http://www.ncpc.gov/UserFiles/File/publications/StratPlan04-09.pdfNational Capital Planning CommissionNCPCWe aspire to creative and visionary planning, building on the nation’s rich cultural heritage and carrying forward the legacy of historic plans to inspire generations, now and in the future, to achieve the world’s most magnificent capital. We are committed to ensuring that development in the Nation’s Capital meets the highest standards of design and planning excellence. We endeavor to serve as a resource for the latest planning information and state-of-the-art technology applications and generate useful data and analysis on land use, demographic, and related economic issues in the region. Our goal is to provide critical information and guidance to decision-makers and citizens as they consider the design and funding of development plans and policies for the Nation’s Capital.We are the central planning agency for the federal government in Washington, D.C. and the counties of Prince George’s and Montgomery in Maryland; Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William, and Loudoun in Virginia, plus the independent cities and towns within the outer boundaries of these counties. We develop plans and review development proposals that enhance the National Capital’s extraordinary historical, cultural, and natural resources. Our long-range plans anticipate the needs of the federal establishment well into the 21st century, while our shorter-term initiatives proactively address its more immediate requirements. We conduct research to provide practical information to federal and local decision makers needed to formulate development policy in the National Capital Region (NCR). We partner with other federal agencies, local governments, private organizations, and citizens to create a more beautiful and livable capital.COOPERATIONWe seek to forge effective partnerships with federal and local agencies, professional and civic organizations, and members of the public to achieve shared objectives that improve the quality of life and safety of those who live, work, and visit in the Nation’s Capital.OPENNESSWe strive to disseminate full, clear, and accurate information on planning and urban design issues to citizens to encourage their participation in the planning process and provide a widely accessible public forum for members of the public to express their views on planning matters in the region.CREATIVITYWe are forward-thinking advocates of community design and renewal, and we seek innovative solutions to local and federal government needs.LEADERSHIPWe aspire to a leadership role in the local, national, and international planning community by maintaining high levels of expertise and proficiency in our professional fields. We will lead by example, educating and informing all citizens and employing cutting-edge practices and technologies.SERVICEWe are results-oriented public servants dedicated to excellence and hold ourselves accountable for both the immediate needs of the federal establishment and the long-range consequences of our present actions.TRUSTWe endeavor to protect the integrity of the National Capital’s built and natural environment and serve as effective stewards in preserving Washington’s extraordinary planning legacy.1Beauty and ImagePreserve and enhance the unique beauty and image of the National Capital and ensure its planned development.1.1Comprehensive PlanUpdate federal elements of the adopted Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital.1.2Views and VistasDesign, implement, and enforce policies to protect Washington’s historic views and vistas.1.3Monuments, Memorials, and Federal BuildingsImplement policies to site new monuments, memorials, and other federal buildings within and outside of the District of Columbia while preserving open space on our National Mall.1.4Pennsylvania AvenueHelp ensure that development within the Pennsylvania Avenue area adheres to the highest urban design and security standards and complies with and builds upon the Pennsylvania Avenue Plan of 1974.1.5Perimeter SecurityDevelop and implement strategies to seamlessly integrate perimeter security into the historic streetscapes of Washington’s Monumental Core in a way that enhances the public realm and serves as an example for other cities in the nation.2Architectural, Planning, and Urban Design StandardsEnsure that the location and design of all federal buildings in the National Capital Region promote the effective functioning of the Federal Establishment, establish an efficient and pleasant work environment for federal employees, and adhere to the highest architectural, planning, and urban design standards.2.1Development Plans and ProjectsEvaluate all development plans and projects of federal, District of Columbia, and state and local government agencies to ensure that they support the federal interest and contribute to the best urban design, transportation, and land-use outcomes.2.2Federal EmploymentMonitor and enforce the Commission’s policy directing 60 percent of regional federal employment to the District of Columbia and 40 percent to the surrounding jurisdictions within the National Capital Region.2.3Capital ImprovementsPrepare a six-year