Monday, September 22, 2025
The Georgetown Business Improvement District held its annual meeting at a Four Seasons lunch Sept. 18 and introduced its new CEO Deborah Kerson Bilek, who took over from longtime leader, Joe Sternlieb, last spring.
Some 200 members and guests were introduced to new board members and updated on BID’s 2026 focus to transition the streateries in Georgetown that have reshaped the town and outdoor dining options for dozens of restaurants, new and old, since the pandemic shutdowns of 2020.
“The streatery program has contributed to a restaurant resurgence, with 43 restaurants presently operating outdoor dining,” the BID says. “Data shows that the widened sidewalks have calmed traffic and made our roads safer and more comfortable for users. Since installing streateries and sidewalk extensions, crashes and serious injuries have been reduced on M Street and Wisconsin Avenue by 50 percent.” Several community engagement sessions in the coming months regarding the streateries transition will feature ideas of BID’s members, business partners and the D.C. Council.
As meeting guests dined on a selection of appetizers, entrees and desserts, they heard that both Georgetown’s commercial leasing activity and foot traffic are up. Over the past 12 months, Georgetown has welcomed 12 million-plus visitors. “Fifty five new businesses have opened in Georgetown, and another 26 restaurants and retail stores plan to open in the coming months,” Bilek said.
Two new BID community events have been well attended. The BID’s second annual Fête de la Musique, co-produced with Georgetown Heritage, saw 45,000 people in Georgetown for an inclusive celebration of live music from around the world. In late summer, the BID and Georgetown Heritage again partnered to install a new public art project in East Market Lane, next to Osteria Mozza. “Light Lane” is an interactive experience of four stationary bikes set to music, lighting, and projections, that will run through Oct. 4. Meanwhile the French Market along Wisconsin Avenue, held every spring, had some 35,000 visitors to its 22nd annual event last April.
Retiring and new board members were honored at the event , as well as three Community Partner Award Winners: Kelsey Bridges (DDOT), Gerard Brown (Department of Health) and Mimsy Lindner (ANC 2E). The Clean Team Award was given to Victor Fields. Tiffany Crowe, Director of the D.C. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, was the guest speaker.
Photo by Bill Starrels.
Photo by Bill Starrels.
Photo by Bill Starrels.
Photo by Bill Starrels.
