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Happy Holidays!
As we close out 2025, we’re proud of the progress made to advance Mayor Bowser’s Growth Agenda and energized by the continued impact of DC’s business community in 2026.
This year, we achieved significant milestones: we gained control of 180 acres along the Anacostia River, paving the way for a new Washington Commanders stadium and three mixed-use neighborhoods; delivered Phase I of the Capital One Arena renovation; provided targeted support to small businesses through grants and technical assistance; strengthened DC’s housing market through the RENTAL Act and the deployment of more than $60 million in housing stabilization grants; advanced downtown revitalization efforts; and launched the DC Venture Fund to position technology and innovation as long-term drivers of economic growth.
Our work for 2026 is already underway. Applications are now open for the next round of grant funding for the Great Streets, Locally Made Manufacturing, and Emerging Retail Initiative programs through January 16. These investments drive job creation, expand business opportunities, and strengthen neighborhood vitality across all eight wards.
This year required resilience, collaboration, and focus, and none of this progress would have been possible without you. We close 2025 proud of what we’ve accomplished together and ready to take on the work ahead.
Happy holidays! Shop local, and enjoy all that our city has to offer during this season of festivities, music, reflection, and gratitude.
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Capital One Arena
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Reopened Capital One Arena after Phase 1 renovations, which included 70 contracts with Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs). As of September 2025, $66.2M has been paid to CBE firms, representing 59% of the project’s $111.5M CBE spending requirement. |
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Opened Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center GW Health hospital, the first new full‑service hospital in DC in more than 25 years, integrating care with GW Hospital and the Ward 8 Urgent Care Center. The hospital expanded access for Wards 7 and 8 through a coordinated system of care while delivering a $434.4 million, 136‑bed facility with trauma and emergency services, maternal health, clinics, community space, 500-car parking garage, and a helipad for emergency transports. |
St. Elizabeths East
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DC Values and Culture
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Celebrated DC’s vibrant cultural scene with several marquee events:
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WorldPride DC brought 1.2M global visitors to the city and generated $310.7M million in economic impact through tourism and local spending.
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Art All Night, led by DSLBD, activated all eight wards with free performances, exhibits, and creative programming, supporting 150+ local artists and neighborhood businesses.
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The Go-Go Museum opened in Anacostia, a new cultural business honoring DC’s signature music and history.
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202 Creates Month, led by OCTFME, showcased DC’s thriving $15.9 billion creative economy by celebrating local talent and the industry’s economic impact.
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Creating a more vibrant and livable Downtown through:
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Downtown DC Activations, such as the Downtown Holiday Market, which showcased 115+ local vendors, including several women‑owned and BIPOC‑owned businesses, offering handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats.
- Housing in Downtown (HID) program, which now includes eight announced projects delivering nearly 1,750 new units and will welcome almost 3,000 new residents. This work highlights Mayor Bowser's progress in office‑to‑residential conversions across the District, including the transformation of 1990 K Street into new housing with retail. Office to hotel conversions are also underway, such as the transformation of former office space into Sixty DC, a boutique hotel with a restaurant and rooftop bar in Dupont Circle.
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Downtown DC
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Housing
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Portals IV: Broke ground in June 2025; A project in Southwest DC that will bring more than 350 new units to an area with major potential for new housing.
The Stacks: Opened June 2025 (Phase 1); A nearly seven-acre development in Buzzard Point, with more than 1,100 new homes across three buildings.
Reservoir District: Opened June 2025; A new townhome community in Ward 5 delivering 146 for-sale townhomes, of which 22 are affordable.
The Ana Townhomes: Opened September 2025; A new family-sized townhome community in Ward 8 offering affordable housing opportunities steps from the Anacostia Metro Station.
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Passed the RENTAL Act, an important step that ensures future housing investments and helps DC remain a leader in affordable housing production.
Launched Mayor Bowser’s Fast Beauty Initiative in partnership with DLCP and DSLBD to streamline licensing requirements for beauty professionals, cutting unnecessary training hours and making it easier to launch careers, and grow businesses in DC.
Launched Fast Track Fit Outs, led by DOB, to streamline permitting for eligible office renovations, reducing review times, and enabling businesses to open faster.
