A New Era of Collaboration: We Need the Big Three to Finally Bring the DMV Together | WBJ Viewpoint

Category: Insights

A New Era of Collaboration: We Need the Big Three to Finally Bring the DMV Together | WBJ Viewpoint

Posted on by Board of Trade

In this Washington Business Journal Viewpoint, ‘A New Era of Collaboration: We Need the Big Three to Finally Bring the DMV Together,’ our President & CEO Jack McDougle, argues that Greater Washington’s economic competitiveness now depends on sustained, measurable regional coordination among Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. It points to the Feb. 5 meeting of Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser as a promising signal, but emphasizes that symbolism must turn into a new operating model built on alignment and execution.

The piece outlines a blueprint for regionalism that treats the DMV as one integrated “portfolio,” combining Maryland’s bio-health and research strengths, Virginia’s tech and defense corridors, and D.C.’s urban core and global visibility into a single growth engine. It calls for public institutions to shift from a jurisdiction-first posture to true partnership with the private sector, and to remove barriers that prevent companies from scaling locally—especially regulatory, licensing, and permitting friction that acts like a hidden tax when businesses expand across borders.

Finally, it identifies talent mobility, transportation, and energy as the region’s key productivity pillars. The author urges reciprocity for professional credentials, deeper alignment between higher education and industry, and a unified mobility strategy that treats roads, transit, WMATA funding, and land use as one system. On energy, it warns that AI, data centers, and advanced research require reliable power at scale—and that fragmented planning and slow interconnection threaten both investment and household affordability. The Viewpoint concludes by calling for sustained joint action and cross-sector collaboration, with the Greater Washington Board of Trade positioning itself as a ready partner to help drive regional alignment.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

ABOUT THE BOARD OF TRADE

The Greater Washington Board of Trade, founded in 1889, is the region’s premier non-partisan business organization representing industry, nonprofits, universities, and government agencies. The Board of Trade addresses complex and always-evolving business concerns that stretch across the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia, with a priority focus on inclusive economic growth, improving the business climate, and enhancing the region’s economic competitiveness.  

READ MORE POLICY ISSUES AND TOPICS THE BOARD OF TRADE IS FOLLOWING

Strengthening the DMV Region’s Energy Future

Posted on by Board of Trade

The conversation around Greater Washington’s (DMV) energy future has shifted from a distant policy debate to a defining operational reality.

At our recent GWBOT Executive Lunch, the dialogue wasn’t just about kilowatts and transmission lines; it was about the collective resilience of our region and the urgent need to respond to an energy system that is changing faster than our infrastructure can keep pace. 

The Stark Reality: A Surge in Energy Demand 

The data behind this shift is staggering. Kevin Carey from AOBA highlighted insights from PJM Interconnection that paint a clear picture of the road ahead: we are facing a projected 30GW of load growth between 2025 and 2030, with an additional 30GW+ expected by 2040. This surge is largely propelled by our digital-first economy, with U.S. power demand from data centers expected to more than double from current levels. 

While demand is skyrocketing, our ability to meet it remains constrained. In 2025, only about 2 GW of new generation came online in PJM; a significant drop from the 5 GW added just the year prior. Perhaps most concerning is the bottleneck in the construction queue; of the ~44 GW of capacity currently in development, roughly three-quarters remain stalled in engineering or procurement. 

What Those Numbers Mean to Regional Leaders  

The conversation revealed a shared understanding: energy reliability is the silent engine of regional economic development. Whether it’s Washington Gas emphasizing the importance of a diverse energy mix or WTOP sharing its ability to report on the infrastructure that connects us, every leader in the room recognized that our collective growth depends on a modern, robust grid. 

For our nonprofits and small businesses, the challenge is one of bandwidth. When you are heavily focused on a daily critical mission, whether it’s community health or essential services, finding the time to navigate complex energy policy can feel like an impossible addition to an already full plate. However, we discussed how even small, incremental steps, like understanding your organization’s capacity tag or advocating for streamlined local permitting, can make a difference. 

