Wrapped
2025
Wrapped
2025
Wrapped
2025
WDCEP Wins in 2025
17
Projects Won
17
Projects Won
671
671
Total Jobs
671
Total Jobs
306k
306k
Total Square Feet of Space Leased
306k
Total Square Feet of Space Leased
An Active Pipeline
273
Active Projects
17,358
Total Jobs
4.48M
Total Square Feet
$604m+
CapEx
Letter from our President & CEO
Letter from our President & CEO
2025 marked an important shift for the District and the nation as a whole. As businesses, investors, and institutions navigated a period of economic recalibration, DC moved from recovery to repositioning. We focused on diversifying our economy and capitalizing on new opportunities.
2025 marked an important shift for the District and the nation as a whole. As businesses, investors, and institutions navigated a period of economic recalibration, DC moved from recovery to repositioning. We focused on diversifying our economy and capitalizing on new opportunities.
Throughout the year, the Washington DC Economic Partnership worked alongside our public and private partners to help companies reassess where and how they grow, connect with the right talent, and invest with confidence in the District. In moments that mattered most, DC demonstrated resilience and resolve. We advanced major development opportunities, reinforcing DC’s position as a place where decisions are made and signaling long-term confidence in our city’s future.
Building on the foundation laid in recent years, 2025 delivered tangible progress across the District. From major business wins and increased capital interest to neighborhood activation, international engagement, and expanded support for existing employers, the work highlighted in this report reflects a city moving with intention and momentum.
As you explore the stories, data, and milestones that follow, I hope this report provides a clear picture of how Washington, DC is preparing for what comes next and how WDCEP, in partnership with the Deputy Mayor’s Office, the broader business community, and each of you, continues to help shape a more resilient, competitive, and opportunity-rich economy for the District.
Derek Ford, President & CEO
Washington DC Economic Partnership
As you explore the stories, data, and milestones that follow, I hope this report provides a clear picture of how Washington, DC is preparing for what comes next and how WDCEP, in partnership with the Deputy Mayor’s Office, the broader business community, and each of you, continues to help shape a more resilient, competitive, and opportunity-rich economy for the District.
Derek Ford, President & CEO
Washington DC Economic Partnership
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Public Sector Partners
Public Sector Partners
Private Sector Partners
Private Sector Partners
Business Retention, Expansion, and Attraction
Business Retention, Expansion, and Attraction
The Business Retention, Expansion and Attraction (BREA) team offers valuable resources, one-on-one consultations, and strategic sessions to startups, local businesses, and national firms, all at no cost.
In fiscal year 2025, WDCEP took its domestic and international corporate attraction, retention and expansion to new heights. The year brought growth to existing initiatives and the creation of new programs, deepening our relationships with employers, and expanding our reach around the world.
The Business Retention, Expansion and Attraction (BREA) team offers valuable resources, one-on-one consultations, and strategic sessions to startups, local businesses, and national firms, all at no cost.
In fiscal year 2025, WDCEP took its domestic and international corporate attraction, retention and expansion to new heights. The year brought growth to existing initiatives and the creation of new programs, deepening our relationships with employers, and expanding our reach around the world.
7
7
Trade Shows Attended
Trade Shows Attended
215
215
Engagements
Engagements
7
Trade Shows Attended
215
Engagements
188
188
Leads
Leads
83
83
Qualified Leads
Qualified Leads
188
Leads
83
Qualified Leads
21
21
Projects
Projects
21
Projects
International Attraction
WDCEP continued to share DC’s growth agenda with new audiences both at home and abroad. At conferences like Infosecurity Europe, Dublin Tech Summit, BIO, and SelectUSA, the team met with 241 different companies about expanding to Washington, DC. Back here in DC, we engaged with delegations and companies from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hungary, Canada, Israel, South Korea, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Washington, DC Global Soft Landing Program continued to grow in FY25, with more than three new international companies planting a flag in DC. Two participants of the program also received a Growth Fund grant, allowing them to scale their business in DC at an accelerated rate. In 2026, our international attraction effort will continue to expand thanks in part to a newly announced partnership with World Trade Center Dublin, focused on bringing more Irish companies to DC.
WDCEP continued to share DC’s growth agenda with new audiences both at home and abroad. At conferences like Infosecurity Europe, Dublin Tech Summit, BIO, and SelectUSA, the team met with 241 different companies about expanding to Washington, DC. Back here in DC, we engaged with delegations and companies from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hungary, Canada, Israel, South Korea, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Washington, DC Global Soft Landing Program continued to grow in FY25, with more than three new international companies planting a flag in DC. Two participants of the program also received a Growth Fund grant, allowing them to scale their business in DC at an accelerated rate. In 2026, our international attraction effort will continue to expand thanks in part to a newly announced partnership with World Trade Center Dublin, focused on bringing more Irish companies to DC.
Retention Blitz
WDCEP’s corporate attraction, retention and expansion work affirms that Washington, DC is open for business. DC is where employers receive the attention they need to succeed, grow, and contribute to the broader economic vitality of the city.
