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Anacostia BID Comes Under Fire for Lackluster Effort

July 9, 2025

The Anacostia Business Improvement District (BID) is facing criticism from some local entrepreneurs who believe more coordinated efforts are needed to support businesses in this Southeast Washington neighborhood. While some business owners praise Executive Director Kristina Noell's work on beautification and arts infrastructure, others like Ronald Moten and Andy Shallal express concerns about insufficient coordination with businesses and inadequate marketing to increase foot traffic. The situation is complicated by the District's financial challenges, including budget deficits and reduced federal funding.

Who is affected

  • Business owners in Anacostia, including Ronald Moten (Go-Go Museum & Café), Andy Shallal (Busboys & Poets), Daniel Nguyen (Good Hope Hydroponics), and Stephen Thomas (Sweet Tooth Café & Cakes)
  • Residents of the Anacostia neighborhood
  • Visitors to the Anacostia area
  • The Anacostia Business Improvement District and its leadership
  • The broader District of Columbia community facing budget cuts

What action is being taken

  • The Anacostia BID is currently focusing on arts infrastructure projects, including creating murals that highlight local history
  • The BID is working with Destination DC on a program to include Anacostia as a recommended place for tourists to visit
  • The BID is providing information and support to some local businesses, as noted by Stephen Thomas
  • The BID is addressing traffic control issues in the area
  • Some business owners are advocating for strategy changes to increase foot traffic

Why it matters

  • Anacostia is the only neighborhood east of the Anacostia River with a Business Improvement District
  • The District faces financial challenges with budget deficits and reduced federal funding, making economic development in areas like Anacostia more crucial
  • According to Moten, there is a two-year window to "get this right" before economic activity and investment in Anacostia could disappear
  • Increased foot traffic and coordinated business promotion could help local entrepreneurs prosper in a challenging economic environment
  • Changing Anacostia's image could attract more visitors and customers to the area

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article, though Moten mentions hoping to meet with Noell soon to improve coordination.

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer