Signature Planning

One of NCPC’s four principal activities is to develop planning initiatives that address important issues facing the National Capital Region. Through its signature plans, NCPC staff works to strike a balance between the federal desire to maintain the symbolic character of the nation’s capital and local needs for a more vibrant, livable city.

NCPC initiatives further the agency's goal of making Washington, D.C. one of the world’s premier capital cities. The agency developed one of its key signature initiatives—a framework plan for Washington’s monumental core—in 1997. Extending the Legacy: Planning America’s Capital for the 21st Century looks ahead 50 to 100 years. Like the L’Enfant and McMillan Plans, the Legacy Plan recenters Washington on the U.S. Capitol, extends development to all parts of the city, and preserves and enhances the open space of the National Mall.

Since Legacy, NCPC has explored a variety of potential redevelopment scenarios, including plans for the revitalization of the South Capitol Street Corridor and the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium site. Other signature plans include the National Capital Framework Plan, the Memorials and Museums Master Plan, and CapitalSpace—an open space and parks initiative.

The Commission welcomes your comments on its activities. Please e-mail, write, or fax your suggestions to us. For a complete listing of NCPC’s signature planning efforts, please visit NCPC Initiatives.