Downtown DC Public Realm Survey

The DC Office of Planning is conducting a study on ways to improve the public spaces that make up Downtown DC and we need your input! We would like to hear from you on ways to better preserve or improve the public spaces in ways that can make the Downtown neighborhoods more friendly, vibrant, and inclusive for people of all ages and all walks of life. Using this input, OP and Gehl Studios will compile a list of short- and long-term recommendations and conceptual projects for consideration to revitalize and enhance public life Downtown. 

 

This survey should take about 10 minutes to complete. Please take a moment to complete it, and then share with all of your friends and neighbors!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Question title

Thinking of the last time you traveled to Downtown DC, what was your primary purpose?

I work Downtown
I live Downtown
Just visiting
I do not typically go Downtown or haven't been in a long time
Closed to responses

Question title

If you selected 'Just visiting', please select the following that best describes your primarily purpose in visiting Downtown DC:

Tourist/Tourism
Travelling for work
Restaurants/Shopping Experience
Arts/Culture (ie. Museum, theatre, monuments, galleries)
To attend an event (ie. festival, market, parade, pop-up)
For an outdoor space or public park
Just passing through/transportation
Other
Closed to responses

Question title

How often do you travel to Downtown DC?

Daily
Several times a week
Weekly
Monthly
Several times a year or less
I do not come to Downtown typically
Closed to responses

Question title

Which of the following are reasons that currently DISCOURAGE you from traveling to Downtown DC more frequently? (select up to 5)

High cost
Safety/Crime
Unclean or Poorly Maintained Spaces
Lack of Transit Options/takes too long to get there
Lack of Interesting Activities or Things to Do
Lack of Restaurant/Shopping Options
Lack of Greenery or Places to Rest
Too Crowded
Too Empty
Work Schedule or Teleworking Options
Other
Closed to responses

Question title

Which of the following are reasons that would ENCOURAGE you to travel to Downtown DC more frequently? (select up to 5)

New or Better Restaurant/Shopping Options
Access to better outdoor spaces (ie. Parks, seating, greenery)
Activities or Events (ie. Festivals, markets, parades, Open Streets)
Arts/Cultural Programming (ie. Museums, theatres, monuments, galleries)
Neighborhood Amenities (ie. Library, recreation center, schools, grocery stores)
Job Opportunities or Workspaces
New Housing Options or Access to Affordable Housing
Improved Safety
Cleaner or Better Maintained Spaces
Less Traffic or Better Transit Options
Other
Closed to responses

Question title

What are three words you would use to describe your favorite park, sidewalk stroll or other experience in a public space Downtown?

Submit 3 descriptor words separated by a comma.

Closed to responses

Question title

What are three words you would use to describe your average experience in the Downtown public realm more generally?

Closed to responses

postcard

Question title

Upload up to 2 photos of your favorite public space or experience in Downtown here (or leave a comment to describe your favorite space if you don't have a photo)

Closed to responses

Question title

Upload up to 2 photos of public spaces that need improvement in Downtown here (or leave a comment to describe what needs improvement if you don't have a photo)

Closed to responses

Question title

Do you have any additional thoughts or insights into how we can improve the Downtown DC Public Realm?

Closed for Comments

Question title

In which zip code do you live?

Question title

What is your race/ethnicity?

Select a response

Question title

What is your gender identity?

Female
Male
Non-Binary/Third Gender
Prefer Not to Answer
Other
Closed to responses

Question title

What is your age?

Under 20
20-39
40-65
65 and up
Prefer Not to Answer
Closed to responses

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Downtown Public Realm Plan, part of the Mayor's Comeback Strategy, is an effort to re-envision the public streets, sidewalks, alleys, and parks of the downtown core to better support a people-centric, vibrant, and inclusive neighborhood in Downtown DC. As we anticipate up to 15,000 new residents and expanded job and retail opportunities by 2028, we are looking to draft a series of recommendations to improve the public spaces in a way that reflects the values and needs of District residents and better connects Downtown to the broader city so that all may feel welcome. 

What is a Public Life Study?

Public life is about the everyday activities that people naturally take part in when they spend time with each other outside their homes, workplaces, and cars. Public life studies analyze observed human behavior in shared spaces to inform policy, regulations, and public space design.

Click here for more information on previous Office of Planning-led public life initiatives.

complete
complete
Existing Conditions Report

  • Data Collection and Research
  • Survey

complete
complete
Public Life Study

  • Walking Tours
  • Public Life Snapshot and Assessment
  • Data Compilation

live
live
Vision Framework - Draft

  • Draft Recommendations and Public Input
  • Conceptual Projects for Implementation

planned
planned
Final Report and Recommendations