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This week, Mayor Bowser unveiled Grow DC, her Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Budget. By making smart, targeted investments, DC is focused on replacing federal jobs and retaining our world-class talent, expanding housing opportunities for DC residents, and making DC more resilient and competitive.
In addition to maintaining our focus on Education and Public Safety, the Growth Agenda is designed to attract new businesses, create new jobs and generate new tax revenue to support the services our community relies on. We’ll do that by focusing on three core areas:
- Investing in Downtown
- Doubling Down on Sports & Entertainment and Technology
- Removing Barriers to Business Growth
There’s only one DC and, together, we’re investing in a future that benefits current and future residents and businesses alike. Learn more about the Growth Agenda at budget.dc.gov.
Sincerely,
Nina Albert
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 Investing in Downtown
Downtown remains a vital engine for DC’s economic growth. The FY26 budget will continue to support a mixed-use, 24/7 Downtown with more housing, people, activity and vibrancy.
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 Doubling Down on Sports & Entertainment and Technology
We are leaning into our live event economy. We’re investing in the Sports Capital through transforming Capital One Arena and bringing the Commanders home to RFK. We’re also bringing new life to DC’s theaters and investing in tech.
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 Removing Barriers to Business Growth
To stay competitive, we are cutting red tape by lowering taxes, improving processes and providing support to local businesses.
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Learn more about Grow DC at budget.dc.gov. For questions, please email Adrea Turner at adrea.turner@dc.gov or Ryan Nicholas at ryan.nicholas1@dc.gov. |
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Following the success of SelectUSA, which brought 5,500 attendees from over 100 international markets and 54 states and territories to the region, DMPED and the Washington Economic Partnership (WDCEP) hosted a spin-off event on Thursday, May 15. Attendees gained an in-depth look at the DC business ecosystem, toured the Global Soft-Landing office space and engaged directly with DC government officials, business leaders and expert immigration attorneys. A special thank you to Deputy Mayor Nina Albert for sharing the District’s priorities, to all attendees for their engagement and to our Business Development team and the WDCEP for organizing a successful event. Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to connect with DC’s thriving international business community!
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DMPED's Growth Fund launches June 6, 2025, providing grants to entrepreneurs, startups and early-stage companies ready to establish or expand their presence in the District. If you're looking to grow or relocate in one of DC's target industry sectors, this is your chance to be part of the city's transformational business landscape. For questions, please email bizdev@dc.gov.
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Learn how DC is rebalancing expectations for neighbors, tenants and landlords. The Rental Act outlines recommendations to strengthen rental housing across the District — from improving tenant protections to supporting fair practices for property owners. Encourage your Council members to vote on the Rental Act today.
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The future of RFK is the future of DC. As we plan for the next chapter of this site, hearing from the community is critical. If you missed the recent community listening sessions, sign up for updates at ourrfk.dc.gov.
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Our local restaurants help fuel the local economy, build community and give our neighborhoods their unique character, but they are under serious strain with I-82. Encourage your Council members to address the unintended consequences of I-82 and help Mayor Bowser repeal I-82, as outlined in the Growth Agenda.
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Check out the latest highlights from DMPED's cluster agencies.
Mayor Bowser and the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) announced the 2025 Robust Retail Grant Program awardees – nearly 60 small businesses across all eight wards that will receive a combined $570,000 in funding. Robust Retail Grants provide up to $10,000 in funding to consumer-facing, brick-and-mortar businesses to help cover critical expenses such as rent, payroll, inventory and marketing.
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DC welcomed 27.2 million visitors last year — a powerful sign of our city’s growing economy. “From global festivals to national sports championships, we’re proud to welcome visitors from across the region, nation and world,” said Mayor Bowser. The annual event, hosted by Destination DC, highlights the role tourism play in supporting local jobs, small businesses and our city’s future.
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2025 marks the 50th Anniversary of Pride celebrations in Washington, DC! The Capital Pride Alliance and the Bowser Administration is excited for the District to host World Pride 2025. By showing up and supporting Pride events globally, the LGBTQ+ community will be visible and heard.
Help shape DC's future by testifying at DMPED's Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Oversight Hearing. Whether you're passionate about housing, jobs, small business or economic growth — this is your chance to be heard. Register to testify by Friday, June 2.
June 28: Save the Date for the Gallery Place Chinatown Task Force Public Open House
Join DMPED on Saturday, June 28 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (901 G Street NW) to celebrate the end of the Gallery Place Chinatown Task Force. Come learn about the investments in Mayor Bowser’s growth agenda, designed to create a more vibrant neighborhood where residents can live, work, play and thrive.
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The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 317, Washington, DC 20004
(202) 727-6365 ǀ http://dmped.dc.gov/
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