Mural in Anacostia by Ted Eytan licensed under Creative Commons.

I remember when I first moved to DC, it seemed like you couldn’t get in a taxi without hearing the mellifluous tones of Kojo Nnamdi asking important questions about life in our city. Now, you have a chance to watch him in action during a live taping of his show, on location from 6 to 8 pm on Tuesday, July 30 at the Anacostia Playhouse, 2020 Shannon Place SE, “to talk about the landscape of local businesses, jobs and entrepreneurship in Ward 8.”

Kojo will ask, “what does it take to open a business in a neighborhood that some residents feel has traditionally lacked shops, restaurants, and entertainment? As development ramps up East of the River—a new sports and entertainment arena in Congress Heights, Busboys and Poets in Anacostia, along with smaller local businesses—are longtime business owners, new entrepreneurs, and job seekers able to take advantage of the new growth? What are the businesses that are setting up shop—and will they serve the community surrounding them?

Register to attend here, and heed the organizers’ note that “seating is limited - first-come, first-served. Although registration is strongly recommended, it does not guarantee a seat.”

Don’t forget about our hot event: Join GGWash and the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Washington on Thursday, August 8, 6-8 pm at 700 Pennslyvania Avenue SE for a panel discussion about climate change, extreme urban heat, and resilience efforts that are happening in our own backyard. This event is $10 for GGWash Neighbors and $20 for the general public (note that prices increase by $5 after August 4). Neighbors can look for an email with the registration code or contact Jane Green. Not yet a GGWash Neighbor? Join today!

Other events from around the region:

Monday, July 29

Share your experience with Urban Food Hubs: The College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) at the University of the District of Columbia is seeking feedback on its Urban Food Hubs programs with listening sessions in Wards 7 and 8 on Monday, July 29 and Wednesday, July 31. Go to the site more relevant to you and share how CAUSES can improve its service.

Tuesday, July 30

Write letters for greater density in Cleveland Park: Join a fun letter-writing party with Cleveland Park Smart Growth at the Cleveland Park Library, 3210 Connecticut Avenue NW, at 6:30 pm. Add your support to policymakers advocating for greater density in the Cleveland Park commercial area, and learn more about the Mayor’s Comprehensive Plan.

Thursday, August 1

Turn your street smarts into Street Wisdom: Join WalkArlington from 6:30 to 9:30 pm at Metropolitan Park, 550 14th Road South, Arlington, VA, to “learn how to access the urban environment and find fresh answers to personal or work-related questions with Street Wisdom: a powerful, three-hour guided experience that uses the streets as an invisible university.” The event is broken into three parts: First, your street guide (WalkArlington) helps you tune up your senses so you can pick up far richer information from the environment that you would normally. Then you’re off on a journey by yourself – your street quest – where you ask a question and see what answers present themselves. In the final 60-minute session, everyone gathers together to share what happened. Registration is required to participate in this free event.

Check out more urbanist events at ggwash.org/calendar. Do you have an event you’d like to see featured in the weekly events post? Submit it here!

Jeb Stenhouse is a clean energy economist who wants to help everyone enjoy livable, walkable public places, and to reach them by as many clean transportation options as possible.  He studied in Montpellier, France and still marvels at the quality of life in its car-free downtown (and the 15 pounds he lost roaming its charming streets).  Between adventures, Jeb lives with his husband in Adams Morgan.