What is CAG’s role in urban landscape?

CAG’s Urban Landscape Committee (ULC) was created in 2019 by consolidating several committees, allowing CAG to focus on a broader vision and associated initiatives in a more centralized way. Overall, the ULC addresses the quality of life in Georgetown with a focus on the public realm. This new organization allows better engagement with all stakeholders, as well as enabling CAG to deliver more comprehensive representation during the oversight of initiatives happening around Georgetown.

What does the ULC do?  

The committee seeks to enhance Georgetown’s urban landscape by supporting the creation of beautiful, sustainable, historically appropriate, safe and functional buildings, streets, sidewalks, parks and waterfront framework for all. 

How does the ULC accomplish its mission?

By engaging with residents, city partners, and stake holders, the ULC will focus on Georgetown residents’ interests while recognizing that a strong commercial sector, vibrant educational institutions, and productive linkages to other parts of the city are integral to those interests. The ULC works closely with the ANC, the Georgetown Business Improvement District, Georgetown Main Street, Georgetown University, the DC Office of Planning and Department of Transportation, and others to ensure successful outcomes.

In so doing, the ULC will consider and assist in aligning the interests of residents, businesses, institutions, students and visitors in its efforts to bring about a coherent vision following the Georgetown 2028 Plan and other elements not addressed by the plan. Currently, CAG is represented at the Georgetown Community Partnership Transportation and Parking Committee by the ULC Chair.

The ULC considers key topics including, but not be limited to, our place-history and urban design, pedestrian and vehicular safety, parks and recreational activities, development and use of buildings, transportation and parking, streets, alleys and sidewalks as pedestrian-focused places, and trees, lighting, street furniture, and signage to create a more beautiful environment.

In parallel with these topics, the ULC endeavors to support the creation, use, and maintenance of recreational activities including dining parklets, biking, tennis, walking, kayaking, and other activities to support residents and businesses. During this time of social change and Covid-19 pandemic, the ULC will look for opportunities to support our struggling business community, including owners, employees and their clientele. It will look for ways to accommodate residents safely and securely in public spaces.

How does this important work get done?

Like all CAG committees, CAG depends on the dedication of our membership to engage in committee work. Members interested in a particular area are encouraged to step up and volunteer their insight, time and talent.

Volunteer ULC committee members meet regularly and engage in activities like these:

• Create a discussion forum around local initiatives, current events, and trends related to business and residential public space use. For example: the impact of the coronavirus on public space use, transportation, and parking trends.
• Identify topics and writers to place articles in the CAG Newsletter, the Georgetowner, the Washington Post and other publications.
• Identify writers to create handout and website materials to inform CAG members and the public about ULC efforts.
• Identify members to represent CAG at community efforts such as the BID and Main Street meetings and committees.
• Identify speakers for one or two CAG meetings and public events a year as directed by the Board.
• Identify speakers to represent CAG at the National Capital Planning Commission, the Fine Arts Commission, the Old Georgetown Board, the ANC and others as needed.

If you are interested in becoming part of the ULC or have input, please reach out to the CAG office at cagmail@cagtown.org.