BUSINESS DISTRICT REVITALIZATION

Policy Mission

Ward 5’s commercial corridors, Rhode Island Avenue NE, New York Avenue NE, South Dakota Avenue NE, and Montana Avenue NE must be revitalized, vibrant, and accessible to residents and entrepreneurs, with a targeted focus on small businesses that are deeply rooted in the community.

Key Commercial Corridors

Corridor

Current Status

Opportunity

Rhode Island Ave NE

Underutilized storefronts, WMATA redevelopment opportunity

Mixed-use, local retail anchor

New York Ave NE

Auto-oriented, emerging tech corridor

Industrial creative, global business hub

Montana Ave / South Dakota Ave NE

Neighborhood-serving retail gaps

Local food hall, services cluster

Ivy City / Bladensburg Rd NE

Warehouse entertainment, small manufacturing

Creative economy, light manufacturing

Fort Lincoln Retail Center

Underperforming anchors, senior-accessible location

Senior-friendly retail, community anchors

Policy Priorities

Small Business Support & Retention

Establish a Ward 5 Small Business Navigator, a dedicated DSLBD? liaison embedded in the ward
Advocate for commercial rent stabilization pilot programs for small businesses in major corridors
Create a Ward 5 Storefront Activation Grant program in partnership with the DC Main Street program

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)

Support Rhode Island Avenue Metro station area redevelopment with ground-floor retail requirements for Ward 5 businesses
Partner with WMATA and DMPED on mixed-use TOD plans, including at least 20% locally owned business incubation space
Increase police presence at Ward 5 Metro stations

Arts & Creative Economy

Protect and expand the Ivy City arts and creative district as a hub for Ward 5 artists and entrepreneurs
Support conversion of vacant industrial properties into mixed-use spaces for art activation, artist housing, and commercial retail

Pop-Up Markets & Community Commerce

Host monthly Ward 5 pop-up markets and business showcases in rotating neighborhoods
Partner with community organizations to create a Ward 5 business directory and digital marketplace