Southwest DC is rapidly growing with the completion of District Wharf’s final phase, WMATA’s new headquarters, and expanded housing. However, workers in entertainment and hospitality face challenges like earning 30% below the area median income and dealing with unreliable transportation for early or late shifts. A Transportation Needs Assessment by DC MID and Cityfi found issues with WMATA services, parking, and safety for female night workers. Despite programs like WMATA’s After-Hours, awareness is low, and last-mile gaps remain, presenting opportunities for mobility solutions to support a more inclusive economy.

Since October 2023, the Mobility Innovation District (MID) has run DC’s first e-bike lending library, funded by the DC Department of Energy and Environment. A Georgetown University study found participants engaged enthusiastically and wanted the program to continue. However, scaling the initiative will require improvements in logistics, outreach, and funding. As a key MID program, the e-bike library addresses transportation gaps in Southwest DC, with the study offering insights on refining it for potential citywide expansion.