Net Zero TOD at Fort Totten TAP 

• Dates of TAP: Tuesday, June 3, Wednesday, June 4, & Thursday, June 5, 2025 

• Sponsors: WMATA in partnership with ULI’s Net Zero Imperative

• Key Topics: Transit-Oriented Development, Sustainable Development

Read more about this TAP soon!

Marlboro Pike Corridor TAP 

• Dates of TAP: Wednesday, April 2 & Thursday, April 3, 2025 

• Sponsors: M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Department and the Marlboro Pike Partnership in partnership with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments 

• Key Topics: Transportation Planning, Adaptation & Reuse, Placemaking 

This TAP examined revitalization strategies for the Marlboro Pike Corridor, a 4.5-mile stretch in western Prince George’s County facing economic decline. Project sponsors M-NCPPC (the Prince George’s County Planning Department) and the Marlboro Pike Partnership CDC presented an assignment that spanned issues of connectivity, sustainability, and public health, among others. The Panel identified opportunities to attract younger residents, introduce new desirable retail options, enhance transportation connectivity, and improve walkability. Five key recommendations focused on creating a vision for the corridor, supporting entrepreneurship, improving public spaces, expanding housing choices, and fostering partnerships with the county and faith-based communities. The panel concluded that, with strong collaboration and investment, Marlboro Pike could transform into a vibrant cultural destination. 

View the Panel’s presentation here. 

Watch the recording of the Panel’s presentation here. 

Read the report here.

Sudley Road TAP  

• Dates of TAP: Wednesday, February 19 & Thursday, February 20, 2025 

• Sponsors: Prince William County, VA in partnership with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments 

• Key Topics: Transportation Planning, Multi-modal Corridors, Retail and Economic Development 

This Panel developed a set of strategies for redevelopment along the Sudley Road Redevelopment Corridor in Prince William County, VA. Panelists examined the Corridor’s present to provide a pathway toward a more multi-modal, safe, and vibrant corridor. These strategies to advance equitable development along the nearly 3-mile-long length of Sudley Road built on the valuable input from interviewing 40 passionate public and private stakeholders and residents to get a clear picture of the demand, challenges, and opportunities present along and near Sudley Road. The Panel deliberated upon actionable steps to address pedestrian safety while preserving and enhancing the area’s existing historic, cultural, natural, housing, and retail assets. Recommendations included strategies for building connected and integrated communities through nodal development informed by community input as well as incentivizing growth through tactical crafting of an upcoming Small Area Plan. 

View the Panel’s presentation here. 

Watch the recording of the Panel’s presentation here. 

Read the report here.

Van Ness / UDC / Intelsat TAP 

• Dates of TAP: Wednesday, February 19 & Thursday, February 20, 2025 

• Sponsors: Van Ness Main Street and The University of the District of Columbia, with support from Amazon’s Housing Equity Fund 

• Key Topics: Housing Development, Retail & Entertainment, Small Area Planning 

This TAP convened on February 19-20, 2025 to assess and provide recommendations for enhancing the Van Ness neighborhood’s identity and vitality. The study area, located along Connecticut Avenue NW in Ward 3, is home to key institutions such as the University of the District of Columbia and multiple embassies. Despite its vibrancy, the neighborhood faces challenges including commercial revitalization, zoning restrictions, aging infrastructure, and transit accessibility issues. Panelists interviewed 22 stakeholders in focus groups addressing concerns related to transportation, housing, retail, and sustainability. The Panel presented key recommendations, advocating for stronger community identity through arts and partnerships, retail revitalization, improved public spaces, and long-term urban planning strategies. To ensure continued progress, they encouraged the formation of a Task Force dedicated to implementing these recommendations. 

View the Panel’s presentation here. 

Watch the recording of the Panel’s presentation here. 

