To successfully execute this initiative, Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) must be more than buzzwords for the NoMa BID. These concepts must be the compass that points the way forward. NoMa’s diversity is its greatest strength, and the only way to preserve and fortify that diversity is to invest time,
money, and work in preventing its erosion.

Progress on this initiative in 2025 included:

• Promoting the “top off” celebration for NRP’s all-affordable apartment community at the corner of Florida and Third Streets NE.
• Continuing to work with Diverse Markets Management, which recruits local Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) makers, to manage the NoMa Farmers Market, ensuring vendor diversity.
• Selecting a locally owned operator for the cafe space at Alethia Tanner Park.
• During Black History, Women’s History, and Pride months, spotlighting and celebrating on social media members of the NoMa community who represent these diverse communities.
• Contracting with small, local, queer-owned, woman-owned, and BIPOC-owned vendors for the BID’s equipment and supply needs.
• Celebrating WorldPride 2025 through the CiNoMatic outdoor movie series
• featuring a diverse lineup of films in the theme “Under the Rainbow.”
• Partnering with Red Bear Brewing Co. to host the NoMa Pride Block Party.
• Partnering with the cultural non-profit Capital House Music Festival to host its signature festival and kickoff to Black Pride at Alethia Tanner Park.
• Continuing the tradition of selecting a diverse group of local artists to paint in NoMa’s signature mural festival, NoMa in Color.
• Sponsoring the Home Rule Festival at Alethia Tanner Park in October 2025, bringing thousands of people together for a free concert celebrating DC’s musical legacy with an emphasis on jazz, soul, and go-go performances.
• Partnering with the non-profit District Coalition to bring the Latin-American musical genre and dance tradition of cumbia to Swampoodle Terrace for a neighborhood concert and activation.
• Securing a grant from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities to install an iconic sculpture at Mamie “Peanut” Johnson Plaza to honor the trailblazing legend for whom the space is named.Gallery.
• Centering diversity, equity, and inclusion in recruitment efforts for both staff and the NoMa BID Board of Directors.
• Offering a 401K retirement plan, with guaranteed employer contributions and a 401K loan program to enable BID staff to meet financial needs.
• Successfully managing a volunteer program with DC Courts to enable misdemeanor offenders to fulfill and complete community service requirements.

Targeted work on this initiative for 2026 will include:

• Continued partnership with the Capital House Music Festival to plan the return of its signature festival and kickoff event to Black Pride at Alethia Tanner Park.
• Growing partnerships with DC Home Rule Festival to host the third annual event at Alethia Tanner Park.
• Ensuring all NoMa BID-hosted events appeal to a diverse and broad audience and offer programming that reflects the community.
• Hosting “muralist trainings” to encourage emerging artists who have never painted large-scale works to apply and participate in the NoMa in Color Mural Festival.
• Launching a campaign to welcome new residents living in the two new affordable housing communities to NoMa.
• Creating a volunteer program to provide NoMa residents and workers with opportunities to give back to their community.