Leaders from Perkins Eastman and the Universities at Shady Grove urged us to build with adaptability in mind, pointing to the miles of railroad infrastructure that made perfect sense in one era, only to be torn out as technology and growth patterns changed. We must move quickly to support projects like Valley Link and Joshua Falls, but do so informed by innovative insight and research. We can’t afford temporary fixes; we need long-life infrastructure that keeps power dependable and costs predictable for employers across the region. 

A Call for Collaborative Action for Energy Future

The takeaway from our discussion was clear: the grid is the floor upon which we all stand. To keep it solid, we must collaborate to support each other and quickly address these critical needs with the most innovative and thought-out approach possible. Join the conversation in addressing critical questions such as: 

  • How can we streamline the 75% of stalled projects in the queue to get them online faster? 
  • How do we ensure our smallest community anchors aren’t left behind as energy costs fluctuate? 
  • Are we building the infrastructure that will still be powering the DMV 50 years from now? 

Now is the time for coordinated action across employers, utilities, and local jurisdictions. We encourage all our members to engage with our energy policy initiatives and join the solutioning for a reliable, sustainable, and affordable power system. 

To learn more about how your organization can be involved in our energy initiative, reach out to [email protected].  

Insights from the Table is a membership-driven series of specific takeaways from our Executive Lunches, where local and state leaders help inform our organization’s decisions and guide the work we do in a rapidly evolving regional environment. Your impact and insights matter to the growth of Greater Washington.

America’s 250th Regional Resources and Festivities Guide

Posted on by Board of Trade

 

On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This historic milestone offers a moment to reflect on our shared past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead to the future we aspire to build for generations to come.

Across the Greater Washington region, the Semiquincentennial will also bring unique celebrations, events, and opportunities that highlight our nation’s history and showcase the strength, diversity, and innovation of our regional community.

Browse the resources and festivities below to get a full picture of how Greater Washington will mark this once-in-a-generation milestone.

Regional Resources & Festivities:

American250 

America250 is a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating the 250th anniversary of our country. This multi-year effort, from now through July 4, 2026, is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.

Learn More

Trust for the National Mall

Inspired by this monumental moment, the Trust for the National Mall and the National Park Service are building legacy restoration projects, civic learning opportunities and volunteer programs on the National Mall and at the White House and President’s Park.

Learn More

Our Shared Future: 250 – Smithsonian

The Smithsonian will celebrate the nation’s successes, contemplate the consequences of our history, commemorate the sacrifices of those who have worked to uphold the nation’s ideals, and ask Americans to commit to advancing our democracy and preserving our shared future.

Learn More

DC 250

From monumental events and historic exhibitions to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, Washington, DC already has an incredible lineup of ways to honor 250 years of American independence in 2026. Stay up to date with special programming and need-to-know info so that you can make the most of this unforgettable milestone.

Learn More

VA 250

Established by the General Assembly in 2020, VA250 serves to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War, and the Independence of the United States in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Learn More

Maryland 250 Commission

In observance of America’s 250th anniversary, Maryland is looking back at its state’s contributions to American history through the eyes and experiences of fellow Marylanders. This commemoration is for every one of us, from the Chesapeake Bay to the mountain peaks out west. Attend events, get involved, give back, and gain perspective.

Learn More

Mount Vernon 250

In spring 2026, Mount Vernon will unveil a revitalized George Washington exhibit. This updated space will focus on why Washington matters today and how the decisions he made in his lifetime continue to impact us in the 21st century.

Learn More

Daughters of the American Revolution

In celebration of our country’s 250th anniversary, the Daughters of the American Revolution are privileged to present this special event, which will underscore the immense contribution of women veterans and spotlight the impact they have made throughout our nation’s history.

