NCPC - Foreign Missions

Foreign Missions

Foreign missions enhance the cosmopolitan character of the nation’s capital and contribute to Washington’s cultural offerings through art exhibits, concerts, films, and special events. International chanceries also make a sizable contribution to the local economy, employing nearly 10,000 people with an annual payroll close to $300 million. Non-payroll spending by foreign missions in the District of Columbia is estimated at over $258 million a year. And of course, the 169 chanceries located in the District of Columbia help keep Washington at the center of the world's affairs.

The Foreign Missions Act of 1982 established the criteria and procedures by which foreign missions may locate in the District of Columbia. Under the law, the U.S. government helps foreign countries and international organizations obtain suitable locations for their diplomatic missions in the District of Columbia.

Working closely with the Office of Foreign Missions in the Department of State, the National Capital Planning Commission helps find appropriate sites for foreign missions. NCPC provides long-term planning guidance and land-use analysis for the Department of State to help determine how and where chanceries can fit into existing District neighborhoods.

Until recently, most new chanceries were located in the International Chancery Center (ICC), an attractive campus in Northwest Washington. The 1968 International Center Act established the Center and mandated that all plans for chanceries in the ICC obtain NCPC’s approval before proceeding. However, the ICC is now full. To address the need for future sites for foreign missions, NCPC is working with local and federal officials to identify new chancery locations in Washington with the possibility of creating a new ICC.

In addition, the Foreign Missions Act requires NCPC’s executive director to serve on the District of Columbia’s Foreign Missions Board of Zoning Adjustment, which considers applications by foreign missions. The Board reviews chancery applications that require adjustments to local zoning law.

As part of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital: Federal Elements, NCPC prepared a Foreign Missions and International Organizations element. The element guides federal activities related to locating foreign missions and informs foreign governments to help make the process as smooth as possible.

NCPC will continue to collaborate with the Department of State and District of Columbia officials to meet the needs of foreign countries while ensuring that the city continues to benefit from the presence of foreign missions.