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Making it Easier to do Business in DC
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Poplar Point
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Led the Environmental Assessment and Land Use Plan for Poplar Point with the National Park Service and advanced District planning to unlock one of the East Coast’s last major waterfront redevelopment sites. The project will reconnect Ward 8 to the Anacostia River and deliver 3,500–4,500 homes, up to 300,000 sq ft of retail, 400,000 sq ft of hospitality, 1M sq ft of office, and a 400–600K sq ft anchor user. The team also advanced negotiations with NPS on facility relocation and with Therme as the prospective anchor. |
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Sealed the deal bringing the Commanders home and in addition to a state-of-the-art NFL stadium, RFK will deliver 30,000 construction jobs, 6,400+ new homes (30% affordable), a youth sportsplex, an entertainment district, new parks and recreation space, enhanced riverfront access, and $5.1B in tax revenue. |
RFK
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Technology and Innovation
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Awarded Growth and Vitality Fund grants to help small businesses and high‑growth companies expand, create jobs, and drive economic growth. The 2025 investments supported 9 businesses that will create 250 new jobs, retain 72 jobs, attract $4M in private capital, and activate 56,000 square feet of commercial space across DC.
Launched TalentCapital.ai in partnership with DME to deliver free AI-driven‑ job matching, training, and career navigation that connects residents to opportunities across the region based on their skills, experience, and goals.
Selected K Street Capital fund managers for the DC Venture Capital Program, directing $26M in early-stage capital to local startups in tech, fintech, health tech, and more.
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Thank you to everyone helping move DC forward — the best is yet to come.
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DMPED Grant Applications are Open
Applications are open for Mayor Bowser’s next round of grant funding for Great Streets, Locally Made Manufacturing and Emerging Retail Initiative programs. With applications open until January 16, these programs are designed to drive job creation, expand business opportunities, and strengthen all eight wards. Apply today!
DSLBD Robust Retail Grant
The Department of Small and Local Business Development is now accepting applications for the FY2026 Robust Retail Citywide Grants—up to $10,000 for DC brick‑and‑mortar retail businesses. About 48 businesses will be selected by lottery, and eligibility requires being a licensed, District‑based, public‑facing retail business. FY25 awardees are not eligible. Apply here by January 20, 2026.
WACIF Business Workshops
This December, the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF) is hosting business workshops to equip DC entrepreneurs with tools for success. The sessions will cover key topics, such as accessing capital, understanding credit and loan options, building resilience, strengthening leadership, and supporting mental health. Sign up for a workshop today.
Applications for District Sustainability Awards are Open
The application period for the 2026 District Sustainability Awards is now open. Invite a business, individual, or organization advancing a more sustainable DC to submit a short form describing how they address the District’s environmental, economic, and social needs. Applications are due January 23 through the DOEE website, and winners will be honored at the Destination DC Sustainability Summit in March. Learn more.
Special Event Relief Fund
Applications are open for the Special Event Fund, which helps cover District government fees for free, outdoor events that celebrate DC culture and drive local economic impact. Applications are open on a rolling basis for events occurring through September 30, 2026.
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Holiday-themed Theater Performances & Shows
Celebrate the season with can’t-miss holiday productions across the nation’s capital. As seasonal cheer fills the air, DC’s theaters and performing arts venues offer plenty of ways to embrace the holiday spirit. Pull out your favorite ugly sweater and enjoy joyful performances and seasonal revelry. Learn more.
2025 Downtown DC Holiday Happenings
Downtown DC is creating fun, safe, and family friendly experiences during the holiday season. From holiday-themed bars and restaurants to the Winter Skate Spectacular, there is something for everyone. Join DMPED and the Downtown BID to support our city through food, art, culture and entertainment because a thriving downtown means a thriving DC.
Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park
Celebrate the season with Winter Wonderfest at Nationals Park! On select days from November 28 – December 30, Nationals Park will transform into Washington DC’s headquarters for all things thrilling, chilling, and fantastically fun. With a variety of family-friendly activities, such as tubing, a winter train and more, located on the Nationals Park field, as well as a 21+ restricted Après Chalet by Fireball, we invite you to experience the sparkle of the District’s Diamond – only at Nationals Park! Purchase tickets here.
Winter Restaurant Week Returns January 19–25, 2026
Savor the season as the DMV's premier dining experience returns for seven days of unparalleled culinary value. Hundreds of restaurants across DC, Maryland, and Virginia will offer special 3-course, fixed-price menus designed to showcase the best of their kitchens. Don't wait, make your reservations early for your favorite spots. Learn more
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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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