Southwest Business Improvement District (SWBID)

We had a great first Southwest Washington planning and architecture tour led by Kim from DC Design Tours. Thanks to Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater, the Southwest Business Improvement District (SWBID), and DC Public Library for their support. Come see the National Capital Planning Commission centennial exhibit “Planning Washington: Capital and Community” at Arena Stage through December 3. Register for future tours at https://lnkd.in/eNe2D-7y

In collaboration with the Southwest Business Improvement District (SWBID) and Capitol Riverfront BID, the DC MID recently hosted National Science Foundation CIVIC Innovation Challenge Grant awardees. The CIVIC Grant participants explored public-private partnerships that drive innovation at the intersection of mobility, placemaking, and public space management in our growing neighborhoods. Mitch LaRosa (Director of the DC MID), Lexie Albe (Managing Director of SWBID), Yi Berinato (Planning Manager at CRBID), and Rick Birt (Director of DC's Highway Safety Office) also led a panel discussion on scaling up pilot projects to align with community needs.

?? Calling all artists! The SWBID invites you to submit your proposals for colorful street light banners in the Southwest neighborhood. ?? Display your art on our streets! https://bit.ly/RFQbanners

Traffic box art wraps positively impact our community by transforming ordinary utility boxes into vibrant works of art. These latest creative wraps not only beautify our streets but also celebrate local culture, highlight Southwest's unique identity, and foster community pride. Plus, decorated boxes are less likely to be targeted by graffiti, helping keep our public spaces clean and inviting. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our Public Space Director, Jessie Himmelrich, we're close to finishing all the boxes in the neighborhood. So keep an eye out for the next round as we enrich our urban landscape and strengthen community bonds.

Photographs from the recent Southwest Business Improvement District (SWBID) Duck Pond Party. It was a beautiful day!

The future of South Capitol Street corridor is bright, as the #CapitolRiverfront BID, Southwest Business Improvement District (SWBID), WC Smith, and other SE and SW stakeholders look to city upgrades that will create a pedestrian-friendly boulevard and better connect our neighborhoods.

Exciting News: New Bike Repair Stations in SW! Just in time for the upcoming #BikeToWorkDay, look for our vibrant yellow bike fixit stations at 420 4th St. and the corner of 4th and I St. SW. Each station is equipped with integrated tools and pumps, complete with recommended pressures for your convenience. Haven't signed up yet? No worries! We're thrilled to announce that we'll be one of the designated Bike to Work Day stops on May 17th from 8-10am. Register at our stop by visiting biketoworkmetrodc.org and enjoy complimentary coffee, treats, free shirts, and exciting merch giveaways. Plus, don't miss the chance to try out one of our e-cargo bikes when you register at our pit stop. Let's pedal towards a greener commute together! ??♂??? #BikeCommute #SustainableTransportation #SWDC

SWBID Executive Director Steve Moore recently joined Uwe S. Brandes, Faculty Director of Georgetown University's Master's in Urban and Regional Planning Program and Georgetown Global Cities Initiative, in an insightful discussion hosted by Jim Landau. Landau is the Head of Environmental, Social & Governance for MetLife Investment Management, as part of the NAIOP (Commercial Real Estate Development Association) DC/MD Chapter’s 'Seat at the Table' event. As critical members of the DC Commission on Climate and Resiliency, they delved into sustainability initiatives across the District, from the SWBID's DC MOBILITY INNOVATION DISTRICT to other public-private partnerships in the real estate space. "Responding to climate change is unprecedented, and our city has already become a global innovation model, so we need to get this right,” Commission chair Brandes said, emphasizing the innovative role of an independent governmental body as a source of feedback to the many stakeholders in DC trying to respond to climate change responsibly.

We are thrilled to welcome Colleen Hawkinson as the new BID Council director. With her extensive experience, including her previous role at the District Department of Transportation and her successful tenure as the inaugural executive director of the Dupont Circle Business Improvement District, Hawkinson has demonstrated her ability to tell the story of a place and bring it to life. Steve Moore, the SWBID executive director, remarked, “Colleen's talent for placemaking and her ability to transform spaces to fit its evniroment is truly exceptional.” This week, Colleen met with us to get a better feel of what’s currently happening in Southwest and where her role could be vital in our collective mission (plus it’s been a gorgeous week and our rooftop views are impeccable). SWBID has collaborated closely with Colleen on our DC MOBILITY INNOVATION DISTRICT where her insights and guidance have been invaluable in ensuring that transportation initiatives are inclusive and considerate for everyone in our community. To say we are excited for Colleen’s new role would be an understatement. CONGRATS COLLEEN. ??

Yesterday, the Federal Real Property Association discussed the Southwest Ecodistrict Plan, aiming to convert a 110-acre federal area into a vibrant, sustainable neighborhood connecting the National Mall and Southwest Waterfront. This plan, addressed unused federal buildings and development issues, renewed interest in the concept of a Southwest EcoDistrict. When asked what role SWBID plays in this, Executive Director Steve Moore said, “We work really hard to beautify the neighborhood, and we research expansive wayfinding practices. Moving people around easily is absolutely essential. It’s a willingness to say, let’s play with having chairs there, public art here, and so on to help everyone move around world-class museums and more and feel safe doing so while attracting people to Southwest.”