Policy & Legislative Updates Archives

Letter to WMATA and WMSC Boards Urging Dispute Resolution Process for Safety Technology Adoption

Posted on May 30, 2025 by Board of Trade

About This Letter of Support: In this letter to the WMATA and WMSC Boards, the Greater Washington Board of Trade urges the establishment of a formal process for resolving disputes over proven transit safety technologies, citing the years-long delay in approving Automatic Train Operation. The letter highlights the risks this poses to Metro performance, regional mobility, and the economic competitiveness of Greater Washington.

Dear Chair Hart and Chair Santos,

The recent decision by the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) to
approve Automatic Train Operation (ATO) on the Green and Yellow Metrorail lines is a
welcome and long-overdue step forward for our region. It’s a meaningful move toward
enhancing safety while restoring the speed, reliability, and consistency riders expect—
along with greater capacity and long-term cost savings for the system.

As Metro regains ridership and reconnects communities, modern tools like ATO are
essential. Riders depend on Metro to get to work, access essential services, and
participate fully in our economy. Expanding ATO will save time, improve the rider
experience, reduce operator fatigue, and enhance safety—benefits already
demonstrated on the Red Line. It also sends a strong signal to companies already
here—and those looking to invest—that Greater Washington is committed to modern,
efficient infrastructure that supports business growth and workforce mobility.

The long delay in approving ATO highlighted a deeper challenge: WMATA and WMSC
lack a clear process for resolving differences over proven safety technologies and other
issues. There’s no appeals pathway, no neutral third party, and no structured way to
quickly move forward when views diverge. That creates gridlock—and undermines
progress.

From a business standpoint, this kind of misalignment poses real risk. Metro is not just a
transit system—it’s essential for a competitive regional economy. It drives commerce,
lifts property values, and connects people to jobs, education, and opportunity. As the
federal government continues to evolve and decentralize, we need Metro to operate at
its full potential to attract talent, support innovation, and realize our economic promise.
In a world defined by speed, data, and disruption, delays in adopting safe, widely used
technologies don’t just slow trains—they slow the entire region.

It’s time for a fix. I call on the WMATA and WMSC Boards to establish a formal process
for resolving disputes—one that includes third-party mediation when needed, public
reporting of decisions, and a commitment to timely, evidence-based outcomes. The
DMV Moves initiative has already shown what’s possible when our regional bodies work
together with purpose.

If no progress is made by year’s end, the Greater Washington Board of Trade will
encourage leaders in the District, Maryland, and Virginia to amend the WMSC Compact
to require such a process. Many elected officials have already expressed concern about
the lack of coordination and transparency that marked the ATO decision.

We should not have to rely on legislative action. A shared commitment to better
governance—balancing strong oversight with a clear path to modernization—will move
the region forward and strengthen trust across the board.

Sincerely,

Jack McDougle
President & CEO
Greater Washington Board of Trade

Executive Leadership Roundtable Recap: Leaders Respond to a Changing Economy

Posted on May 15, 2025May 15, 2025 by Board of Trade

On May 9 at our Downtown D.C. office, the Greater Washington Board of Trade convened a candid Executive Leadership Roundtable with Tom Barkin, President & CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. This session brought together senior executives from across the region for an exchange on national economic trends, regional business conditions, and the future of our workforce and markets.

Our members brought candor, insight, and urgency to the conversation, reflecting the realities of leading through disruption. While the economic data offers mixed signals, business leaders are navigating real-time volatility in pricing, hiring, trade policy, and consumer behavior. The conversation underscored that conventional playbooks no longer apply in the same ways, and leaders must adapt to a system defined by speed, decentralization, and growing complexity.

Several recurring themes emerged:

Persistent labor shortages—not just in volume, but in skills alignment
Rising operating costs and uncertainty around tariffs, housing, and energy
The growing impact of AI and automation across internal operations
A shared desire for better federal-local alignment in economic response
The importance of timely, trusted data to supplement lagging indicators

The conversation reinforced a critical truth: Greater Washington cannot afford to plan for the economy of the past. Across sectors, leaders are grappling with systems and structures that were built for another era. What’s needed now is not only new solutions, but new ways of thinking.

