Release Date: Jun 5, 2026

National Landing BID Celebrates 20th Anniversary, Unveils New Brand Identity

Leaders, public officials and community members reflect on creating a model for transformative urban redevelopment.

ARLINGTON, VA (June 3, 2026) — The National Landing Business Improvement District (National Landing BID) celebrated 20 years of community-building, placemaking and economic transformation at its 2026 Annual Meeting on May 27, marking two decades of stewarding one of the most dynamic neighborhood transformations in the country. During the evening, the National Landing BID also unveiled a refreshed brand identity designed to reflect National Landing’s continued momentum, lifestyle and future-focused vision. 

The milestone event reflected National Landing’s evolution into a nationally recognized urban community anchored by transit connectivity, mixed-use development, major employers and a growing ecosystem of technology, research and talent.  

Originally established as the Crystal City BID in 2006, the organization has spent the past two decades working alongside public and private partners to help transform Crystal City, Pentagon City and Potomac Yard into the connected urban community now known as National Landing. 

“The amazing place that National Landing is today is the result of years of planning, building and innovating,” said Tracy Sayegh Gabriel, President and CEO of the National Landing BID. “As we celebrate 20 years, we’re reflecting on all that’s been achieved in this gold standard of urban revitalization and looking ahead to what comes next.” 

In remarks, Gabriel reflected on National Landing’s 20-year evolution from a neighborhood facing significant economic headwinds following federal workforce reductions to one of the region’s most successful mixed-use communities. She highlighted how public and private partners came together around a shared vision for a more connected, walkable and people-centered district, leading to transformative investments in housing, transportation, parks, public spaces, retail and placemaking. What began as a response to economic disruption has since evolved into a thriving urban community with nearly a one-to-one ratio of residents to workers, a growing residential population, award-winning public spaces and a nationally recognized innovation ecosystem now home to Amazon HQ2, Virginia Tech and a growing network of companies and institutions shaping the future economy. 

The BID also highlighted the launch of the National Innovation Quarter (National IQ) earlier this year as a defining next step in National Landing’s evolution. The initiative brings together partners across business, government and higher education to strengthen collaboration, drive innovation and position the community as a globally competitive tech hub focused on national competitiveness and emerging industries. 

Throughout the evening, the BID recognized several individuals and organizations whose leadership and partnership have helped shape National Landing’s growth over the past two decades. 

• Kingdon Gould III of Gould Property Company received the President’s Award in recognition of his longstanding support of the BID and his contributions to the community’s continued development and success. 

• Rob Mandle, Deputy Executive Director of the National Landing BID, received the Champion Award for nearly 20 years of leadership, service and dedication to the organization and community. 

• JBG SMITH received the Impact Award for its remarkable vision and intentional investment in National Landing, helping drive the community’s transformation into a nationally recognized center for business, innovation and urban development. 

• The founding partners of National IQ received the Nexus Award for excellence in partnership and innovation following the innovation district’s launch in February 2026. 

During the event, the BID unveiled a refreshed brand identity, designed by DNCO, that includes a new logo, color palette, tagline and hummingbird mascot inspired by the physical shape of the BID’s boundaries, the flights rising from DCA, and what National Landing aspires to be: a place of constant movement, brilliance and everyday moments that stay with you long after. 

“This evening has been about celebrating 20 years of the BID, and the belief and partnerships that carried us here. Now, we’re looking ahead. National Landing is at a rare inflection point,” shared Gabriel. 

“With the physical transformation evident, National Landing needs a brand that stands confidently alongside its commercial and economic narrative while also expressing something distinct — the way this place feels. Our refreshed brand identity reflects why people come to National Landing – opportunity, access, innovation – and why they stay: the feeling of the place itself. Our new brand celebrates National Landing’s walkability, green space, connectivity, events and culture, creativity and human-scale experiences – here is where you find the everyday, unexpected.” 

The BID also looked ahead to projects shaping National Landing’s next era of growth, including the CC2DCA pedestrian bridge, a once-in-a-generation infrastructure project that will create a direct connection between National Landing and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Upon completion, it will become the first pedestrian bridge to link a major airport to a downtown main street with a five-minute walk, creating what Gabriel described as “a walkway to the world.” 

Since its founding, the National Landing BID has advanced initiatives focused on transportation, economic development, public space activation, events, advocacy and quality of life for residents, workers and visitors alike.  As National Landing continues to grow, the BID's focus remains on strengthening connectivity, supporting innovation and creating experiences that reinforce the community’s role as one of the region’s most compelling urban neighborhoods. 

ABOUT NATIONAL LANDING: 

National Landing is an urban community in Arlington, VA, uniting the three neighborhoods of Crystal City, Pentagon City, and Potomac Yard. 

 Here, the region’s rising talent connects with the industries building the future in the National Innovation Quarter (National IQ)—anchored by the Pentagon, Amazon HQ2, and the Virginia Tech Institute for Advanced Computing. 

 Five minutes from Reagan National Airport and ten minutes from Washington, D.C., National Landing offers unparalleled connectivity and leading mobility infrastructure across four Metro stations, VRE access, and miles of protected bike lanes. 

 With a nearly 1:1 employee-to-resident ratio, work and daily life exist side-by-side with ease. Walkable streets lead to global cuisines and shopping. 60 acres of parks and public space invite gathering, from jazz nights to yoga mornings. Murals and modern design bring color to mid-century architecture. In National Landing, innovation and everyday life meet in surprising and meaningful ways.   

 To learn more, visit nationallanding.org and follow @nationallanding. 

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