Learn More

Freedom 250 Grand Prix

The Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C., will recognize the historic milestone of America’s independence and celebrate the unparalleled tradition and legacy of America’s motorsports industry.

Learn More

About the Greater Washington Board of Trade

The Greater Washington Board of Trade, founded in 1889, is the region’s premier non-partisan business organization representing industry, nonprofits, universities, and government agencies. The Board of Trade addresses complex and always-evolving business concerns that stretch across the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia, with a priority focus on inclusive economic growth, improving the business climate, and enhancing the region’s economic competitiveness. Learn more about the Board of Trade and its mission at www.boardoftrade.org.

2025 Year in Review and 2026 Outlook

Posted on by Board of Trade

A YEAR OF CONSEQUENTIAL CHANGE

In 2025, the Greater Washington Board of Trade played a pivotal role in guiding our region through a year of consequential change. As federal transformation, technological disruption, and new economic pressures reshaped the landscape, we focused on opportunities, collaboration, and data-driven action.

You’ll see that reflected in our work, charting a more sustainable future for regional transit, standing up shared data and talent tools, and supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs. These are core ingredients of a competitive economy and a stronger story for Greater Washington.

This progress is possible because of you. To our officers, executive committee, board of directors, committee chairs, regional partners, and all our members—thank you. Your leadership, engagement, and commitment power this work and strengthen our community as a whole.

As we look to 2026, the Board of Trade remains focused on helping define a more unified voice; accelerating progress on mobility, energy, and capital; and building the systems and solutions that will define our next chapter.

LEADING REGIONAL PROGRESS

In partnership with our members and community, the Board of Trade advanced a wide range of work across the region this year. The examples below are a snapshot of that progress, not an exhaustive list, illustrating how we are helping to shape regional systems, align decision-makers, and move practical solutions forward for Greater Washington.

STRATEGY IN ACTION

This year, the Board of Trade didn’t just set strategic priorities; we moved them. We were deliberate about aligning our policy work, programming, and public voice so they reinforced one another and pushed the region in the same direction; advancing a shared agenda around transit, talent, innovation, technology, and resilience.

 

IMPACT THROUGH ENGAGEMENT

Our impact in 2025 shows up in who engaged, how often, and what we did with that engagement. Members used Board of Trade platforms as working rooms; testing ideas, sharpening priorities, and advancing regional solutions. At the same time, our media and digital channels carried that work beyond the room, amplifying the region’s story and giving business a stronger, more consistent voice in the public conversation. The metrics on this page reflect that story of depth, breadth, and growing influence.

 

  • This year, welcomed 29 new member organizations, representing strong momentum heading into 2026.
  • Achieved an outstanding 91% retention rate, far surpassing association benchmarks, and had over 90% of member organizations engaged in at least one program, demonstrating deep commitment across our regional network.
  • Delivered a robust slate of over 120 programs, events, and gatherings—including the Mid-Winter Dinner, Fall Business Classic, Annual Meeting, and TD Bank Morning Star Series—alongside executive roundtables, policy engagements, themed salons, and professional forums.
  • Programming aligned leaders around key regional priorities: economic competitiveness, transit funding, workforce pipelines, public safety, AI transformation, and more.
  • Reached 100% of the adjusted 2025 sponsorship forecast, ensuring delivery of high-quality programming amid shifting market and political conditions.
  • Positioned the Board of Trade as a trusted voice through op-eds in the Washington Business Journal, major partnerships with WTOP, and media coverage across Axios DC, FOX5, CBS/WUSA9, Washingtonian, and more.
  • Website enhancements drove a 46% increase in total users, 74% growth in direct traffic, and stronger inbound engagement from prospective members.
  • Established the Board of Trade Foundation governance structure and onboarded trustees.
  • Maintained a positive financial trajectory, improved AR, modernized IT systems, and reduced bank fees by 50%.