The Board of Trade will continue to foster these executive-level dialogues, providing space for leaders to test assumptions, exchange strategies, and shape a more resilient, competitive region.

Mark your calendar: Our next Executive Leadership Roundtable with Tom Barkin will take place on October 17. Registration details will be shared soon—stay tuned.

Thank you to the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond for sponsoring this vital discussion that engages our members and partners in the region.

Agenda Watch: Leading Through the First 100 Days

Posted on May 14, 2025May 14, 2025 by Board of Trade

The first 100 days of a presidential administration are typically seen as a critical window for shaping priorities and building momentum. But as we heard in our latest Agenda Watch session – hosted in partnership with K&L Gates – this administration isn’t waiting around. The pace is so rapid, you can barely compute the first 100 hours, let alone the first 100 days.

Well over 100 executive orders have already been issued – marking a historic pace of presidential action. Senior officials were vetted and ready well before Inauguration Day. Federal agencies are moving quickly to execute an ambitious and sweeping plan to reshape the size, scope, and style of government. What may look chaotic on the surface is in fact a tightly coordinated and years-in-the-making strategy to act with speed and authority – especially in areas where congressional consensus is unlikely.

While much of the conversation centers on specific policy actions, what’s unfolding is part of a broader transformation—one that reflects a shift from the analog operating model of the past century to a digital-first, disruption-driven approach to governance. We’re witnessing the federal system being rewired for a new era: one defined by speed, decentralization, and real-time decision-making. The implications go far beyond politics—they challenge long-standing assumptions about how government functions, and how leaders outside of government must respond.

That’s why we launched Agenda Watch. This program is designed to help leaders in the Greater Washington business community stay ahead of these shifts—not just as observers, but as strategic actors. During our most recent session, we explored what these developments mean for the region and how leaders can adapt in an environment increasingly defined by volatility, speed, and structural change.

The Core Question: How do leaders navigate this moment of compressed change?

Among the key takeaways from the briefing:

This is more than politics—it’s structural. While many moves reflect a long-standing conservative vision for shrinking government, they also represent a shift in how executive power is being exercised – faster, more centralized, and more willing to sidestep traditional federal processes.

Executive orders are setting tone and direction. Though not equivalent to permanent law, the early wave of executive actions is already reshaping policy implementation. They signal priorities, shift agency focus, and can lay the groundwork for future regulatory or legislative changes. Their volume and velocity are strategic.

Engagement doesn’t equal endorsement—but it matters. Business leaders must navigate unpredictability with discipline. Staying engaged across the political spectrum is essential for understanding how decisions are being made, where there’s room to align, and when to proactively offer alternatives.

National security—not just economic policy—is the driving lens. Decisions about AI, energy, workforce policy, and trade are increasingly shaped by geopolitical risk and the desire for U.S. self-reliance. That includes efforts to reduce dependence on China for critical materials, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and secure technological leadership. While these objectives are clear, their policy paths may feel contradictory or disjointed at times.

VIEW MORE PHOTOS HERE

This goes beyond politics and policy—it’s about leadership in flux.

For leaders across business, government, and the civic sector, the challenge isn’t just responding to change – it’s anticipating and absorbing it. The rules of engagement are evolving, but so are the expectations for how organizations show up, plan, and lead.

As the session concluded, four guiding principles emerged to help frame decision-making in this climate:

Acknowledge volatility as a constant
Volatility is not episodic anymore – it’s systemic. Economic, regulatory, and political disruptions are happening in shorter, faster cycles.

Balance long-term strategy with short-term agility
You need both a long-term strategy and the flexibility to pivot. Resilience lies in the ability to move between the two without losing your direction.

Embrace calculated risk to stay competitive
Managing risk is no longer about avoidance – it’s about understanding, adapting, and acting. Those who take thoughtful risks will be better positioned to lead through disruption.

Own your narrative—and ground it in shared outcomes
Don’t let others define your organization’s values or voice. Ground your message in shared economic outcomes, practical problem-solving, and the ability to work across divides.

The Board of Trade will continue to provide tools, insights, and convenings to support our members in this shifting landscape. Through Agenda Watch and other programming, we’re committed to elevating nonpartisan analysis, amplifying regional priorities, and helping our members lead through uncertainty with clarity and confidence.

