About this Testimony: 

In this testimony, the Greater Washington Board of Trade expresses support for Mayor Bowser’s B25-555, the ACT Now Amendment of 2023, emphasizing that public safety is a top concern for the region’s business community. The statement highlights rising violent crime, carjackings, youth crime, and organized retail theft, while urging a comprehensive approach that includes both prevention and accountability.

The testimony also stresses the need for adequately staffed and resourced law enforcement and argues that improving safety is essential to the District’s economic recovery, including downtown revitalization.

Video of Testimony:

Written Testimony Submitted:

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November 29, 2023

Good afternoon, Chairwoman Pinto, committee members, and staff. My name is Kyle McColgan, and I serve as the Senior Vice President of Policy at the Greater Washington Board of Trade. We are a pro-business and non-partisan organization supporting all industry sectors in the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia, having done so for the last 134 years. I appreciate the opportunity to testify in front of you all today in support of Mayor Bowser’s bill B25-555, the ACT Now Amendment of 2023. 

I would first like to thank Chairwoman Pinto on her efforts thus far to address the issue of crime, particularly that of violent crime, and the many challenges it creates for citizens and businesses alike within the District. The emergency legislation passed and extended this year was a step in the right direction, as was the introduction of the Secure DC Plan.  

With homicides topping 250 this year already, a two-decade high, roughly 900 carjackings – 77% of which involved a firearm, and a rise in youth related crime, public safety has quickly risen to the most concerning and pressing issue shared amongst the business community. 

We at the Greater Washington Board of trade are firm believers that a comprehensive approach, that includes both addressing the underlying structures which lead to crime and more immediate actions to hold offenders accountable, is the only way to solve this complex and challenging issue. 

While addressing violent crime must be a priority for our communities and businesses to thrive, we cannot disregard other criminal activity. This proposed legislation takes aim at addressing a concern our members have been impacted by – organized retail theft. DC saw the highest per capital rate of theft across the nation (2829 per 100,000 residents) exceeding what would be expected via population share in the nation by 69%. Retailers of all shapes and sizes have been negatively impacted by increases in theft – with some choosing to implement costly internal security measures to help mitigate the issue themselves. While protecting their goods is a priority – most important is the safety and security of their employees and customers, who are at risk of becoming victims themselves as these thefts are carried out. The business community would greatly appreciate increased efforts and means to hold those who commit these crimes accountable.  

It is also necessary to have an adequately staffed law enforcement entity who is provided with the resources and means to effectively do their jobs. This legislation would help to support an environment where this is possible. 

Without addressing crime and public safety, there will be no meaningful recovery, not just in the District’s downtown area, but in its entirety. While this bill is a component in assisting with the recovery, we urge the Council to continue their efforts to comprehensively resolve this issue. 

Thank you for the opportunity to testify, I am happy to answer any questions.  

Sincerely, 

Kyle McColgan

Senior Vice President, Policy 

Greater Washington Board of Trade