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

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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

The Greater Washington Board of Trade Thanks Mayor Muriel Bowser for Her Leadership in D.C.

Posted on by Board of Trade

Statement from the Board of Trade regarding Mayor Muriel Bowser’s announcement:

The Greater Washington Board of Trade deeply appreciates Mayor Muriel Bowser for her years of dedicated public service and leadership. Over three terms, she guided the District through some of the most consequential periods in its modern history — including a global pandemic, a shifting federal landscape, and a period of profound economic and social change.

Mayor Bowser has been a steadfast partner in advancing Greater Washington’s competitiveness, from strengthening small businesses and supporting innovation to investing in infrastructure, sports, education, housing, and community priorities. Her contributions have positioned D.C. and the region for continued growth and opportunity.

As the District enters a new chapter, the Board of Trade remains committed to working collaboratively with the Mayor, the Council, regional leaders, and the business community to ensure stability, accelerate revitalization, and build a thriving future for all who live and work here.

See more from our conversation with Mayor Bowser from this past July:

Investing in What Works: Mayor Bowser on Building a Smarter, Stronger DC

Building One Regional Voice: Highlights from the 2025 Annual Meeting

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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 

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

Voices from the Table: October Insights

Posted on by Board of Trade

When leaders across the Capital Region gather around a table, talk turns quickly from problems to progress. October’s conversations were about how to keep this region competitive and what it will take to move faster, smarter, and together. 

Why it matters 

The Capital Region has the assets to lead – world-class talent, location, and innovation capacity. But growth is uneven; infrastructure is aging; and coordination is hard. Leaders agreed: progress depends on connection – with each other, across sectors, jurisdictions, and priorities. 

What we heard 

Energy is a business issue now.
Leaders warned that the region’s energy and digital systems aren’t keeping pace with demand from data centers, EVs, and electrified transit. Reliability, modernization, and investment coordination will define competitiveness more than incentives alone. 

Mobility drives momentum.
With our region now the nation’s most congested metro, transportation has become the clearest constraint and opportunity. Executives called for bold P3 models, smarter design, and regional planning that moves people, goods, and ideas more efficiently. Connectivity isn’t just infrastructure; it’s economic oxygen. 

Purpose is part of performance.
Corporate–nonprofit partnerships are shifting. Companies are building trust through measurable, community-anchored impact aligning social investment with workforce stability, inclusion, and regional resilience. 

The big picture 

Across energy, transit, and social investment, the message was consistent: the Capital Region doesn’t need perfect regionalism; it needs practical alignment. Businesses can’t fix every policy challenge, but they can model collaboration, accountability, and long-term investment in the systems that sustain growth. 

Leaders know politics are tough and progress is incremental. But momentum builds when the right people stay at the table; aligning ambition with action, and vision with execution. 

Food for thought 

  • How do we modernize energy, transit, and digital systems fast enough to support growth sectors? 
  • What practical partnerships can turn fragmentation into a shared advantage? 
  • How can business leadership rebuild confidence that growth can be both competitive and inclusive? 

Bottom line: The Capital Region’s economy will grow when its leaders connect on purpose, with purpose. 

2025 Virginia Election Results and Insights

Posted on by Board of Trade

Here is a look at the 2025 Virginia election results following a historic Election Day in the Commonwealth, which will influence how the Greater Washington region’s business community engages with various opportunities and issues.

Virginia voters made history in the 2025 general election by electing Abigail Spanberger as the Commonwealth’s next governor, as she will be the first woman to hold the position in the state’s history. Spanberger, a former U.S. Representative, won the November 4 election against Republican nominee Winsome Earle-Sears by securing approximately 57 percent of the vote, with Earle-Sears receiving about 42 percent. Her inauguration will also mark the first time in the Commonwealth’s history that both the governor and lieutenant governor are women. 

In January 2025, the Board of Trade hosted Abigail Spanberger (then a candidate for Virginia governor) at our downtown Washington, D.C. offices for a policy discussion with business leaders from the region. During that event, she shared her vision for Virginia as a destination for work, living, and innovation, highlighting critical issues such as workforce development, transportation, and housing. She emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration, noting that improving infrastructure, broadband access, and regional connectivity in Northern Virginia, the D.C. region, and surrounding areas requires a shared approach. Her remarks also highlighted how the Greater Washington region can capitalize on its proximity to federal institutions, its educated workforce, and its established business base to boost competitiveness. This conversation underscored our shared interests in workforce readiness, infrastructure, and inclusive growth. 

