Washington Green Future Initiatives
Climate Resilience, Public Health, and Cleaner Neighborhoods for Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.’s parks, trees, and waterways are essential infrastructure — protecting our health, cooling our neighborhoods, reducing flooding, and improving quality of life. But our natural systems face growing pressure from extreme heat, stormwater runoff, pollution, and uneven investment across the city.
Regan’s Washington Green Future Framework is a practical, phased strategy to protect and restore D.C.’s green assets — expanding tree canopy, improving river and stream health, strengthening parks, and investing in climate-ready infrastructure that benefits every ward.
This is a public health and resilience plan, designed to deliver measurable results; not symbolism.
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What This Framework Focuses On
1) Shade & Canopy for Heat Resilience
2) Clean Rivers, Cleaner Neighborhoods
3) Climate-Ready Parks & Green Infrastructure
4) Green Access & Mobility (Targeted Pilots)Shade & Canopy for Heat Resilience
Extreme heat is a public health risk — and some neighborhoods feel it far more than others. Regan supports a citywide strategy to increase tree canopy and protect mature trees, with a focus on areas most affected by heat, poor air quality, and limited shade.
Key actions include:
Annual canopy expansion targets prioritized in heat-vulnerable areas
Stronger tree preservation and replacement standards tied to development
Incentives for green building features like roof gardens, green walls, shade corridors, and tree-friendly design
A measurable plan to increase tree canopy over time, supported by public reporting and neighborhood-level benchmarks
Clean Rivers, Cleaner Neighborhoods
The Anacostia, Potomac, Rock Creek, and neighborhood waterways are central to the District’s environmental health and community life. Regan supports accelerated restoration through modern cleanup tools and stronger stormwater management.
Key actions include:
Expanded trash capture and filtration tools in high-impact waterways
Targeted stormwater infrastructure upgrades in high-runoff areas
Wetland and natural buffer restoration to reduce pollution and flooding
Coordinated enforcement and partnerships to reduce harmful runoff and protect water quality
Climate-Ready Parks & Green Infrastructure
Parks should be safe, accessible, resilient, and well-maintained — especially as weather becomes more extreme. Regan supports investing in parks and green infrastructure as a way to strengthen communities and reduce climate risk.
Key actions include:
Eco-Park upgrades and restoration projects in underserved areas
Climate-resilient park improvements (storm-ready trees, native plant systems, shade, water management)
Expanded composting, recycling, and waste reduction strategies through pilots and improved operations
Neighborhood stewardship partnerships to support long-term care and local engagement
Green Access & Mobility
Access to parks and restored waterways should not depend on income or where you live. Regan supports targeted mobility pilots that connect residents to green spaces and reduce reliance on cars for local recreation and community access.
Key actions include:
Pilot “Green Connector” routes using clean vehicles to connect neighborhoods to major parks and waterfronts
Expanded safe walking and biking corridors that link communities to green assets
Long-term planning for sustainable funding that supports responsible expansion
Accountability & Results
This framework is built around transparency and measurable outcomes.
Regan supports:
Public progress dashboards with clear benchmarks
Regular neighborhood briefings to report progress and gather feedback
Clear inter-agency coordination so commitments translate into execution
Washington, D.C. can be a national leader in climate resilience — not through slogans, but through steady investment in the green infrastructure that protects health, reduces flooding, cools neighborhoods, and strengthens communities. Regan’s approach is practical, accountable, and partnership-driven — focused on results residents can see and feel.