1. Is NCPC a federal or a District agency?
The National Capital Planning Commission is a federal agency. Its jurisdiction covers the nation's capital and surrounding areas in the National Capital Region.
2. What is the National Capital Region?
The National Capital Region (NCR) encompasses the District of Columbia; Montgomery and Prince George's Counties in Maryland; Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties in Virginia; and the incorporated cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, and Manassas. The NCR is about 2,500 square miles (6,475 sq km).
3. What does NCPC do?
NCPC creates and updates the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital Region and crafts long-range plans and policies. NCPC annually produces the Federal Capital Improvements Program (FCIP). On a monthly basis, the Commission reviews federal and District of Columbia development projects and provides legal rulings based on recommendations from NCPC’s staff.
4. How are Commission members chosen?
There are 12 members on the Commission. The President appoints three citizens, including the Chairman. The Mayor of the District of Columbia appoints two citizens. Ex-officio members include delegates from the Department of Defense, the Department of the Interior, the General Services Administration, the Senate Committee of Homeland Security, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, the DC Office of the Mayor, and the Chairman of the DC City Council.
5. How does the staff formulate recommendations?
The agency’s staff is comprised of professional architects, engineers, urban planners, and other professionals. They review plans and projects to determine whether they are consistent with the federal interest in the context of federal, state, and local laws; policies and guidelines articulated in NCPC’s Comprehensive Plan as well as other plans and studies; the plans and policies of local and regional planning authorities; the needs and master plans of the applicant agency; the concerns of other agencies; and public input.
NCPC staff members consult closely with submitting agencies to identify potential inconsistencies with the federal interest and resolve them before formal review by the Commission. Staff recommendations and public input inform the discussion of the commissioners, who vote on projects during monthly meetings.
6. Does the Commission always follow the recommendations of the staff?
The Commission relies upon the expertise of the staff and thoroughly reviews its recommendations. Commission Actions may correspond closely with staff recommendations, but modifications may occur as a result of deliberation during the Commission’s monthly public meetings.
7. How do I submit a project for review?
See Plan & Project Review to get started. Contact David Levy (202-482-7247) if you have any questions.
8. Are Commission meetings open to the public?
Yes. The Commission typically meets on the first Thursday of each month except in August, when the Commission is in recess. The schedule of meetings is posted on the home page.
9. How can I find out if a specific project will be reviewed or presented at a Commission meeting?
The Tentative Agenda is posted on our homepage approximately three weeks before the meeting. The Final Agenda and Staff Recommendations are posted the Monday before each meeting. Contact Long Diep (202-785-7225) if you have any questions, and let us know if you would like to receive future agenda mailings.
10. How do I register to speak at a Commission meeting?
Advanced registration is required to speak at Commission meetings. Deadlines vary according to agenda classification of items. See Speaker Guidelines for more information.
11. How can I find out about NCPC’s other public events?
Register to receive our E-Newsletter for a monthly briefing on agency happenings. Also join us on Facebook. Notices of upcoming events will always be on our homepage.
12. Does NCPC offer internships?
NCPC offers unpaid opportunities for students attending accredited colleges and universities. Students are encouraged to apply for a variety of opportunities in the following fields: Architecture, Community Planning, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Historic Preservation, Geography, Law, Urban Design, and Public Affairs.
To be considered, submit a letter and resume to electronically or by mail to the National Capital Planning Commission, 401 9th Street, NW, North Lobby, Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20004, Attn: Phyllis Vessels.
13. Where is the agency located?
NCPC’s offices and commission chambers are located at:
401 9th Street NW
Suite 500 (North Lobby)
Washington, DC 20004
Closest Metro Stations:
Archives/Navy Memorial/Penn Quarter (Yellow & Green Lines)
Gallery Place/Chinatown (Red, Yellow & Green Lines)