Thank you to K&L Gates for sponsoring this vital discussion that engages our members and partners in the Greater Washington region.

Letter of Support: ‘District of Columbia Fiscal Autonomy Act’ advancing to House floor

Posted on May 14, 2025May 14, 2025 by Board of Trade

About this Letter of Support: Greater Washington Board of Trade President & CEO Jack McDougle submitted a Letter of Support to the United States House of Representatives (including House Speaker Mike Johnson, and both Senate and House members that represent Greater Washignton) commending congressional leadership for advancing the District of Columbia Fiscal Autonomy Act to the House floor. This bipartisan legislation safeguards D.C.’s right to use its locally generated revenue, at no expense to the federal government. Its passage is critical to avoiding a $1.1 billion budget gap and maintaining funding for essential public services that support the District’s economic stability and the broader region’s prosperity.

Dear Mr. Speaker (Mike Johnson),

On behalf of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, I write to commend your leadership in advancing the District of Columbia Fiscal Autonomy Act to a floor vote this week. Your decision to move this legislation forward marks an important step toward restoring budget certainty and fiscal stability for our nation’s capital.

The Board of Trade has consistently advocated for the District’s ability to manage its locally raised revenues without Congressional interference. As outlined in our previous letters to Congress, we view local budget autonomy as essential to D.C.’s economic vitality, public service delivery, and long-term competitiveness as the hub of a dynamic regional economy.

We are also encouraged by the continued support of the region’s Congressional delegation, who have championed this issue on behalf of the District’s residents and businesses.

Bringing this legislation to a vote sends a strong signal about the importance of responsible governance and pragmatic leadership. Thank you for taking this step to advance a solution that promotes stability, preserves local control, and supports the broader regional economy.

Sincerely,

Jack McDougle
President & CEO
Greater Washington Board of Trade

Building Greater Washington’s Future—Together

Posted on April 28, 2025May 7, 2025 by Board of Trade

Across the region, leaders are asking: what will it take to make Greater Washington a globally competitive, inclusive, and future-ready economy? One thing is clear—no single organization or jurisdiction can answer that question alone. Our region’s success depends on deep collaboration, clear vision, and bold, long-term strategy.

That’s the driving force behind the reimagined Potomac Conference—not just a one-day convening, but a year-round initiative led by the Board of Trade in partnership with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area, and the Greater Washington Partnership. Together, we’re aligning efforts across sectors to activate the region’s full economic potential.

Over the past several months, that work has accelerated. Through roundtables, executive lunches, one-on-one conversations, and formal convenings, we’ve engaged regional chambers, economic development leaders, nonprofits, academic institutions, and business executives to surface shared priorities and begin building a more unified path forward. Across all of these forums, one message is clear: Greater Washington’s future depends on a stronger collective voice and coordinated action.

At our Spring Board Meeting, members took part in a facilitated exercise—Mapping Greater Washington’s Economic Future—to explore where the region might be by 2035 and what decisions today could help us get there. The discussion underscored both the urgency and opportunity of the moment. Themes like the need for deeper regionalism, bold long-term bets, and business-led action were echoed in other forums as well.

In April, we met with regional chamber executives for a frank dialogue on economic pressures and policy uncertainty. Despite differing local contexts, there was unanimous agreement that collaboration is essential. The group is now drafting a joint letter to the Governors of Maryland and Virginia and the Mayor of D.C. to reinforce a united regional business agenda.

Economic development leaders (CEDO) are also shaping the strategy from the ground up. With deep jurisdiction-level knowledge, they’ve helped identify three region-wide priorities: attracting growth-stage capital, aligning industry cluster strategies, and strengthening education-to-workforce pipelines. Their next working session will begin turning those ideas into actionable plans.

At the same time, the Board of Trade continues to serve as a strong advocacy voice for the region’s business community. Whether it’s advancing workforce and mobility solutions, supporting local fiscal authority, or pushing back on federal overreach, we’re engaging where it counts—testifying before the D.C. Council, submitting letters to Congress, meeting with elected officials, and mobilizing member input to shape smart, business-forward policy. This unique capacity—to both convene and advocate—allows us to translate insight into action and ensure the voice of regional business is heard and heeded.

