A look back at our Livable Communities Leadership Awards (photos) 
A heartfelt thank you to our honorees, sponsors, volunteers, and every advocate and partner who joined us at the 2026 Livable Communities Awards & Reception. Take a look back at a wonderful evening celebrating the smart growth community: check out the highlights of the night on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Flickr. 

CSG named Sustainability Champion (6/4, attend event)
Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions has named CSG a 2026 Sustainability Champion! The award honors individuals and organizations making a difference across NoVA and Rockingham Co. through bold, community-rooted climate action. Join us, other awardees, Rep. Walkinshaw, and FACS at the awards reception.

Single-Stair Buildings + Walkable Neighborhoods (6/2, RSVP)
Join us, along with the American Institute of Architects | DC (AIA|DC) and the Congress for the New Urbanism Mid-Atlantic (CNU DC), to explore how smarter housing design – like single stair multifamily buildings – can help advance more walkable, inclusive, and resilient neighborhoods across our region.

Support more housing opportunities (take survey by 6/7)
Shape the draft future land use map (FLUM) via with the Office of Planning’s online 10-minute survey. Be sure to support more housing near transit and high-opportunity areas. This input will shape how much new housing DC allows and where.

DC residents: it’s time to vote (with ranked choice) (6/16, info)
June 16 is the primary for Mayor, Council & congressional delegates. Get informed about how to do ranked choice voting and early voting options.

Smart Growth Principles for the 2026 DC Elections (link)
We’ve shared our principles with all the candidates for Council and Mayor to educate them on the land use, housing, and transportation policies needed to achieve a more inclusive, walkable, affordable, and sustainable future. Take a look!

Chevy Chase Forward Community Conversation (6/3, RSVP)
Chevy Chase Forward, a new community organization, is convening a meeting to prepare for the DC Public Library/Dept. of Parks & Recreation June 9 kick-off discussion on public facilities for the library and community center site. See a joint letter CSG signed, urging the Mayor to build more affordable housing at the site.

Calling all Marylanders – vote in your June primary! (6/23) 
Early voting starts June 11, primary election day is June 23. Get the details here for Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties, check out CSG and Montgomery for All’s candidate questionnaire responses for MoCo Executive and Council candidates, and watch CSG and partners’ Democratic and Republican Primary County Executive Candidate Forums.

Blue Line Sector Plan and TOD rezoning advances
In March, CSG and local partners urged support for this important plan in the heart of Prince George’s. On May 28, the Planning Board approved the amended Central Avenue-Blue/Silver Line Sector Plan and Sectional Map Amendment. The plan, now with the County Council, promotes transit-oriented development near the Capitol Heights, Addison Road, and Morgan Boulevard stations.

Eastern Silver Spring Communities Plan Bike Tour (6/3 @ 5:30 pm, RSVP)
Do you want to learn more about the Eastern Silver Spring Communities Plan (ESSCP) and have the opportunity to provide feedback directly to planners in person? Join CSG and Montgomery for All for a group bike ride through the Eastern Silver Spring Communities Plan area!

A big win for the future of the Chevy Chase, MD, library!
Earlier this year, we asked you to take action once again for future housing at the Chevy Chase Library after County Executive Elrich’s draft budget called for renovation rather than redevelopment. Thanks to your efforts, along with our partners at AIM, all eleven Councilmembers voted to restore the budget language that calls for a new library as part of a mixed-use development.

Duke Street Walking Tour (6/6 @ 10 am, RSVP)
Come get an inside look at a changing Duke Street in Alexandria. Hear from planners, housing staff, and local advocates – and stay afterwards to socialize at a local restaurant. Also, mark your calendar to attend the June 29, 6:30 pm city meeting on the Duke Street Land Use Plan.

Help shape better bus travel on Route 7 (6/9 open house, online survey)
We’re lucky to have an amazing regional Metro and bus network. But it’s no accident. It’s the result of hard work by the agencies, elected officials, and advocates. Join CSG and partners for a virtual panel discussion by regional experts who will cover the opportunities and challenges ahead for our transit network. 

Get involved with Arlington’s Comp Plan update! (6/2 office hours, take survey by 6/7)
As one of the most important tools for guiding land use priorities, Arlington’s update to its Comprehensive Plan is your chance to have a say in the long-term growth of the county. Check out our recommendations, and don’t forget to take the survey by June 7! 

Learn about West Braddock proposed safety fixes (6/4 @ 5 pm, learn more)
The City of Alexandria will hold an open house on West Braddock Road Corridor and North Howard Street Access and Safety Improvements – better crossings, safer connections between high school campuses, and bike facilities.

Housing Arlington: What’s Next? (learn more, take survey by 6/14)
Arlington wants to hear your ideas to address the housing crisis. This could be expanding zoning laws to allow more types of homes, streamlining the approval process for affordable housing, or other ideas you may have. Let the county know which housing strategies are most important to you by the June 14 deadline.

Stewart Schwartz

Executive Director
Coalition for Smarter Growth