Reconnecting communities and unlocking opportunity along the waterfront in America's capital
Anacostia Watershed Society Cycling
Transforming the Anacostia Riverfront
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is leading an ambitious, multi-faceted program to revitalize and reconnect the area around the Anacostia River into a vibrant, resilient, sustainable and accessible world-class waterfront. Through the $10 billion Anacostia Waterfront Initiative (AWI), DDOT and Jacobs are reshaping Washington, D.C.’s riverfront and strengthening urban infrastructure while improving livability and restoring the natural environment.
As the AWI’s program management/general engineering consultant (PM/GEC) since 2012, Jacobs has been bringing deep experience in delivering DDOT transportation projects that include stakeholder engagement, environmental compliance oversight, utility coordination, design and constructability reviews, financial management and many more. The team supports DDOT’s ambitious vision while delivering cost-effective, resilient and community-centered solutions.
In recognition of its impact, AWI was recently submitted for inclusion in the 2025 Mayors Business Council Best Practice Report: Mayors and Businesses Driving Economic Growth.
At Jacobs, we know how to manage large, complex infrastructure projects—but our true strength lies in working alongside clients and communities. Through our collaboration with DDOT on the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative, we’ve helped make this bold vision a reality—delivering sustainable, resilient solutions that improve quality of life for area residents.
Program origins
Launched in 2000 through a memorandum of understanding among 20 federal and district agencies, AWI was formally established in 2003 by then-Mayor Anthony Williams and continues under Mayor Muriel Bowser. The public sector, led by DDOT, oversees strategic planning, compliance and coordination. Jacobs supports the initiative with technical leadership, managing dozens of transportation and infrastructure projects across the riverfront corridor.
Key projects and milestones
- South Capitol Street Corridor and Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge
Jacobs led preliminary design, environmental approvals and procurement. A fixed bridge alternative proposed by Jacobs saved DDOT $150 million in construction costs. - Parkside Pedestrian Bridge
Jacobs designed and managed the construction of a 400-foot-long bridge connecting neighborhoods to the Minnesota Avenue Metro Station. The project received the DDOT Director’s Excellence Award. - Anacostia Riverwalk Trail – Kenilworth Segment
Jacobs provided design review and construction management services, helping secure a $10 million TIGER grant. The 20-mile trail enhances mobility and recreation across the waterfront.
Collaboration and environmental stewardship
Stakeholder coordination is central to AWI’s success. DDOT and Jacobs worked with community organizations, federal agencies, local government entities and private developers. Engagement included public meetings, press briefings, a project website and coordination with the National Park Service and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Environmental sustainability is at the core of the program. Jacobs supported DDOT in delivering green infrastructure, advanced stormwater management and nature-based design. The team ensured full compliance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and secured the necessary permits to protect and improve the river’s health.
What’s ahead
The Anacostia Waterfront Initiative is ongoing. As additional projects begin and the vision expands, future phases will build upon lessons learned to further enhance access, safety and resilience.
With planning underway for the redevelopment of the RFK Campus, the AWI team will continue to apply best practices to deliver high-quality, sustainable, and context-sensitive transportation infrastructure that meets the needs of future generations.
The Anacostia Waterfront Initiative (AWI) 30-year, $10B has faced numerous challenges since its inception, but through strategic planning, stakeholder collaboration and innovative solutions, many of these obstacles have been addressed. Jacobs has played a major role in the successful initiation, planning, design and construction of the AWI projects. One significant challenge was the coordination and integration of multiple large-scale infrastructure projects, each with its own set of complexities and stakeholder interests. Jacobs has been and continues to be a valued partner to DDOT.
Did you know?
Key team members
Muhammed Khalid, Project Executive
Chris Conroy, Program Manager
Giri Kilim. Deputy Program Manager
Marlon Smoker, Design Quality Manager
Carolyn Washburn, Environmental Manager
Ross Gray, Program Engineer