The North of Massachusetts Avenue (NoMa) area has a population of 5,600 of which 90% is African-American. The average income per household is US $ 23,396, which is well below the citywide median of US $ 30,727 with 24% of the residents earning the poverty-level income. Nearly 50% of the households in the target area do not own an automobile, thus making the increased availability of transit very important for increasing economic opportunity. The area was previously a thriving industrial, business and distribution centre but over the years deteriorated and was characterized by abandoned buildings, vacant land and a blighted cityscape.

In 1998, as part of the city's strategic economic development planning process, the DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) organized a NoMa development strategy. Working closely with the community and the private sector the plan recommended the creation of the New York Avenue Metro station as the catalyst for developing NoMa as a magnet for technology and media businesses, jobs and housing. Action 29 - New York Avenue Metro Station Corporation is a non-profit organization responsible for coordinating the private sector role in building the new Metrorail Station.

The key objective of the initiative was to promote sustainable, transit-oriented, mixed-use economic and community development that would promote investment, create jobs, attract and expand businesses, raise incomes, reduce poverty, stabilize and improve housing and neighbourhoods. The main strategy was to develop three key industry networks: media/publications, information technology/telecommunications and the entertainment industry in the NoMa area.

A feasibility study funded by the DC DHCD was used to mobilise finances to construct the station. Major private property owners in the areas, the DC government and the US government provided financial support. This commitment to construct a new transit station and promote neighborhood economic activity has already provided the impetus for large-scale employers to locate or expand in the area, spurring major development activities including the Washington Gateway, the BET Technology Park, the Union Station Telecom Center, and the McKinley High School technology campus. In addition, community improvements such as new streets and streetscape design, new and renovated housing, a bicycle and pedestrian trail, retail stores and other small business opportunities, and education and job training are all part of this creative partnership. This initiative serves as a model for creating liveable neighbourhoods through public - private partnership and infrastructure development and is just one example of a significant trend in North America, Europe and other regions to concentrate housing and commercial development around access to public transportation. This practice will lead eventually to a highly efficient and a more sustainable urban environment.