by Janeese Lewis George
Ward 4 Councilmember

As a community, Georgia Avenue is one of our greatest assets — and our greatest source of potential.

Growing up in Ward 4, I remember walking up and down Georgia Ave and feeling like it was at the center of our community — a gathering space for neighbors and home to many of our local businesses, schools, and green spaces. Over the years, we have seen the impact of incredible community activations like Petworth Porchfest and Open Streets DC, and recently, the growth of exciting new developments like The Parks at Walter Reed.

Yet, like many of our DC corridors, Georgia Ave has had its share of recent challenges. We’ve seen the pandemic take its toll on local businesses, neighbors struggle to afford the cost of rent, and buildings left vacant and blighted. Our public gathering spaces need to be more welcoming and accessible, and too often, lack of public transportation options prevent opportunities that exist here from reaching the people who need them most.

That’s why I’m excited to announce a new initiative to lead on this critical work: Reimagining Georgia Avenue.

Reimagining the future of Georgia Ave means envisioning a vibrant commercial corridor where every member of our community can thrive. The goal of this work is to attract small businesses that reflect the diversity of our community, like bookstores, coffee shops, indoor playgrounds, and sit down restaurants where neighbors can gather for lunch, dinner and brunch.

Creating a vibrant Georgia Ave also means doing all we can to ensure our corridor remains safe, clean, and comfortable, including working with DDOT and other agencies to expand dedicated bus lanes, implement speed mitigation measures, and create clearly marked street signs, stop lights, and better lighting throughout the area. Our partnership with DPW and the Department of Small and Local Business Development’s Clean Teams will help bring resources to ensure Georgia Ave stays litter-free, and placing trash cans in strategic areas will help further create a welcoming atmosphere. We’re also looking ahead to exciting projects like the upcoming modernization of the Emery Heights Rec Center which will help bring our community together, especially our families, seniors and young people.

Share Your Voice
As we begin this journey, it’s crucial that the voices of the people who live around, work in, and know Georgia Ave best are heard loud and clear. To kick off this process, I’m inviting neighbors to share their feedback via my Georgia Avenue Revitalization survey.

The survey is easy to access and only takes a few minutes to complete by visiting www.janeeseward4.com/georgia.

I encourage you to share your feedback as we work towards creating opportunities and fostering growth while honoring the rich history and communities that make Georgia Ave special.

Take the Survey

This work will also require us to tap into the extraordinary skill sets and capabilities of our community. That’s why I’m inviting Ward 4 neighbors to apply for the new Georgia Ave Revitalization Advisory Group. Whether you have experience in small business management, real estate, neighborhood development, or feel like you can make a meaningful contribution, I encourage you to send an email to my Chief of Staff Candace Nelson.

As a member of the committee, you’ll get the opportunity to engage with community members on important issues impacting our Georgia Ave corridor. Committee members will get to partner with businesses and community leaders, including our Ward 1 neighbors in Park View, Columbia Heights, and Pleasant Plains to explore ways to expand opportunities along Georgia Ave, including through new legislation or investments in the DC budget.

I’m energized by the possibilities ahead, and I can’t wait to get to work to unlock the potential of our Georgia Ave corridor — a place that can be a destination for people around the region, and where neighbors can have everything they need right at their doorstep. This vision is within reach, and together, we can create a vibrant, thriving commercial corridor that serves our community for generations to come.

Take the survey