Project Area via NCPC
“Dear PoPville,
The Pennsylvania Avenue Initiative is really ramping up, and it will drastically change Penn Ave.; especially freedom plaza. It will be sliced to accommodate inauguration parades 😅🙈. Public commenting closes on 4/30.”
About the Initiative
“Pennsylvania Avenue, stretching between the White House and the U.S. Capitol, is the nation’s most iconic ceremonial boulevard and one of the most prominent places in Washington where federal and District interests intersect. Envisioned in the 1970s as “America’s Main Street,” the Avenue now requires thoughtful modernization. Its infrastructure is aging and physical condition declining. The guiding 1974 plan no longer reflects current needs; and evolving economic, social, and security conditions have affected the Avenue’s function, character, and vitality. This moment presents an opportunity to strengthen Pennsylvania Avenue’s role as a unifying symbol of the nation’s civic life.
Federal and local leaders share a commitment to revitalizing this corridor as a premier destination that honors its historic significance while meeting the needs of the 21st century. As a place where Americans gather to commemorate national milestones, exercise their constitutional rights, and welcome visitors from around the world, the Avenue can once again serve as a vibrant setting for civic life, commerce, culture, and community.”
The latest press release:
“Pennsylvania Avenue’s Design Concepts Available for Public Review and Feedback
April 21, 2026
By Stephen Staudigl
General Services Administration Awards Funding to Advance Implementation of the New Vision
At the National Capital Capital’s Planning Commission’s (NCPC) April 2 meeting, the Commission received and commented on a range of design concept alternatives that are now available for public review and feedback. General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator Ed Forst also announced at the meeting that GSA is funding additional technical assistance, including an underground site survey that will efficiently advance design development and implementation.
Revitalizing Pennsylvania Avenue will help achieve the President’s declaration to showcase Washington, DC as a beautiful, clean, and safe capital city. Restoring the infrastructure, streetscape, and event programming will create a magnificent destination and iconic venue that will instill national pride, contribute to the local economy, and elevate the capital city on the world stage.
“Washington, D.C. is more than just a city; it is how America holds itself out to the world. It serves an important symbolic purpose not only for its residents, but also for the nation, in full view of the entire world. We need to beautify Washington to be a shining beacon, to show what America can be at its very best.”
— William Scharf, Chairman, National Capital Planning Commission
“Pennsylvania Avenue and the Federal Triangle will always be the core of the nation’s capital, with a strong federal presence and large concentration of neoclassical federal headquarters buildings. GSA is proud to support a plan that will strengthen the importance of the Avenue as the heart of the civic core and beautify this nationally symbolic space.”
— Edward C. Forst, Administrator, General Services Administration
Design concepts for a new Pennsylvania Avenue Plan are currently available for public comment through April 30. Feedback from NCPC and the public will be used to refine and analyze the concepts to identify a preferred alternative that will be presented to the Commission in the fall. NCPC intends to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). As part of the public engagement process, NCPC invites interested parties, agencies, tribes, and members of the public to participate in Scoping to identify issues, concerns, and alternatives that should be addressed in the EA. Comments will be accepted from through April 30.
There are also several opportunities for the public to learn more about the design concepts.
* Wednesday, April 22: online public meeting from 6:30-8:00 pm. Register at https://www.ncpc.gov/.
* Thursday, April 9 to Thursday, April 30: The National Building Museum hosts a Pennsylvania Avenue Initiative display in the City Action Hall at the Coming Together Exhibit (second floor, free).
The initiative is a multi-federal and District agency effort by the Pennsylvania Avenue Project Partners (NCPC, General Services Administration, National Park Service, District of Columbia, DowntownDC Business Improvement District, and Events DC) to reinvigorate and transform the 1.2-mile ceremonial segment of the corridor between the White House and U.S. Capitol. The partnership is preparing a new Pennsylvania Avenue Plan to transform the Avenue into a premier venue for regional and national events and a safe and beautiful street for city life. The plan envisions a magnificent stage—showcasing the best of American art, culture, and entertainment—paired with beautiful public spaces, modern infrastructure, and integrated security that will serve the nation for generations.”