Image by Bossi licensed under Creative Commons.

For more than a decade, GGWash has tried to show how sustainable and equitable cities are one of our best tools for combating the climate crisis. Now, in the midst of a global pandemic that has brought renewed skepticism of urbanism’s benefits, it is more important than ever that we are able to draw out these connections.

Join GGWash on June 4th at 6 pm for a panel discussion exploring the impact of COVID-19 on sustainable urbanism. We will discuss ways the pandemic has intensified and highlighted urban environmental justice issues and how cities can become more just and sustainable during this unprecedented time. Panelists will speak to what’s happening both here in the DC region and across the world.

Confirmed Speakers include: Cooper Martin, Director, Sustainability and Solutions, National League of Cities, Professor Malini Ranganathan, School of International Service, American University, Trey Sherard, Outreach Coordinator and biologist, Anacostia River Keeper

This event is free and open to the public. There will be time for moderated questions, you can submit yours here.

Other (virtual) events from around the region:

Wednesday, May 27

What is Tysons going to do about transportation during the coronavirus pandemic: Recently, WMATA announced the temporary closing of the Silver Line Metro through the summer, and then the Silver Line Express (SLE) announced it would curb service as well. As Tysons and Northern Virginia navigate COVID-19 and a probable reopening, where does that leave transportation? Join the Tysons Partnership as they host a panel of business leaders, Fairfax county official and transit experts as they unpack what to do next. The discussion begins at 4 pm, Wednesday via zoom. You must register for this free event.

Get tips on recovering from a crisis: The Eno Center for Transportation is hosting the second iteration of its webinar series called Road to Recovery, which focuses on how transportation organizations and industry professionals can strategically prepare for the future. This week’s featured speaker is Rob Britton, who led American Airlines’ communications after 9/11. Britton will share lessons learned for transportation and other organizations recovering from a serious crisis.

The event, which is taking place on Wednesday at 1:15 pm, is free and open to the public. You can register here.

Learn how coronavirus legislation is impacting transportation: The Rail Passengers Association is launching a new webinar series to keep the industry updated on how coronavirus legislation and infrastructure packages are impacting transit systems. The first session of “National Briefing: Passenger Rail & The US Congress” is taking place on Wednesday at 2 pm.

The event is free and open to the public. You can register here.

Discuss traffic safety in Ward 7: For this month’s meeting, WABA is holding a virtual site visit at East Capitol Street NE to identify traffic safety issues for vulnerable people. They will also brainstorm solutions to engineering, education and enforcement issues in the area.

The virtual event starts at 6:30 pm on Wednesday. Get more info here.

Thursday, May 28

Celebrate ambassadors: goDCgo’s third annual Residential Ambassador Awards ceremony will honor DC organizations that are committed to sustainable transportation. Groups will be recognized and rewarded, while attendees will have the chance to win gift cards to a local restaurant and enter a raffle for a prize valued at $3,000.

The event is free and open to the public. It’s taking place on Thursday at 10 am. You can view the celebration here.

Gather with Ward 4 neighbors to discuss traffic safety: This month, WABA is hosting a virtual site visit at the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Kansas Avenue NW to identify traffic safety issues for vulnerable people. Participants will also brainstorm possible engineering, education and enforcement solutions for the future.

The event, which is free and open to the public, is taking place on Thursday at 6:30 pm. Get more info here.

Christina Sturdivant Sani is a proud DC native whose work has exposed disparities and injustices that permeate under-resourced communities. She finds joy in highlighting creative solutions in this rapidly changing city. As a coffee shop connoisseur, she has a list of more than 60 cafes that she's visited in the District. If you see her at your local shop, story ideas are welcome!