Welcome to the DC Office of Planning's (OP) inaugural newsletter! I am happy to share the exciting work that is happening at OP. This is one of a number of ways that we are working to better meet you and other stakeholders where you are by providing ongoing information and updates. I hope you find this newsletter informative and beneficial and welcome any feedback you may have.
Many of you already know that OP plans for our residents through the lens of our neighborhoods and ensures the long-term growth of the District of Columbia advances our values of an inclusive and vibrant city. We plan for a positive future in which all District residents can thrive, regardless of income, race, age, or background. OP guides development in the District of Columbia’s distinctive neighborhoods by engaging stakeholders and residents, performing research and analysis, and publishing planning documents, including the Comprehensive Plan.
Since I started at OP a bit over six months ago, I have worked with the team toward three top priorities. First and foremost, we know that the Comprehensive Plan amendment process is critical to complete and that there is a great deal of interest among numerous stakeholders. While we continue to focus on the Comprehensive Plan, including supporting the Council to quickly pass the Framework Element introduced in February 2018, OP must also work on other critical planning efforts. Housing is the top of these. We are working to help everyone answer the Mayor’s call to not only produce 36,000 more homes by 2025, but to ensure that all parts of the District are part of this effort. The third priority is a focus on community planning. We plan to both support the implementation of existing plans as well as to update or create new community plans in neighborhoods that are facing change or that are facing ongoing barriers to vibrancy.
As you will see below, I am proud to say that we are making significant progress on many of our priorities and we look forward to sharing milestones and achievements with you through our monthly newsletter.