Public space is a vital asset for revitalizing central Washington and facilitating economic recovery. The pandemic provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of public spaces and to reimagine new and creative ways to leverage public spaces to revitalize central Washington and facilitate economic recovery. The Streets for People Grant Program will provide funding for creative and innovative public space activations within the downtown
The recent expansion of outdoor dining into District streets has demonstrated how a new temporary public space infrastructure can allow for the flexible public space needed to support safe gathering for residents and visitors to engage in dining, commerce, entertainment, and recreation. Through the Streets for the People grant program, the District seeks to expand the utilization of sidewalks, alleys, curbside space, parking, and travel lanes to create vibrant public spaces that will support economic recovery, re-envision public space activation, promote equity, leverage the work of local artists, cultural organizations and businesses (particularly those that focus on Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities), celebrate DC’s vibrant culture, and attract more residents, workers and visitors to central Washington.
