(Washington, DC) – Mayor Muriel Bowser today announced two initiatives aimed at creating more quality affordable housing, supporting small and local business and expanding job opportunities for DC residents.
Our RFP is a first of its kind community-based request for proposals (RFP) initiative to engage residents prior to developer solicitation. The goal is to establish a process that is transparent to residents and holds the District accountable for building a project that reflects the interests of the community. Parcel 42 (Ward 6) will be the first location for this unique pilot program.
CompeteDC is a four-part program led by the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) designed to help Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs) in the real estate and construction industries take advantage of the District’s local procurement power. Registration opened today for the first program, the CEO Growth Academy, an extensive six-month training school for executives of emerging real estate and construction companies.
“My administration is committed to building a pathway to the middle class,” Mayor Bowser said. “Our RFP and CompeteDC will not only create greater transparency and economic opportunity, but will give residents and communities a chance to shape the District’s future.”
The announcements were made at the Lincoln Theatre as part of the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development’s (DMPED) “March Madness” and Pre-Solicitation Event.
DMPED also announced four projects, in addition to Parcel 42, soon to be available to the development community: Waterfront Station (Ward 6), Capitol Vista (Ward 6), Truxton Circle (Ward 5) and 1909 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE (Ward 8). For more information on the projects, select this link.
“My office is ready to deliver on the mayor’s pledge to actively engage all sectors of the development community – from neighborhoods to developers to small business,” said Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Brian Kenner. “If done right, these projects have incredible potential for economic growth, job creation and business opportunities in the District.”
In addition, the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) announced a request for solicitations for Halley Terrace, SE (Ward 8) a 10,000 square foot housing redevelopment which will include a 20-percent affordable housing commitment.
“We are pleased to be a part of this District-wide solicitation release. This demonstrates the collaborative approach the Bowser Administration is taking to progress housing and economic development throughout Washington, D.C.,” said Director Polly Donaldson of DHCD.
“Mayor Bowser has emphasized her commitment to D.C. small businesses, placed priority on facilitating greater access to capital and increased inclusion in District government procurement opportunities. CompeteDC will help further these objectives and DSLBD’s mission to foster the economic growth, development and retention of DC-based businesses,” said Acting Director Ana Harvey of DSLBD.
DMPED’s “March Madness” was part of Mayor Bowser’s Pathways to the Middle Class Tour, a week-long effort leading up to tomorrow’s State of the District Address to highlight ways the Administration is helping to create Pathways to the Middle Class for DC residents.
