🏛️ A Georgia congressman wants to redraw D.C.’s borders by adding Arlington and Alexandria back into the nation’s capital, a proposal he says would “make D.C. square again.”

🏗️ City leaders are looking at a long-term plan for the Mathis site that could bring parks, housing, shops and a more walkable neighborhood feel near downtown.

🍽️ One Loudoun’s expansion is starting to take shape, and several new restaurants are moving closer to opening.

Scroll down and enjoy!

—Chris Colgan

Travel the world in a single day as dozens of embassies open their doors with cultural performances, food tastings, music, and interactive experiences representing countries across the globe.
📍 Location: Various embassies, Washington, DC
📅 Date: May 2 | 9:30 AM – 5 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
MORE INFO→

Sip and sample your way through 60+ beers and 40 bourbons while enjoying barbecue, live entertainment, and a lively outdoor festival atmosphere with VIP experiences available.
📍 Location: Prince William County Fairgrounds, Manassas
📅 Date: May 2 | 2–6 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Starting at $39
MORE INFO→

A neighborhood-wide music festival featuring around 100 live performances across porches, patios, and public spaces, turning Adams Morgan into one big outdoor concert.
📍 Location: Adams Morgan, Washington, DC
📅 Date: May 2 | 2–6 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
MORE INFO→

NOT ENOUGH? SEE 10+ GREAT THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND→

Driving the news: A new proposal from Georgia Congressman Rick McCormick would redraw Washington, D.C.’s footprint by adding Arlington and Alexandria back into the nation’s capital.

McCormick is calling the plan the “Make D.C. Square Again Act,” arguing the two Northern Virginia jurisdictions were originally meant to be part of D.C.

Details:

The big picture: The idea comes as Virginia is already dealing with a redistricting fight.

A judge recently blocked the state from certifying special election results tied to that effort, saying the referendum and the bill behind it were unconstitutional.

Between the lines: The proposal is likely to face major legal and political hurdles.

Arlington and Alexandria are independent Virginia jurisdictions, and moving them into D.C. would raise big questions about state authority, local approval, and congressional support.

What’s next: Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones said his office plans to appeal the judge’s decision blocking certification in the redistricting case.

McCormick’s D.C. proposal, meanwhile, will need backing from lawmakers before it can move forward.

The bottom line: McCormick’s plan is a bold political pitch, but for now, it appears to be more of a debate starter than a plan with a clear path ahead.

KNOW MORE→

Driving the news: City officials presented a final master plan Monday for redeveloping the 14.9-acre shopping center site between Mathis Avenue, Sudley Road and Portner Avenue.

Details: The city bought the property in 2024 for $16 million and says the plan is meant to guide future development, not lock in a final design.

Why it matters: The plan could give Manassas more public green space, new housing options and a stronger gateway near downtown while helping buffer nearby neighborhoods from new development.

The big picture: City leaders want the site to feel like a connected neighborhood, not a group of separate buildings.

Councilmember Tom Osina said the goal is to create “livable spaces” that can serve residents now and in the years ahead.

Between the lines: The open-space plan also addresses a long-running concern from nearby townhome residents by removing rear service access once redevelopment moves forward.

What’s next: The city will still need to work through phasing, future rezoning and design standards before construction plans are set.

Officials also said economic development staff should help businesses that may need to relocate.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS→

Driving the news: The fences around One Loudoun’s new expansion area came down after the new Arhaus furniture store officially opened, giving a clearer look at several restaurants on the way.

Details:

Why it matters: The new restaurants and shops will give Loudoun residents more places to eat, shop and gather close to home, while adding more energy to one of the county’s busiest mixed-use centers.

The big picture: One Loudoun is building out a new block of businesses on its north side, adding more national brands and dining options to a center that already draws shoppers, workers and families from across the area.

Between the lines: Tatté and Van Leeuwen look closer to opening than Bartaco. That means residents may get a bakery-cafe and ice cream shop before the larger restaurant space is ready.

What’s next: Watch for buildout progress, hiring notices and opening announcements from the incoming restaurants and retailers.

The bottom line: One Loudoun’s expansion is moving from plans to visible progress, with new dining, shopping and public gathering space taking shape.

DIVE INTO THE PROJECT→

Reply and let me know what you liked the most and what you’d like to see in next week’s newsletter. See ya!