NCPC’s work is grounded in strong partnerships, commitment to public engagement, and the ability to think big and pay attention to the details. Join along as our annual report highlights some of this past year’s work. The importance of inclusive and well-designed public spaces is reflected in our ongoing efforts to re-imagine Pennsylvania Avenue. Through Beyond Granite, NCPC and our partners are exploring new and exciting approaches to commemoration. The Commission’s master plan and project reviews seek to balance visitor experiences, public space, and security needs.

The proposed vision reimagines Pennsylvania Avenue transformed into a street that prioritizes people over cars with inviting and inclusive public spaces and as America's Stage, a signature venue to showcase the best of American art, culture, and entertainment. Three potential concepts present possible ideas for how to do this.

The people have spoken! Over the summer, NCPC sought comments on the vision and concepts at events on the Avenue, and through many stakeholder and public meetings, resulting in more than 450 formal comments. Responses indicate that people believe the Avenue is not living up to its potential, and are motivated, inspired, and excited about the vision and the Avenue’s future.

Initiative partners will prepare a new Pennsylvania Avenue Plan to guide improvements to its public spaces, modernize the infrastructure, and address operational requirements to meet today’s needs. Partner agencies are considering near-term programming opportunities to stimulate economic opportunities, highlight the Avenue’s potential, and understand infrastructure and public space requirements.

The Mellon Foundation produced Beyond Granite: The Future of the Public Square, an inspiring, seven-minute film that sets the stage and gives people a sense of what to expect as Beyond Granite moves from an ambitious idea to reality.

On December 7, the Beyond Granite partners introduced the six visionary artists chosen to participate in the inaugural exhibition. The artists engaged in a spirited conversation about monumentality and why they wanted to participate in this dynamic initiative.

Over the next few months, the participating artists will develop their temporary works of creative expression for display in Washington, DC. The exhibit will be in place during the summer and fall of 2023, so be sure to follow along and mark your calendars to visit later this year.

Commissioners supported the proposed National Museum of the American Latino and the American Women’s History Museum which will share underrepresented stories in our nation’s capital. As the Smithsonian’s preferred sites have challenges, the Commission encouraged keeping other sites under consideration, and recommended longer-term strategies to balance expanding Washington’s commemorative landscape while protecting the National Mall.

Final plans for the memorial and its three major components were approved: a storm wall, inscription wall, and unity shield fountain. Commissioners liked the landscape-oriented approach and thoughtful material selections that help evoke Kuwait’s desert landscape. They appreciated changes made based on their feedback including simplifying the design, adding more details to the unity shield, and eliminating statues.

The Commission approved preliminary plans for the park that would symbolically interpret the Peace Corps’ mission through a world map plaza, granite benches with sculptural carved hands and inscriptions, and plantings. The updated submission responded to previous comments by eliminating a pergola and addressing tree-related issues. While Commissioners liked the plaza design, they recommended that the benches’ hand features be more abstract.

In March, NCPC approved preliminary plans for the Smithsonian’s revitalization of its historic core, including the Smithsonian Castle and the Arts and Industries Building. In October they approved revised plans for perimeter security and the Castle elevator overrun, greatly appreciating a refined security approach for Jefferson Drive in front of the Castle that uses less bollards and more landscape features and street furniture.

The Commission provided feedback on concept plans for temporary security to protect pedestrians at the Archives’ two Constitution Avenue entrances while permanent measures and other improvements are developed. Commissioners said the Archives’ prominence requires a restrained, sensitive design and that temporary elements may not be appropriate for permanent security.

Working with its federal and District partners, NCPC developed new design guidelines for Vertical and Surface Elements to support coordinated and cohesive city streetscapes. The guidelines address placement and configuration of trees, plants, and other landscape features; streetlight poles; stormwater management; pavement materials; and sidewalks. The Commission released the draft guidelines for public comment in 2022 and will review the final guidelines in 2023.

NCPC approved final plans for an innovative park to span the Anacostia River using piers from the old 11th Street Bridge. It will be an exciting destination and connector for both sides of the river and includes programmed spaces, active zones, and overlooks. Commissioners believe the park and its innovative design will be a tremendous community asset and were pleased with improvements to access, signage, and plants.

The Commission approved final plans for the triangular park that would sit above two underground garages. The park’s existing landscape, including a fountain, seating, art, recreation areas, trees, and other plants, would be replaced. Commissioners were pleased with that updated plans addressed previous concerns and that the design will maintain as much of the park’s previous character as possible.

