Mayor Muriel Bowser previewed legislation as part of her Growth Agenda, aimed at cutting red tape, enhancing revenue, and encouraging commercial investment. She also announced nine recipients of the District’s Vitality Fund and Growth Fund, which together support the growth and retention of DC-based businesses in high-growth industries.
“We mean business in Washington, DC, and we mean to be good for business in Washington, DC,” said Mayor Bowser. “Our focus is on growing key sectors like technology, life sciences, and cybersecurity — industries that drive innovation and create high-quality jobs for DC residents. With tools like the Vitality and Growth Funds and legislation that removes barriers to doing business, we’re creating the conditions for long-term economic growth right here in the District.”
“These funds are strategic investments in DC’s future—supporting innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening our neighborhoods,” said Nina Albert, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. “By backing high-impact businesses and advancing legislation that removes barriers to growth, we’re building a more equitable and competitive economy.”
DC is more than monuments and museums, we are ‘open for business‘
Amazon announced it will test drive its robotaxis on the streets of D.C.
Its self-driving vehicle, known as the Zoox, will join the Waymo vehicles already testing in the District.
“In Washington, DC, we know that talent is our greatest asset, and that every Washingtonian deserves the opportunity to succeed,” said Mayor Bowser. “Talent Capital ensures that our residents can stay in the region they call home, access high-quality jobs, grow their careers, and drive innovation across key industries. We are proud to lead this effort, and confident that economic mobility and opportunity will continue to define our region for years to come.”
The TalentCapital.AI website, powered by local tech company BuildWithin, offers free AI-driven job matching, training, reskilling, and career navigation services, complemented by personalized support from partners across DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
The international law firm signed for 57,186 square feet at 1100 New York Ave. NW, according to real estate firm Savills, which represented the firm. It will relocate in the spring of 2027
“The incredible improvements to the property will allow our firm to stay in the neighborhood and position us in a modern space that will foster collaboration and allow us to host clients on-site in many of the property’s amenity areas,” Jeff Keithline, chair of Keller and Heckman’s management committee, said in a statement.
The deal, according to CBRE, is the largest new lease of the quarter, just a bit bigger than Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP’s 55,000-square-foot lease at Skanska’s new trophy office building branded 17xM at 1700 M St. NW.
… Mayor Bowser released the following statement:
“These revenue estimates show that we have good momentum as we move forward with our Growth Agenda. It is also clear that the changing federal footprint has had a real impact on our local economy with job losses and reduced spending; and so, as our economy shifts, we must continue our efforts to shift with it. We need to be serious about keeping our companies and attracting new ones – we mean business in Washington, DC and we mean to be good for business in Washington, DC. …
A new agreement with French energy company Orano SA is allowing D.C. startup Zeno Power to secure a steady supply of fuel for its nuclear-powered batteries.
The company maintains a dual headquarters in D.C. and Seattle, employing over 75 people across the two offices.
Sprouts Farmers Market is the mystery grocer taking space at the Reservoir District, the redevelopment of the 25-acre former McMillan Sand Filtration Plant in Northwest D.C.
The Phoenix-based chain, with a small but growing portfolio of local stores, has signed a lease for 22,500 square feet at the developer’s 350,000-square-foot multifamily building.
The D.C.-based company aims to break ground next summer, putting it on track to open in 2028. It will be Sprouts’ first D.C. store; the chain has stores in Burtonsville, Herndon, Manassas and Leesburg, with another opening in Arlington.
Mayor Muriel Bowser is making another go at legalizing poker in D.C. and streamlining the construction process for developers — part of a “growth agenda” she hopes will improve the local economy.
Bowser’s legislation would allow poker and blackjack gaming at venues like bars and hotels, a play at enticing tourists and creating new tax revenue.