District of Columbia

Image: BeyondDC

The District of Columbia has emerged as one of the most walkable and bikable cities in the country. It is experiencing both positive changes and challenges that require us to work harder. DC is vibrant, diverse and growing after decades of decline. The Coalition for Smarter Growth has won many policy changes that built more sustainable transportation choices, housing options, and deeper, longer commitments to housing affordability. CSG continues to address crucial challenges to ensure long-time residents, Black and Brown residents, and people of all incomes and backgrounds can live in the neighborhood of their choice, and access safe, affordable, and sustainable transportation options to work, school, services and recreation. 

Our Work in D.C.


Comprehensive Plan

The District of Columbia’s Comprehensive Plan guides the physical development of the city and manages growth in the District. On May 18, 2021, the DC Council voted to adopt the Comprehensive Plan amendments that furthers our vision for an inclusive, walkable, and transit-oriented city. Learn more >>>

DC Skyline - Photo credit: Ted Eytan, Flickr
Image: Ted Eytan, Flickr

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

As housing demand continues to outpace supply in the District, creative solutions are needed to provide additional housing and reduce rental costs. An ADU, a secondary living unit in a house or backyard, is one such solution. Learn more >>>

Image: Erin Kelleher

Flexible Commuter Benefits

In 2020, the DC Council unanimously voted to support flexible commuter benefits! The law, promoted by CSG, our supporters and allies, will give workers the option to walk, bike and take transit to work using the value of an employer-subsidized parking space. Learn more >>>

Image: Daniel Kelly, Flickr

16th Street Bus Lanes

From petition drives to public testimony to policy expertise, CSG and other community members have pushed to implement a dedicated rush hour bus lane for the last six years – and won! These bus lanes are currently under construction. Since we won the 16th Street campaign, DC has launched a Bus Priority Program to accelerate implementation of bus lanes and other improvements to make buses faster and more reliable. Learn more >>>

S4 buses
Image: C. Cort

Past Campaigns


  • Inclusionary Zoning: There’s no silver bullet for DC’s affordable housing crunch, but inclusionary zoning is one important policy tool we’re working on to help with the issue. We’re working hard to make changes to the program so it can better serve low-income households. Learn more >>>
  • Public Land for Public Good: D.C.’s extensive publicly owned lands are a key opportunity for the city to provide affordable housing to very low-income residents. Through research, education and advocacy, we won a major commitment to affordable housing in all public land dispositions. The law requires that public land dispositions set aside 20-30% of new homes affordable at deeply affordable levels for rentals. Backing this legislative effort was our report Public Land for Public Good provides a look at the city’s track record for producing affordable housing on public land. Learn more >>>
  • Bus report card: We partnered with MetroHero to release the first-ever performance-based DC Bus Report Card. Developed from real-time data collected in May 2019 by MetroHero, the report shows DC’s major bus routes suffer from poor reliability and sluggish speeds, factors that are likely major contributors to the system’s declining ridership. Learn more >>>
  • Long-term Affordability: Expiring income restrictions that make homes affordable to low income residents has been an ongoing emergency, as the need for affordable housing has grown, not waned, over time. Through CSG’s outreach and advocacy, most of DC’s affordable housing subsidies (e.g. Housing Production Trust Fund) and requirements (Inclusionary Zoning, public land dispositions) now ensure affordability does not expire, but is secure in perpetuity, or for the life of the development. Our report on long-term housing affordability for the District of Columbia makes the case for why the District should adopt long term affordability requirements. Learn more >>>

Latest Happenings


D.C.: FY2009 Budget Support Act of 2008

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I am here today to speak on two specific tax policy issues, both of which could be targeted to more efficiently support those communities they were created to serve, and to appeal to the City Council to remain especially prudent and careful in exercising tax relief during lean economic cycles such as we are experiencing at the current time.

Pedestrians Unsafe on Washington Region’s “Mean Streets”

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A few days before a regional pedestrian safety summit, the Coalition for Smarter Growth released a new study of pedestrian safety in the Washington, D.C., region. The report finds that suburban jurisdictions are the least safe for walkers, especially Fairfax County, Virginia, and Prince George’s County, Maryland. While jurisdictions are taking steps to improve safety, the Coalition is calling on our region’s leaders to redouble their efforts to ensure that walking is a safe means of travel, and to commit to reducing by half the number of pedestrian crashes that result in death and severe injury in our communities.
Washington Area's Mean Streets

Washington Area’s Mean Streets

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A disturbing increase in the number of pedestrian deaths in the Washington, D.C., region is prompting public concern. In response, area officials have launched a “Street Smart” education campaign exhorting both walkers and motorists to watch out. Area jurisdictions are also stepping up law enforcement. Caution is always warranted and enforcement essential, but the only lasting way to ensure all users can travel safely is to design communities and streets that make walking and bicycling less risky and provide convenient connections. Each land use and transportation decision must consider and design for safe walking and bicycling.

City Council Lauded for Action on Affordable Housing Law

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On January 8, the D.C. City Council voted overwhelmingly to sponsor legislation implementing its Inclusionary Zoning affordable housing law. Championed by Councilmembers Jim Graham and Chairman Vincent Gray, the bill fully reflects the position of the Campaign for Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning, which has repeatedly requested implementation by the Mayor’s office since original enabling legislation was approved in December 2006.

TESTIMONY: Washington D.C.’s Campaign for Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning

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D.C.’s Campaign for Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning is a broad coalition of traditional affordable housing allies along with progressive labor, religious and community-based groups. Over three years, the Campaign worked to achieve an inclusionary zoning policy which was adopted by the D.C. Zoning Commission (the body vested with land use authority in the District of Columbia). In December 2006, the D.C. City Council adopted the necessary legislation to implement the Zoning Commission’s polices, and appropriated money for staffing, but the new Mayor Fenty Administration has yet to issue draft regulations.