2025 New Members

2025 Sponsors

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026

As we carry the momentum of 2025 into the year ahead, the Board of Trade remains focused on strengthening the critical business infrastructure our region depends on and modernizing the regional economy. In 2026, that means putting more weight behind solutioning and strategy in areas such as securing dedicated funding for Metro, addressing energy and technology policy challenges, and advancing the capital, investment, and business conditions that allow employers to innovate, grow, and stay rooted here.

This work is only possible in true partnership with you. Membership is a platform, not a product; its value comes from how actively it is used. Being in the room is step one. We call you to lean in further, by lending expertise and talent, sharing data and examples from your organizations, and investing in the initiatives and discussions that move the needle.

To stay engaged in this consequential moment, we encourage you to connect with our team about where your organization can lead or contribute, participate in the strategy conversations most relevant to your priorities, and explore opportunities to collaborate.

As we look to 2026, we know the path won’t be simple, but it is full of opportunity. And as we have for more than 136 years, the Board of Trade stands ready to lead with purpose, partnership, and optimism for the future of Greater Washington.

Welcome 2026 Board Officers

Board members contribute to the Board of Trade’s success in several ways: they weigh in on strategic decisions; assist with the recruitment, retention, and onboarding process of members; lend resources and make connections to bring projects closer to their goals; and attend and support board meetings and other Board of Trade events throughout the year.

Join Us!

To get involved, connect with our team to explore ways to engage your entire organization. Follow our work—subscribe to our newsletters, connect on X, LinkedIn & YouTube, and visit our newly revitalized website for insights, initiatives, and member highlights. Our events have seen unprecedented demand this year—selling out repeatedly—so be sure to secure your spot early and join these powerful conversations and engagements.

Not yet a member? Please consider joining us! As a member, as partners for change, or both, the Board of Trade is open for business and eager to team with any organization committed to our common goal of a Greater Washington region.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Connection Through Innovation: Highlights from the 2025 Capital Region Transportation Forum

Posted on by Board of Trade

How can the Capital Region build a transportation system that keeps pace with growth and innovation? That was the central question we aimed to answer at the 2025 Capital Region Transportation Forum, hosted by the Greater Washington Partnership and the Greater Washington Board of Trade. Held on December 2nd at George Washington University’s Jack Morton Auditorium in Washington, DC, the 8th annual forum brought together regional leaders and transportation stakeholders from across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Attendees examined the region’s most pressing transportation challenges—from funding and governance to emerging technologies and data-driven planning—while exploring strategies to create a more connected, efficient, and forward-looking system. 

A Closer Look at the State of Metro 

Randy Clarke, WMATA’s General Manager and CEO, opened the forum with a State of Metro address highlighting both the system’s recent progress and the work still ahead to modernize and stabilize operations. He pointed to significant improvements in reliability, ridership, and safety, advancements that helped Metro earn recognition as the nation’s top transit system and achieve a 60% boost in reliability since 2022. Clarke also underscored the agency’s looming capital funding challenges, stressing the need for a sustainable, predictable regional funding solution to maintain this momentum and support Metro’s essential role in workforce mobility and economic growth. Looking forward, he outlined a vision for a modern, dependable transit network built on long-term investment, regional alignment, and a shared commitment to delivering a world-class transit experience. 

DMVMoves: From Strategy to Action

A panel discussion on DMVMoves explored the region’s ongoing efforts to align governance, secure sustainable funding, and strengthen transit operations across jurisdictions. Moderated by Jack McDougle, President and CEO of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, the conversation featured Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill and Capitol Transportation Consulting Principal and DMVMoves facilitator, Nick Donohue. 

The panelists highlighted the progress DMVMoves has made over the past year, culminating in a proposal for $460 million in new annual capital funding for Metro beginning in FY28, and underscored Metro’s criticality to residents, employers, and our greater region. They emphasized that addressing the region’s transportation challenges will require sustained, long-term collaboration that extends beyond the conclusion of the DMVMoves initiative. 

trans25-359

Designing a Future-Ready Mobility Network

The forum concluded with a forward-looking conversation on how technology, data, and evolving innovation are reshaping the future of transportation. Moderated by Patrick McKenna, President and CEO of the Eno Center for Transportation, the panel brought together Laura Schewel from StreetLight Data and Matthew Walsh from Waymo.  