Together, these efforts are informing the long-term vision of the Potomac Conference and helping to establish the building blocks of a more competitive, resilient region.

This is the work of regionalism—not flashy, but foundational. It’s technical, behind the scenes, and at times slow. But it’s also powerful. Because when we align our voices, share data, and commit to a common direction, we unlock what’s possible for Greater Washington. We look forward to continuing this work—with you.

From the Classroom to Congress: Don Beyer discusses the future of Artificial Intelligence

Posted on April 9, 2025April 15, 2025 by Board of Trade

The Board of Trade hosted a dynamic and thought-provoking fireside chat on artificial intelligence featuring Virginia Congressman Don Beyer and Jamil Jaffer, Founder & Executive Director of the National Security Institute at George Mason University.

The conversation focused on the future of AI policy, innovation, and the balance between rapid technological advancement and the need for safety, trust, and governance. Congressman Beyer — who is currently taking graduate-level courses on AI at George Mason University to understand the field better — spoke about his commitment to informed policymaking and his sponsorship of the bipartisan CREATE AI Act, which seeks to expand access to AI research tools across the country.

The conversation also explored critical issues such as national security (including how AI technology is increasingly being integrated into our defense systems), the importance of balanced federal oversight that supports both developers and end users, and the potential implications of AI on key sectors like infrastructure and financial markets.

VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT

Congressman Beyer has been involved in AI policy issues at the congressional level for some time now. He discussed his leadership in advancing the AI Foundation Model Transparency Act and his ongoing work with the House Task Force on AI. Beyer has also been a part of other AI-focused Congressional bodies, including the AI Caucus and the AI Working Group.

In a truly engaging moment, both students and business professionals had the opportunity to ask Congressman Beyer direct questions about the implications of AI for industry, public policy, and workforce development. The exchange highlighted the critical importance of cross-sector collaboration as the technology continues to evolve.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this important conversation on one of the most transformative technologies of our time. Stay tuned for more events at the intersection of innovation and policy.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS FOR SUPPORTING THIS EVENT

Testimony to DC Council: Workforce Strategies Must Support Economic Growth and Resilience

Posted on April 7, 2025April 9, 2025 by Board of Trade

About this Testimony: The Greater Washington region is at a pivotal moment when it comes to workforce development. Shifts in the federal employment landscape, combined with long-standing challenges around talent access and equitable opportunity, demand a bold, coordinated response. On behalf of the Board of Trade, President and CEO Jack McDougle delivered the following testimony to the D.C. Council’s Committee on Executive Administration and Labor. His remarks emphasize the need for a modern, regionally aligned workforce system, one that bridges gaps between employers and talent, supports economic resilience, and ensures D.C. residents and businesses can thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.

Chairperson Anita Bonds and members of the Committee,

Thank you for the opportunity to testify on behalf of the Greater Washington Board of Trade. My name is Jack McDougle, and I am President and CEO of the Board of Trade. Founded in 1889, we represent hundreds of employers—with thousands of workers— across the Washington region who rely on a skilled, adaptable, and inclusive workforce to compete—and who are committed to helping strengthen the workforce in the District and throughout the metro area.

Workforce challenges aren’t new. This region has long been home to one of the most highly educated and skilled workforces in the country. We have some of the best universities, research institutions, and federal expertise anywhere. But employers still struggle to find the right talent at the right time. And too many residents still face barriers to getting their foot in the door.

Now, those long-standing challenges are intersecting with something bigger and more immediate.

The federal government—long the backbone of our regional economy—is changing. Telework, digitization, automation, and agency consolidation are reducing the federal footprint, especially in downtown D.C. That’s affecting not just jobs, but office occupancy, small business vitality, and city revenues. Thousands of workers are being displaced or restructured, many of them with valuable skills—but without a clear path forward. Meanwhile, many D.C. residents are still disconnected from the workforce entirely.

So, we’re facing a multi-sided problem: how to help people enter the workforce, how to help experienced professionals transition into new roles and how to attract and retain the talent we need to compete.

Solving this isn’t just about creating more training programs. It’s about building a coordinated, regional system that connects people to opportunity—wherever the job is—and helps employers find talent—wherever that talent lives.

