Chairperson: Commissioner Anthony Thomas-Davis (SMD 1A06)

Committee Members:

Guilherme “Gui” Almeida (SMD 1A06)

John Henderson (SMD 1A04)

Blakely Jarrett (SMD 1A04)

William Jordan (SMD 1A04)

Priscilla Phelps (SMD 1A10)

Subcommittees:

Subcommittee on Parks and Recreation – John Henderson, Chair

Subcommittee on Neighborhood Branding & Design – Commissioner Anthony Thomas-Davis, Chair

Task Forces & Working Groups:

Task Force on Senior Resources and Age-Friendly Communities, TBA, Co-Chairs

Committee Purpose

The Permanent Special Committee on Public Life & Neighborhood Planning (“SCPL”) seeks to develop Columbia Heights by promoting and undertaking integrated, long-range, community-based planning and analysis to continually improve policy outcomes and enhance quality of life for all that yield a stronger, healthier, and more resilient neighborhood.

This mission drives our vision of a thriving and connected Columbia Heights where everyone feels a sense of belonging in a dynamic environment that values and prioritizes the well-being of all. Our mission and vision will be supported by constant stakeholder outreach and engagement that builds partnerships and consensus on a unified vision for the future. This will ensure our work reflects community goals and expectations as we identify neighborhood plans and promote active plan implementation.

Committee Purview

Pursuant to section 2 of the Special Committee’s enabling resolution, it shall be the duty of the Special Committee to oversee and conduct continuing studies of all matters pertaining to:

  • Problems and opportunities of the Columbia Heights neighborhood, including with the management, development, and preservation of public spaces and neighborhood life.
  • Engaging with a range of neighborhood constituencies and stakeholders to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors.
  • Ensuring that public space and the public realm, including parks, plazas, and streetscapes, are well-maintained, accessible, and reflective of the neighborhood expectations and values, and consistent with District service delivery levels.
  • Serve as a strategic body for guiding neighborhood planning initiatives that align with long-term community goals while ensuring sustainable and equitable community development. Some of the current neighborhood planning initiatives include:
    • Coordination of the Columbia Heights-Mt. Pleasant Public Life Study and ongoing oversight of the implementation of the Study’s findings and recommendations.
    • Coordination of the Comprehensive Plan 2050 rewrite.
    • Relevant small area plans and other neighborhood planning and community development documents.

Read the Special Committee’s enabling resolution here. On September 11, 2024, the Commission approved amendments to the enabling resolution.

To access committee resource materials, including meeting agendas and recordings, click here.

Resources

  • For more information on the ongoing Public Life Study led by the DC Office of Planning, click here.
  • To view the Public Hearing on the Columbia Heights Civic Plaza, click here. A transcript is available here. View the final hearing record and recommendations for government action here.
  • For information on the Comprehensive Plan 2050 rewrite, click here.

To join the Special Committee email list, contact Commissioner Thomas-Davis at [email protected] or 202-855-8550. The email list is used for:

1. Periodic updates on the public life study and community planning news
2. Reminder and follow-up summary emails of committee meetings