Panelists shared insights on how real-time data, autonomous vehicles, and public-private partnerships, such as Transurban’s new 495 Express Lanes, can support smarter planning, more efficient use of resources, and better outcomes for commuters and communities alike. The discussion emphasized that the future of mobility depends not only on technology, but also on leadership that is willing and able to adapt to policies and investment strategies to match and enable innovation.  

From transit reliability and funding to advanced mobility solutions, the path forward for the region’s transportation systems requires regional coordination, sustainable investment, and bold leadership. 

The Greater Washington Partnership and the Greater Washington Board of Trade thank our speakers, partners, and participants for contributing to a dynamic and solution-driven conversation. Together, we are working to shape a transportation system that supports a stronger, more connected Capital Region.  

Watch the 2025 Capital Region Transportation Forum

 

Special Thank You to Our Sponsors

Beyond gridlock: Integrated, tech-driven mobility underpins Greater Washington’s future | WBJ Viewpoint

Posted on by Board of Trade

The future of mobility in Washington is shifting — and tech-driven solutions may be the game-changer we’ve been waiting for. From smarter transit to cutting-edge innovations tackling gridlock, this Washington Business Journal article by our President & CEO, Jack McDougle, explores how our region could move beyond congestion.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

ABOUT THE BOARD OF TRADE

The Greater Washington Board of Trade, founded in 1889, is the region’s premier non-partisan business organization representing industry, nonprofits, universities, and government agencies. The Board of Trade addresses complex and always-evolving business concerns that stretch across the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia, with a priority focus on inclusive economic growth, improving the business climate, and enhancing the region’s economic competitiveness.  

READ MORE POLICY ISSUES AND TOPICS THE BOARD OF TRADE IS FOLLOWING

Building One Regional Voice: Highlights from the 2025 Annual Meeting

Posted on by Board of Trade

Key takeaways on competitiveness, collaboration, and regional readiness as leaders across Greater Washington join the Board of Trade for its 136th Annual Meeting. 

The Greater Washington Board of Trade brought together more than 400 leaders from across business, government, higher education, and the nonprofit sector for the 136th Annual Meeting, presented by Kaiser Permanente. Attendees left with one clear message: Greater Washington is entering a defining era—one where collaboration, shared purpose, and a unified regional voice will determine our competitiveness for decades to come. 

The program opened with Emily Holliman, Interim Regional President and COO for Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States, who underscored the vital relationship between community health, economic strength, and workforce well-being. She spoke to Kaiser Permanente’s dedication to cultivating thriving communities—reinforcing why the organization has proudly served as the presenting sponsor of the Annual Meeting for 11 consecutive years. 

A Region at an Inflection Point 

Board of Trade President & CEO Jack McDougle delivered a candid and inspiring assessment of the past year—describing 2025 as consequential for the organization and the region. 

Greater Washington is experiencing profound shifts: 

  • The federal government is transforming how it operates, hires, invests, and uses physical space. 
  • AI, automation, electrification, and digital infrastructure are accelerating competitive pressures. 
  • Jurisdictions face resource constraints and competing priorities that require new levels of boldness and collaboration. 

McDougle emphasized that the pace of change won’t slow down—and we cannot afford to either. To meet this moment, regional leaders must move faster, think bigger, and work together more intentionally. 

Take a look at more photos from our Annual Meeting!

Regional Collaboration: From Aspiration to Reality 

A central theme echoed throughout the meeting: the future of Greater Washington depends on a new kind of regional collaboration—one that is durable, consistent, and grounded in shared priorities. 

