Mayor Bowser Convenes Top 100 Local Employers to Discuss Strategies for Protecting and Building DC’s Economy and Hiring DC Residents
(Washington, DC) – (RealEstateRama) — Mayor Muriel Bowser joined Washington, DC’s top 100 employers to discuss strategies for protecting and building the District’s economy as well as ensuring employers are hiring District residents. At the event, the Bowser Administration released the Employer Engagement 100 (EE100) report, a report summarizing the Administration’s year-long dialogue with an initial collection of Washington, DC’s largest, fastest-growing, and most innovative employers. The report provides next steps for addressing key topics such as workforce development, transportation, housing, and staying resilient during unforeseen circumstances.
“During the unprecedented 35-day federal government shutdown, we saw just how resilient DC is during uncertain times, but we also saw how important it is to continue innovating and diversifying our economy,” said Mayor Bowser. “As we stay focused on making DC’s prosperity more inclusive and creating DC jobs for DC residents, we need to be sure we’re working hand in hand with our top employers to understand their challenges and successes.”
In 2018, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), with support from the Washington DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP), launched the Employer Engagement 100 pilot program to learn more about how to address issues that impact the city’s economy. With assistance from the District’s Department of Employment Services (DOES) and the Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), DMPED met with 104 companies to better understand the opportunities and challenges employers face; share Mayor Bowser’s priorities for inclusive prosperity and economic growth; and discuss ways the District can support them. As a result, DMPED will develop a new EE100 public-private working group to better align the program’s efforts with employer’s needs.
“Engaging with DC’s top employers through this pilot program has been rewarding and insightful,” said Deputy Mayor Brian Kenner. “It was refreshing to hear firsthand about the challenges and experiences employers faced, as well as the many opportunities that lie ahead for DC businesses. I see great change coming out of this program—change that without having created these newfound connections, would’ve taken years to accomplish.”
“The Washington DC Economic Partnership will continue to work closely with top employers as we strategically promote the District as a leading global city for doing business,” said Keith J. Sellars, President & CEO. “As a facilitator for the Employer Engagement 100 program with our partners, we are able to establish a true public-private partnership with our business community to make a lasting contribution on the local economy.”
The Employer Engagement Kickoff Reception included a series of moderated “rapid-fire” discussions, focused on key industries and their contribution to the District’s economy. Doug Fruehling, Editor-In-Chief of the Washington Business Journal served as panel moderator.
