OUR ORGANIZATION
In 2003, a broad coalition of Dupont Circle stakeholders gathered together under the leadership of the Dupont Circle Merchants and Professionals Association (DC MAP) to develop a Main Streets program for Dupont Circle.
The Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets (HDCMS) is a volunteer-driven, commercial revitalization organization that serves to educate businesses about government relations, business issues, and historic preservation. It promotes businesses through events, branding, and advertising; and improves the value of commercial building owners through economic enhancement.
HDCMS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Directors who represent the full spectrum of professional and community interests in the Dupont Circle Commercial Corridors. The full Board meets monthly to review the business of the organization. The committees also meet regularly to discuss the progress of their projects. The day-to-day activities of HDCMS are carried out through its committees, made up of active volunteers from all walks of life. The HDCMS board and committee activities are supported by the executive director, who keeps all the parts moving forward.
HDCMS’s financial support comes primarily from grants, contributions, events, and sponsorships. Our largest grant funder is the Department of Small and Local Business Development, launched by the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, which emphasizes strengthening organizations engaged in revitalization activity, promoting and marketing business districts, and improving the physical appearance and economic health of neighborhood business districts.
OUR VISION
HDCMS’ vision for the Dupont Circle commercial district is to create a strong neighborhood identity, distinctive historic character, clean and well-maintained public areas, a safe and attractive environment, and a balance of small, independent businesses and national chains.
OUR MISSION
The mission of Historic Dupont Main Streets is to promote and plan the improvements of the cultural, physical, and economic qualities of Dupont Circle, and maintain those improvements, to make the neighborhood an exemplary place to live, work, and play.
OUR COMMITTEES
The Main Streets model for commercial revitalization uses a committee based Four Point Approach:
DESIGN
PROMOTION
ECONOMIC
ENHANCEMENT
ORGANIZATION
This revitalization approach is active in over 1,600 communities nationwide. The Main Street Four-Pont Approach is a model reliant on a small staff and hundreds of community volunteers who simultaneously work on the four fronts to achieve comprehensive success.
OFFICERS
Mandy Warfield, Chair
Tim Touchette, Vice-Chair
James Gebara, Treasurer
Sue Taylor, Secretary
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Randy Downs, ANC2B
James Gebara, PNC Bank
Rob Halligan, Halligan Projects
Michael Kain, Kain & Associates
Paul London, Washington Sports Clubs
Bill McLeod, Dupont Circle BID
Mark Payne, Dupont Circle Hotel
Susan Taylor, Scientology Church of DC
Tim Touchette, Corporate Housing
Mandy Warfield, Dupont Circle Rotary
Mesha Williams, Resident
BOARD OF ADVISORS
vacant, TD Bank
John Jedzinak, Dupont Circle Conservancy
Paul Kuntzler, Gay Men’s Chorus
Doug Loescher, Civic Strategies
Kathy Luu, SpaLogic
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Robert W. Meins is the interim executive director of Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets and executive director of Woodley Park Main Street. A development economist by training, Robert was the technical lead at two grants programs proving $75 million in grants at the Inter-American Development Bank in DC and the UN's International Fund for Agricultural Development in Rome. He has strong roots in Dupont CIrcle as a multi-year resident at 17th and P and professionally as CEO of Dupont Underground where he led the fight to make the space economically viable and to keep it the Underground heart of Dupont Circle. It is through this effort that Robert was first introduced to HDCMS before joining as a Board member.
