Dec 10, 2024 Comms Department

Driving Regional Progress Together: 2024 Programs & Advocacy Priorities

The Greater Washington Board of Trade has long been a powerful voice in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, championing policies that foster economic growth, enhance urban living, and ensure equitable development. Our extensive portfolio of work is demonstrated through a wide range of activities, including high-impact events, strategic communication campaigns, private consultations with key stakeholders, active committee engagements, and advocacy efforts that drive regional progress.

Driving Regional Progress Together

In 2024, we focused on key areas critical to the future of our region: strengthening the business climate, advancing transportation systems, cultivating innovation, and preparing our workforce for tomorrow’s challenges. Each initiative reflects our commitment to fostering collaboration, advocating for policy change, and delivering measurable results.

Improving the Overall Business Climate

A thriving business environment begins with a foundation of safety, infrastructure, and smart policy.

  • Public Safety: We actively supported the Secure DC Crime Bill, collaborating with local governments to enact policies that enhance community safety and create a stable environment where businesses can grow and residents can thrive.
  • Water Infrastructure: Partnering with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) and other regional authorities, we prioritized sustainable water solutions, securing commitments for long-term supply and climate resilience.
  • Downtown Redevelopment: Advocating for urban renewal, we supported D.C.’s Comeback Plan and testified in favor of the BEST Act, and Downtown Arena Revitalization Act which boosts economic activity, revitalizes commercial districts, and supports job creation.
  • Regulatory Environment: We successfully advocated for streamlined processes, including securing authority to extend 5G small cell deployment in D.C., reducing barriers for businesses and driving competitiveness.

Improving Regional Transit and Transportation Systems

A connected region is a competitive region. In 2024, we championed policies that modernize transportation infrastructure and improve mobility across jurisdictions:

  • DMV Moves: As leaders of the Community Partners Advisory Group, we played a key role in advocating for dedicated regional transit funding and integrated transportation systems to reduce congestion and improve reliability for businesses and commuters.
  • I-495 and I-270 Managed Lanes Project: We supported the advancement of Maryland’s managed lanes initiative, promoting solutions that reduce congestion, improve cross-jurisdictional connectivity, and strengthen economic ties across the region.
  • Union Station Modernization: Contributing to plans for one of the region’s most important transit hubs, we supported efforts to transform Union Station into a modern, multi-modal hub that better serves the workforce and businesses.

Positioning Greater Washington as a Leading Innovation Hub

To ensure our region remains a leader in innovation, we advanced policies that accelerate technological adoption and foster collaboration:

  • Disruptive Tech and AI: Promoting innovation, we connected policymakers with industry leaders to advance the adoption of AI and other disruptive technologies, advocating for policies that unlock new opportunities for growth and efficiency.
  • Innovation Ecosystem Mapping: Launched an initiative to map the region’s innovation ecosystem, identifying key players and resources to strengthen collaboration between startups, research institutions, and businesses.

Enhancing Workforce Readiness

Preparing a skilled and adaptable workforce is essential to our region’s economic future.

  • Virginia Workforce Transition: Serving on the Virginia Workforce Transition Stakeholder Advisory Group, we supported the creation of a consolidated statewide workforce system, improving apprenticeship programs and strengthening data-sharing protections to better align skills with employer needs.
  • Pathways to Prosperity: To advance inclusive growth, we convened business leaders, government officials, and nonprofits to strengthen support for minority-owned businesses. By aligning resources across economic development, capital providers, and workforce programs, we are closing opportunity gaps and fostering entrepreneurial success.
  • 5 Generations in the Workforce: We shared best practices to help businesses address the challenges of managing five generations in the workforce, fostering collaboration and inclusivity across age groups.

Building Momentum for 2025

The policy wins and progress achieved in 2024 have created a foundation for even greater success in 2025. In the year ahead, we will continue advocating for regional solutions that strengthen our economy, modernize infrastructure, and build a thriving innovation ecosystem. By addressing emerging challenges and seizing new opportunities, we will ensure Greater Washington remains a resilient, inclusive, and forward-thinking region.

Together, we are shaping a future where businesses prosper, communities thrive, and our region leads the way in innovation and growth.