Is Growth Always Good? A Conversation with D.C.'s Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development

John Falcicchio smiles in front of the Black Lives Matter mural and plaza in Washington, D.C. which was commissioned by Mayor Muriel Bowser.

Episode Details:

How do you balance growth with equity and cultural preservation in a place like Washington, D.C.? These are questions Tahira Hayes asked John Falcicchio, D.C.'s Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. They also discussed life in D.C. before, during and after the pandemic; the genesis of the Black Lives Matter street mural leading to the White House; D.C. statehood and the vibrant culture that makes D.C. unlike any other place in the country.

Featured Guest:

John Falcicchio serves as the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. Mr. Falcicchio has also served as the Mayor’s Chief of Staff since the start of her Administration after volunteering as a campaign advisor and director of Mayor-elect Bowser’s transition. Mr. Falcicchio previously served as a Senior Vice President of DKC, a New York based public relations firm; as a Regional Political Director for the Democratic National Committee during the re-election of President Obama; and as a long-time aide to former Mayor Adrian Fenty.

As Deputy Mayor, Mr. Falcicchio oversees the District’s portfolio of real estate development projects that drive economic development in communities and deliver affordable housing, jobs and amenities to residents. Those projects include the transformative developments at the St Elizabeth’s East Campus, the Parks at Walter Reed and Hill East as well as dozens of other projects across all eight Wards.