McDougle highlighted several examples where this collaborative approach is taking hold: 

DMVMoves & the Future of Transit 

  • Metro was recognized as APTA’s 2025 Transit Agency of the Year, reflecting major progress in safety, reliability, and modernization. 
  • Through DMVMoves, leaders across D.C., Maryland, Virginia, WMATA, COG, business, and labor united behind recommendations for dedicated capital funding and a more integrated regional bus network. 

The DMV Monitor: A Shared Data Backbone 

  • In partnership with Brookings and COG, the Board of Trade helped shape the new DMV Monitor, providing a unified, regionwide framework for tracking economic and quality-of-place indicators. 

Talent Capital AI & Workforce Transition 

  • Working with the Consortium of Universities, COG, and D.C.’s education leaders, the region launched Talent Capital AI to support federal workers impacted by shifting workforce needs and technological change. 

The Potomac Conference: Building a Regional Formula 

  • The Board of Trade, Greater Washington Partnership, COG, and the Consortium of Universities are working together to create a shared structure for regional action on mobility, energy, competitiveness, talent, and governance. 

These efforts reflect a powerful shift—from fragmented decision-making to collective regional problem-solving. 

Toward a Unified Regional Voice 

One of the most resonant messages of the morning centered on identity:
Greater Washington lacks a common narrative and shared language about who we are—and who we aspire to be. 

For months, the Board of Trade has been working with APCO and member leaders to begin shaping a foundational story of the region. Attendees previewed early concepts that explore what defines the DMV and what truly differentiates us on a national and global stage. 

This work is at its beginning, but the goal is clear:
to build a unified, compelling regional voice that aligns leaders, strengthens competitiveness, and reflects the dynamism of our collective future. 

Learn More & Register for Our Next Signature Event

Keynote: How Purposeful Leaders Defy Drift 

Keynote speaker Steve Goldbach, Principal and Sustainability Leader at Deloitte US, delivered a timely message from his book Hone: How Purposeful Leaders Defy Drift. He urged leaders to avoid “wait-and-see” decision-making—arguing that in times of rapid change, the status quo is often the riskiest strategy. 

Goldbach encouraged the region to embrace continuous honing—small, purposeful adjustments that realign systems and structures with the future we want to build. His insights reinforced the regional themes of adaptability, shared responsibility, and stepping boldly into change. 

Learn more about our Keynote Speaker here

Celebrating a High-Impact Year 

Outgoing Board Chair Jeremy Blank of Deloitte highlighted major achievements that reflect the Board of Trade’s growing reach and energy: 

Membership & Engagement 

  • 95% of member companies engaged in programs and events 
  • 91% projected retention—well above association norms 
  • 29 new member organizations joining in 2025 

Thought Leadership & Visibility 

  • 12 million impressions through the WTOP “Regional Business Insights” series
  • High-impact placements across regional media outlets
  • Consistent presence on stages and at tables where the future of the region is being shaped

Blank emphasized that the Board of Trade is not a passive membership—it is an active platform. “Membership is like a gym,” he said. “You get out what you put into it.” 

New Leadership, Shared Momentum 

Incoming Chair Tyler Anthony of Pepco Holdings accepted the gavel, expressing his commitment to continuing the region’s positive momentum. 

Anthony highlighted three imperatives for 2026: 

  • Deepening regional collaboration across sectors 
  • Championing the big issues—transit, talent, economy, and infrastructure 
  • Strengthening the collective regional voice 

He encouraged organizations to continue sending their best people into this work, treating the Board of Trade as a regional team, not a collection of individual institutions. 

Looking Ahead: A Region Ready to Move Together 

This year’s Annual Meeting showcased something powerful:
Greater Washington is not waiting for perfect clarity. It is choosing to act—together, with purpose, and with a growing sense of shared identity. 

As the region undergoes generational transformation, the Board of Trade will continue to convene the people, data, partnerships, and strategic insight needed to move in one direction as one regional voice.  

