Washington, D.C. is investing $2.1 million in neighborhood safety through a new round of grants, as announced by Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice. Twelve local organizations will benefit from the FY2025 Safe Commercial Corridors Grant Program, which aims to enhance safety and health outcomes using proven community-based strategies.
“The path to a safer DC runs through our community partnerships,” Mayor Bowser stated, emphasizing the vital role of collaborative efforts in crime reduction and neighborhood enhancement.
These commercial districts play a crucial role in Washington’s social fabric, functioning as community hubs where residents gather, access services, find employment, and develop a shared sense of community identity.
Deputy Mayor Lindsey Appiah highlighted recent success in crime reduction efforts, noting, “Our continued focus on strengthening community partnerships is showing results. The visible presence and active engagement in our neighborhoods helps create an environment where everyone feels more secure.”
The grant recipients include prominent Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) across the city:
- Adams Morgan Partnership BID
- Anacostia BID
- Capitol Hill BID
- Capitol Riverfront BID
- DowntownDC BID
- Dupont Circle BID
- Georgetown BID
- Golden Triangle BID
- Marshall Heights Community Development Organization, Inc.
- Mount Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District
- NoMa BID
- So Others Might Eat (SOME)
Grant funding will support several key initiatives for safe commercial corridors:
– Enhanced security systems for businesses, including integration with MPD’s CameraConnect DC
– Additional security personnel in commercial areas
– Community engagement and relationship building
– Safety training programs for business owners and employees
– Support services for individuals facing substance use challenges
The initiative, which began in FY2024, was established through the efforts of Councilmember Brooke Pinto, who chairs the Council’s Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety.