NCPC approved final plans that will make the National Arboretum more attractive and secure. New decorative fencing will replace damaged sections and chain-link replaced with decorative fencing. Four perimeter gates will be modified or removed, and part of the perimeter along New York Avenue, NE realigned. Commissioners supported the improvements which will also better connect the arboretum to surrounding neighborhoods.

NCPC developed an equity action plan that incorporates equity approaches into the agency’s core activities and initiatives. NCPC is working with federal and regional agencies to address inequitable past practices and support fair and equal treatment of all. NCPC integrated equity into the Federal Capital Improvements Program by requesting information from federal agencies that encourages early consideration of equity and sustainability impacts in their projects. Through this document NCPC provides planning analyses of proposed federal capital projects in the region to the Office of Management and Budget.

NCPC strongly supported revised plans that will expand and modernize this important multi-modal hub. Plans call for improved tracks, platforms, concourses, train hall, bus station, parking, pick-up/drop off locations, and pedestrian/bicycle access. Commissioners were pleased that their previous comments regarding reduced parking, design improvements, and improved coordination with interested parties were addressed.

NCPC approved preliminary plans for widening a vital rail corridor and railroad bridge and adding a pedestrian-bicycle bridge over the Potomac River to improve connections between Washington and Virginia. The Commission supported the overall design and requested that architectural detailing be refined. They thought the pedestrian-bicycle bridge design was complicated and recommended widening it and using a more neutral color.

NCPC approved preliminary plans to rehabilitate the bridge which carries I-66 over the Potomac River between Washington and Virginia. The project would repair the deck, repaint the bridge, and widen its sidewalks. Commissioners encouraged adding pedestrian-scaled lighting on the sidewalks and mitigating any tree removal on federal property.

NCPC approved the final master plan, supporting strategies to remove parking, create infill development, add bicycle infrastructure, and identify development nodes. The master plan was divided into districts that the Commission reviewed. Commissioners approved the Historic Bolling District Plan and provided feedback on others. They requested more information regarding facility standards, energy, and climate resilience.

NCPC approved the Armed Forces Retirement Home Master Plan Amendment 2. This updated the site plan, development program, and design guidelines for the southeast corner, which will be privately developed, to reflect market conditions, current planning standards and principles, transportation impacts, and mitigation.

NCPC approved the final master plan which seeks to maximize space to extend the cemetery’s life and enhance cemetery options while improving the visitor experience and maintaining a safe and secure environment. The Commission deferred action on a piece of land in the Entry Corridor located north of Memorial Avenue which needs further analysis to understand potential impacts on the historic avenue.

In 2024 we turn 100! That year NCPC will commemorate 100 years since Congress established the agency. Our centennial is a unique opportunity to reflect on more than the agency’s history: we’ll examine the history and evolution of planning in Washington and the surrounding region, acknowledge inequities created by past planning practices, and consider lessons learned to inform planning today and into the future. Stay tuned for engaging opportunities to reflect and celebrate.

We aren’t working the way we used to. NCPC is studying the potential long-term impacts of the COVID pandemic on the planning, location, and design of federal workplaces. The pandemic accelerated trends in teleworking and permanently changed the way the federal government operates. NCPC and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments are using scenario planning to examine the cumulative impacts of federal telework/hybrid workplaces on the region. Results will inform an update to the Federal Workplace Element.

NCPC, the District Department of Transportation, and the Smithsonian Institution are studying multi-modal transportation needs for Independence Avenue between 3rd and 15th Streets, SW. The study is examining existing circulation patterns, connections between the National Mall and Southwest Washington, streetscape infrastructure, and curbside uses to understand how to improve streetscape quality, the pedestrian experience, and vehicle movement.

“It’s been an amazing decade!” Chair Beth White stepped down following the end of her second term on January 2, 2023. First appointed by President Obama in 2012, President Biden made her Chair in 2021. In more than 10 years of public service, she provided leadership, encouraged creativity and collaboration, was committed to excellence and equity, and ensured everyone participated effectively.

NCPC welcomed two new Commissioners appointed by the President: Elizabeth M. Hewlett, representing Maryland, and Bryan Clark Green, representing Virginia. Ms. Hewlett is an attorney and public servant. Mr. Green is the executive director of the Tidewater and Big Bend Foundation. We look forward to the expertise and perspectives they will bring to NCPC’s important work.

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) is the federal government’s central planning agency for the National Capital Region. Through planning, policymaking, and project review, NCPC protects and advances the federal government’s interest in the region’s development.