Thank you to everyone who joined us. Together, we are building a Greater Washington that is bold, collaborative, unified—and ready for the future. 

 

Thank you to our sponsors for their continued support 

Testimony: Montgomery County Delegation Joint House and Senate Priorities Hearing

Posted on by Board of Trade

About this Testimony: 

This testimony outlines the Greater Washington Board of Trade’s support for strengthening long-term, coordinated Metro funding and advancing policy solutions that protect the region’s mobility, workforce access, and economic competitiveness. It emphasizes the importance of timely action across Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. to ensure WMATA remains safe, reliable, and financially sustainable for the businesses, workers, and communities that depend on it.

Video of Testimony:

Written Testimony Submitted:

DOWNLOAD HERE

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

My name is Jack McDougle, President and CEO of the Greater Washington Board of Trade.

Greater Washington remains one of the most congested regions in the country—a challenge amplified by the transformation of the federal government and the rise of disruptive technologies. These forces are reshaping our economy and communities and accelerating the need for a transit system built for a digital, fast-moving world.

If we don’t respond proactively, congestion, inequities, and economic fragmentation will only deepen. And while all jurisdictions face challenges and competing priorities, we must invest boldly in transit to stay competitive, attract talent and capital, and drive inclusive growth.

The cost of inaction is steep. Gridlock drains billions in productivity, constrains business expansion, and weakens the region’s ability to compete for innovation and investment.

For the past 18 months, I chaired the Community Stakeholders Advisory Committee for DMVMoves, which brought together business, labor, and public-interest organizations across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The initiative produced two key recommendations as Randy Clarke discussed earlier:

  1. A regionwide commitment to $460 million in annual, dedicated, bondable capital funding for Metro beginning in FY 2028.
  2. A regional bus strategy aligning service standards, fares, and corridor planning across agencies.
    Together, these form the backbone of a modern transit strategy that drives economic growth and regional connectivity. If we fail to act, we risk missing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a more connected, competitive, and equitable future for Greater Washington.
    Where transit is strong, economic vitality follows.

Together, these form the backbone of a modern transit strategy that drives economic growth and regional connectivity. If we fail to act, we risk missing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a more connected, competitive, and equitable future for Greater Washington.

Where transit is strong, economic vitality follows.

Thank you, 

Jack McDougle

President & CEO

Greater Washington Board of Trade

Big Bets, Real Discipline: What We Heard from Governor Wes Moore

Posted on by Board of Trade

The Board of Trade hosted Maryland Governor Wes Moore on November 18 for a fireside chat with MGM National Harbor President & COO Melonie Johnson, bringing together executives from business, nonprofit, academia, and government from across the Capital Region to talk frankly about growth, risk, and what comes next for Maryland and the region’s economy. 

The backdrop was serious. Maryland is staring at a projected budget gap of roughly $1.4–$1.5 billion in fiscal year 2027, even after earlier tax and spending changes. At the same time, the state is positioning itself to lead in quantum, AI, life sciences, and other high-growth sectors through major initiatives like the “Capital of Quantum” and a new AI partnership with Anthropic and Percepta. 

Local coverage rightly highlighted the tension: WUSA9 framed the afternoon around “economic revival amid budget deficit concerns,” while WTOP focused on Moore’s call for business leaders to “take big bets” in 2026. 

Our lens is simple: what does all of this mean for leaders across the Capital Region? 

 Why this moment matters for our members

Maryland is a core pillar of the regional economy. When its fiscal strategy or growth model shifts, the effects don’t stop at the state line; they ripple through hiring, investment, and competitiveness across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. 

Two realities framed the discussion on stage: 

  • Federal dependence is no longer predictable. Coming out of the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history, Moore was direct about how much of Maryland’s economic and fiscal base is currently tied to the federal government and how much less predictable that arm has become.  
  • The opportunity set is changing fast. Initiatives like the $1 billion “Capital of Quantum” and the state’s AI partnership are designed to reposition Maryland around sectors that can drive long-term revenue, higher-wage jobs, and regional competitiveness. 