Why a Regional Approach Matters

The District lies at the economic center of a much larger labor market. Roughly two-thirds of jobs in D.C. are held by people who live in Maryland or Virginia. At the same time, tens of thousands of District residents commute to jobs outside the city every day.

If we’re serious about increasing economic opportunity for D.C. residents, we can’t limit our thinking to only jobs within city limits. Likewise, if we want to strengthen D.C.’s job base and bring people back into our downtown corridors, we need to make it easier for talent across the region to access those jobs.

This requires a level of policy alignment, data sharing, and joint investment that we simply do not have today.

Some progress is underway. Virginia’s G3 program, for example, offers tuition-free community college in high-demand fields like IT, healthcare, and skilled trades—paired with employer engagement. Maryland is investing in apprenticeship expansion and industry-led partnerships through its Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN) initiative.

Virginia has also taken steps to streamline its workforce system by consolidating dozens of fragmented programs under the purview of the newly established Virginia Office of Education and Labor, with the goal of improving coordination, reducing duplication, and aligning training more directly with employer needs.

And in D.C., we’re seeing promising models too—like the Infrastructure Academy’s partnerships with Pepco and WMATA to prepare residents for real jobs in energy and transportation. But we need more coordination across the region, and better data to guide investment.

What the Council Can Do

Here are five ways the District can lead in FY26—and help build a workforce system that reflects how people live, work, and move across this region.

Support a Regional, Data-Driven Workforce Strategy
Our region lacks a shared, real-time understanding of workforce supply and demand. Employers, educators, training providers, and governments all make decisions based on partial or outdated information. We strongly urge the District to partner with neighboring jurisdictions—Maryland, Virginia, and regional planning bodies—to develop a unified baseline of current labor market conditions. This should include disaggregated data by industry, occupation, skills, demographics, and geography.

Such a baseline would allow all of us to align efforts, avoid duplication, target investment, and measure progress consistently.

Recommendation:
Support the creation of a Regional Workforce Intelligence Hub, in partnership with MWCOG, Consortium of Universities, the Workforce Investment Council, and workforce leaders in Maryland and Virginia.

Helps align training programs with actual job demand

Track skill gaps and mobility across jurisdictions

Provides clear, actionable data for jobseekers, employers, and policymakers alike

This is core infrastructure for smarter decisions and stronger outcomes.

Expand Employer-Led Training with Cross-Jurisdiction Portability
We need to move even further beyond traditional classroom models and embrace demand-driven, work-based learning. The Council can promote public-private partnerships that create apprenticeships, industry bootcamps, and employer-sponsored credentials—especially in high-growth sectors like IT, clean energy, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing.

Recommendation:
Invest in Workforce Innovation Grants that support partnerships between employers and training providers focused on:

Industry-designed curricula

Paid apprenticeships and bootcamps

Credentials recognized across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia

Reducing administrative barriers for employer participation

This builds on successful approaches already in motion. We’ve seen how employer-driven programs at UDC, the Healthcare Workforce Partnership, and the Tech Apprenticeship Program at Northern Virginia Community College can deliver talent that’s job-ready from day one.

Launch a Federal Workforce Transition Program
Thousands of federal and contractor workers are being impacted by the ongoing restructuring. Many have transferable skills—but need targeted support to pivot into new fields.

Recommendation:
Create an integrated Federal Transition Upskilling Program to provide:

Training in high-demand private-sector fields (e.g., cybersecurity, project management, clean energy)

Career coaching and job placement support

Incentives for regional employers to hire transitioning talent

This helps retain experienced professionals in the region and prevents talent loss from the city’s core.

Invest in Wraparound Supports for Jobseekers
Access to training is meaningless if people can’t show up. We hear this all the time from employers and community partners—people are ready to work but face real barriers.

Recommendation:
Prioritize supports that make workforce participation possible:

Childcare for jobseekers and trainees

Free or subsidized Metro, MARC, VRE or other mobility access

Navigation and coaching services that help residents see—and pursue—what’s possible across the region

These supports may seem small, but they’re game-changers for residents balancing work, family, and training.

