Downtown Leadership Papers
An occasional series of working papers intended to foster a dialogue about critical issues relating to Downtown Washington's economic, social and physical development.
Number 6
Getting from Here to There
June 2009 PDF [185 KB]
Because transportation plays a pivotal role in Washington and Downtown’s economic prosperity and sustainability, this report highlights the need for a broad transportation agenda to guide future investments in the city as federal funds are unleashed to help build new infrastructure. The paper calls for an agenda that includes five steps and addresses plans to manage and re-imagine Downtown streets to alleviate congestion, connect new streetcar lines and 25 million National Mall visitors to Downtown and establish placemaking as a priority in Downtown to enhance the "sense of place."
Number 5
DC's Response to the Global Finacial and Economic Crisis
December 2008 PDF [217 KB]
Despite 12 years of unprecedented transformation and prosperity, it is inevitable that DC will feel the effects of the current global financial and economic crisis. In this paper the Downtown BID recommends six steps that the city should consider to lessen the impact of the crisis on the community, aid in DC’s recovery once the dust settles and enable DC to emerge in a strong position, prepared to capture its share of regional growth while growing its tax base for the benefit of all residents.
Number 4
Homelessness Downtown: Moving People from the Street to Independence
October 2008 PDF [708 KB]
Washington, DC, is now at the forefront of US cities seeking innovative solutions to homelessness. This report details the Downtown BID’s critical role in helping to provide homeless persons with a “continuum of care” that moves them off the street and into permanent housing using the “Housing First” model, a progressive approach to end chronic homelessness. Learn how the Downtown BID partners with DC government and nonprofit homeless service providers to bring outreach services, housing and dignity to homeless people while improving comfort and security for Downtown workers, residents and visitors.
Number 3
Greening Downtown DC: Strategies for Protecting the Planet, People and Profit
July 2008 PDF [248KB]
This paper highlights efforts by the Downtown BID to make Downtown DC more environmentally sustainable, and thus more competitive and attractive to stakeholders, by focusing on “the triple bottom line” of environmental protection, social responsibility and economic viability. The paper provides information on the Downtown BID’s “Greening Downtown DC” initiative, a comprehensive set of programs and services where the Downtown BID serves as a facilitator and a catalyst by forming partnerships to undertake research, establish benchmarks, communicate information and convene training sessions.
Number 2
The District of Columbia's Competitive Position in the Regional Office Market
January 2008 PDF [487KB]
This report examines future challenges to sustaining the strong commercial office market growth realized in DC over the past 10 years in the context of the importance of office property generated taxes to DC's financial well-being and its ability to fund important social programs such as public school modernization and affordable housing.
Number 1
Downtown: The Economic and Fiscal Engine of the District of Columbia
November 2007 PDF [1.5MG]
Richard H. Bradley, executive director of the Downtown DC Business Improvement District, and Gerry Widdicombe, director of Economic Development at the Downtown BID prepared this paper detailing Downtown's critical role in DC's extraordinary economic revival. The authors explain the factors that contributed to this rebirth, outline the need for sustained economic growth and suggest strategies for maintaining this momentum.
