Sign up for our updates

Enter your email below to be notified of updates or notifications related to this project:

Civic Engagement

Since the public kick-off meeting in 1999 of the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative, civic engagement has been the linchpin of efforts to transform the Anacostia River corridor into a world class waterfront that will be the center of 21st century District of Columbia. It will take an informed and unified constituency of residents, local and federal government agencies, developers as well as members of Congress to secure the necessary resources and funding to complete the rebirth of the Anacostia Waterfront as an exciting destination where residents, employees and visitors all can live, work and play.

To let us know what you think or to request additional information, click here. To leave a voice message, call 202-715-6641.

Click on the links below to learn and experience the diverse range of people and activities that are re-making the Anacostia Waterfront every day.

Anacostia Waterfront Civic Engagement Program

In September 2008, the District's Department of Transportation (DDOT), Department of Environment (DDOE), Office of Planning (OP) and the Deputy Mayor's Office for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED)launched a program to inform, educate and engage residents and stakeholders on the status of projects that encompass the Anacostia Waterfront Framework Plan. There are three components to the Civic Engagement program: Constituency Development; Communications; and Consensus Building.

Constituency Development: Constituency Development is the centerpiece of the Civic Engagement Team's (CET) strategy for achieving this goal. Constituency development means involvement ? providing opportunities for District residents and users, businesspeople, developers, and government regulators to become informed, interested and ready to act in support of the development of a world class Anacostia Waterfront. It also requires diverse strategies and techniques like a city-wide waterfront fair and neighborhood forums to cultivate sustained support from District residents as well as other local, regional and national stakeholders.

Communications: A strategic communications program will "tell the compelling story" of an emerging world class Anacostia Waterfront. It will inform various audiences, stakeholders and media about the bountiful benefits of developing the waterfront. The objective will be to spotlight the implementation plan through regular news bulletins, e blasts, media stories and fact sheets that convey the collective benefit of achieving holistic vision for the Anacostia Waterfront.

Consensus Building: The final element of the CET strategy is team of professional facilitators and mediators who can help residents and users, developers and government regulators find common ground around implementation priorities . Development of the entire Anacostia Waterfront will benefit from a united approach based on shared expectations and action steps.

Program components are anticipated to include:

  • Briefings to Advisory Neighborhood Commissions and civic/citizens associations
  • Anacostia Waterfront Community Fairs
  • Social networking web site
  • Discussion groups
  • Partnership program
  • Neighborhood forums
  • Waterfront tours
  • Electronic and print bulletin
  • Fact sheets and brochures
  • Interactive web site

If your organization would like to partner with the Anacostia Waterfront civic engagement program, schedule a briefing, or provide feedback, click here to email us or call 202-715-6641.

Anacostia Waterfront Civic Engagement Program Team

To implement an ambitious Anacostia Waterfront Civic Engagement Program, the District of Columbia Government has assembled an award-winning team of local, experienced and well-qualified specialists in constituency development, media communications and consensus building. This Civic Engagement Team (CET) is responsible for implementing the program to inform, educate and engage residents and stakeholders on the status Anacostia Waterfront projects. The CET is led by Justice & Sustainability Associates with media and communications support provided by D'flat communications, and McKinney and Associates.


Top