Tues. December 8, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – Richard H. Bradley, executive director of the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID), and his wife, Ellen McCarthy, director of planning and land use at Arent Fox LLP, are joint recipients of the Partners for Livable Communities’ Entrepreneurial Leadership Award for their combined role in advancing a “renaissance” in Downtown DC using progressive urban planning techniques.
“Receiving this award is a tremendous honor,” said Bradley. “Over the years, Ellen and I have dedicated ourselves to a ‘living’ Downtown complete with housing, retail, restaurants and ‘walkable streets.’ It’s exciting to see what is possible when several public and private sector partners work to turn the dream into a reality.”
Specifically, the couple has been recognized for transforming the city’s urban core into an animated and livable public environment while holding some of the most influential urban planning and community revitalization positions in the city. For the last 11 years, Bradley has directed DC’s first and largest BID, which has more than 60 million square feet of commercial space and a $10 million annual budget. His work in DC began with his role as president of the International Downtown Association, where he advocated for vital and livable urban centers throughout the world.
McCarthy served as DC’s planning director under Mayor Anthony Williams. During her tenure, the Office of Planning created a comprehensive plan, the 2000 Downtown Action Agenda, as well as numerous and innovative revitalization plans for the city. In addition, she served for many years as the first executive director of the DC Downtown Partnership, a public/private collaboration to revitalize the Downtown.
“This husband and wife urban team has been—and continues to be—a major player in the revitalization of the nation’s capital,” said Robert H. McNulty, Partners’ president and chief executive officer.
Partners for Livable Communities is a non-profit leadership organization working to restore and renew America’s communities. Its prestigious “A Celebration of Vision & Community Spirit” national awards program recognizes extraordinary people, projects and organizations for their significant contributions to livability for all.
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