The James V. Forrestal Building TAP 

• Dates of TAP: Tuesday, February 11 & Wednesday, February 12, 2025 

• Sponsors: The National Capital Planning Commission and the Public Buildings Reform Board 

• Key Topics: Federal Buildings in DC, Cost and Economic Evaluation, Collaboration with Federal and Local Government 

This Panel convened on February 11-12, 2025 to develop a roadmap for divesting and redeveloping the James V. Forrestal Building, the current U.S. Department of Energy headquarters. The TAP aimed to align federal disposal efforts with urban planning initiatives in Southwest Washington, DC. Panelists interviewed a wide range of stakeholders, including federal and local government leaders, explored strategies for redevelopment, financing, stakeholder coordination, and potential uses, including residential, cultural, and commercial spaces. Recognizing the site’s catalytic potential, the TAP recommended forming a coordinating entity, structuring financial models, and engaging stakeholders in a transparent process with a Memorandum of Understanding. With an anticipated $45.3 million in annual tax revenue at full build-out, the redevelopment could drive broader revitalization efforts in the capital’s monumental core and Southwest Waterfront. 

Read the report here. 

The Gordon Road Triangle TAP 

• Dates of TAP: Thursday, January 30 & Friday, January 31, 2025 

• Sponsors: The City of Falls Church, VA in partnership with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments 

• Key Topics: Small Area Planning & Urban Design, Municipal Infrastructure, “Trail-Oriented” Development 

This TAP proposed a framework for phased redevelopment for the Gordon Road Triangle, a 20-acre site in Falls Church, VA that currently houses the City’s municipal Operations Yard and various businesses. The development potential for the Gordon Road Triangle is strong, and to capture it, the footprint of municipal operations could be more efficient through the Panel’s proposed framework. This Framework Development Plan included infrastructure upgrades, street realignments for better access to the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, increased green space, and a mix of affordable and market-rate housing. Key recommendations included appointing a champion to lead the redevelopment effort, establishing a City Working Group, partnering with Fairfax County, and exploring public-private reinvestment strategies that minimize financial burdens on residents. The TAP concluded that with strong leadership and stakeholder collaboration, the City could enhance the site while preserving existing operations and businesses. 

View the Panel’s presentation here. 

Watch the recording of the Panel’s presentation here. 

Read the report here.

The DC Public Service Housing TAP 

• Dates of TAP: Wednesday, November 20 & Thursday, November 21, 2024 

• Sponsors: The District of Columbia Office of Planning with support from Amazon’s Housing Equity Fund 

• Key Topics: Housing Strategies, Public-Private Partnerships, Development Incentives 

This Panel developed housing strategies to support economic growth and expand housing for students and early-career public service professionals in Downtown DC. With over 290,000 public service jobs and 60,000 students in the District alone, the “public service industry cluster” represents a significant portion of residents in the region. The study area, spanning 17 square miles, has seen significant growth, but further action is needed to increase housing affordability and accessibility for young professionals and students. The Panel assessed key challenges, including high costs and regulatory barriers, and proposed solutions across four key areas: leveraging DC’s competitive advantage, fostering partnerships, implementing legislative reforms, and promoting diverse housing types. Recommendations included repurposing surplus properties, adjusting zoning regulations, encouraging institutional master leases, and enhancing public spaces to create vibrant, student-friendly environments.  

Read the report here.

The Serrano TAP 

• Dates of TAP: Wednesday, September 4 & Thursday, September 5, 2024 

• Sponsors: Affordable Homes & Communities with support from Virginia Housing 

• Key Topics: Naturally-Occurring Affordable Housing,  

This TAP developed strategies for the future of the Serrano, a 280-unit affordable housing community in Arlington, VA, acquired by Affordable Homes & Communities (AHC) in 2014. The TAP proposed a phased redevelopment plan for the aging buildings faced with financial challenges, beginning with co-locating a new Arlington County fire station with new housing on two undeveloped parcels within the property. Subsequent phases would include redeveloping the West and East buildings, with a focus on minimizing disruptions for residents and always providing options to relocate within the property. The Serrano community remains a crucial provider of affordable housing, and the TAP’s plan aimed to ensure its long-term viability while meeting the needs of the community. 

View the Panel’s Presentation here. 

Read the report here.