Mayor Bowser’s FY27 Budget – Grow DC supports major redevelopment projects through targeted neighborhood investments, continues to invest in programs that help diversify our economy, help small businesses thrive, and reduces the cost of doing business by lowering business-related fees.  

Neighborhood Investments 

• $132 million to continue the renovation of Capital One Arena, preserving a world-class entertainment venue at the heart of Downtown DC, in addition to $40 million expedited in the Fiscal Year 2026 supplemental budget 

• $110M for development at Hill East, Fletcher Johnson, and Poplar Point 

• Policy changes that support infrastructure improvements, civic projects, redevelopment, and property acquisition in Downtown DC and Southwest DC 

Supporting Local DC Businesses 

• $6.5M for Great Streets and citywide grants to support local businesses including restaurants and retailers, to stabilize and grow 

Diversifying our Economy 

• $500 million for horizontal infrastructure to support a new multi-use sports and entertainment district on the RFK Campus 

• $7M for the Vitality Fund and Tech Ecosystem Fund, which fund, attract, and expand businesses 

• $1M to help Children’s Hospital find a new home here in DC  

Making it Easier to Do Business 

• We are also making it easier, less expensive, and more predictable to do business in the District by reducing business license and certificate of occupancy fees, cutting red tape, and creating permanent, sustained investments in business attraction and retention. 

Together, these investments reflect a plan for how DC responds to the existing climate and creates a more competitive and diversified economy, a downtown that is vibrant and full of opportunity, and a housing market that is producing more efficiently and equitably across the District. 

To learn more about this year’s budget, visit budget.dc.gov.  

In honor of Second Chance Month, we’re proud to spotlight Ngina Thomas, owner of Studio Chique, a luxury hair, nail, and wellness salon in the District. 

After rebuilding her life post-incarceration, Ngina has grown her business into a thriving community staple, demonstrating what’s possible when returning citizens have access to opportunity. In fact, research consistently shows that the vast majority of people returning home are committed to working, supporting their families, and contributing positively to their communities. 

According to the DC Fiscal Policy Institute, in DC, one in seven residents has a publicly available criminal record, which can create barriers to employment, housing, and stability. Mayor Bowser remains committed to breaking down those barriers by strengthening reentry pathways that support education, employment, housing, and mental health. 

Ngina’s journey reflects that commitment. After founding Studio Chique in 2012, she expanded from a 1,700-square-foot salon on Georgia Avenue into a 4,600-square-foot, three-story space, transforming a once-vacant, blighted site into a three-story oasis on Rhode Island Avenue NE that provides luxury beauty experiences to residents and visitors of the District of Columbia. 

“Second chances give you the opportunity to reset,” Ngina shared. “I am so grateful to have been given another chance at life, another chance at improving the quality of life for myself, and so many others by building a business here.”    

In FY2024, DMPED supported Studio Chique with an $85,000 Great Streets grant to help fuel that growth. The Great Streets grant provides funding for small businesses in designated commercial corridors to make capital improvements to their businesses and create new job opportunities for District residents.  

Second chances means strengthening DC’s economy, workforce, and future. 

Art Bank 

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) is accepting applications for its Fiscal Year 2027 Art Bank Program, which purchases artwork from qualified artists and District nonprofit art galleries or organizations for display in District government buildings. Individual artists may receive up to $15,000, and nonprofit galleries or organizations up to $25,000. Applications close on Monday, May 18, 2026. Learn more about this grant program.  

General Operating Support  

CAH is now accepting applications for its FY27 General Operating Support grant, offering flexible funding to strengthen the capacity of DC‑based arts, humanities, and arts education organizations. Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, May 5 at 5 pm. Learn more here.  

Special Event Relief Fund   

Applications are open for the Special Event Relief 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 Wednesday, September 30, 2026.  

Commercial Property Acquisition Fund 

Applications are open for the Commercial Property Acquisition Fund (CPAF). CPAF provides grants of up to $300,000 or 25% of the sale price to help eligible DC based businesses purchase and occupy commercial property for at least seven years. Applications are open on a rolling basis until funds are fully allocated. Learn more here.