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2021 DowntownDC Momentum Awards

March 17, 2022 to March 24, 2022

The DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) is thrilled to announce its 2021 Momentum Awards winners, which celebrate the visionaries who made significant contributions to maintaining DowntownDC’s vibrancy and proved their resiliency in the face of a challenging year.

Usually revealed toward the end of the calendar year, the 2021 awards and corresponding celebration event were put on hold due to the rise of the COVID-19 Omicron variant. With the variant on the decline and larger gatherings once again possible, the BID will honor the 2021 winners on March 24, 2022, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.

"The Momentum Awards have been a BID tradition since 2001, an opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate those who have made important contributions to the neighborhood," said Acting President and CEO Gerren Price. "The 2020 awards event was virtual. This year we believe it's vital to gather in person, which is why event slogan is 'Together Again.'"

Limited tickets are available for the public to attend the ceremony. The celebration will kick off at 5:30 PM; business attire is required.
 
2021 Momentum Award Winners
 
DowntownDC Visionary of the Year Award
Mayor Muriel Bowser / District of Columbia and Dr. LaQuandra S. Nesbitt / D.C. Health — For the initiative, leadership, and grit they demonstrated by incorporating and standing behind science and data-based guidance to protect the health and safety of DC residents, businesses and employees during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
 
The Visionary of the Year Award is a special award only given in years when an individual(s) or businesses are recognized for their work and leadership that goes above and beyond the norm. The DowntownDC BID is honored to present this award to Mayor Bowser and Dr. Nesbitt for their steadfastness and strength during an unprecedented time in our nation’s capital and the city’s downtown neighborhood.
 
DowntownDC Person of the Year

Kathy Hollinger / Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington — For her strong leadership in developing a comprehensive road map for restaurant and foodservice industry recovery throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
DowntownDC Private Sector Person of the Year
Shantelle George / Macy's — For her demonstration of strong community consciousness by initiating various philanthropic programs, including hosting a professional clothing workshop for returning citizens and supporting the DowntownDC Foundation’s homeless services efforts.
 
DowntownDC Public Sector Person of the Year
Deputy Mayor Chris Geldart / Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice — For his leadership and initiative in protecting the health of District residents during the COVID-19 pandemic by locating testing centers throughout the city, as well as leading efforts to establish a temporary hospital in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
 
DowntownDC Partnership of the Year

Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc. — For its community commitment through ongoing partnership and support of the DowntownDC Foundation and Downtown Day Services Center.
 
DowntownDC Landmark Development Project of the Year
Mayor Muriel Bowser, National Mall and Memorial Parks, Department of General Services, Department of Parks and Recreation, National Park Service — For their demonstrated partnership and commitment to the renovation and restoration of Franklin Park, DowntownDC’s largest green space, which celebrated its reopening on September 24, 2021. 
 
DowntownDC Sustainability Award
Brookfield Properties — For its development at 650 Massachusetts Avenue NW, consistently high sustainability ratings, certification achievements including a recent LEED recertification, as well as the prioritization of occupants’ health, wellness, and safety during the pandemic and beyond. This is a new category for the Momentum Awards. 
 
DowntownDC Downtown Detail Award

World War One Centennial Commission — For the World War I Memorial at Pershing Park, on Pennsylvania Avenue NW, which serves as a beautiful dedication to the heroism and sacrifice of Americans.
 
DowntownDC Experience of the Year Award
The DowntownDC Experience of the Year Award is up for public vote. What event, entity, or experience in 2021 made DowntownDC #SoMuchMore? The nominees are:

  • DowntownDC On Wheels
  • The Yurt Village at Fiola
  • FitDC at Black Lives Matter Plaza
  • 2021 Downtown Holiday Market
  • “Equilateral Network: An Artistic Social Distancing Artwork,” by Lisa Marie Thalhammer

The deadline to cast your vote is 5:00 PM, Wednesday, March 23, 2022. The winner will be announced at the Momentum Awards ceremony.