GCP: Then & Now
/By Nan Bell
Many Burleith residents are aware of past events that have shaped their everyday lives. For newer neighbors, however, certain historical aspects might be less familiar. This article aims to provide an update on the Georgetown Community Partnership (GCP) and offer a brief review of its origins.
The Genesis of the Partnership
Around 2008–2009, three neighborhoods bordering Georgetown University—Georgetown, Burleith, and Foxhall—began to voice concerns about the increasing number of students living off-campus in group houses. This dissatisfaction was exacerbated by a significant surge in overall student enrollment at Georgetown University. Since 2000, undergraduate enrollment had grown by 50%, and graduate student numbers had doubled. Consequently, the number of off-campus group houses rose from 175 to 240. In Burleith, for instance, nearly one-third of its approximately 535 homes were student rentals. The proposed 2010 Georgetown University Campus Plan at the time suggested further increases: 659 more traditional undergraduates and nearly 2,000 additional graduate students.
These growing numbers led to quality-of-life issues for residents. Noise problems became pervasive, prompting a few residents to move out. Nightly disruptions from parties, increased trash, and a shortage of available parking for residents became common occurrences. In response, neighbors organized protests, held meetings, and sent letters to university leaders, threatening protests at the Office of Planning hearings for the Campus Plan. Critically, the Office of Planning recommended that Georgetown University be required to house most of its undergraduate students on campus or within a reasonable timeframe outside the 20007 zip code. Neighborhood leaders also secured support from their elected officials, underscoring that the diminished quality of life was the central issue.
From Acrimony to Agreement
Formal discussions finally commenced when a moderator was hired to facilitate conversations among community, university, and student leaders. While initially contentious, these talks saw the participants become more willing to listen and identify areas for mutually agreeable improvements. This ultimately led to the approval of the 2010 Campus Plan, a five-year plan. Remarkably, the Partnership later agreed to and approved an unprecedented 20-year Campus Plan for 2017–2036. This long-term commitment led to the formation of the Georgetown Community Partnership (GCP), which was designed to provide thoughtful recommendations and guidance over the long term.
The GCP Today
The GCP Steering Committee comprises community, university, and student leaders, with MedStar Georgetown University Hospital serving as an ex-officio member. Representatives are drawn from Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs), community civic associations, and elected student leaders. In addition, four specialized Working Groups address specific areas: Safety and Student Life; Environmental and Landlord Issues; Transportation and Parking; and Metrics and Data. The Steering Committee meets quarterly, while the Working Groups convene monthly. Those interested in participating in these important Working Groups should contact the Burleith Citizens Association.
This structured collaboration has consistently fostered constructive discussions and provides ongoing mechanisms for resolving emerging issues. As a result, the quality of life in the surrounding neighborhoods has improved significantly, although challenges persist. Georgetown University is now an integrated, student-centric living/learning campus, housing 90% of its undergraduates on campus, with plans to house an additional 244 by the fall of 2025. In addition to being a local success, this model has gained national attention as a constructive approach to addressing town-gown issues.