Building Community Prosperity in the Washington Metropolitan Area District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce Regional Action Plan Ford Fellowship for Regionalism and Sustainable Development

District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce Problem Region is divided by race, income, jobs and opportunity Fast growing counties (traffic, schools, quality of life) District of Columbia needs more middle class residents – and increased number of businesses to serve them District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce

District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce Major Findings Traffic growing worse Housing getting more expensive Open space disappearing Poverty increasing Jobs and affordable housing separating Public school system facing growing strains District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce

District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce RSD Implications Division in this region cannot be explained as ‘city versus suburb’ Eastern half carrying the area’s burden of poverty and social distress Western half enjoys most of the ‘fruits of labor’ – including parts of the District Polarizing patterns hurt fast growing counties Patterns of extensive growth in some communities and significantly less growth in other are inextricably linked If regional divisions widen as growth proceeds, it will be difficult to create a region that is competitive, prosperous and livable. District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce

District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce Proposed Solutions Cross cutting policy workgroups Strategic Industries Strategic Population attraction and retention District focus on targeted business growth and recruitment i.e. retail, entertainment and neighborhood services Increasing the supply of mixed income housing Improving the neighborhood schools District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce

District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce Barriers Lack of comprehensive economic development action plans – both for the District and metro region Revenue sharing Infrastructure funding Federal payment Most DC jobs held by non residents Lack of skilled District resident workers District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce

District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce Benefits DC Chamber of Commerce Business attraction and retention More tax dollars Better qualified workforce Washington Metro Region Less school overcrowding Diversity in the workplace and communities Reduced traffic congestion District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce

District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce Next Steps Engage research Conduct partner outreach Develop Chamber action plan Engage Chamber members and other stakeholders through committee work District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce