Events: Learn how a more resilient DC can mitigate extreme heat

Hot enough for ya? It’s barely August and DC has already racked up as many 90+-degree days as we typically get all year. It’s not just a nuisance: Extreme heat is the most widespread and deadly weather-related hazard in the United States, and it’s worsening due to both climate change and certain urban development patterns.

This Thursday, August 8 from 6 to 8 pm at 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE, come hear a panel of experts discuss how extreme heat can be mitigated through sustainable design and urban planning, and what’s in the new Resilient DC strategy. The discussion will include insights from a new Urban Land Institute (ULI) report on extreme heat and real estate, served alongside tasty tacos and sweet treats for your enjoyment. This event is $15 for GGWash members (Neighbors will get the code emailed to them) and $25 for all others - get your ticket here!

Other events from around the region:

Tuesday, August 6

How landscapes are designed: From 6:30 to 8 pm at the District Architecture Center (421 7th Street NW), join the American Institute of Architects “for a discussion by local landscape design professionals who will share their experiences working on award-winning landscape architecture projects around the region and beyond. Panelists will talk about project team collaboration, planning principles, design strategies and value engineering, public engagement, and multi-use urban parks.” Prices range from $10 to $25 to attend, register here.

Tuesday, August 6 and Wednesday, August 7

Planning the federal city: The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) has proposed an update to an important piece of DC’s Comprehensive Plan called The Federal Workplace Element, and they’re inviting you to learn more and weigh in at open houses this week. NCPC explains that “The Federal Workplace Element provides policy guidance to improve the operational efficiency and productivity for the planning, location, design, and operation of federal workplaces. It encourages agencies and their communities to work together to improve their economic health and livability.” Visit NCPC’s first open house on Tuesday, August 6 from 6 to 7:30 pm at NCPC’s office (401 9th Street, NW, Suite 500), or their second open house on Wednesday, August 7 from 10:30 am to 12 pm at the same location.

Saturday, August 10 and Saturday, August 17

How does your garden grow? Who said agriculture had to be rural? You’ve got two opportunities to attend a free Sustainable Urban Agriculture workshop provided by the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), at their East Capitol Urban Farm (5901 East Capitol Street SE). These workshops are “designed to provide skills and knowledge to current and aspiring urban gardeners on how to improve gardening practices and operations to reduce stormwater pollution runoff. Participants will examine the overlap between urban gardening and stormwater pollution through discussions and a site tour.” The workshops are from 10 am to 12 pm on your pick of Saturday, August 10 or Saturday, August 17 - sign up to attend here!

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!