Strengthen the District’s Workforce Infrastructure
The District’s workforce system needs to be agile, integrated, and built to partner—both internally and across borders. We encourage the Council to break down silos—between workforce, education, economic development, and human services—and between the District and its regional peers. The economic fate of this region is shared. No single jurisdiction can go it alone.

Recommendation:
Further support DOES and the Workforce Investment Council to:

Modernize operations and digital tools for job matching and tracking

Improve coordination across education, training, and economic development

Evaluate long-term outcomes—not just short-term placements

This ensures our systems are working smarter, not just harder.

Conclusion: Shared Workforce, Shared Responsibility

The workforce challenges we face—recruitment, retention, displacement, inequity, skills misalignment—don’t stop at jurisdictional borders. Our solutions can’t either.

The District has a chance to lead—not only in reimagining how we support residents and businesses, but in showing what regional collaboration can look like when it’s done right.

Let’s connect the dots between employers, workers, and opportunity—no matter where they’re starting from. Let’s build a workforce system that reflects how people actually live and work across the region.

Sincerely,

Jack McDougle

President & CEO

Greater Washington Board of Trade

See Additional Testimonies and Letters of Support we have submitted recently:

Letter of Support: ‘Local Funds Act of 2025’ Protects DC’s Authority to Spend Locally Raised Revenue

Testimony: Submitted to DC Council, Committee on Business & Economic Development

Letter to Congress: Addressing Concerns with House Concurrent Resolution 14

Congress Should Preserve DC’s Home Rule and Withdraw the Bowser Act | WBJ Viewpoint

Letter of Support: ‘Local Funds Act of 2025’ Protects DC’s Authority to Spend Locally Raised Revenue

Posted on April 7, 2025April 9, 2025 by Board of Trade

About this Letter of Support: Greater Washington Board of Trade President & CEO Jack McDougle submitted testimony to the United States House of Representatives showing strong support for the District of Columbia Local Funds Act of 2025 (S. 1077), a bipartisan bill that protects D.C.’s authority to spend its locally raised revenue, without cost to the federal government. Passage of this legislation is essential to preventing a $1.1 billion budget shortfall and ensuring continued funding for core public services that underpin the economic health of the District and the entire metropolitan region. The following testimony outlines the business community’s position and the critical importance of timely congressional action.

Dear Mr. Speaker (Mike Johnson) and Representative Hakeem Jefferies,

On behalf of the Greater Washington Board of Trade — representing the business community of the D.C. metropolitan region since 1889 — I write to express our strong support for the District of Columbia Local Funds Act of 2025 (S. 1077).

This bipartisan legislation, which passed the Senate unanimously on March 14, affirms D.C.’s authority to spend its locally raised revenues and averts an immediate $1.1 billion budget shortfall. It is essential to sustaining the economic stability of the District and the broader regional economy. We urge the House to pass this bill without delay.

The District raises the vast majority of its revenue independently—there is no cost to the federal government. In fact, the Congressional Budget Office confirms that S. 1077 has no impact on the federal budget. What it does do is allow the District to implement its Fiscal Year 2025 budget, which Congress already approved through continuing resolutions in September and December (P.L. 118-83 and P.L. 118-158).

These funds are critical to the operation of public services and infrastructure that underpin D.C.’s and the region’s economic health — transportation, public safety, healthcare, education, and more. Without them, the resulting budget gap would ripple across the region, weakening consumer confidence, shrinking business revenue, and putting jobs at risk. The impact wouldn’t stop at the District’s borders — it would affect the entire regional economy, including D.C.’s 700,000 residents and the nearly 26 million visitors who came to the nation’s capital last year.

From retail and real estate to hospitality and professional services, businesses across sectors would feel the blow. Abrupt cuts at this scale would increase costs, slow investment, and threaten the momentum of recovery and growth – especially needed as efforts continue to transform the federal government.

We fully support the importance of fiscal responsibility, including reducing the national debt. But for over two decades, every continuing resolution has included language allowing D.C. to spend its own locally passed, balanced budget. This year should be no different.

Economic strength in the Greater Washington region is not just a local issue — it’s a matter of national importance. Congress must give the District the certainty it needs to manage its finances and sustain the services that drive this region forward.

We respectfully urge you to support S. 1077, and we stand ready to work with you to keep our region strong, stable, and growing.

