On January 3, Mayor Bowser, Deputy Mayor Kenner, and Councilmembers Trayon White and Kenyan McDuffie broke ground on Good Food Markets, delivering job opportunities and fresh food options to the Bellevue community in Ward 8. Through the Neighborhood Prosperity Fund, an initiative launched by Mayor Bowser, South Capitol Improvement LLC received an $880,000 grant to support the buildout for a grocer tenant as part of the 225,000 square-foot development that includes 195 units of affordable housing and 5,500 square-feet of community commercial space.
“Despite the challenges of grocery retail, your zicode should not determine what you get to eat," said Philip Sambol, Good Food Markets representative.
Good Food Markets is a mission-driven grocery redefining what is possible in food deserts. Their experienced retail team creates a full-service grocery selection in a fraction of the space, while also paying a living wage and offering educational opportunities in the community.
The Neighborhood Prosperity Fund, administered by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), supports mixed-use, real estate, or retail development projects in targeted census tracts where unemployment is at 10 percent or higher. The grants provide necessary gap funding for the commercial component of development projects and will help create job opportunities and new food options in Wards 7 and 8.
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 Mayor Muriel Bowser, Deputy Mayor Brian Kenner, Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White, Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, developers, and community members officially break ground on Good Food Markets in the Bellevue community.
On January 15, during her Second Term Outlook Address, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a series of organizational changes within DC Government, including the establishment of the Office for East of the River Coordination, the Office of the Deputy Mayor of Operations and Infrastructure, a Thrive by Five Coordinating Council, Mayor’s Office of Policy, and an office focused on internal services within the Office of the City Administrator.
“In term two, we’re doubling down on our efforts to make DC Government work better for DC residents,” said Mayor Bowser. “We have some tough challenges ahead and the decisions we make as a community over the next four years will shape the future of DC for years to come. Let’s work together, bring more people to the table, and continue the work of giving every Washingtonian the fair shot they deserve.”
The Office of East of the River Coordination will be led by an executive director who will report to the City Administrator. The office will be responsible for elevating the work and progress begun by the Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity.
The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Operations and Infrastructure will ensure there is a sustained focus on maintaining, strengthening, and investing in the District’s infrastructure (built and natural environment) and the delivery of high-quality core government services for existing and new residents and businesses. The Office’s portfolio will include the Department of Transportation, the Department of Public Works, the Department of For-Hire Vehicles, the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, the Department of Energy and the Environment, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and the Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking.
Internal Services will oversee those agencies that provide services directly to District government and will be led by a senior administration official. Agencies in this cluster will include: the Department of General Services, the Office of the Chief Technology Officer, the Office of Contracting and Procurement, the Department of Human Resources, the Office of Risk Management, and the Office of Disability Rights, and the Office of Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining.
Mayor’s Office of Policy will be responsible for generating the fresh ideas that allow us to better serve our residents, create forward-thinking change, and support a city that is as innovative as it historic. This office will be located in the Executive Office of the Mayor.
The Thrive by Five Coordinating Council will be responsible for driving progress on initiatives that improve outcomes for mothers and babies in the District. The Council will be led by and executive director and report to the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services.
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On January 31, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Brian Kenner hosted DC Econ UNPLUGGED, an event connecting DC residents to the people and programs that make DC’s economic development work.
The event was hosted by WKYS radio personality Angie Ange and included live performances from Crush Funk Brass Band, Laura Tsaggaris, the Hung Tao Choy Mei Dancers and DJ Stylus. Bowser Administration economic development leaders were also on hand with their agencies to answer questions from residents and share resources!
DC Econ UNPLUGGED also featured panel discussions on hot topics such as the DC's thriving nightlife industry and the vibrant local creative and fashion scenes. “DC Makers” such as small businesses, artists and entrepreneurs as well as partner organizations working in the DC economic development space were also part of the event.
"DC Econ Unplugged allowed us to connect our residents and small business owners to key programs and services while showcasing the excitement and vibrancy that makes DC a world-class city," said Deputy Mayor Kenner.
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On January 30, Ballard Spahr joined the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development's Revenue Bond Team for a discussion on the role of Bond Counsel and the opportunities that may exist for CBE lawyers to be qualified to act as bond counsel in connection with revenue bond financings in the District of Columbia. Topics included an overview of the DC Revenue Bond Program, federal and District tax and securities laws, and the process for CBE law firms to become eligible to provide bond counsel services.
"Breaking down barriers and connecting small businesses to economic opportunity was the driving force for hosting the CBE Bond Counsel Forum,” said Will Liggins, Director of the Revenue Bond Program. “The DC Revenue Bond program plays a vital role in the economic growth of our city and it is important that we continue to educate the community about this economic development tool."
On January 28, Mayor Bowser and Deputy Mayor Kenner joined Washington, DC’s top 100 employers to discuss strategies for protecting and building the District’s economy as well as ensuring employers are hiring District residents. At the event, the Bowser Administration released the Employer Engagement 100 (EE100) report, which summarizes the Administration’s year-long dialogue with an initial collection of Washington, DC’s largest, fastest-growing, and most innovative employers. The report provides next steps for
addressing key topics such as workforce development, transportation, housing, and staying resilient during unforeseen circumstances.
“During the unprecedented 35-day federal government shutdown, we saw just how resilient DC is during uncertain times, but we also saw how important it is to continue innovating and diversifying our economy,” said Mayor Bowser. “As we stay focused on making DC’s prosperity more inclusive and creating DC jobs for DC residents, we need to be sure we’re working hand in hand with our top employers to understand their challenges and successes.”
In 2018, DMPED with support from the Washington DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP), launched the Employer Engagement 100 pilot program to learn more about how to address issues that impact the city’s economy. With assistance from the District’s Department of Employment Services (DOES) and the Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), DMPED met with 104 companies to better understand the opportunities and challenges employers face; share Mayor Bowser’s priorities for inclusive prosperity and economic growth; and discuss ways the District can support them. As a result, DMPED will develop a new EE100 public-private working group to better align the program’s efforts with employer’s needs.
The Employer Engagement Kickoff Reception included a series of moderated “rapid-fire” discussions, focused on key industries and their contribution to the District’s economy. Doug Fruehling, Editor-In-Chief of the Washington Business Journal served as panel moderator.
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