Our nation’s capital has a timeless quality, yet it is constantly evolving and responding to new challenges and opportunities.

The work of the National Capital Planning Commission, comprised of Presidential appointees, Congressional and District of Columbia representatives, and major federal land holding agencies, reflects national and local interests. Commission members collaborate, debate, and make decisions that shape the capital city.

This year, the Commission reviewed and approved projects that will create new and enhanced experiences for Washington area residents, as well as those that visit to learn more about democracy and our national heritage. NCPC collaborated with federal and regional stakeholders to advance shared sustainability goals. We also proposed major new policies in an updated Comprehensive Plan that will thoughtfully guide federal development.

We are proud of our accomplishments in 2015, and invite you to learn more about them in this report.

L. Preston Bryant, Jr.
Chairman, National Capital Planning Commission More

Washington’s symbolic landscape is beloved by residents and visitors alike. However, it’s not static. Three projects approved by NCPC highlight the challenging, necessary balance between encouraging distinctive new designs and integrating them into the capital’s iconic locations.

Thousands of people enjoy performances at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, but it does not have enough education and rehearsal space. A surface parking lot south of the existing building will be converted into a four-acre expansion.

The design of three new pavilions will complement the existing building and provide a distinct architectural identity.

Additional performance spaces and gardens will allow the public to further engage with the performing arts and enjoy a new park near the Potomac River. More

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is one of the most visited locations in the nation’s capital. A nearby Vietnam Veterans Memorial Visitor Center will help people better understand the memorial and the war it commemorates.

Congressional legislation authorized an underground center near the memorial.

In its site approval NCPC adopted design guidelines so that the center, while visible, will have a minimal impact on its setting and nearby Vietnam Veterans and Lincoln Memorials. A curved path will lead visitors to an entrance-facing courtyard, while a green roof and landscaping will enhance its location. More

While every memorial leaves a lasting impact on Washington, presidential memorials are special. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial will honor America’s 34th president and former five-star general.

Design guidelines put into place during NCPC’s site approval ensure that the dramatic design and scale of the memorial responds to surrounding public buildings. More

The new memorial design will transform several fragmented pieces of land into a unified and green public space. Key views are maintained to and from the U.S. Capitol along the historic Maryland Avenue right of way.

One thing that makes Washington unique is its urban form, which reflects national and local values and goals. This form results from natural features and long-standing plans and requirements, including the L’Enfant and McMillan Plans and the Height of Buildings Act. Through its work the Commission protects the capital’s design heritage and guides future development.

NCPC’s new Urban Design Element provides a policy framework to identify and evaluate critical viewsheds and vistas in the nation’s capital. It builds upon the recent Height Master Plan’s technical studies and insights.

The element directs the federal government to follow high quality design standards in Washington, DC and the surrounding region.

Urban Design Website

NCPC worked closely with the District of Columbia during its Zoning Regulations Rewrite. Zoning influences city form by guiding the design and development of non-federal sites and buildings.

The Zoning Commission and the DC Office of Planning accepted NCPC’s recommendations on issues important to the federal government, particularly significant streets and viewsheds in the monumental core.

NCPC plays a regional leadership role in federal sustainability efforts and resource stewardship through special initiatives and convening federal agencies to discuss efficient land and resource use, water and energy strategies, flood risk reduction, climate adaptation, and improved parks and open spaces.

A SW Ecodistrict goal is to transform the 10th Street, SW corridor and link the Mall to the Southwest Waterfront. Work to build a pedestrian connection between Banneker Park and the waterfront is moving forward.

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NCPC works with regional and federal partners to address current and future risks from river flooding, storm surges, and localized heavy rainfall.

On January 30, 2015 President Obama signed Executive Order 13690 directing federal agencies to consider floods greater than the existing standard when planning facilities to account for sea level rise, and more frequent and severe storms. More

NCPC and the National Parks Service began a Small Parks Study that will examine 300 Park Service sites in Washington, most under one acre in size. The study will explore each site’s significance and resources, and propose strategies to better manage these assets.