Events roundup: Party for smart growth!

It’s great to learn online, but if we want to make our region better, we have to get involved in the community too— that’s why we put together a weekly list of events for you to consider attending. Building a network of like-minded individuals is part of making sure that involvement has an impact. Next week, enjoy a night of fun and games at the Coalition for Smarter Growth’s Smart Growth Social!

Local beer. Tasty treats. Fun prizes. Inspiring conversation. And it’s all part of a good cause: creating walkable, inclusive communities in the DC region. What’s not to love? Grab your ticket now for CSG’s Smart Growth Social, which is on Tuesday, October 18 in the big hall at Eastern Market.

Tickets are $25, and proceeds will support the cause of making the region a sustainable place for everyone. You’ll be able to win prizes, play fun urbanist-themed games, and network with like-minded folks from all sides of the planning and advocate world.

You can get your ticket here!

Also, be sure to consider these other great events:

Wednesday, October 12: Our region’s housing shortage is getting worse, and it’s important that the city looks at the best ways to preserve housing and create the right mix of affordable and market rate units, especially in areas like Anacostia. Hear from a panel about tools to preserve affordable housing and create economic growth this Wednesday at 2 pm at the Anacostia Arts Center (1230 Good Hope Road SE).

Saturday, October 15: Check out the latest in Silver Spring, one of the most dynamic and diverse urban centers in our region, at a Coalition for Smarter Growth walking tour. You’ll see thriving small businesses, new development, and the future Purple Line corridor, and you’ll learn about housing affordability and community efforts to make the area safer for walking and bicycling. The tour will begin at 10 am. RSVP for more details.

Saturday, October 15: Metro wants help putting its trove of data to use. The agency’s Office of Planning is hosting a day-long idea session next month at 600 5th Street NW to talk about how to use existing data to find solutions to rider needs. For example, a developer could help customers plan a trip that that only that requires station entrances with elevators. Attending is free, but make sure to RSVP!

Next Wednesday, October 19, and various dates to come: The city’s Comprehensive Plan, the guidebook for where and how to grow, is due for an update. We need your help to make it the best it can be. There are meetings all over the city over the next few weeks, starting next Wednesday at 6pm at 3101 16th St NW. Find the one closest to you, attend a meeting, and weigh in to have a real impact on the future of DC.

Calendar: Beyond what we’ve highlighted here, there are many other worthwhile events across the region. Check out more great events in our events calendar:

Do you know of an upcoming event that may be interesting, relevant, or important to Greater Greater Washington readers that should go on our events calendar? Send it to us at events@ggwash.org.