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D.C. Chamber of Commerce Hosts 2025 State of the District 

September 24, 2025

The D.C. Chamber of Commerce's State of the District & Region Conference gathered 200 local business and political leaders who expressed optimism about the city's economic future despite current challenges. At the Georgetown University Capitol Campus event, Mayor Muriel Bowser highlighted recent achievements including plans for a new Washington Commanders stadium and the NFL's 2027 draft coming to the National Mall. The Chamber released its 2025 State of Business Report, which acknowledges economic challenges including a 20% office vacancy rate downtown, a 66% drop in business establishments from 2021-2023, and 5.

Who is affected

  • District residents, particularly those who are federal workers facing layoffs
  • Local businesses facing economic challenges (with 66% drop in establishments)
  • Commercial areas like downtown and Georgetown experiencing high office vacancy rates
  • Workers and job seekers (with 5.8% unemployment rate)
  • Housing seekers benefiting from the mayor's housing initiative
  • Educational institutions and students needing workforce training and AI skills
  • Medicaid recipients dealing with requirement changes

What action is being taken

  • The D.C. Chamber of Commerce is releasing the 2025 State of Business Report with economic data and recommendations
  • Mayor Bowser is supporting development of a Washington Commanders stadium at RFK Stadium site
  • The D.C. Council recently voted to support building the Commanders stadium
  • The city is developing mixed-use projects on 180 acres along the Anacostia River
  • Capital One Arena downtown is being rebuilt
  • Mayor Bowser plans to re-introduce pro-growth legislation

Why it matters

  • The District continues to be the economic engine of the Washington metropolitan area despite challenges
  • Business leaders predict by a 60% margin that the city's economy will worsen
  • The report calls for a shift from office-centric development toward an innovation economy
  • Proposed strategies could help build a more diverse, competitive economy
  • The city aims to host all professional sports teams within city limits by 2031, potentially becoming one of only six cities nationwide to do so
  • Meeting housing goals ahead of schedule (36,000 units before 2025) addresses housing needs
  • Developing workforce training and AI proficiency prepares residents for future jobs

What's next

  • Mayor Bowser plans to introduce "Stand-Alone" bills focused on economic growth
  • The city aims to host the Super Bowl in 2031
  • The NFL draft will be held on the National Mall in 2027
  • The report recommends implementing performance-based tax incentives, diversifying the economy, simplifying permitting, and investing in workforce housing

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer

D.C. Chamber of Commerce Hosts 2025 State of the District