Monday, July 21, 2025
By Amy A. Titus
Over the past 100 days, I’ve had the privilege of engaging in a “listening tour” — meeting with Georgetown residents, community groups and government leaders to hear firsthand what matters most in Georgetown.?
I’ve met with city and federal leaders who impact Georgetown’s daily life, including:?Mayor Muriel Bowser and her team, the Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services, Council member Brooke Pinto, ANC 2E commissioners, Department of Transportation Director Sharon Kershbaum, Department of Buildings Director Brian Hanlon, MPD Chief Pamela Smith and Second District Cmdr. Tatjana Savoy and the District Department of Public Works,?Department of Parks and Recreation, Office of Planning, Office of Zoning and Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration, as well as the Old Georgetown Board and the National Park Service. ?
We are fortunate to have an engaged and collaborative network of organizations working alongside us, including: The Georgetowner, Georgetown University, the Georgetown Business Improvement District, the Georgetown Business Association, the Georgetown Coalition for Public Spaces, Georgetown Heritage, Georgetown Main Street, the Georgetown Ministry Center, Georgetown Village and the Rose Park and Volta Park Friends groups.? ?
Most important — from meetings in the street to coffee chats to community gatherings — I have been listening to your thoughts, hopes and concerns. These conversations have been insightful, filled with passion for our neighborhood and grounded in a shared commitment to preserving and enhancing the Georgetown we all love.? ?
From all these conversations, four priorities clearly emerged:? ?
- Streateries and Expanded Sidewalks?
A legacy of the pandemic, streateries continue to spark debate. Many residents have voiced concerns about their effects on public safety, congestion and the historic character of our streets. CAG is advocating vigorously with city officials to ensure Georgetown’s unique needs are understood and respected. This will be a critical focus in the coming months.?
- Public Health and Safety?
Rodents, trash, personal safety and theft remain top-of-mind for many. We’re partnering with the BID to address trash and sanitation and maintain close collaboration with MPD on crime prevention. Our Block Captain Program, led by dedicated block captains, is also being reinvigorated to ensure every block has a watchful eye and a strong sense of community security.?
- Historic Preservation and Community Visioning?
Residents want to preserve our?unique, irreplaceable historic character, and this?is one of?the?reasons residents choose to make?Georgetown their home.?Residents expressed their support for?educational workshops on renovating historic homes in a National Landmark District, voicing concerns on projects that have a significant impact on our historic integrity. Looking ahead, we’re helping to lead planning for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, in partnership with Georgetown Heritage — an exciting opportunity to celebrate our past and shape our future together.?
- Connectivity and Community Building?
Georgetown is more than a neighborhood — it’s a village. You’ve told us how important it is to connect with your neighbors and feel part of a shared community. This year alone, CAG has brought together over?1,000?residents through events such as our Concert in the Park, Black History Month program, Take Over the Bar Series and more. And we’re just getting started — new ideas are in the works to help you engage and connect.?
To everyone who has shared their time, stories and ideas with me — thank you. Your input is shaping our direction, and I am deeply grateful to all our dedicated volunteers, engaged members and generous donors who keep CAG going strong.? ?
As a nonprofit, we depend on your support. If you’d like to help us continue this important work, please consider sponsoring or inviting friends to our?Annual Fundraiser Cocktail Party?on?Thursday, Sept. 18, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Sequoia on the Georgetown waterfront.?Together, we can preserve the best of Georgetown and build an even stronger, more connected community.? ??
Amy A. Titus?is president of the Citizens Association of Georgetown?