(Washington, DC) – Mayor Bowser today released “Resurgence of the Anacostia Waterfront: 15 Years of Progress Along the Anacostia River,” a report of the efforts of District government, community and other partners in achieving the vision of the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative. In 2017, the DC Council passed a Sense of the Council resolution to declare 2018 as the “Year of the Anacostia”.
“Washington, DC is growing at an incredibly fast pace, and the Anacostia waterfront is a prime example of the positive changes we have seen throughout the District,” said Mayor Bowser. “From new housing and public waterfront access for our longstanding residents, to regional attractions such as The Wharf, Nationals Park, and Audi Field, the Anacostia waterfront is becoming a place for residents across all eight wards to enjoy, making Washington, DC a true waterfront city!”
Part of the District’s rapid population growth has taken place along the Anacostia waterfront, which includes Capitol Riverfront/Navy Yard, one of DC’s fastest growing neighborhoods. Between 2010 and 2025, the District of Columbia is expected to add an estimated 35,000 new residents in Anacostia waterfront neighborhoods.
In 2003, the Anacostia Waterfront Framework Plan set a visionary and ambitious agenda for the revitalization of the Anacostia River waterfront as a world-class destination and center of 21st century Washington, DC. The Anacostia waterfront stretches along diverse neighborhoods in Wards 5, 6, 7, and 8. This progress report lays out the impacts of public, private, and community investment over the 15-year period since the development of the plan, illustrated with maps, photos, and data on key areas of progress along the Anacostia waterfront.
In 2016, the Bowser Administration established the Anacostia Waterfront Interagency Working Group, led by the DC Office of Planning (OP), to formalize collaboration across District agencies and with non-profit, federal, and regional partners to maximize the potential of the Anacostia Waterfront for economic development, revitalization, recreation, and environmental value, while promoting resilience and equity. This Progress Report is an outcome of the working group, summarizing accomplishments of the Anacostia waterfront and providing a look-ahead to what comes next.
2018 is the Year of the Anacostia and Washingtonians are celebrating many milestones and achievements along the Anacostia River, including the recent opening of Audi Field, the new home of D.C. United, and the Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Nationals Park in July.