
Testimony to the DC Council’s Committee of the Whole, Budget Oversight Hearing for the Office of Planning
March 28, 2023
As DCPL testified at the Office of Planning Performance Oversight Committee, we believe the Historic Homeowner Grant Program should be expanded to include all historic properties across the city, with household income being the only limiting qualifier. In 2021, HPO conducted a public survey online to receive feedback and comments to include in the 2025 Preservation Plan. In response to the question, “What historic preservation resources would you like to see more of in the future?”, 85% of respondents wanted more resources focused on the Historic Homeowner Grant Program…

Testimony to the DC Council’s Committee on Buildings and Family Services, Performance Oversight Hearing for the Department of General Services
February 28, 2023
For years, DCPL has appeared before Council to express its concerns over the deterioration of properties under the responsibility of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) and the Department of General Services (DGS). This ongoing failure to maintain properties has now resulted in the catastrophic loss of the last remaining barn in the District of Columbia, which burned down in a fire in early December…

Testimony to the DC Council’s Committee of the Whole, Performance Oversight Hearing for the Office of Planning and Department of Buildings
February 23, 2023
DCPL has had a longstanding relationship with the Historic Preservation Office to tell the histories of our unique and diverse neighborhoods. Recently, we have been working collaboratively to develop a more complete story of Washington’s residents through context studies on Chinese and Korean American communities, Women’s Suffrage, and African American Civil Rights. DCPL will also be collaborating with HPO on studies associated with DC’s Latino history, as well as a survey of African American Affordable Housing. These studies, funded by the National Park Service, help identify priorities for historic protection in traditionally underserved communities, and provide a foundation for broader public education…

Testimony to the DC Council’s Committee on Business and Economic Development, Performance Oversight Hearing for the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
February 15, 2023
For years, DCPL has appeared before Council to express its concerns over the deterioration of properties under the responsibility of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED). This ongoing failure to maintain properties has now resulted in the catastrophic loss of the last remaining barn in the District of Columbia, which burned down in a fire in early December…