Like most organizations in the District of Columbia, the DowntownDC Business Improvement District is taking a series of precautionary actions to comply with the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency declaration issued by Mayor Muriel Bowser and safeguard the health and wellbeing of staff, residents and visitors. The BID will continue to provide updates as they become available. Please check this page for up-to-date information.
Safety/Hospitality and Maintenance (SAM) ambassadors
SAM ambassadors will continue service as regularly scheduled, until further notice, but we have implemented policies and procedures to safeguard their health and safety as well as reduce the potential spread of COVID-19.
Downtown Day Services Center (1313 New York Ave NW)
The Downtown Day Services Center will offer limited services by appointment only from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Services include: restrooms, showers, laundry, phone charging and emergency clothing. Lunchtime meal service will continue to be offered daily, including weekends, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in the park adjacent to the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church. To schedule services, contact Pathways to Housing via phone: 240-659-3510 (9:00 am – 5:00 pm) or e-mail: ddsc@pathwaysdc.org.
Marketing Support for DowntownDC Businesses
The DowntownDC BID remains actively engaged and interested in promoting DowntownDC businesses.
Promotional Tools:
- Share your event: downtowndc.org/submit-an-event
- Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook
- To be reposted, tag: @DowntownDCBID and include #DowntownDC
Stay Informed
We encourage you to stay informed and act in accordance with information as it is released. Visit the District Government’s website, coronavirus.dc.gov, and the CDC website for the latest information surrounding COVID-19 along with preventive measure recommendations.
ReOpen DC Resource Links
- Department of Small and Local Business Development #BuildBackBetterDC Video Series
- Office of the Mayor ReOpen DC Report: The report recommends a four-stage approach to safely and sustainably reopen Washington, DC.
- ReOpen Phase One Guidelines, visit: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/phaseone
- ReOpen Phase Two Guidelines, visit: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/phasetwo
Other Resources for DowntownDC Businesses
- ABC-Licensed Restaurant and Tavern Beer, Wine, and Spirits Carry-out and Delivery Registration: DC Restaurants Can Now Offer Alcohol With Food Deliveries
- CDC: Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations
- DC Health Link: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Benefits Update and Office Status Update
- Destination DC: See What’s Open During Phase One
- National Retail Federation: Guidance for Retailers on Reopening Stores
- Office of the Mayor: Mayor Bowser and Chief Financial Officer DeWitt Announce 2019 Tax Filings and Payment Deadline Extended
- Office of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH): COVID-19 Guidelines for Construction Sites within the District of Columbia
- Office of the Mayor: Recovery for businesses and reopen guidance for restaurants and retailers
- Pick Up/Drop-Off Zone: Form to apply for a pick-up/drop-off zone near your retail space.
- Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington: Coronavirus resource guide
Find Local Assistance: Free business counselors to help guide you through this uncertain time.
Resources for Newly Unemployed Due to COVID-19:
- DC Health Link: Communication to DC Health Link Customers
- DC Department of Employment Services: Job Seeker Resources
- DC Department of Employment Services: Starting Your Unemployment Compensation Process
- Office of the Mayor: Recovery for Individuals
- Office of the Mayor: Mayor Bowser and Chief Financial Officer DeWitt Announce 2019 Tax Filings and Payment Deadline Extended
- U.S. Department of Labor: U.S. Department of Labor Announces New Guidance on Unemployment Insurance Flexibilities During COVID-19 Outbreak
Worker Relief Funds:
- Food it Forward (Restaurants)
- NRAE Restaurant Relief Worker Fund: Restaurant employees impacted by COVID-19 can apply now for a one-time $500 grant through the NRAEF’s Restaurant Employee Relief Fund.
- theatreWashington Taking Care Fund (Arts & Entertainment)
Additional Resources:
- Metropolitan Police Department (MPD): See MPD’s guidance on how to file a police report during the COVID-19 public health emergency here.
- Pick-up and Drop-off (PUDO) Zones: Restaurants can check out this map to see if they already have a temporary PUDO zone or sign-up for one here.
- Transportation: See how the Washington Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has adjusted their operations here.
Resources for People Experiencing Homelessness:
DowntownDC Request Homeless Services Outreach or Log a Service Request
- Dispatch Contact Info: Email — dispatch@downtowndc.org; Phone — (202) 624-1550
Additional Resources for People Experiencing Homelessness:
- DC Department of Human Services
- Metropolitan Police Department (MPD): Filing a Police Report During Coronavirus
- Bread for the City: 1525 7th Street, NW (Northwest Center); T: (202) 265-2400; Open 8:30 am-12:00 pm
- Miriam’s Kitchen: 2401 Virginia Avenue, NW; T: (202) 452-8926; Open 7:00 am – 8:00 am breakfast and 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm dinner
- Thrive DC: 1525 Newton Street, NW; T: (202) 737-9311
- Martha’s Table: The Commons (2375 Elvans Road, SE); T: (202) 885-9613; The Maycroft (1474 Columbia Road, NW); T: (202) 328-6608
Hand Washing Stations in DowntownDC
- Franklin Park (14th and K Streets NW)
- McPherson Square (15th and K Streets NW)
- Metro Center (11th & G St NW)
Portable toilets in DowntownDC
- Franklin Park (corner of 13th and K Streets NW)
We would love to partner with you as you navigate reopening and retooling your business during COVID-19. To discuss event participation, marketing collaboration, partnerships/sponsorships, or pop-up opportunities, contact: retail@downtowndc.org