The Friendship Commons development planned for Friendship Heights’ former GEICO campus could add 500+ homes, 10-foot bikeways and sidewalks, and new businesses and gathering spaces just one block from Metro’s Red Line.
Category: Zoning
Event materials: How innovative zoning can make DC a more livable and equitable city
Pictured from left to right: Lisa Wise, Randy Hutcheson, Peter Park, Ellen McCarthy
This July 15, 2026 online event explored how a design-based approach to zoning can be used to increase housing opportunities and support the graceful evolution of neighborhoods across the city. Learn from the discussion with national thought leaders and practitioners as we explore how the DC 2050 Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map can set the foundation for zoning reform. DC 2050 is the city’s updated comprehensive plan to guide growth over the next 25 years.
Featured speakers:
Lisa Wise, CEO and Principal, Lisa Wise Consulting; Lisa has over 30 years of experience in code audits and updates, long-range planning, housing policy, and land use economics, including working on code updates for Austin, Texas; Columbus, Ohio; and San Francisco, California.
Randy Hutcheson, former Planning Manager at the City of Fort Worth, Texas; Randy has over 25 years of experience in writing, reviewing, and administering design-based codes, including overseeing downtown design, historic preservation, municipal code review.
Peter Park, former Planning Director, cities of Milwaukee and Denver; Peter has overseen preparation of numerous plans, comprehensive zoning code updates, and implementation of major infrastructure and development projects. He has over 25 years of, including special expertise in zoning code reform, transit-oriented development, and urban highway removal.
Ellen McCarthy, former DC Planning Director; adjunct professor, Georgetown University Urban and Regional Planning program.
Moderated by Marta Goldsmith, Ward3Vision Steering Committee
Presentations and Resources
- Presentation — Lisa Wise
- Presentation — Randy Hutcheson
- Presentation — Peter Park
- Want to know more about innovative zoning in general? Check out Center for Zoning Solutions.
All Things Montgomery: June 2026 ☀️
Although Montgomery County’s primary election is now behind us (find the most current results here!), the action is not slowing down in July.
Crucial work on several master plans in the county continues apace.
Get caught up on master plans in Montgomery County!
How well do you know the master plan process? And do you know what master plans are currently underway in Montgomery County?
Primary Election 2026: Learn where MoCo candidates stand on key issues, and get ready to vote!
We’ve put together these resources to help you know how, where, and when you can cast your vote, and to inform you about primary candidates’ positions on housing, zoning, and transportation.
Smart Growth Principles for the 2026 DC Elections
DC neighborhoods should be walkable and inclusive, offering more homes within a 15-minute walk to daily needs, and access to frequent, reliable transit, and safe bikeways.
Press Release: CSG and Montgomery for All share 2026 candidate responses on housing and growth
For the 2026 election cycle, the Coalition for Smarter Growth and Montgomery for All have compiled responses from registered candidates for Montgomery County Executive and County Council, offering insight into their positions on housing affordability, zoning, transit, biking, walking, and community engagement.
Event materials: What’s the future vision for how Ward 3 and DC will grow & change?
This event was a discussion with DC Office of Planning to learn about DC 2050, District’s next Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map.
April 27, 2026, 6:00 – 7:30 pm, Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library
Speakers: Nick Kushner, Senior Cross-Systems Planner, DC Office of Planning
Radhika Mohan, Deputy Director, DC Office of Planning
Ellen McCarthy, Moderator, Ward3Vision
DC Office of Planning staff presented the planning process to date, and discussed proposed changes for the Future Land Use Map. DC 2050 will guide where and how we build new housing, grow job opportunities, and connect neighborhoods. DC 2050 aims to align land use policies and investments to make the District more equitable, affordable, and resilient. See DC 2050.
This event was co-sponsored by CSG, Ward3Vision, and Cleveland Park Smart Growth.
April update: Where key housing and transportation bills stand in Maryland’s General Assembly
In this year’s Maryland legislative session, CSG has helped get some promising housing and transportation bills through the Maryland House and Senate – and we’re still tracking others that may need a push.
🌸 All Things Montgomery: March 2026 🌸
Spring is here! 🌸 And with it comes many upcoming opportunities to take action all over Montgomery County—some new, and some familiar.