APA – National Capital Chapter

The National Capital Planning Commission, the federal government’s regional planning agency, in conjunction with federal and local partners is developing a bold new vision for Southwest Washington. Learn how NCPC and the city proposes to transform a staid mid-century federal office precinct - merely steps from the National Mall - into a vibrant livable community and showcase of sustainability.

USGBC and the Land Use Law Center at Pace University have recently launched two new, free resources to help municipalities utilize the LEED for Neighborhood Development rating system to support their sustainable planning goals. While certification under the rating system is often best suited to development projects, many elements of the rating system can be utilized as an open-source tool to strengthen local government planning efforts. These two resources explore in great detail the ways in which the rating system can be utilized translating those into direct action for planners complete with numerous case study examples.