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August 2025

• Letter from the Deputy Mayor
• DC means Business
• Resource Roundup
• Upcoming Events

Letter from the Deputy Mayor

Last week was a huge win for DC! The DC Council passed the FY26 budget on Monday and took a first vote to support the RFK redevelopment on Friday, with the final vote scheduled for September.  Under Mayor Bowser's leadership, DC is laying the foundation to bring the Washington Commanders back home and transform the RFK campus into a vibrant hub for sports, housing, and mixed-use development—a major milestone in the mayor's Growth Agenda. As we know, certainty in these times is more important than ever, and we are focused on creating new opportunities for local businesses and residents.  This coming year’s budget supports DC’s goal of diversifying its economy, so we can remain a thriving city. The FY26 budget invests in growing our Technology and Sports & Entertainment sectors, repositioning Downtown so it remains vibrant, investing in affordable housing, and supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the city. Some of the highlights include:  A new $2.4 million Technology Ecosystem Fund to grow our technology sector  $8.9 million in grants and support for local retailers and manufacturers  $100 million for the Housing Production Trust Fund  $34.5 million to implement the vision for Gallery Place/Chinatown  $883 million to build infrastructure needed for the Commanders stadium and RFK Campus  We’re energized, focused on what’s ahead and committed to building a DC that works for everyone!  Deputy Mayor Nina Albert

DC means Business

From Dublin to DC: A New Pathway for Irish Businesses

The DC Global Soft Landing initiative is a collaboration between DMPED, the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District (BID), the Washington DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP) and George Washington University.

DC is partnering with World Trade Center Dublin to attract Irish businesses to the District. This collaboration will support Irish companies looking to expand into the U.S.—with DC as their first stop through the Washington, DC Global Soft Landing program.

Hosted at Studio (1919 K Street NW) and sponsored by Tishman Speyer, the Global Soft Landing program is open to international business seeking a seamless entry into the nation's capital. The initiative leverages DC's global influence, robust business ecosystem and network of partners to provide tailored support including:

• Customized workspace and location assistance
• Streamlined immigration and regulatory guidance
• Local market insights and strategic partnerships

For more information, reach out to Sara Adams, DMPED's Director of Business Attraction & Expansion at sara.adams@dc.gov and learn more here.

August is Black Business Month

Check out DMPED's social features of Sweet Tooth Café and Cakes, Sapodillas, and Kitchen Savages during DC Black Restaurant Week, July 13–27.

Washington, DC is home to one of the most robust Black business communities in the nation. 35% of all small businesses in the District are Black-owned, and DC’s Black majority-owned businesses represent 15% of all classifiable firms—five times the national average. This is a testament to DC’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to inclusive growth.  

Black entrepreneurs are shaping DC's future across sectors, from food and fashion to technology and wellness, and Mayor Bowser continues to champion inclusive economic growth by expanding access to capital, training and support for Black-owned and locally operated businesses in the District.  

We invite you to invest in Black-owned businesses, not just this month, but every month. Attend community events, shop local and share resources that make a difference. Follow along on social media for our Rooted in DC: Black Business Month series, where DMPED and DSLBD will spotlight Black-owned businesses making a difference in our community. 

Resource Roundup

• Ward 8 Community Investment Fund (Deadline: August 18) — Grant awards up to $10K to Ward 8 businesses owned by Ward 8 residents.
• Made in DC × ReFashion Market Access Grant (Deadline: August 22) — Provides up to $2K to non-storefront creatives.
• District Capitalized Revolving Fund Manager Grant (Deadline: August 25) — Empowers fund managers to support DC-based businesses struggling to access traditional financing.

DMPED is Hiring! 

Join our team and help shape the future of DC. DMPED is looking for a Program Manager (Business Attraction Incentives) to join our Business Development team. If you’re passionate about public policy and economic growth, apply by Friday, August 19!

🔗 DMPED job opportunity

Upcoming Events

Various Dates – Summer Activations

There is nothing like summer in DC! Every night of the week, there is something free to do in the city. From Jazzy Sundays in Anacostia, Majic Wednesdays at Sycamore & Oak to Happy Hour at Anthem Row and Rock the Dock Concert Series at the Wharf, check out summer events in every corner of the city.

August 13 at 6 PM | Housing Resiliency in Times of Change

The Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking is holding a webinar to equip DC residents with tools and resources to navigate housing challenges, protect their financial health and build long-term stability amid ongoing economic uncertainty. Register here.  

August 18 to August 24 | Summer Restaurant Week

Join DMPED, Events DC and RAMW for the Metropolitan Washington Summer Restaurant Week, featuring over 100 participating local restaurants. Enjoy 3-course menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner with optional cocktail and wine pairings at select locations. Browse menus, explore restaurants, and book your tables today!

August 29 | Save the Date – 202Creates Kick-off

Mayor Muriel Bowser launched 202Creates in September 2016 to amplify and celebrate DC's creative economy. This year’s event will include powerful discussions and fireside chats aimed to inform, engage, and amplify the importance of the entertainment and creative economy in the District. Learn more.

September 10 at 11 AM | Art Avenue

Join Mayor Bowser and the Golden Triangle BID for the unveiling of Art Ave, a dynamic outdoor experience connecting Lafayette Park to Dupont Circle. Featuring public art, events, and inviting spaces, the project aims to bring more people downtown and boost neighborhood activity. Learn more.

September 12 to September 13 | DC Art All Night 

Join Mayor Bowser as DC Art All Night lights up all eight wards with vibrant visual and performing arts. From music and fashion to film and poetry, enjoy unique activations each night in local businesses, restaurants, and public spaces across DC. Learn more. 

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/