Joseph Schmitt
Candidate for Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, ANC 1A, SMD 1A03
Background
A Columbia Heights resident for more than seven years, running for the ANC for the first time.
Documented positions
Housing
Supports replacing a condemned building in his SMD with housing
He wrote that his SMD is already among D.C.'s densest and that he fully supports about 196 units underway or proposed there, but sees no need to push for more beyond that building and an underused church parking lot.
ReportGreater Greater Washington 2026 ANC candidate questionnaire: Joseph Schmitt (SMD 1A03) (PDF)Candidate questionnaire · Greater Greater Washington · ggwash.org
“there is a condemned building in my SMD that needs to be torn down and rebuilt with new housing”
Economy & jobs
Supports filling vacant Irving Street storefronts with new businesses
He named vacant storefronts on Irving Street (the former Lou's, Wawa, Five Below and CVS) as the neighborhood's biggest issue and would reach out to owners.
ReportGreater Greater Washington 2026 ANC candidate questionnaire: Joseph Schmitt (SMD 1A03) (PDF)Candidate questionnaire · Greater Greater Washington · ggwash.org
“I want new businesses in there, preferably shops or restaurants.”
Roads & infrastructure
Supports dedicated bus lanes and protected bike lanes
He also wrote that residents should be able to keep cars if they want them, and described himself as undecided, with cautious support, on congestion pricing.
ReportGreater Greater Washington 2026 ANC candidate questionnaire: Joseph Schmitt (SMD 1A03) (PDF)Candidate questionnaire · Greater Greater Washington · ggwash.org
“I support dedicated bus lanes and protected bike lanes even though I don't often ride the bus and don't own a bike.”
Supports permitting robotaxis in D.C. sooner rather than later
ReportGreater Greater Washington 2026 ANC candidate questionnaire: Joseph Schmitt (SMD 1A03) (PDF)Candidate questionnaire · Greater Greater Washington · ggwash.org
“I'm in favor of robotaxis. There are certainly questions on how to best implement them, but I'd rather they be permitted sooner rather than later.”
All sources (3)
- Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) Candidates in Ballot Order, November 3, 2026 General Election
Election filing · District of Columbia Board of Elections · dcboe.org
- 2026 General Election: certified sample ballots and candidate lists (all wards and ANCs)
Election filing · District of Columbia Board of Elections · dcboe.org
- Greater Greater Washington 2026 ANC candidate questionnaire: Joseph Schmitt (SMD 1A03) (PDF)
Candidate questionnaire · Greater Greater Washington · ggwash.org
Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.