capital improvements program analyzing the public works projects proposed by federal agencies in the region and guiding the Office of Management and Budget, Congress, and other public and private sector decision makers in their evaluation of planning, policy, and investment alternatives.3Plans, Partnerships, and ProjectsAnticipate emerging development, transportation, environmental, and historic preservation needs that affect the quality of life and the economic vitality of the National Capital Region and pro-actively develop plans, establish partnerships, and execute projects to meet those needs.3.1Research and AnalysisConduct and disseminate research and analysis of the wider planning implications related to federal development, employment, procurement, and other activities.3.2Social and Economic RevitalizationPromote the social and economic revitalization of Washington, D.C. by channeling the positive impacts of proposed federal development and tourism to aid the city.3.3Legacy PlanImplement key elements of the Legacy Plan, including preservation of the historic open space of the National Mall by locating future memorials and museums beyond the traditional Core; transformation of South Capitol Street into a great urban boulevard; revitalization of the city’s waterfront; establishment of a Downtown Circulator Transit System; and relocation of Downtown rail lines to improve security and eliminate barriers within the urban fabric.3.4Transportation Systems and Transit-Oriented DevelopmentDesign and encourage transit-oriented development and transportation systems that will reduce congestion and pollution and improve movement to and through the National Capital Region.3.5Embassies, Chanceries, and International OrganizationsDevelop a plan to accommodate embassies, chanceries, and other international organizations within the city to meet the needs of the diplomatic and international communities and to promote tourism and generate economic benefits for the District of Columbia.4Historic and Natural ResourcesProtect and enhance historic and natural resources while accommodating change in the Nation’s Capital.4.1Federal Project Planning and DevelopmentHelp ensure that historic resources and properties, including the concepts of both the L’Enfant and McMillan Plans, are protected during federal project planning and development.4.2NEPA and NHPA ComplianceEnsure that all plans and projects submitted for review and approval comply with both the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act.4.3Promote Commission PlansPromote the use of Commission plans, such as the Legacy Plan, the Memorials and Museums Master Plan, and The National Capital Urban Design and Security Plan, to create and preserve an efficient and beautiful capital city.4.4National Capital Urban Design and Security PlanExtend the goals and application of The National Capital Urban Design and Security Plan outside the Monumental Core to bring about a balance between good urban design and good security throughout the National Capital Region and to serve as a model of security design across the country.5Information Technologies and Integrated PlanningPromote state-of-the-art information technologies to support integrated planning in the National Capital Region.5.1Geospatial Data PartnershipsPartner with local, federal, and private organizations to create an environment conducive to achieving full integration of “open” geospatial data and geo-processing resources into mainstream planning and design, which advances the national goal of government-wide interoperability.5.2Geospatial InformationBuild, share, and maintain land-based geospatial information for use in comprehensive planning, and, economic development to analyze the impact of federal and District development activities on the city and its immediate environs.5.3Research Capacity and Planning DataImprove research capacity and develop planning data such as regional population, economic forecasts, and simulation models to visualize and prepare for future needs.5.4CAD, GIS, and Other Innovative TechnologiesImprove the review and analysis of proposed developments in the National Capital Region through expanded use of computer assisted design (CAD) tools, geographic information systems (GIS), and other innovative information technologies.6Education and InvolvementEducate and increase the involvement of local, national, and international audiences in planning and development in the National Capital.6.1Seminars, Conferences, Publications, and ExhibitionsConduct seminars, conferences, publishing projects, exhibitions, and other outreach programs to encourage public debate and provide all citizens the opportunity to have a meaningful impact on the planning and development of the Nation’s Capital.6.2Professional ExchangesPromote professional exchanges with planning authorities in other national capital cities to share information about the special symbolic functions and unique planning requirements of national seats of government.6.3OutreachConduct outreach programs to share innovative and successful National Capital planning strategies with planning professionals, elected officials, and citizens across the nation and around the world.