(WASHINGTON, DC) – The DC Office of Planning (OP) has issued a Request for Applications (RFA) for the Streets for People Grant Program that will provide funding to Business/Commercial Improvement Districts (BIDs/CIDs) to activate public spaces in the Central Washington area. The program aims to catalyze economic recovery and support local businesses by attracting workers, residents, and visitors to a vibrant area of activated blocks, sidewalks, streets, and parks.

“Since the onset of the COVID-19 public health emergency, Mayor Bowser has challenged us to re-imagine our streets and public spaces to safely meet the needs of residents while keeping our neighborhoods and commercial corridors vibrant and thriving,” said OP Director Andrew Trueblood. “From public space activation guides for residents and communities to public life studies and streateries, we have been thinking innovatively to support a robust public life for District residents and the Streets for People Grant will build on these efforts.”

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly impacted the numbers of office workers, residents, and visitors along major commercial corridors in Central Washington. Reduced foot traffic in these areas has disrupted retail, hospitality, and arts and entertainment venues; driving many businesses to close or modify operations.

The goals for the Streets for People Grant Program are to encourage the retrofitting of streets and sidewalks to allow for the temporary conversion of streets in Central Washington to places for pedestrian-based activities on a recurring basis; encourage the activation of streets and sidewalks to increase daytime and nighttime foot traffic; and encourage the public to dine and shop at local restaurants and retailers and contribute to the economic recovery of Central Washington.

Eligible applicants include the DC BID Council, Mount Vernon Triangle CID, Downtown BID, Golden Triangle BID, Dupont Circle BID, and Adams Morgan Partnership BID. The submission deadline is January 4, 2022 at 5:00 pm.

For more information, please visit planning.dc.gov/streetsforpeople. For more information about the DC Office of Planning, visit our home page at planning.dc.gov.