2025 Year in Review

Chairman Scharf's Message

William Scharf
Washington, DC is more than a city; it is how America represents itself to the world. For over a century, the National Capital Planning Commission has carefully planned for this great capital city, benefiting its residents, visitors, and the entire country.

I am honored to have been appointed by President Trump and share his commitment to making sure that Washington, DC is safe and beautiful. It is a city bestowed with history and promise. As we approach America’s 250th birthday, NCPC’s projects and initiatives are poised to usher historic renewal of our nation’s capital and uphold it as a shining beacon. I am proud to share some of the agency’s accomplishments from this past year.
  • NCPC seized on a generational opportunity to begin the transformation of federal assets and catalyze a dynamic district in Southwest Washington.
  • NCPC is leading efforts to beautify Washington’s highly visible corridors and gateways in anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
  • NCPC furthered development of a blueprint to revitalize Pennsylvania Avenue as a symbol of American excellence.
It is a privilege to contribute to the tremendous work of this Commission, alongside my fellow Commissioners and agency staff. We look forward to advancing these historic efforts that will protect and enhance the extraordinary resources of the National Capital Region for generations to come.

- William Scharf
Southwest Washington
Southwest Washington NCPC
NCPC, the General Services Administration, and the District of Columbia started to chart the course for next steps in the redevelopment of the area south of the National Mall. As the federal government looks to consolidate its footprint and dispose of underutilized properties, there is a once in a generation opportunity to truly transform the 230 acres south of the Mall into a vibrant mixed-use district. In May, NCPC in partnership with the Public Buildings Reform Board, worked with the Urban Land Institute Washington to release a Technical Assistance Panel report on transforming the Forrestal Building site and catalyzing a new district in Southwest Washington.
Safe and Beautiful
Safe and Beautiful Architect of the Capitol
NCPC, in partnership with federal and District of Columbia agencies, and in collaboration with the private sector, are preparing a plan to beautify streetscapes and public spaces in the city. The goal is to focus on opportunities presented by America’s 250th celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, as well as the NFL Draft to be hosted by the city in spring 2027.

This beautification plan supports the President’s Executive Order 14252: Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful to create safer, greener, and more beautiful streetscapes for Washington, DC’s visitors and residents.
Pennsylvania Avenue
Pennsylvania Avenue Architect of the Capitol
NCPC is leading a united federal and District of Columbia partnership to develop a new Pennsylvania Avenue Plan that will serve as a blueprint to rebuild and transform this prominent avenue by modernizing infrastructure, redesigning the roadway, improving security, and beautifying public spaces.

In 2025, two consultant teams, led by DAVID RUBIN Land Collective and HR&A Advisors, advanced design studies and implementation strategies to prepare for a public review process in 2026. Work is guided by the vision that Pennsylvania Avenue should be a venue for spectacular events and celebrations; and a safe and beautiful street that meets today’s needs, featuring world-class public spaces, modern infrastructure, and efficient stewardship to showcase Washington for many future generations.

When complete in 2027, the new plan will guide implementation and establish a new steward to oversee design and construction, operations and maintenance, fundraising, and event programming for decades to come.

Initiative Page
Key Projects
One of NCPC’s primary functions is to review development projects and master plans in the National Capital Region for consistency with the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital: Federal Elements. Here are six of the key projects the Commission reviewed in the last year.
Tidal Basin Development
Concept Plan
Plan Review
Construct Integrated Bezos
Learning Center
Plan Review
Poplar Point Master Plan
Plan Review
Capital One Arena Improvements
Plan Review
Long Bridge Corridor Project
North Section
Plan Review
Arlington National Cemetery
Area Development Plan
Plan Review

Project Statistics

139 Total Submissions Reviewed
9 Master Plans Reviewed
45 Federal Projects in Washington
About NCPC

PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTEES

William Scharf (At-Large) | NCPC Chairman +
Stuart Levenbach (Maryland) | Vice-Chair +
Michael Blair (Virginia) +

Teri Hawks Goodmann (At-Large) | NCPC Chair *
Elizabeth M. Hewlett (Maryland) | Vice-Chair *
Bryan Clark Green (Virginia) *

MAYORAL APPOINTEES

Arrington Dixon
Linda Argo

EX OFFICIO MEMBERS

The Honorable Muriel Bowser
Mayor, District of Columbia
Represented by Anita Cozart
The Honorable Phil Mendelson
Chairman, Council of the District of Columbia
Represented by Evan Cash
The Honorable James Comer
Chairman, Committee on Oversight
and Accountability
United States House of Representatives
Represented by Ryan Giachetti
The Honorable Rand Paul +
Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security
and Government Affairs
United States Senate
Represented by Christina Salazar +
The Honorable Pete Hegseth +
Secretary of Defense
Represented by Paul J. Schaefer +
Represented by Paul McMahon, Jr. *
The Honorable Doug Burgum +
Secretary of the Interior
Represented by Tammy Stidham
The Honorable Michael Rigas +
Administrator of General Services
Represented by Kristi Tunstall Williams

+ Joined the Commission during the year.
* Departed the Commission during the year.

Office of the Executive Director

Marcel Acosta, Executive Director

Operations and Administration Division

Tamara Lewis, Director
Lori Abdin, Supervisory HR Officer (Deputy Director)
Kael Anderson, Urban Planner
Tony Champ, Supervisory IT Specialist
Robert Harris, IT Specialist
Grace Kim, IT Specialist (INFOSEC)
Steve Morgan, Web and New Media Manager
Cristin Sanders, Financial Management Analyst
Anne Stockton, Management Assistant

Long Range Planning Division

Elizabeth Miller, Director
Michael Sherman, Director *
Angela Dupont, Supervisory Urban Planner (Deputy Director)
Brittney Drakeford, Urban Planner
Jeff Jamawat, Urban Planner
Melissa Lindsjo, Urban Planner
Johanna McCrehan, Urban Planner
Karin Schierhold, Urban Planner
Chrishaun Smith, Urban Planner *
Benjamin Turpin, Urban Planner

Current Planning Division

Diane Sullivan, Director
Matthew Flis, Supervisory Urban Designer (Deputy Director)
Stephanie Free, Urban Planner
Jamie Herr, Urban Planner
Meghan Hottel-Cox, General Counsel & Secretariat
Julia Koster, Flooding & Resiliency Project Director *
Bsrat Mezghebe, Communications & Research Support Specialist
Laura Shipman, Urban Planner
Stephen Staudigl, Public Affairs Specialist
Lee Webb, Historic Preservation Specialist
Michael Weil, Urban Planner
+ Joined agency service during the year.
* Departed agency service during the year.