Офис заместителя мэра по вопросам планирования и экономического развитияWashington, DCЭкономическое партнерство Вашингтона (округ Колумбия)Washington, DC
  • Promote the attraction of priority retail categories, including food and beverage, fitness and wellness, and entertainment, while continuing to support other retail categories that are important neighborhood amenities.
  • Implement tenant attraction strategies specific to key retail submarkets.
  • Continue to make it easier for retailers to open and expand in DC by streamlining permitting, licensing, and interagency coordination. Read the Executive Summary of the Retail Strategic Plan. “The District remains one of the country’s most compelling urban retail markets, but success today requires a more targeted and data-driven approach,” said Derek Ford, President and CEO of the Washington DC Economic Partnership. “This strategy gives us the framework to better support retailers, property owners, brokers, and entrepreneurs while continuing to position DC as a premier destination for investment and growth.” This week, WDCEP, alongside representatives from DMPED, is leading the District’s attendance at the International Conference of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the national annual retail real estate conference. Informed by key findings from the study, as well as the District’s commitment to attract more grocery stores to DC, WDCEP will use the conference to generate new leads, strengthen relationships with retailers and brokers, and position Washington, DC as a prime market for retail investment and growth. The Retail Strategic Plan builds on the Bowser Administration’s broader economic growth agenda focused on diversifying the District’s economy, strengthening neighborhood commercial corridors, increasing foot traffic and vibrancy downtown, and supporting small business growth across all eight wards. Mayor Bowser has already been taking action to grow DC and respond to a shifting economy. The Mayor’s new $3.875 million Restaurant & Retail Stabilization Grant launched earlier this month, providing critical financial relief to brick-and-mortar businesses that took a hit in 2025, and the Robust Retail Grant Program has distributed more than $4.5 million to over 500 local businesses since 2019. The Bowser Administration has also moved aggressively to cut red tape, introducing the DC Hospitality Amendment Act of 2026 to modernize alcohol laws and reduce barriers to entry for entrepreneurs across the city. Mayor Bowser X: @MayorBowser Mayor Bowser Instagram: @Mayor_Bowser Mayor Bowser Bluesky: @MayorBowser Mayor Bowser Facebook: facebook.com/MayorMurielBowser Mayor Bowser YouTube: https://www.bit.ly/eomvideos Mayor Bowser LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mayorbowser