Main hall of Union Station by Ron Cogswell licensed under Creative Commons.

The Federal Railroad Administration is spearheading a project to expand and modernize Union Station in DC to better support rail and other modes of transportation, and aims to improve riders’ experience. The project will bring new train tracks, platforms, and concourses, as well as pickup/dropoff zones for buses, taxis, and ride-hail, and much more.

Local ANC 6C Commissioners Jay Adelstein, Drew Courtney, and Christine Healey are hosting a meeting about the project. “The Union Station Expansion Project will significantly alter the Capitol Hill/NoMa neighborhood, and while it will bring many benefits, we must ensure it proceeds thoughtfully so as to minimize potential negative impacts,” organizers say.

If you’d like to learn more about the project or want to weigh in, head to the community meeting at 7 pm on Tuesday, October 29, in the downstairs conference room at the Northeast Public Library, located at 330 7th Street NE. You can find more information here and here.

Other events from around the region:

Tuesday, October 29

Meet fellow urbanists at the Smart Growth Social: Join the Coalition for Smarter Growth for the “Smart Growth Social,” an annual party and fundraiser held at 6:30 pm Tuesday, November 29, at Eastern Market North Hall, 225 7th Street SE. This year GGWash contributor and urbanist Dan Reed will be the keynote speaker. This event celebrates “the smart growth supporters and urbanists who embody the smart growth movement in our region.” Tickets are $25; you can find out more here.

Wednesday, October 30

Want to learn about landscape architecture? Learn about “contemporary topics in landscape architecture and public space design” with Elizabeth K. Meyer, Professor of Landscape Architecture at the University of Virginia School of Architecture, and Thaisa Way, program director of garden and landscape studies at Dumbarton Oaks.

Discussion topics include “how urban planning and topographies correlate with race and privilege, how plants and animals collaborate in placemaking, why non-native plants are necessary for resilient landscapes, and why aesthetics matters in responses to climate change.” Join the conversation from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW. Tickets are $20 for non-members; find more information here.

Saturday and Sunday, November 2-3

If you’re looking for an artsy day trip: Come see artisans of different disciplines at the 9th Annual Trails and Trees Studio Tour! These self-guided tours include 18 artisans at 11 studios throughout Berkeley County, West Virginia, from hand-forged ironwork, glass art, paintings, fiber art and more. Meet the makers, learn about the artwork, and purchase a handmade treasure! This event is free and open to the public.

Monday, November 4

Get involved in saving the planet: Want to get in on the discussion about the climate crisis? Attend the next DC Climate Coalition meeting from 6:30 pm to 8 pm at the Sierra Club office 50 F Street NW, 8th floor. This event is open to the public. Click here to RSVP.

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!