DC Is Charging Thousands for Outdoor Dining. Is This a Good Idea?

About this episode

The episode discusses the implications of Washington DC charging restaurants for outdoor dining areas established during Covid-19.

Washington DC is charging restaurants thousands of dollars to keep their streateries — outdoor dining areas built during Covid-19. Are these fees fair compensation for public space, or will they kill the local businesses they were meant to save? Guest host Norm Van Eeden Petersman dives into this question with Carlee Alm-LaBar, a former city official who helped bring streateries to her own city. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES "After five years, D.C. streateries hit with higher costs and more rules" by By Tim Carman and Rachel Weiner, The Washington Post (November 2025) Norm Van Eeden Petersman (LinkedIn) Theme Music by Kemet the Phantom. This podcast is made possible by Strong Towns members. Click here to learn more about membership.

People in this episode

Host: Norm Van Eeden Petersman

Guest: Carlee Alm-LaBar

Topics covered

• outdoor dining
• restaurant fees
• public space
• local businesses
• Covid-19
• city regulations

Keywords

• outdoor dining
• Washington DC
• restaurant fees
• streateries
• local businesses
• Covid-19
• public space

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Strong Towns, The Washington Post

Books & works: After five years, D.C. streateries hit with higher costs and more rules

Places: Washington DC

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