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NCPC adopts equity-focused updates to Comprehensive Plan introduction and submission guidelines
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Summary
The National Capital Planning Commission approved revisions to the Comprehensive Plan introduction and matching equity updates to submission guidelines, adding a new equity guiding principle and clarifying applicant expectations for community engagement; both measures take effect 60 days after Federal Register publication.
Chair Goodman opened the June 6 meeting by marking the National Capital Planning Commission's centennial and reading a congratulatory letter from President Joe Biden into the record.
Staff recommended adoption of an updated introduction chapter for the Federal Elements of the Comprehensive Plan and companion equity updates to the agency's submission guidelines. "By updating the introduction chapter..., we sought to design a comprehensive approach and goals related to social, health, and racial equity and environmental sustainability and resiliency," said Britney Drakeford, urban planner in NCPC's policy and research division.
The revised introduction adds historical context, a new "confronting the legacy" section addressing past planning harms (including highway construction and urban renewal), and a new equity-focused guiding principle with key objectives emphasizing community engagement, cultural affirmation, data analysis, and sustainable development. Staff said the revision followed nearly two years of research and engagement, produced 56 public comments organized into four response domains, and included markup and consolidated comments in appendices.
Laura Shipman presented related updates to NCPC's submission guidelines to align review expectations with the plan's equity objectives. The changes encourage applicants to conduct early, meaningful community engagement, to describe anticipated equity impacts, and—where applicable—to discuss how proposals intersect with NEPA and Section 106 reviews. Shipman also noted the guidelines expand applicability to permanent antenna projects in parts of the district identified as potentially overburdened by infrastructure impacts.
Commissioners praised the work as timely and appropriate for the centennial. Several referenced the plan's new emphasis on equity and climate resiliency and thanked staff for outreach and the draft guidance and resource guides intended to help applicant agencies apply an equity lens.
Commissioner Dixon moved to adopt the introduction chapter update; Vice Chair Hewlett seconded. The commission approved the introduction update (majority yes; Commissioners Davis and Hassett recorded abstentions). Vice Chair Hewlett then moved, and Commissioner Argo seconded, approval of the submission-guidelines updates; that motion also carried with the same abstentions.
Both the updated introduction chapter and the equity submission-guideline changes will be effective 60 days after their notice of final rulemaking is published in the Federal Register. NCPC staff said they will continue public engagement, develop implementation tools (including an "equity crosswalk"), and incorporate any minor editorial changes directed by the commission.
