Opportunity to partner with DCRA - Community building

Hi all,

Millie and I, as representatives of FirePony Creative Society's Community Art and Civic Engagement Program, had an interesting meeting with the Director of DC's Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, Ernest Chrappah, and the Program Manager for Vacant Building Enforcement this week.

The purpose of this meeting was to determine whether or not FPCS may be able to assist the city, and DCRA specifically, with its efforts to activate empty or abandoned properties or lots, of which there are over 3000 within DC alone.

In a nutshell, we think there's an opportunity for collaboration, both with DCRA (and property owners) and with other community organizations, including but not limited to other DC-area burner-related groups.

We know this is short notice. But they're asking for an initial proposal for a PILOT PROJECT for no later than November 29th. (Yeah, the Friday after Thanksgiving), so we want to get a jump on things.

Initial ideas include DIY workshops with community members, community gardens, gathering spaces for community potlucks and art building, etc. What else comes to mind? Do you know of any empty properties that might be a great space for a pilot project?