more information, please visit https://doee.dc.gov/release/rfa-private-fleet-diesel-electrification-low-nox. Applications are due February 9.

Downtown DC Transportation Plan The Downtown Transportation Plan is about building a modern network that strengthens downtown’s competitiveness—supporting jobs, retail, culture, and the neighborhoods that make our city vibrant. Explore the Downtown DC Transportation Atlas, an interactive mapping tool designed to give you a clear, user-friendly view of project features, activities, and progress. Sign up to stay up to date on plan developments and opportunities for engagement at https://www.downtowntransportationplan.com/.

Department of Public Works – Program Analyst

The position is located in the Department of Public Works Office of Waste Diversion. The incumbent will execute visual communication solutions that support the branding, communication, marketing, and advertising efforts of the Office of Waste Diversion, Zero Waste DC, and the city’s zero waste brand campaign. For more information and to apply, visit careers.dc.gov and enter job ID 31266. Applications are due January 21.

Washington Area Bicyclist Association – Engagement Coordinator & Operations Coordinator

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) is a nonprofit whose mission is to people to ride bikes, build connections, and transform places. They are hiring for two positions. The Engagement Coordinator will help WABA thrive in a rapidly changing social media landscape and maintain warm and enthusiastic digital spaces for people who want to talk about biking in the DC region. The Operations Coordinator will be the go-to person for all things related to WABA’s office and IT needs, while supporting finance operations. For more information and to apply, visit https://waba.org/jobs/. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Why is the Potomac River So Polluted? (Scientific Journey from Headwaters to Mouth): Follow along on this video journey of the Potomac River to learn about its path and the pollution challenges it faces along the way.

A look at DC birds and conservation efforts: American University’s student-run newspaper The Eagle highlights local birders and how wildlife protection efforts have evolved in the District.

Council Moves Ahead with Business Improvement District in Congress Heights: The DC Council advanced plans for the creation of a new business improvement district in Ward 8's Congress Heights neighborhood, to be called the Soul of the City Business Improvement District. Property owners in the neighborhood would pay in to a nonprofit focused on enhancing the vitality of neighborhood’s commercial area.

Fix It DC Fix-It DC events are community repair events dedicated to changing the “throw-it-away” mentality. Visitors bring their broken items to the Fix-It DC event where volunteer Fix-It coaches provide guidance in troubleshooting how to repair each item. The next event is Wednesday, January 14, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (901 G St NW). Registration for the event is full but walk-ins are accepted.

Healthy Homes Fair Save the date for the next Healthy Homes Fair on Saturday, March 21, 1:00-5:00 p.m. at The Catholic University of America. Explore products, services and programs to make your home healthier, more resilient and affordable to power. At the event, you can learn about home electrification discounts, find contractors, get hands-on with products, test ride electric bikes and vehicles, and much more. Head to https://electrifydc.org/fair/ for more information.

Sustainability Summit Save the date for Destination DC’s Sustainability Summit! On Wednesday, March 25, 8:00-11:30 a.m., Destination DC will convene the local tourism and hospitality sector to elevate the importance of District leadership on sustainability. Winners of the District Sustainability Awards will also be honored at the event. Keep tabs on https://washington.org/event/save-date-sustainability-summit for more information.

DC Climate Week DC Climate Week will be back for its second year in 2026, from April 20 to 26. DC Climate Week is a community-organized week of events, exhibitions, tours, screenings, and gatherings across DC to explore the challenges of the climate crisis and discover the solutions that give us hope. Sign up to get updates at https://www.dcclimateweek.com/.