In addition to the governor’s race, voters selected a new lieutenant governor and attorney general, with democrats winning both contests, resulting in a unified Democratic administration. In the lieutenant governor and attorney general races, voters selected Ghazala Hashmi as lieutenant governor and Jay Jones as attorney general. Hashmi’s election marked a milestone as she became the first Muslim woman elected to statewide office in Virginia. Jay Jones prevailed over incumbent Jason Miyares, becoming the first African American attorney general in the history of Virginia.  

State officials have indicated that the formal certification of results will occur later in November, after which planning will begin for the inauguration ceremony in Richmond. The event, traditionally held on the second Saturday in January, will officially mark the start of the new four-year term. 

As the Board of Trade continues to engage with leaders across the region, we look forward to working constructively with the incoming administration in Virginia to deepen regional coordination, align policy and infrastructure priorities, and support the economic vitality of the Greater Washington region.  

Previous Election Guide Before Election

This 2025 Virginia Election Guide reflects the Board of Trade’s commitment to supporting a thriving Greater Washington, as we track statewide and local elections in Virginia to better understand how their outcomes may shape the business community.

The 2025 Virginia gubernatorial election is underway with Election Day set for November 4, and early in-person voting has already begun. Because Virginia governors are barred by state law from serving consecutive terms, the current governor, Glenn Youngkin, cannot run again. Therefore, two major candidates are Abigail Spanberger, a former U.S. Representative, and Winsome Earle-Sears, the current lieutenant governor. No matter who wins the general election, Virginia is set to elect a woman as governor for the first time this fall. 

For lieutenant governor, voters will decide between Democratic state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi and Republican John Reid. Additionally, Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares is seeking reelection and is facing Democratic challenger Jay Jones, an attorney and former state delegate. 

All 100 seats in the House of Delegates are on the ballot this year in Virginia. Democrats held a 51-49 majority heading into this year’s election. You can find your House district here and a list of candidates running for the House of Delegates listed here: Virginia Dept. of Elections: November 4, 2025 Gen Elect House of Del/ 

Most jurisdictions in Virginia have local races of some sort, whether they are contests for mayor, county board, school board, city council or sheriff. Check the full list of local races on the Virginia Department of Elections website to learn more. 

Key Dates Include:  

  • Friday, Oct. 24: Last day to register or update your address to vote a regular ballot for this election AND last day to request that a ballot be mailed to you. Click here to check your registration. 
  • Voters may register in person after this date, through Election Day, and vote using a provisional ballot 
  • Saturday, Oct. 25: Local voter registration offices open for in-person voting 
  • Saturday, Nov. 1: Last day to vote early in-person at your local voter registration office 
  • Tuesday, Nov. 4: Election Day. Vote at your polling place. Polls are open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

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. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS SIGNATURE EVENT

This 2025 Virginia Elections Guide will continue to be updated as we get closer to November 4th and stay engaged with the Board of Trade after Election Day to learn more about policy implications. 

Testimony: Board of Trade supports DMVMoves Task Force recommendations to secure sustainable funding for regional transit

Posted on by Board of Trade

About this Testimony: 

Jack McDougle, President & CEO of the Board of Trade, speaking as Chair of the Community Partners Advisory Group, delivered strong support for the DMVMoves Task Force’s draft recommendations to secure sustainable funding and regional coordination for transit across the Greater Washington area. New capital funding would generate $460 million annually in dedicated, bondable capital for Metro beginning FY2028, addressing long-standing funding gaps to keep the system safe and modern. Furthering modernization and financial stability for Metro is important for growing our economy and workforce to meet the future needs of this region.

Video of Testimony: 

Written Testimony Submitted: 

Dear members of the DMVMoves Task Force, 

Thank you for your leadership and tremendous work that has gone into this process. I’d also like to thank my fellow advisory committee chair, Bryan Hill; the members of both advisory committees; and Clark Mercer and his team at COG, especially Kanti and Monica—for guiding this effort. And thank you as well to Nick Donohue for his thoughtful leadership, technical expertise, and steady facilitation. 

I want to recognize WMATA — General Manager Randy Clarke, his leadership team, and especially Tom Webster — for their responsiveness and for the significant progress they have delivered. Being named APTA’s Transit Agency of the Year reflects real improvement in safety, reliability, and customer experience. Without that progress, we would be having a very different conversation today. 

I’m Jack McDougle, President and CEO of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, and it’s been a privilege to chair the Community Partners Advisory Group. Our committee brought together business, labor, community advocates, and nonprofit leaders. We debated tough issues, and while we didn’t agree on every priority, we reached meaningful consensus around the need for integrated, reliable, and sustainably funded transit across the region. 

