DC Wharf by Ted Eytan licensed under Creative Commons.

Learn more about the science and technology underpinning the Wharf, head to transportation camp in Baltimore, weigh in on future transit projects in Northern Virginia, see how Montgomery is remaking its suburbs, and more in events this week.

Monday, May 7

A better city for who? A proactive approach to open government can put citizens in the center of operations. To do that, we must focus on outcomes and change the way public employees work — that's what former mayor of Indianapolis Stephen Goldsmith and New York University professor Neil Kleiman describe in their new book A New City O/S: The Power of Open, Collaborative, and Distributed Government. Hear more about this and how it relates to DC at a panel discussion at 4 pm at The Aspen Institute (2300 N Street NW Suite 700) with Goldsmith, DC Deputy Mayor Brian Kenner, and 11th St. Bridge Park director Scott Kratz.

Science, technology, and the Wharf: As part of Building Safety Month, the second week's theme is “Advancing Resilient Communities Through Science and Technology.” To celebrate this theme, PN Hoffman will discuss how they incorporated science and technology into every aspect of The Wharf, from conception through completion. The event is at 1 pm at the Wharf Dock Master Building (101 District Square SW).

Tuesday, May 8

What are your regional priorities for 2045? The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments is planning a series of public forums focused on the seven initiatives that will be highlighted in their Visualize 2045 plan. These seven initiatives include the five that were developed through the TPB's Long-Range Plan Task Force, plus two bicycle and pedestrian initiatives. There are meetings coming up all around the region — find yours and attend! May 8 at 7 pm, 3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax, VA.

Thursday, May 10

Middle-schoolers' guide to housing: How do planners think about accommodating different kinds of households in Washington, DC? Students in the CityVision program from Kramer Middle School and Stuart-Hobson Middle School researched local demographics and living needs and visited housing examples across the city. Hear their ideas to increase the city’s livability at the showcase at 6 pm at the National Building Museum.

Weigh in on future transit projects in NoVa: The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority recently adopted a long-term wish list of road, transit, bicycle and pedestrian projects totaling about $44 billion. With only around $1.5 billion in funding over the next six years, NVTA has to select and prioritize what can be funded under their Six Year Program, spanning from 2018 to 2023. You have a chance to weigh in! Tell them which projects they should choose at a public hearing at 5:30 pm at the NVTA Offices (3040 Williams Drive, Suite 200) in Fairfax.

Make over Montgomery: Curious how Montgomery County is working to transform the suburbs? Join the Montgomery County Planning Department and National Center for Smart Growth for Makeover Montgomery 4: Competitive, Healthy, Inclusive, and Smart Communities, a three-day conference from May 9 to May 11 in College Park and Silver Spring, MD. It will bring together planners, architects, developers, real estate professionals, economists, social scientists, ecologists, and others to discuss cutting-edge ideas for transforming the suburbs. The conference is paid, but there is a free keynote address by Peter Leyden the night before on May 9 at 7 pm at 3835 Campus Drive, College Park.

History of Barry Farm: Come and learn about the history of Barry Farm, DC’s very first Black neighborhood following the Civil War. Local artists have been working with residents to record their memories and their current fight to keep their home. See their new zine, “We Have Roots in Barry Farm,” at the release party on May 9 from 8-11 pm at the Dew Drop Inn.

Saturday, May 12

White Flint walking tour: Join the Coalition for Smarter Growth to explore White Flint, a rapidly-developing neighborhood that’s making major strides in livability and walkability. Once the home of strip malls and surface parking lots, White Flint is now working to become a model of transit-oriented development, walkable streets, and mixed-use spaces. The tour will begin at 10 am at the White Flint Metro Station. ASL interpretation will be provided.

Transportation Camp in Baltimore: Transportation Camp, a daylong un-conference-style event, brings Baltimore into an international family of cities holding camps every year. It highlights transportation’s impact on every aspect of people’s lives including equity, education, jobs, economic development, recreation, sustainability, and overall access to opportunity. Join the fun at the University of Baltimore's Merrick School of Business (11 West Mount Royal Avenue). Tickets at $15.

Bakery Brake Bike Ride: Baked treats always taste better after riding your bike. Come ride with WABA and check out two bakeshops in Arlington County. You'll discuss moving from road to trail, find your happy place at the top of some hills and check out some low-stress route options. The ride starts at 9:30 am at The Bake Shop (1025 N. Fillmore Street, Arlington, VA) and will be about 5 miles.

Silver Spring Art Ride: Join WABA for gentle paces bike ride around Silver Spring to learn about some of the public art you see every day. The group will meet at 10 am at Veterans Plaza. Bikers of all ages and skill levels are invited to enjoy this guided tour of Silver Spring public art! The ride will be around five miles, with many stops.

Monday, May 14:

Prince Georges' Zoning rewrite: Prince George’s County is trying hard to link new transit, development, and jobs. But clunky old zoning regulations are holding us back from having the great, walkable, transit-oriented centers that Prince George’s residents like you want and deserve. After four years, the county is in the home stretch of rewriting and modernizing our zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations. If we get the right changes into the rewrite, we’ll set Prince George’s on the right foot for decades to come. Now is the time in the public process that people like you can weigh in with the Prince George's County Council! Attend the first public meeting and weigh in at 7 pm at the Council Administration Building (14741 Gov. Oden Bowie Drive Upper Marlboro).