Barry Miller was hired by the District of Columbia to manage the update of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital, a complex, high-profile effort that required his full-time relocation to Washington, DC from 2002 to 2006.

The update began with a year-long, citywide visioning process that engaged thousands of residents and stakeholders. Following extensive outreach—including a Mayoral Summit attended by 4,000 participants—the District published A Vision for Growing an Inclusive City. As co-author, Barry translated research by America’s top urban thought-leaders into a clear, accessible framework addressing Washington’s long-term challenges and opportunities. The vision established a goal of reversing population decline by adding 100,000 residents over 20 years—a milestone achieved a decade early.

The Comprehensive Plan update launched in 2004 and was completed in two years. The adopted Plan consists of three volumes covering citywide elements, ten geographic area elements, and implementation strategies. It included new land use and policy maps, with more than 800 amendments to the prior land use diagram. The process incorporated extensive input from the City’s 39 Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, a 24-member Citizens Task Force, and the general public; the project website received over two million visits.

Barry managed a multidisciplinary team of staff planners and consultants, served as the Plan’s primary author and manager, and presented regularly to the DC Council and community groups. The Plan received multiple planning awards for vision and excellence.