by: Meghan Doherty, CCO BLDUP

BLDUP recently sat down with Lessie Henderson from goDCgo, an initiative of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) that encourages the use of sustainable transportation options within the District. As Transportation Demand Management (TDM) is a requirement of local zoning orders goDCgo residential services provides support to property managers and developers to meet the transportation provisions of their site plan requirements.

BLDUP: Lessie, please tell us about goDCgo and its unique offering to residential and non-residential properties within the District.

Lessie Henderson: goDCgo is an initiative of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) that encourages the use of sustainable transportation. We provide complimentary transit resources and consulting services to DC organizations and commuters. Our goals serve to decrease traffic congestion, improve air quality, and create a better quality of life in the District of Columbia. 

Tailored to the specific needs of your property, goDCgo Residential Services makes it easier for residents to navigate the District. We provide transportation resources for multi-family residential buildings to enhance their transportation amenities, making it easier for residents to choose sustainable, affordable, and healthy ways to get around the city.

The District of Columbia is attracting new residential, commercial, retail development, and redevelopment as part of Mayor Bowser’s DC Comeback Plan. But we want our new residents, businesses and visitors to use our sustainable transportation options—not create additional vehicular traffic to, from, and within the District. By developing a TDM plan, your residence is on the way to contributing to a greener DC. 

goDCgo also provides services for non-residential partners, including employers, schools, hotels and lodging providers.

BLDUP: Talk to us about the transportation provisions required in zoning orders and the process to develop and implement a TDM plan.  How does goDCgo work with property owners, developers, managers, and asset operators to implement TDM strategies?

Lessie Henderson: Transportation Demand Management (TDM) is the application of strategies and policies to maximize consumer travel choices. Through TDM programs, such as goDCgo, people are encouraged to use alternative transportation options such as walking, biking, taking transit, scooting, and ridesharing. TDM actively nurtures a sustainable city to improve the quality of life in all communities. 

goDCgo serves as a complimentary resource to help you implement the TDM requirements in your residential zoning order. We also provide toolkits that provide guidance on the regulations that can address questions you may have regarding compliance. The District of Columbia Office of the Zoning Administrator enforces the provisions of the DC Zoning Ordinances. goDCgo plays no role in zoning enforcement. Our complimentary services include assisting properties in complying with TDM requirements contained in the final zoning order. 

goDCgo can support in the following phases:

• Pre-Occupancy: goDCgo can assist with pre-opening site plan requirements.
• Occupancy: goDCgo provides continuous support through coordination with the property’s Transportation Coordinator.
• Recognition: Through goDCgo’s Transportation All-Star program, receive ongoing support and recognition for sustainable transportation efforts.

BLDUP: Is there a cost associated with goDCgo’s services and how many properties are part of the program?

Lessie Henderson: All goDCgo’s services to DC organizations and commuters, including multi-family residential properties, are complimentary. Currently, there are more than 200 residential properties in goDCgo’s Transportation All-Star recognition program, and many more properties have worked with goDCgo since the residential services program was launched.

BLDUP: Tell us about your Transportation All-Star program and give us an example of a multi-family property that has successfully implemented a transportation program and sustainable amenities.

Lessie Henderson: The goDCgo Transportation All-Star Program recognizes DC organizations for their commitment to sustainable transportation. Employers, hotels, schools and residential properties that offer robust transportation benefit programs and/or amenities can earn recognition for their efforts.

By complying with your zoning order and working with goDCgo, you can receive a designation and all the perks associated. 

Perks of being a Transportation All-Star vary by level and include:

• Recognition at our annual Awards Ceremony 
• Featured on goDCgo.com 
• Digital badge for online marketing use
• Window cling 
• Your transportation program highlighted in goDCgo communications like success stories and newsletters.
• A ribbon-cutting event

One property that has successfully become a Platinum Transportation All-Star is Vesta Parkside located in Ward 7. This residential property reached out to our team for TDM zoning assistance, and I met with them to assist them with their requirements. This included leading them to the right resources, like our Residential Amenity Vendor list, to fulfill their particular zoning order requirements. I also assisted them in bulk purchasing Capital Bikeshare Memberships for their residents and created a custom Get Around Guide highlighting transportation options available at or near their property. After successfully implementing these TDM strategies, I was able to designate them as a Platinum All-Star, which led to the platinum ribbon cutting at the property to celebrate their All-Star status!  This is just one of MANY perks of being a goDCgo Transportation All Star! 

I am proud to assist all the properties by providing resources, zoning and consulting services to multi-family property managers and developers about sustainable transportation. 

BLDUP: As a participating member of the program, what ongoing support/resources are provided to your members?

Lessie Henderson: The goDCgo team and I have developed a suite of resources aimed at supporting residential property owners and managers as they work to comply with their TDM requirements and other needs to become a sustainably property. We provide the following services: 

• Staff Training: complimentary training for property employees, including tailored information on transportation options for residents and visitors.
• Transportation Survey Design: custom commute surveys to understand tenants’ current travel behavior and analysis of the data to recommend the most effective transportation program and amenities.
• Support in Completing a TDM Plan: trained outreach specialists who work to support you in your TDM goals. 
• Vendor List: robust list of preferred transportation amenity vendors that are required or optional under DC zoning.
• Site-Specific Transit Information: transportation verbiage for both web and print use. 
• On-Site Promotions: Commuter socials, how-to workshops and more, tailored to your residents’ unique transportation needs.
• Brochures: customized Get Around Guide that details all the transportation options available near your location including a map, trip planning apps and more. 
• Capital Bikeshare: supports property managers that purchase or have a requirement to provide Capital Bikeshare annual memberships to residents. Also, offer discounted bulk pricing for properties interested in offering Capital Bikeshare memberships to their residents. 
• Carpool/Vanpool Assistance: assisting properties with listing their unused parking spaces and connecting them with vanpool/carpool drivers who may be interested in leasing space.

BLDUP: Lessie what message do you want the Commercial Real Estate/Development Community to take from what goDCgo has to offer? 

Lessie Henderson: One message I would like your audience to take from our services is that it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process. I speak with so many people that are anxious and nervous about the cost of the transportation provisions in their zoning order. Although we don’t offer financial assistance, our program support is free and very helpful in making the process smoother, especially in helping to better understand the purpose and goal of offering transportation amenities to residents. It can often save time and money and save it for your residents as well. Everyone is relieved and walks away with a better understanding after I meet with them, and we go through every requirement listed on their zoning order. Don’t get penalized for something we can help you with and let us take the stress off your plate. Reach out for assistance today, we’re here to help!

Interested in learning more about goDCgo's services? Join BLDUP & the goDCgo team for a BLDUP University Webinar on Wednesday, August 23rd @ 12 Noon.

RESOURCES

Residential Services | goDCgo

Residential Toolkit: A Guide to Implementing Zoning Order Requirements

Transportation All-Star Program | goDCgo
Lessie Henderson
Residential Outreach Coordinator
Lessie.Henderson@godcgo.com
Cell: 202-539-7339

Set up a time to go over your required TDM plan here: Calendly - Lessie Henderson