Press Release: New Waterways Advisory Commission

District Announces Appointment of Commissioners to New Waterways Advisory Commission and Launch of Commission Meetings 

WASHINGTON, DC, March 9, 2026 — The District of Columbia’s Office of District Waterways Management announces the appointment of Commissioners to the newly established District Waterways Advisory Commission, a major step in protecting and enhancing the future of the District’s waterways. The Commission will hold its inaugural meeting on March 19, 2026, beginning a collaborative process to develop the District Waterways Advisory Plan. 
 

“The District Waterways Advisory Commission will build on the legacy of collaboration between local and federal agencies along with resident stakeholders to realize the full potential of the District’s waterways,” said Richard Jackon, Director of the District’s Department of Energy and Environment. “Decades of collaborative work to restore and protect these resources have brought residents and visitors back to the District’s shoreline in vibrant new waterfront neighborhoods and serene natural areas. I’m excited for the Commission to get to work in creating a strategic vision to ensure a waterfront that is accessible to all.” 

 

About the Commission 
The District Waterways Advisory Commission was established to provide strategic guidance and recommendations for improving the management, accessibility, safety, and sustainability of Washington Channel, the Anacostia and Potomac rivers, and adjacent land. The Commission brings together users of the waterways, community organizers, environmental advocates, businesses representatives, and local and federal government agencies. The Commission will develop and adopt a District Waterways Advisory Plan which will focus on: 

• Equity and Access: Expanding safe, affordable, and inclusive opportunities for all residents and visitors to enjoy the waterways. 

• Environmental Stewardship: Advancing restoration and climate resilience efforts to protect natural assets. 

• Safety and Security: Addressing public safety and infrastructure needs as waterfront activity grows. 

• Economic Development: Identifying new opportunities for improved transportation links and commercial activation.  

• Governance and Coordination: Improving regional coordination and clarifying roles across agencies and jurisdictions. 

 

Commissioners Appointed 
The newly appointed Commissioners represent a diverse range of perspectives, with deep expertise across the fields of environmental policy, public safety, recreation, and economic development. Their collective experience will guide the development of actionable recommendations that balance conservation needs with activation of the District’s waterfront spaces. 

The Commission’s first meeting, scheduled for March 19, 2026, will set priorities for the year and outline a roadmap for stakeholder engagement and plan development. All Waterways Commission meetings are open to the public. Additionally, residents and community groups will have opportunities to participate in future engagement sessions to ensure the plan reflects the voices of all District communities. For more information on Commission meetings and opportunities to engage please visit engage.dc.gov/districtwaterwaysadvisoryplan. 

 

Commission Seat	Commissioner	Organization
Mayoral Appointed Voting Members
Chairperson	Darryl Madden	Former Director of Emergency Preparedness, FEMA
Athletics and Recreation	Jorge Galindo	Anacostia Community Boathouse
Economic Development or Tourism	Thomas Skinner	Redbrick LMD
Environmental Stewardship	Trey Sherard	Anacostia Riverkeeper
Maritime Management or Policy	Melissa Bird	Former Associate Director, District of Columbia Office of Planning
Maritime Transportation	Nate Handy	City Cruises
Public safety	Diane Groomes	District Wharf Properties
Council Appointed Voting Members
Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC)	Ebony Payne	ANC 7D05
Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC)	Robin McKinney	ANC 8A06
Business Improvement District (BID)	Ted Jutras	Navy Yard BID
Business Improvement District (BID)	Kristina Noell	Anacostia BID
Marina / Yacht Club Representative	Jason Kopp	Gangplank Slipholders Association
Marina / Yacht Club Representative	Tim Johnson	Washington Canoe Club
Expert in Waterway Management	Rachel Clark	R Clark Consulting

 

This launch builds on the significant investments made by the Bowser Administration to strengthen environmental resilience, expand public access, and modernize critical infrastructure along the Anacostia and Potomac rivers. Since 2015, the District has invested more than $100 million in environmental sustainability, waterfront infrastructure, and river restoration, demonstrating the administration’s focus on delivering measurable results for DC residents.