Washington is a city of contrasts between a world of power, wealth, law and government and a city of poverty, crime and powerlessness. Until recently, Washington led the nation in homicides per capita. No industry is allowed to locate within the District, and the federal government is by far the largest employer. A city of parks, monuments and museums, Washington has more trees and less pollution than most large cities. It has an excellent public transportation system of buses and light rail, by which most cultural events are accessible.
Bicycles are also a convenient way to access the city.
The D.C. MVS unit expanded to two houses in 1993, and the number of workers averages between 12 and 15. The MVS houses are located in the Tubman neighborhood of Columbia Heights , in the northwest quadrant of the District. The predominantly African-American neighborhood is comprised of middle to lower income renters and a few home owners. Nearby is a small but highly concentrated Hispanic section of the city. The neighborhood is primarily residential and shows the affects of poverty and crime.