This effort is especially urgent as the federal government restructures and disruptive technologies accelerate. Our region must be able to compete for talent, investment, and innovation in a rapidly changing economy. 

If we can’t move people, we can’t move opportunity. That’s why the recommendations before you matter. They provide $460 million per year in new, bondable capital beginning in FY2028—growing three percent annually—to keep Metro safe, modern, and efficient. Securing durable, dedicated capital funding is something this region has struggled to achieve for decades, and reaching consensus on this framework is a milestone worth celebrating. 

The recommendations also set a path to align our 14 transit providers into a seamless regional network—fare policies, service guidelines, training, and priority investments. That’s how we move from a collection of systems to a coordinated platform that supports riders and drives economic growth. 

We’ve heard thoughtful feedback urging us to go further. Continued work on dedicated operating funding, stronger bus-priority implementation, accountability for delivery, workforce transition strategies, and regional studies of tools like congestion pricing and land value capture are all important next-phase conversations. Nothing in these recommendations precludes that work. In fact, they create the structure required to do it responsibly. 

But we must act now. The upcoming legislative sessions present a narrow window to secure long-term stability. If we allow the perfect to become the enemy of the good, we risk losing momentum, weakening public confidence, and slowing economic recovery. Not supporting these recommendations would take us a step backward and push us farther from the work many want to pursue next. 

From the business community’s perspective, this is about competitiveness and quality of life. Metro and our local transit systems support over $25 billion in annual economic activity, connect nearly a million daily trips, and underpin our ability to attract and retain talent and capital. Failing to act would cost far more—in congestion, lost productivity, and diminished trust in our region’s future. 

This plan is not the end of the journey; it is a beginning. We strongly support continuing a community advisory body as COG leads this next phase, with clear milestones, transparent reporting, and regional accountability. That is how we convert recommendations into results. 

Greater Washington has the assets, the talent, and the vision. Now we need the resolve. Let’s move forward together—because when our region moves, our economy moves, and our people thrive. 

Thank you, 

Jack McDougle 

President & CEO 

Greater Washington Board of Trade 

Board of Trade Addresses ‘Workplace of Tomorrow’ at GW Business & Policy Forum

Posted on by Board of Trade

The Board of Trade joined regional leaders and MBA students at George Washington University’s Business & Policy Forum on October 22 to explore how innovation and policy are shaping the workplace of tomorrow and the region’s economic future.

The George Washington University School of Business reconvened its third annual Business & Policy Forum, “The Future of Work is Now,” to explore the opportunities and implications the future of work holds for technology, organizations, employees, and policymakers. Additional topics ranged from adapting and thriving in the workplace of tomorrow to sustainability and social impact.

Our President & CEO, Jack McDougle, joined fellow panelists to discuss the future of workforce and technology, sharing insights on how our region can adapt, invest, and lead in a rapidly changing economy. Jack outlined the strengths of the Greater Washington region: a highly educated workforce, deep federal roots, and a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that now ranks fifth nationally in venture capital investment. Yet, he warned that the same proximity to government that fuels stability can also breed risk aversion. For the region to fully leverage its advantages, both the public and private sectors must embrace a mindset of experimentation.

He pointed to Washington, D.C.’s delayed legislation on autonomous vehicles, noting how it has affected investment from Waymo and other innovators in the field—highlighting the region’s technical strength but cautious regulatory pace. “If we want to position ourselves as a global hub for innovation,” he said, “we need to demonstrate that we are willing to take on innovative technologies.”

The panel holistically closed with a reminder that, despite the promises of technology, progress depends on people’s willingness to adapt and challenge the status quo, underscoring the urgent need for cultural and institutional agility as the region prepares for the next wave of economic change. And that forward-thinking companies and organizations must be willing to experiment, collaborate, and rethink the traditional definition of workforce to best be equipped to thrive in the future.

We also heard from George Washington University President, Ellen Granberg, about how the university is helping grow opportunities and engage the community.

Forum attendees not only heard from several of the most influential figures in the future of work, but also enjoyed a premier networking opportunity to engage with key players, discover the innovations shifting business landscapes, and learn to adapt to changing work environments.

Thank you to The George Washington University and The George Washington University School of Business for helping grow Greater Washington! Events like this highlight the power of collaboration across business, government, and education to strengthen our region’s competitiveness and inclusive growth.

Learn more about where the Board of Trade is positioned on certain policy and legislation efforts in our region: https://bit.ly/4qu3Odh

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