Fall Edition 2024
Dear Customers, Colleagues, and Friends,
The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) is actively engaged in the work of Fiscal Year 2025. On October 1, Mayor Muriel Bowser highlighted the key investments included in her Fiscal Year 2025 Fair Shot budget. This budget represents strategic investments to drive economic growth, with a focus on catalytic investments, public safety, education, and revitalizing Downtown. Please see more details in the New Fiscal Year Updates section below to learn how DLCP supports these initiatives.
As we move through fall, it's a time for analyzing what's working, what isn't, and adjusting strategies to ensure continued improvement.
Thank you for continuing to trust DLCP with your business ventures. We look forward to achieving great things together in the months ahead.
Best regards,
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 Tiffany Crowe
Director
Effective October 1, 2024, DLCP has implemented several significant legislative initiatives as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. These updates aim to streamline operations for local businesses, provide financial relief, and foster entrepreneurship in key areas of the city.
From adjusting Clean Hands requirements to implementing new grant programs, these changes are designed to create a more business-friendly environment in DC.
Here's a summary of the key changes and what they mean for businesses in the District.
1. Changes the Clean Hands Requirements: Effective October 1st, the "clean hands" debt limit threshold for businesses obtaining most licenses or permits will increase from $100 to $1,000. This means businesses can owe up to $1,000 in District taxes, fines, or interest and still meet the "clean hands" requirement. However, this increase doesn't apply to DMV-related debts, such as parking fines, where the threshold remains at $100.
2. Moving Forward on the BEST Act: The Business and Entrepreneurship Support to Thrive (BEST) Act which was funded effective October 1st, allows DLCP to streamline the business licensing categories and to reduce the business license fees. Look for updates about this implementation throughout the year.
Here’s a highlight of some of those changes:
- Making it easier to get a business license by cutting down the number of license types from over 100 to just 10
- Making licenses cheaper: $99 for 2 years or $49 for 6 months. Businesses that make less than $10,000 a year may not have to pay at all
- Setting up a fair system for license renewals where businesses that make more money pay more
- Reducing rules to make the licensing process clearer and simpler; and
- Giving DLCP more freedom to change rules when needed to help DC's growing business community
3. New Grant Programs for Businesses, Including Chinatown:
The Fiscal Year 2025 Budget establishes a new Chinatown Long-Term Lease Grant Program for eligible businesses and property owners, starting October 1, 2024. This program is established by the Office of Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED). Businesses must be in good standing with DLCP, the District's Office of Tax and Revenue, and the IRS to qualify. Grants will support rent payments and other expenses for Chinatown businesses, boosting the local economy.
On Thursday, October 17, the Committee on Health of the Council of the District of Columbia held a public hearing on B25-0930, the Consumer Health Information Privacy Protection Act (CHIPPA) of 2024. Shakira Richardson, Program Manager of DLCP's Consumer Protection Unit (CPU), testified before Committee Chairperson Christina Henderson in support of CHIPPA, emphasizing that it will establish District-wide consumer health data privacy protections. The legislation aims to address gaps in the current protection of consumer health data.
If you are interested in watching the hearing recording, please click the link below.
The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) aims to raise awareness of updates and changes to the Board of Accountancy's Accountancy Technical Amendment Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, recently published in the D.C. Register.
Key proposed changes include:
- Revising the experience requirements for CPA licensure.
- Adopting the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy's revisions to the Uniform Accountancy Act Model Rule 5-7.
- Removing references to four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination.
- Making technical updates to the regulations.
You can find the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published in the D.C. Register at 71 DCR 12437 (October 11, 2024).
We need your input!
Please review the proposed updates and share your feedback. To submit comments, email April R. Randall, Legislative Director, at april.randall2@dc.gov. For questions, call (202) 442-8062.
The 30-day comment period ends on November 11.
DLCP's Business Resource Center (BRC) attends DC Startup & Tech Week 2024
DC Startup & Tech Week 2024, an event celebrating innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology, was an exciting space for networking and competition this year. Held from October 21 to 25 at various locations across the DC metro area, the week was filled with keynote speakers, and workshops. DLCP was proud to participate by setting up a table at the event, where staff engaged with attendees and distributed souvenirs.
Keisha Mims, DLCP Director of Outreach and Engagement, gives opening remarks at Early Stage & Growth Stage Pitch Competition
Keisha Mims, DLCP Director of Outreach and Engagement, was also in attendance and played a key role as one of the judges in the Early Stage & Growth Stage Pitch Competition. The competition highlighted ten startups, each given three minutes to pitch their business idea, followed by a two-minute Q&A session with the judges. Startups competed in two categories: early stage and growth stage, with the chance to win cash and prizes. DLCP’s involvement in this event aligns with its mission to support entrepreneurs and businesses by offering essential resources and guidance to help them grow.
October was Architecture Month, and we spent the month celebrating the spaces that shape our communities and the visionary professionals behind them. DLCP plays a key role in this celebration by regulating architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture. The District of Columbia Board of Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture ensures that licensed professionals meet the standards necessary to protect consumers and uphold regulations. This month, experts addressed key questions about architecture's influence on DC's landscape and its responsibilities in protecting public well-being.
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Avis Pearson | Board Administrator
"We play a vital role in consumer protection by enforcing stringent regulations. The Board regulates these practices by evaluating applicants, issuing licenses, enforcing a code of ethics, investigating complaints, and taking disciplinary action against violations, ultimately safeguarding public safety and welfare."
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Patrick Williams | Architect
"Architecture significantly shapes the landscape of DC influenced by the L'Enfant Plan of 1791, which integrates monumental buildings, parks, and open spaces. This design fosters a strong sense of identity, history, and community pride, with landmark structures attracting millions of visitors."
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We thank our board members for their dedication to upholding these high standards.
On Wednesday, October 23, DLCP, in collaboration with the DC Board of Funeral Directors, hosted its annual Practitioners Forum at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Northwest DC. The event was designed for licensed funeral directors and other professionals in the funeral services industry.
This year's forum provided a platform to discuss industry regulations, updates, and best practices, while also offering an opportunity for professionals to engage with the Board on key topics. DLCP Director Tiffany Crowe delivered the opening remarks, setting the stage for the day's discussions. Rodney Adams, General Counsel of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for DC, also served as a guest speaker and gave an introduction.
The event featured a variety of guest speakers, and participants explored key topics such as Cremation Best Practices, The Business of STEM Program, Vital Records from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), and Natural Organic Reduction.
Contact DLCP via email, or our online inquiry form at any time. We’re also available through the live chat on dlcp.dc.gov or by phone at 202-671-4500 during normal business hours.
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