Ripe for Great Change

Though the Anacostia played a crucial role in Washington’s historical and economic development, its once-pristine waters are now a threat to public health. Its waterfront lands suffer from severe disinvestment. Its neighborhoods are the region’s most underserved. Its bridges and highways are clogged with traffic.

Yet despite these unacceptable conditions, the Anacostia’s potential remains enormous. Reinvigorating the river will help reunite our capital city physically, economically and socially. It will revitalize neighborhoods and stimulate growth. It will create jobs and expand the tax base. It will attract new residents, visitors and businesses. It will restore vast areas of the city’s natural environment. And all of these impacts will ripple throughout the region.

The waterfront’s transformation is long overdue. It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen. And it’s already begun.

With a strong economy and a rising population, Washington is poised for energetic growth. The tides of urban investment are moving inexorably east towards the Anacostia. Only by wisely shaping this growth can we unlock the waterfront’s tremendous promise. But we must act now, we must act together, and we must all share in the benefits.