October 2012: "Councilmember McDuffie Moves Ward 5’s Great Streets Forward"

The first item of Ward 5 Councilmember McDuffie's 02/08/2013 Ward 5 Report centers upon the 01/29/2013 signing by Mayor Gray of the Retail Incentive Amendment Act of 2012, which designated both Rhode Island Avenue NE and North Capitol Street as "Retail Priority Areas." 
                                              
That doesn't provide funding just yet, but -- as CM McDuffie notes -- it is the first step towards securing funding.

See below:

Rhode Island Avenue NE and North Capitol Street Become Retail Priority Areas
On January 29, Mayor Gray signed the ``Retail Incentive Amendment Act of 2012.`` This legislation, introduced by Councilmember McDuffie, designates Rhode Island Avenue NE and North Capitol Street as Retail Priority Areas. This is the first step towards securing funding to support the revitalization of Ward 5`s Great Streets.

``I am pleased that the Mayor has signed this legislation into law,`` said Councilmember McDuffie. ``The Northeast corridor has the potential to become a major urban gateway for the Nation`s Capital. Designating portions of North Capitol Street and Rhode Island Avenue NE as Retail Priority Areas provides an additional tool to spur economic development in Ward 5 and ultimately will help create new jobs for District residents.``

And here is the October 2012 press release from the councilmember where he introduced the bill:

Councilmember McDuffie Moves Ward 5’s Great Streets Forward by Tim Clark