For employers, that combination of constraint and opportunity is exactly where strategy gets tested. 

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Big bets with guardrails 

Moore framed his agenda around three imperatives: 

  • Grow the economy. Make it easier for companies to come to Maryland, stay in Maryland, and scale, with an emphasis on durable private investment rather than short-lived incentives. 
  • Diversify the economy. Strengthen sectors like quantum and advanced computing, cybersecurity, life sciences, climate and resilience solutions, and other innovation industries so Maryland isn’t overly exposed to federal spending cycles and job cuts. 
  • Move faster. He challenged both government and business to move beyond a culture of “no and slow” and toward a more disciplined “yes and now”; shortening timelines, reducing friction, and being more intentional about where risk is worth taking. 

For the business community, the ask was straightforward: align your 2026–27 “big bets” with the places where Maryland and the Capital Region are deliberately building capacity, take risks, and be part of making those bets succeed. 

A regional lens on competitiveness 

A consistent theme of the afternoon was regionalism. As WTOP noted, Moore told the room that when he pitches companies, one of the main things he sells is not just Maryland in isolation but the strength of the broader DMV. 

What resonated most was his emphasis on working with D.C. and Virginia on transit, talent, and energy. These are regional systems, and if we align them, we strengthen Maryland and the broader Capital Region. That’s the kind of collaboration our business community is ready to support. 

Read more on the Board of Trade’s regional focus discussed in recent publications:

What’s next 

For the Board of Trade, this fireside chat is the continuation of a deeper set of conversations and workstreams. Be part of the conversation and growing our region’s economy – the Board of Trade calls on you to:  

  • Stress-test your 2026–27 strategy against the region’s direction. As you plan capital investments, expansions, and hiring, ask where they intersect with Maryland’s and the Capital Region’s emerging strengths in quantum, AI, cybersecurity, life sciences, and resilience. 
  • Engage on both growth and discipline. Fiscal constraints make it more important to advance projects and policies that deliver long-term economic value. The business community’s voice will be critical in shaping which investments move forward and how they’re structured. 
  • Stay at the regional table. Through DMV Moves, the Potomac Conference, and ongoing executive convenings, the Board of Trade will continue bringing business, government, and civic leaders together to tackle transit, energy, digital infrastructure, and talent issues at the scale they actually exist: the Capital Region.  

We’re grateful to Governor Wes Moore for his candor, to Melonie Johnson and MGM National Harbor for hosting, and to every member who joined us. 

This is not a moment for “no and slow.” It’s a moment for informed, collaborative “yes and now” and our region’s business and civic leaders will be central to making that real. 

 

Thank you to MGM National Harbor for helping support the Board of Trade’s mission. 

Greater Washington’s energy future hinges on balancing infrastructure growth with rising electricity demand | WBJ Viewpoint

Posted on by Board of Trade

From tech talent and research strength to public purpose and inclusive growth, our Greater Washington region has the ingredients to lead as a global innovation powerhouse. But bold coordination is needed.

Our President & CEO, Jack McDougle, shares in his latest Washington Business Journal viewpoint, which focuses on energy, and that the choices we make now will determine whether our region powers a more affordable, resilient, innovative, and inclusive economy or faces rising costs, strained systems, and missed opportunities for growth.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

ABOUT THE BOARD OF TRADE

The Greater Washington Board of Trade, founded in 1889, is the region’s premier non-partisan business organization representing industry, nonprofits, universities, and government agencies. The Board of Trade addresses complex and always-evolving business concerns that stretch across the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia, with a priority focus on inclusive economic growth, improving the business climate, and enhancing the region’s economic competitiveness.  

READ MORE POLICY ISSUES AND TOPICS THE BOARD OF TRADE IS FOLLOWING

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