Events: Explore livability for all ages

EventsBy Maya Hopkins (Former Engagement Intern) October 30, 2023

Masked Up on Metro by John Brighenti licensed under Creative Commons.

Explore livability for all ages: This Tuesday, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the National Housing Conference (NHC) are hosting a forum focused on ways to build and measure livable communities for all generations. Throughout the forum, speakers will explore the positive effects of livable communities, including their ability to allow individuals to age in place and engage fully in the civic, economic, and social aspects of life. Community leaders and experts will unravel the key components of community living, including safe and walkable streets, accessible transportation, age-friendly housing, and more. Learn more & RSVP here.

Monday, October 30:

Help refurbish donated bicycles: Join Vélocity Bicycle Cooperative at The Warehouse to refurbish donated bicycles this Monday. This is a great way to improve your bicycle mechanic skills, as no prior knowledge or experience is needed. Take the opportunity to get hands-on experience as well as help clean up and organize the space at this volunteer run community event. There are a limited number of spots available, so sign up before they’re all gone. These are weekly events. Learn more & RSVP here.

Tuesday, October 31:

Unpack American transportation trends: Join transportation experts in a conversation hosted by San Jose State University and Mineta Transportation Institute on bringing actionable change to a fractured US transit system. The panelists will unpack the US’s inability to build systems at a comparable pace and cost to other countries, and will consider whether US transportation should be more individual project or broader outcome focused. Attendees may also earn one professional development hour (PDH) credit through the completion of this webinar. Learn more & RSVP here.

Wednesday, November 1:

Attend an urban design open house series: Hear first-hand from DC’s leading design firms about their current phases of planning, design, and construction. This event is hosted at Perkins Eastman and is hosted by the AIA|DC Urban Design Committee. Throughout this open house, expect to explore the ability of design strategies to strengthen connections with local communities and identify ways to implement technology into design practices. This event is another opportunity to earn a continuing education credit. Learn more & RSVP here.

Friday, November 3:

Learn about office to residential conversions: There is a current increase in vacancy levels of commercial buildings, while vacancy levels in single-family rentals are decreasing. Join the Hamilton Project for a webcast addressing the importance of subsidizing the conversion of commercial properties into multifamily green rentals and improving the single-family rental market to prompt an increase in rental housing. National housing policy experts will discuss issues related to rental housing and the release of two new Hamilton Project policy proposals regarding office to residential conversions. Learn more & RSVP here.

[Editor’s Disclosure: Tracy Hadden Loh, the chair of GGWash’s board, will be participating in this event.]

Saturday, November 4:

Begin your journey to homeownership: If you are interested in becoming a DC homeowner, this event is a fantastic first step. The Latino Economic Development Center is hosting a webinar homebuying orientation to educate prospective homebuyers on the process. They will also talk about available assistance programs including the Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP), Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP), Negotiated Employee Affordable Home Purchase Program (NEAHP), and more. Before applying to these programs, attend this orientation to understand how they work, and how these programs can best help you in your journey to homeownership. Learn more & RSVP here.

Remove invasive plants in Rock Creek Park: This Saturday, join the Join Rock Creek Conservancy and the National Park Service at Carter Barron Half-Moon for an invasive plant removal restoration. Invasive plants continue to threaten our forests and with your help, Rock Creek Park can maintain a native understory. After signing up, an event leader will reach out to you with more details. Learn more & RSVP here.

Save the date:

Join us for GGWash’s planners of color happy hour: Connect with a diverse community of local planners and advocates and meet other folks who are engaged with centering equity in housing, transportation, and land-use policy at our happy hour at Shanklin Hall. This space is offered to any planning or planning-adjacent professional who identifies as a person of color. If you feel you belong in this space, you do belong in this space, and we welcome you. Learn more & RSVP here.

View more upcoming events on our calendar!


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