Public Space Management
A great downtown has safe, walkable streets that have a dramatic impact on neighborhood businesses and provide remarkable urban experiences for those who live, work and play there.
Since 1997, the DowntownDC BID has been doing its part by improving safety, developing high-quality streetscape standards and monitoring Downtown's physical assets. Read more
Related News
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Safety Partnerships
Events and Programs
The DowntownDC BID partners with groups like the Metropolitan Police, Metro Transit Police, US Park Police, private security providers, property managers and owners, neighborhood groups and stakeholders to create forums and where information fairs that improve safety for residents, workers and visitors. More >
The DowntownDC BID Security Initiative (DBSI)
The BID is partnering with Homeland Security and groups across the city to integrate, coordinate and expand efforts to continue to reduce crime.
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Setting Standards
Sidewalks, lighting, street furniture and more...
In 1998 and 1999, the DowntownDC BID initiated a process to develop new streetscape standards for the DowntownDC BID area. Out of this process emerged standards that became design guidelines for city regulations that went into effect in early 2000. The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has fully adopted the DowntownDC BID streetscape standards which are now a part of all Downtown street reconstruction and resurfacing contracts. Most Downtown existing sidewalks have been upgraded as well. More >
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Green and Open Space
Parks & Plazas
The National Park Service (NPS) owns all of the DowntownDC BID area’s 34 parks.The BID and NPS have formed a “general partnership agreement” to improve Downtown parks. Working with other groups, the BID has managed to make improvements at Franklin and McPherson Square. We also helped to develop concept drawings, undertake homeless feeding intervention, host some special events in nearby parks. More >
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Ensuring Remarkable Experiences
Public Space Working Group
Conceived and facilitated by the BID
Vending
The DowntownDC BID plays a leading role in the development of new regulations and helps to monitor compliance.
Addressing adverse conditions within the public space
Reporting physical defects and maintenance certain physical assets by the SAMs
Surveys and mapping of assets and conditions
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Shared with stakeholder groups to aid in quality assurance
Selected Web Resources
Casey Trees Dedicated to restoring, enhancing and protecting the tree canopy of the Nation's Capital. -- www.caseytrees.org/
DC Department of Public Works – Office of Recycling - Provides information about recycling services for residential, commercial, education, and outreach. -- www.recycle.dpw.dc.gov/recycle
Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Find information on business licenses, inspections and housing regulations, as well as corporate registration, building and land regulations and a tenant's guide to rent control. -- dcra.dc.gov/dcra
District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Official site includes public transportation planning, streetscape improvements and construction information. -- ddot.dc.gov/
Help the Homeless For more than 20 years, Fannie Mae's Help the Homeless Program has brought together caring and committed individuals to work toward ending homelessness in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region. -- www.helpthehomelessdc.org/
Martha's Table Nonprofit organization that provides educational programs, food, and clothing to at-risk DC residents. -- www.marthastable.org
National Park Service (NPS) Find information on federal parks, their locations, programs and histories. -- www.nps.gov/
Pathways to Housing DC Provides housing first and gives support and treatment for those with psychiatric disabilities to facilitate their recovery and integration into the community. Conducts research to find new and effective approaches to recovery and community integration. -- www.pthdc.org
The Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness Established in 1989, an independent, non-profit corporation that coordinates the District of Columbia’s Continuum of Care which includes prevention services, street outreach efforts, emergency shelter, transitional housing and permanent supportive housing for individuals and families. -- www.community-partnership.org/
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) Washington's main regional transportation system, operating both bus and rail services. -- www.wmata.com/
Share the news! Download a PDF version of the report on this page (48 KB).
DOWNLOAD PDF
Streetscape Standards
This BID-prepared booklet of guidelines for developing high-quality streetscapes includes a comprehensive section on street furniture and streetscape components. [PDF 4.8 MG]
DOWNLOAD HERE
For the city's Downtown streetscape regulations visit
DDOT online
