Disruption Index: Harriet Tregoning

One of 77 people, places and ideas changing cities in 2012.

Credit: Danni Sinisi

This is your first of three free stories this month. Become a free or sustaining member to read unlimited articles, webinars and ebooks.

Become A Member

Over the next two weeks, Next City will unroll short profiles of 77 people, places and ideas that have changed cities this year. Together, they make up our 2012 Disruption Index. Forefront subscribers can download the Index in full as a PDF, complete with beautiful designs and graphics by Danni Sinisi. Readers who make a $75 donation to Next City will have a full-color printed copy of the Index mailed to them.

The walkable, livable District of Columbia. There’s a concept that probably wouldn’t have come to anyone’s mind just a decade ago. But now, the nation’s capital is rapidly pushing its way to the top of the class in terms of creating a city that’s appealing, efficient and enjoyable to be in. And there’s probably no one making as big an impact on the changing shape of the city than Harriet Tregoning.

Five years into her appointed job as the city’s planning director, Tregoning has worn her Smart Growth affinity like a badge, and has not been shy about using it to play the enforcer. In her time, the city has laid down a series of rule changes that have — to the chagrin of some drivers — limited parking options and vastly expanded local preference for mobility options that don’t involve a lone person behind a wheel. From plans for streetcars to expanding cycling infrastructure to launching the nation’s largest bike share program to aggressive historic preservation efforts, Tregoning has ushered in urban policies that are changing D.C.’s form for the better. Looking to the future, there are plans in the works to create a tech/medical hub at the mostly abandoned St. Elizabeth’s Hospital site in Ward 8, a section of the District that hasn’t seen much development in decades. Though the city still hasn’t figured out what to do about its long-debated building height limitations, Tregoning’s principled work is setting D.C. as an example for the nation to follow.

Like what you’re reading? Get a browser notification whenever we post a new story. You’re signed-up for browser notifications of new stories. No longer want to be notified? Unsubscribe.

Nate Berg is a writer and journalist covering cities, architecture and urban planning. Nate’s work has been published in a wide variety of publications, including the New York Times, NPR, Wired, Metropolis, Fast Company, Dwell, Architect, the Christian Science Monitor, LA Weekly and many others. He is a former staff writer at The Atlantic Cities and was previously an assistant editor at Planetizen.

Tags: infrastructurewashington dc2012 disruption indexsmart growth

×
Next City App Never Miss A StoryDownload our app ×
×

You've reached your monthly limit of three free stories.

This is not a paywall. Become a free or sustaining member to continue reading.

  • Read unlimited stories each month
  • Our email newsletter
  • Webinars and ebooks in one click
  • Our Solutions of the Year magazine
  • Support solutions journalism and preserve access to all readers who work to liberate cities

Join 1096 other sustainers such as:

  • Gabby at $5/Month
  • Abigail at $10/Month
  • Gloria at $5/Month

Already a member? Log in here. U.S. donations are tax-deductible minus the value of thank-you gifts. Questions? Learn more about our membership options.

or pay by credit card:

All members are automatically signed-up to our email newsletter. You can unsubscribe with one-click at any time.

  • Donate $20 or $5/Month

    20th Anniversary Solutions of the Year magazine

has donated ! Thank you 🎉
Donate
×