Economic Opportunity
Telling Columbia Heights’ Full Economic Story
Living issue page · Updated as work progresses
Columbia Heights is often described as a neighborhood that has already received enough investment. The data tells a more complicated story. This project makes sure the neighborhood is evaluated using current economic conditions rather than assumptions.
Opportunity Zone 2.0 research underway, building the neighborhood-level data case. No formal commitment yet; work continues.
What has changed recently
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Building the neighborhood data case
Gathering neighborhood-level economic data to evaluate how Opportunity Zone investment is affecting Columbia Heights and who it benefits.
See Columbia Heights by the Numbers →
Work also continues through quieter steps such as agency follow-up, document review, research, and resident outreach. New updates will be posted here as they happen.
Why this matters
Federal Opportunity Zone incentives steer private capital into neighborhoods like ours. Done well, that investment can expand small-business opportunity and housing. Done poorly, it accelerates displacement and rewards outside investors while longtime residents are priced out. The difference comes down to accountability and good data.
What residents are experiencing
Residents see new development and rising costs, and worry that growth is happening to the neighborhood rather than for it, with small businesses and longtime families bearing the pressure.
Timeline / work to date
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Summer 2025
Began research and requested documentation from DMPED.
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Fall 2025
Collected ACS demographic and economic data.
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Winter–Spring 2026
Expanded research into poverty, unemployment, employment sectors, business licenses, commercial conditions, and neighborhood investment.
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Summer 2026
Drafted a white paper and shared preliminary findings.
What Residents Are Telling Me
- Small-business owners and longtime residents ask whether new investment will benefit the people who already live here.
- Neighbors worry that rising costs are pricing out families who have been here for years.
These are resident observations, shared to show what neighbors are raising. They are not verified findings unless separately documented.
Documents and public record
As documents become available they will be posted here, organized by type, with the newest or most important materials first.
Research and data
- Columbia Heights by the Numbers →
- White paper (in progress)
- Data graphs (in progress)
- ANC resolution, to be finalized and voted on July 15, 2026
What happens next
Complete the white paper, finalize Columbia Heights by the Numbers, continue the conversation with policymakers, and identify complementary investment strategies that direct growth toward the residents who already live here. This issue remains unresolved; work continues.
How residents can help
Own or work at a small business here, or worried about staying in the neighborhood? Your experience is part of the case. Share it with me.
- Share your experience as a small-business owner or longtime resident.
- Tell me if you are worried about being able to stay in the neighborhood.
Last updated: June 27, 2026