Listening to our existing business is critical when building a strong ecosystem and WDCEP has strengthened its relationships by expanding its retention program in 2025 to include office tenants both large and small. By prioritizing employer retention, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a dynamic, strong, and sustainable business ecosystem.
WDCEP’s corporate attraction, retention and expansion work affirms that Washington, DC is open for business. DC is where employers receive the attention they need to succeed, grow, and contribute to the broader economic vitality of the city.
Listening to our existing business is critical when building a strong ecosystem and WDCEP has strengthened its relationships by expanding its retention program in 2025 to include office tenants both large and small. By prioritizing employer retention, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a dynamic, strong, and sustainable business ecosystem.
2,200
2,200
Employers Contacted
Employers Contacted
350
350
Meetings with Executive Leaders Held
Meetings with Executive Leaders Held
165,700+
165,700+
Full Time Employees
Represented
Full Time Employees
Represented
9.6M
9.6M
Companies SF
Companies SF
Business Incentives
Strategic incentive programs are critical tools for driving business investment, job creation, and long-term economic growth in Washington, DC. Through targeted, performance-based funding, the District supports companies at key moments, from relocation and expansion to scaling within priority sectors, while advancing downtown revitalization and strengthening the local business ecosystem.
The Vitality Fund is a performance-based incentive program supporting companies relocating to or expanding in Washington, DC. The program encourages job creation and capital investment, attracts corporate office tenants, supports DC-based businesses, and advances downtown revitalization.
Introduced in 2025, the Growth Fund is designed to help growth-stage companies scale in Washington, DC by creating jobs, leasing office space, and expanding within high-growth, strategic sectors.
Strategic incentive programs are critical tools for driving business investment, job creation, and long-term economic growth in Washington, DC. Through targeted, performance-based funding, the District supports companies at key moments, from relocation and expansion to scaling within priority sectors, while advancing downtown revitalization and strengthening the local business ecosystem.
The Vitality Fund is a performance-based incentive program supporting companies relocating to or expanding in Washington, DC. The program encourages job creation and capital investment, attracts corporate office tenants, supports DC-based businesses, and advances downtown revitalization.
Introduced in 2025, the Growth Fund is designed to help growth-stage companies scale in Washington, DC by creating jobs, leasing office space, and expanding within high-growth, strategic sectors.
2025 Incentives by the Numbers:
2025 Incentives by the Numbers:
$4M
$4M
Capital Investment
Capital Investment
250
250
Jobs Represented
Jobs Represented
56k SF
56k
Leased Office Space
Square Feet of Leased Office Space
International Attraction
WDCEP continued to share DC’s growth agenda with new audiences both at home and abroad. At conferences like Infosecurity Europe, Dublin Tech Summit, BIO, and SelectUSA, the team met with 241 different companies about expanding to Washington, DC. Back here in DC, we engaged with delegations and companies from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hungary, Canada, Israel, South Korea, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Washington, DC Global Soft Landing Program continued to grow in FY25, with more than three new international companies planting a flag in DC. Two participants of the program also received a Growth Fund grant, allowing them to scale their business in DC at an accelerated rate. In 2026, our international attraction effort will continue to expand thanks in part to a newly announced partnership with World Trade Center Dublin, focused on bringing more Irish companies to DC.
Retention Blitz
WDCEP’s corporate attraction, retention and expansion work affirms that Washington, DC is open for business. DC is where employers receive the attention they need to succeed, grow, and contribute to the broader economic vitality of the city.
Listening to our existing business is critical when building a strong ecosystem and WDCEP has strengthened its relationships by expanding its retention program in 2025 to include office tenants both large and small. By prioritizing employer retention, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a dynamic, strong, and sustainable business ecosystem.
2,200
Employers Contacted
350
Meetings with Executive Leaders Held
165,700+
Full Time Employees
Represented
9.6M
Companies SF
Business
Incentives
Strategic incentive programs are critical tools for driving business investment, job creation, and long-term economic growth in Washington, DC. Through targeted, performance-based funding, the District supports companies at key moments, from relocation and expansion to scaling within priority sectors, while advancing downtown revitalization and strengthening the local business ecosystem.
The Vitality Fund is a performance-based incentive program supporting companies relocating to or expanding in Washington, DC. The program encourages job creation and capital investment, attracts corporate office tenants, supports DC-based businesses, and advances downtown revitalization.
Introduced in 2025, the Growth Fund is designed to help growth-stage companies scale in Washington, DC by creating jobs, leasing office space, and expanding within high-growth, strategic sectors.
2025 Incentives by the Numbers:
$4M
Capital Investment
250
Jobs Represented
56k SF
Leased Office Space
Retail Attraction and Expansion
Retail Attraction and Expansion
Since its founding, the Partnership has assisted more than 350 retailers, restaurants, and entertainment businesses open and expand in our nation’s capital, representing nearly 5 M SF of real estate transactions and providing $100M+ in annual sales tax revenue to DC.
