Reviving the Riverfront, and D.C.

Building Local Power

In 2000, Uwe Brandes moved to Washington, D.C. to join Mayor Williams' administration with a bold vision to transform the Anacostia River waterfront, one of the nation’s most polluted rivers at the time. Uwe spearheaded a participatory planning process that was and still is far too rare, actively involving communities and stakeholders directly impacted by the revitalization efforts. He adeptly translated these community conversations into comprehensive urban planning documents, which were subsequently codified into the city's comprehensive plan. These documents now serve as the guiding framework for D.C.'s investments. Today, Uwe is a distinguished professor of urban planning at Georgetown University. He continues to influence D.C.'s development through his roles on various committees and initiatives, ensuring that community-oriented and community-led principles remain at the forefront of the city's growth.