Two years after Congress reorganized the agency with broader and unprecedented roles, NCPPC reported on its exploratory research and forward-looking plans.

A Development of the Plan of Washington section reviewed the administrative and land use developments predating NCPPC. While concluding that planning is a “largely utilitarian and economic,” objective quest, an Economies of Planning section acknowledged multiple interests, including balancing growth, addressing “blighting,” and aesthetic ambition (see McMillan Plan).

“…it is by finding the best solution for the utilitarian and economic needs of the community, and by finding the solution of each problem which most nearly reconciles any conflict between such interests, that the return in improved economical development and in direct savings to the taxpayer is secured with which to pay for the requisite social and ornamental features that go to make the community both prosperous and happy.”

Subsequent sections reported the agency’s planning work, which it categorized as: (a) “Regional planning… (b) City planning within the limits of the District of Columbia…(c) Administrative duties of the old highway commission in regard to the street plan of Washington; and (d) Purchases of property for parks, parkways, and playgrounds” (see 1926 NCPPC Act).

The agency supplemented this high-level volume with additional text and graphic information in Plans and Studies Washington and Vicinity: National Capital Planning Commission Supplementary Technical Data (see weblink). Work of the National Capital Park and Planning Commission (see weblink), prepared for a special session of Congress, also reported complementary information.