In FY25, WDCEP assisted in 12 retail-related project announcements. In total, the retailers WDCEP assisted with in 2025 represents an estimated 103k SF of leasing activity and $5.3M in annual sales tax revenue.
Since its founding, the Partnership has assisted more than 350 retailers, restaurants, and entertainment businesses open and expand in our nation’s capital, representing nearly 5 M SF of real estate transactions and providing $100M+ in annual sales tax revenue to DC.
In FY25, WDCEP assisted in 12 retail-related project announcements. In total, the retailers WDCEP assisted with in 2025 represents an estimated 103k SF of leasing activity and $5.3M in annual sales tax revenue.
WDCEP led DC’s efforts at ICSC Las Vegas and the Entertainment Experience Evolution conference. Attendance at these conferences led to 40 meetings with retailers and 15 new attraction prospects.
WDCEP led DC’s efforts at ICSC Las Vegas and the Entertainment Experience Evolution conference. Attendance at these conferences led to 40 meetings with retailers and 15 new attraction prospects.
WDCEP led DC’s efforts at ICSC Las Vegas and the Entertainment Experience Evolution conference. Attendance at these conferences led to 40 meetings with retailers and 15 new attraction prospects.
Grocery stores are a priority retail subsector for WDCEP, and in 2025 the District welcomed six new grocery stores - including two Trader Joe’s.
Economic Intelligence
Economic Intelligence
As a foundational program, the Partnership's research and economic intelligence provides both the public and private sectors with vital insight into the District's evolving economy. Whether at the city or neighborhood level, our data provides critical insight into where new investments are being made where future growth will occur.
As a foundational program, the Partnership's research and economic intelligence provides both the public and private sectors with vital insight into the District's evolving economy. Whether at the city or neighborhood level, our data provides critical insight into where new investments are being made where future growth will occur.
DC Development Report
Groundbreakings in the District totaled 4.4 M SF in 2024 (a 40%+ reduction from 2023).
Major project starts in 2024 included the $800M Capital One Arena Modernization, Alan & Amy Meltzer Center for Athletic Performance, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency HQ, Aviator House (office to residential conversion), Skyland Town Center Homeownership Townhomes, and 1776 K Street (office to hotel conversion).
There were 13 office conversion projects under construction representing an estimated 953 residential units and 542 hotel rooms. These projects are converting an estimated 1.4M SF of office space.
7,212 residential units delivered in 2024, a 28% increase from 2023. In 2025, more than 8,340 units are scheduled to deliver.
This year’s Report made updates to more than 280 projects.
Story Maps
WDCEP launched a new Story Map on Office to Residential Conversions and updated our Grocery Stores Story Map with the latest information. These maps were viewed over 10,000 times in FY25.
WDCEP launched a new Story Map on Office to Residential Conversions and updated our Grocery Stores Story Map with the latest information. These maps were viewed over 10,000 times in FY25.
Financials
Financials
*Unaudited Financials
*Unaudited Financials
Staff
Staff
President & CEO
Derek Ford
President & CEO
Derek Ford
President & CEO
Derek Ford
EVP Retail Attraction & Market Intelligence
Chad Shuskey
EVP Retail Attraction & Market Intelligence
Chad Shuskey
EVP Retail Attraction & Market Intelligence
Chad Shuskey
EVP Corporate Attraction
Suzanne White
EVP Corporate Attraction
Suzanne White
EVP Corporate Attraction
Suzanne White
EVP Economic Development & Strategy
Chris Ahn
EVP Economic Development & Strategy
Chris Ahn
EVP Economic Development & Strategy
Chris Ahn
SVP Tech Sector Attraction & Retention
Kevin Morgan
SVP Tech Sector Attraction & Retention
Kevin Morgan
SVP Tech Sector Attraction & Retention
Kevin Morgan
VP Marketing & Communications
Jez Kline
VP Marketing & Communications
Jez Kline
VP Marketing & Communications
Jez Kline
Creative Director
Casey Kelley
Creative Director
Casey Kelley
Creative Director
Casey Kelley
Director of People & Operations
Susan Burnett
Director of People & Operations
Susan Burnett
Director of People & Operations
Susan Burnett
Sr. Director of International Business Attraction
Kathrine VanLiew
Sr. Director of International Business Attraction
Kathrine VanLiew
Sr. Director of International Business Attraction
Kathrine VanLiew
Sr. Manager of Operations
Sarah Bashir
Sr. Manager of Operations
Sarah Bashir
Sr. Manager of Operations
Sarah Bashir
Business Development Manager
Angela Cordovez
Business Development Manager
Angela Cordovez
Business Development Manager
Angela Cordovez
Research Analyst
Rohan Carter-Rau
Research Analyst
Rohan Carter-Rau
Research Analyst
Rohan Carter-Rau
Thanks for visiting, here's to 2026!
Thanks for visiting, here's to 2026!