Washington, DC can and should lead the nation in building a city that is cleaner, healthier, and more affordable for residents. Sustainability is about improving quality of life, lowering everyday costs, and strengthening communities across every ward. Rising energy bills, transportation costs, and limited access to fresh food make daily life harder for too many families.

My approach to sustainability is practical and people centered. By investing in clean energy, innovative food systems, and resilient infrastructure, we can reduce costs, create jobs, and build a healthier future for Washingtonians.

Clean Energy and Affordability

Energy costs are rising for DC families. Since 2023, the average household Pepco bill has increased significantly, and thousands of families face the risk of disconnection each year. DC needs a unified strategy that lowers costs while building a cleaner energy system.

Through Power DC, my administration will deploy proven technologies that reduce electricity costs today while preparing the District for a fully electrified future. This includes expanding solar installations on public buildings, partnering with federal agencies to create community solar programs that provide bill credits to residents, and scaling innovative systems like geothermal energy and sewer heat recovery that dramatically reduce heating and cooling costs.

Power DC will also hold utilities accountable and reduce the city’s dependence on volatile regional energy markets by generating more power locally. At the same time, we will build long term partnerships for clean energy production and prepare DC’s grid for next generation technologies.

The result is simple: lower energy bills, cleaner power, and a modern energy system that works for residents instead of against them.

Sustainable Transportation

Transportation is one of the largest sources of pollution and one of the biggest expenses for families.

My administration will expand access to reliable public transit, strengthen infrastructure for biking and walking, and accelerate the transition to electric vehicles and cleaner transportation systems. Investments in transit accessibility and sustainable infrastructure will reduce congestion, improve air quality, and lower the cost of getting around the city.

Cleaner transportation means healthier neighborhoods and more mobility for residents.

Urban Agriculture and Vertical Farming

Access to fresh and affordable food should exist in every neighborhood. Yet many communities still face limited access to healthy groceries and locally grown produce.

My administration will support innovative food systems by repurposing underused buildings into hubs for indoor vertical farming and sustainable agriculture. These facilities can produce fresh food year round while creating good paying green jobs and workforce development opportunities in emerging agricultural technology.

By combining innovation with community involvement, we can strengthen local food systems, reduce food deserts, and provide healthier options for families across the city.

Climate Resilience

Climate change is already affecting Washington, DC through stronger storms, flooding, and extreme heat. Preparing our neighborhoods for these challenges is essential to protecting residents and city infrastructure.

My administration will invest in resilient infrastructure that protects homes, businesses, and public services while prioritizing communities that face the greatest environmental risks. That includes flood mitigation, heat resilience strategies, and long term planning to ensure the District remains safe and livable for generations to come.

Cleaner Neighborhoods and Public Health

Sustainability also means maintaining clean, healthy neighborhoods. Washington, DC is experiencing a significant increase in rat populations, which creates serious public health concerns and reduces quality of life for residents.

My administration will implement a coordinated citywide response to address the issue. Responsibility for rodent control will shift to the Department of Public Works to ensure stronger accountability and more effective prevention strategies. We will require rat proof trash containers, increase trash collection frequency, expand proven mitigation methods such as dry ice treatment of burrows, and improve data tracking to target problem areas.

Residents will also play a role through programs like the Rat Block Captain initiative, which encourages community participation in keeping neighborhoods clean and reporting problem areas.

Cleaner streets, better waste management, and stronger community engagement will help restore healthier neighborhoods across the District.

The Vision

Sustainability is about building a city that works better for the people who live here. By reducing energy costs, strengthening food systems, improving public health, and investing in resilient infrastructure, DC can become a national model for practical, people focused environmental leadership.

With the right investments today, Washington, DC can build a future that is cleaner, healthier, more affordable, and more resilient for generations to come.

DC Lives Here. Expect More.