Rita Abou Samra is an urban planner at D.C. Office of Planning, working on agency and interagency efforts related to building massing and public realm and streetscape design, activation, and permitting. She supports recovery efforts around Washington, D.C., including the Downtown DC Public Realm Plan. Previously, Samra was involved in the Streatery Program for public space and economic recovery during the COVID-19 public health emergency. She is the Office of Planning representative on the city’s Pedestrian Advisory Council and co-leads its Racial Equity Working Group.