DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), in collaboration with the Office of Planning (OP) and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), this week released the Housing In Downtown Request For Information (HID RFI) to obtain input from current and prospective property owners on the design of and approach to a potential new program to incentivize conversion of commercial properties to residential use in Central Washington, with an emphasis on the Central Business District.
Our Downtown is the economic engine of our city, and a vibrant downtown means more resources to invest in people, programs, and neighborhoods across DC. Exploring ways to bring more residents downtown is a step toward reimagining Central Washington and restoring its vibrancy for our residents, visitors,and businesses. – Mayor Bowser
The HID RFI is designed to solicit informed feedback to craft a pilot program to increase vibrancy in Central Washington through increased residential uses. Specifically, DMPED seeks information, particularly from current or prospective property owners, about the current opportunities and challenges of residential conversions downtown in order to formulate impactful policy or program intervention(s) to:
- Encourage conversion of commercial space (including office, hotel, or retail) to residential in Central Washington in order to increase vibrancy and offset potential declines in commercial property tax revenue; and
- Increase affordable and workforce housing units downtown
Respondents must submit questions on the RFI by 5 pm on Thursday, December 30. The deadline for submission is 5 pm on Friday, January 28.
