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May 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The importance of DowntownDC's economic vitality was the topic of conversation April 26 at the DowntownDC  Business Improvement District's (BID) annual State of Downtown forum.

"A thriving downtown is necessary for the growth and prosperity of all eight wards of Washington, DC," said DC Mayor Muriel Bowser. "Investments in the downtown are critical to how our entire city does."

Mayor Bowser was one of several public officials, private sector leaders and non-profit principals who participated in the forum, where the BID released the 2018 State of Downtown Report, which analyzes DowntownDC's economic role in the District and the region.

The BID's President & CEO Neil Albert spoke during the panel about the ways in which the BID is working with city and federal partners to elevate their support for the DowntownDC community they serve, including the recent opening of the Downtown Day Services Center through a $1.7 million grant from the city, and the future renovation of the National Park Service's Franklin Park, which the BID will operate and manage following its reopening.

“We realize that a lot of what we do in the DowntownDC BID is supported by assessments, but we also want to augment the revenues that we get, so we started a foundation," Albert said. "It would take $750,000 dollars a year to maintain Franklin Park effectively, and we cannot ask the government to do that, we are going to actually do that ourselves.”

Click here to read more.

 
 
 
 
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Wolf Trap returns this summer to bring you live, outdoor jazz. Join the DowntownDC BID on Thursday, May 9 from 11:30am-1:30pm in McPherson Square. Grab lunch at the FRESHFARM by the White House Market and enjoy complimentary picnic blankets, play lawn games or get DowntownDC swag while supplies last. Follow @DowntownDCBID on Twitter and Facebook for inclement weather updates.

 
Take the challenge on May 17 and participate in the region’s annual Bike to Work Day. Register to join the BID’s Freedom Plaza pitstop, the largest pitstop in the District, to listen to featured speakers, enjoy free refreshments, a live DJ, giveaways and more. Don’t forget, the first 20,000 registered attendees receive a free t-shirt! Register here today (#BTWD2019).
 
Get ready to spice up your summer because the BID is bringing back your favorite outdoor summer series. Watch a Marvel classic this summer as Freedom Plaza transforms into a sunset movie theatre every Tuesday from June 4 to July 9 at DowntownDC Summer Flicks Presents: Can I Kick It?. Or grab lunch and enjoy live entertainment in Franklin Park every Thursday in June and July for DowntownDC Live.  
 
 
 
 
Free block parties, Childrens story hours, movie nights and tai chi classes? You know what that means! “Discover Chinatown Parks” is back for a third season. This unique programming series is supported by the DowntownDC BID, the Mount Vernon Triangle CID and the Mayor’s Office of Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (MOAPIA). All activities are free and run from May through September. 
 
Mayor Muriel Bowser at a press conference on April 24 promoted the ways in which  the K Street Transitway project  is projected to improve transportation in and through DowntownDC on K Street. The plan proposes changes to K Street between 12th and 21st streets NW including the addition of two dedicated bus lanes, enhanced bicycle accessibility and changes to pedestrian intersections to increase safety. The mayor allocated $122 million for the project in her fiscal year 2020 budget proposal.
 
DowntownDC BID President & CEO Neil Albert provides a progress update two and a half years after the BID’s release of “Downtown 2027: Vision for the Future.” This 2017 report outlined ambitious goals for downtown in the areas of transportation, the economy, the public realm and human services. Learn more about how the BID is working with partners to achieve our shared goals.
 
 
 
 
Following a two-year renovation, Apple will open its flagship store on May 11 at 10am in the historic Carnegie Library. The date also marks the opening of the new DC History Center. To celebrate the launch, Apple is hosting a six-week StoryMakers Festival featuring GoldLink, Nigel Barker, No Kings Collective and more.
 
The Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery Museum Store on May 8 will unveil their new “Made in DC” section featuring ceramics with DC images, wooden jewelry inspired by local architecture and apparel with district slogans. Visit the store during Shop Local week!
 
It was a morning of news, networking, data and fun at the BID’s State of Downtown forum April 26. Click here to view pictures from the event.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Events, Happenings & So Much More!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thurs. May 9; 11:30am-1pm

May 10,11; 8pm

Sat. May 11; 10:30am-2:30pm
 
Thurs. May 16; 8pm-11pm

Sat. May 18; 9am

May 21,22; 7pm
 
May 24, 25; 7pm

Sun. May 26; 7:30pm-10:30pm

Now through May 22
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fashion Designers Wanted!


The District of Fashion runway show is back! The next event will feature Spring/Summer 2020 collections for a Sept. 5 kickoff to NYFW. Designers must be from the DC/MD/VA areas. Clothing, jewelry & accessory designers are welcome to submit!

Click here to apply by June 3!

If you missed our Feb. runway show click here to see the recap of the Feb. 7 District of Fashion runway show held at the National Museum of Women in the Arts and hosted by Paul Wharton.


Do you have a story idea or an event happening in the BID?

Email ebony@downtowndc.org.

 
 
 
 
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