2020 Year in Review

The year brought tremendous change to how many of us live, work, and connect with each other due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, NCPC’s work as the federal government’s central planning agency in the National Capital Region continued, thanks to our transition to online Commission meetings, launch of a new online submission portal for plan review, and enduring commitment to preserve and enhance the region’s unique resources and assets.

GuideLine

New guidelines for smart growth and sustainable development planning

NCPC adopted the revised Transportation Element, which features new parking policies that improve regional mobility and promote sustainable growth. NCPC also developed a new online portal for capturing information on the implementation and impact of transportation management practices at federal facilities.

Learn More

Transportation Element

To help project applicants better understand the review process, NCPC developed and updated several resource guides ranging from commemorative works to Capper-Crampton park development.

Learn More

Resource Guides

NCPC updated the Federal Environment Element’s Tree Replacement Policies with an enhanced focus on tree preservation and alternatives to mitigate tree canopy loss. The new policies support practices from multiple jurisdictions, resulting in a consistent approach across the region.

Learn More

Tree Replacement Policies

NCPC updated the Antenna Submission Guidelines to address visual impacts of telecommunication infrastructure on federal buildings and land, including new criteria to protect viewsheds and address multiple antennas on building rooftops.

Learn More

Antenna Submission Guidelines

Resources for easier applications and better master plan submissions

DHS Consolidated Headquarters

A master plan amendment to the Department of Homeland Security’s Consolidated Headquarters at St. Elizabeths facilitates new development while addressing historic preservation considerations.

Learn More

Suitland Collections Center

The expansion of the Smithsonian Institution’s Suitland Collections Center allows for better storage and protection of its world-renowned collections, as well as improved environmental stewardship and pedestrian and bike access.

Learn More

National Institutes of Health

The National Institutes of Health proposed an expansion of its state-of-the-art Clinical Center Complex and a new parking garage/utility vault that supports more efficient transportation management and satisfies increased power demand.

Learn More

Federal Reserve

The Federal Reserve seeks to renovate and expand its campus with contemporary additions that are compatible with the historic buildings, a new garage that satisfies updated parking ratio guidelines, and more elegant perimeter fencing.

Learn More

Armed Forces Retirement Home

NCPC and other stakeholders agreed on the process for redeveloping part of the Armed Forces Retirement Home campus by a private developer according to citywide priorities for mixed-income housing, economic development opportunities, and multimodal mobility.

Learn More

New efforts to commemorate our nation’s history

Memorials and Museums Master Plan

NCPC explored how the Memorials and Museums Master Plan should be updated to not only reexamine potential memorial locations but also to address thematic distribution, alternative forms of commemoration, and use of public space.
Read More
Arlington National Cemetery

The southern expansion of the Arlington National Cemetery will enhance operations and the visitor experience, add contiguous space, and incorporate the U.S. Air Force Memorial into the grounds.
Read More
Korean War Veterans Memorial

The Commission approved final plans for a new Wall of Remembrance at the Korean War Veterans Memorial that is well-integrated into the existing landscape and features lighted pathways that improve accessibility and visibility.
Read More
Desert Storm/Desert Shield

Early concept plans for the National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial include design elements that reflect the unique environmental and battle conditions of the operations, such as dune formations and the desert oasis landscape.
Read More

Going virtual to keep the public informed and engaged

Commission Meetings

In response to the pandemic, NCPC rapidly transitioned to conducting Commission meetings online. The agency offered new approaches for both applicants and the public to share testimony, and the online platform resulted in a 55% increase in viewership.

Learn More

Public Space

As part of the American Planning Association National Capital Area Chapter's annual conference, NCPC’s Executive Director moderated the online keynote panel discussion with the region’s planning directors on COVID-19’s impact on social and economic inequities and the future of public space.

Learn More

Public Meetings

Despite the agency’s office being closed, NCPC was still open for business, with staff using online platforms to conduct outreach, including stakeholder and public meetings on proposed updates to the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital’s Federal Elements.

Learn More

Federal Capital Improvements Program

NCPC annually reviews and recommends a six-year Federal Capital Improvements Program (FCIP) to the Office of Management and Budget for use in preparing the President’s annual budget. The FY 2020-2025 FCIP lists 23 projects with requested funds of approximately $994 million. At $275 million, expansion of the National Institutes of Health’s Clinical Research Center had the largest requested appropriation for fiscal year 2020.