Sincerely,

Jack McDougle

President & CEO

Greater Washington Board of Trade

See Additional Testimonies and Letters of Support we have submitted recently:

Testimony to DC Council: Workforce Strategies Must Support Economic Growth and Resilience

Letter to Congress: Addressing Concerns with House Concurrent Resolution 14

Testimony: Submitted to DC Council, Committee on Business & Economic Development

Congress Should Preserve DC’s Home Rule and Withdraw the Bowser Act | WBJ Viewpoint

Greater Washington Federal Workforce Resource and Support Guide

Posted on April 1, 2025April 15, 2025 by Board of Trade

The Greater Washington Board of Trade has launched a Federal Workforce Resource & Support Guide to assist regional professionals affected by federal layoffs. This guide provides valuable resources, job transition support, and networking opportunities to help impacted workers navigate career changes and connect with new opportunities in the region’s dynamic economy.

Below is a look at upcoming job fairs and a variety of resource links from localities in the region that can help workers facing layoffs.

Explore data insights on how federal layoffs impact communities in our region from our partners at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

Upcoming Federal Workforce Job Fair Opportunities

May 3 – Job Fair For Federal Workers and Contractors

Congressman Don Beyer, in partnership with the City of Alexandria, the City of Falls Church, Arlington County and Fairfax County, invites all federal workers and interested jobseekers to attend a networking and hiring fair. The event featured participation from nearly 50 companies across tech, healthcare, and local government, with breakout sessions led by current and former federal employees, on-site headshot and resume services, and comprehensive wrap-around support including housing and workforce development assistance.

May 1 – Maryland Workforce Association Statewide Virtual Job Fair 2025 for Federal Employees and Contractors

State-wide employment event organized by the Maryland Workforce Association in association with the Maryland Department of Labor and the American Job Center & Workforce Development agencies in Maryland. This Virtual Job Fair has been organized in support of Federal Employees & Contractors seeking new career options and transitioning from their previous work involving the Federal Government. All jobseekers are welcome!

Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/3G0v1kZ

April 25 – Navigating New Beginnings: A Job Fair for Federal Employees

Join the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, in partnership with top DC-region employers, for a specialized job fair designed to support federal employees exploring new career opportunities. Connect with hiring managers from diverse industries, gain valuable career insights, and take the next step toward your professional future.

Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/3G4IZ5j

April 16 – National Security Career Fair

Meet with dozens of high-level recruiters from top federal agencies and contractors working on the most pressing national security matters. Talk to representatives from the State Department, the intelligence community, and other Tier 1 and 2 agencies to fulfill your NSEP service requirement and have the chance to work on the most pressing national security matters.

Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/4jfTVeK

April 10 – Transferable Jobs Skills Workshop: Thriving Beyond the Federal Workforce

Losing a job can be overwhelming, but your skills remain valuable! This workshop is designed to help former federal employees identify their transferable skills, build emotional resilience, and take proactive steps toward their next career opportunity.

Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/4hWEbMI

April 2 – Howard County Federal Workers Career Fair

Exploring new career opportunities outside the federal workforce? Join employers at Howard County Community College for the Federal Workers Career Fair, designed to connect former federal employees with new career opportunities. Meet with hiring professionals, enhance your job search and take the next step in your professional journey.

March 19 – Washington DC/MD/VA Metro Area Virtual Job Fair

Learn more and register here: https://www.hlpa.com/jobfairs/washington.html

March 18 – Loudoun JobFair for Public Service Opportunities

Over 20 + employers from various public service organizations will be available to speak with you and answer your employment-related questions. Register now for email updates and reminders with the latest on employer attendance and possible event delays or cancellations around inclement weather.

March 14 – DC Government Federal Hiring Event

On March 14th, the District Government will host an exclusive Hiring Event for individuals affected by federal layoffs. More information on participating employers, DC Government benefits, unemployment resources, and additional support can be found at fedsupport.dc.gov. Attendance is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

March 13 – City of Alexandria: Transferable Skills Workshop | Thriving Beyond the Federal Workforce

Learn more & Register: https://bit.ly/4bGY1Kg

Job Transition & Unemployment Federal Workforce Resources

A variety of government officials at the state, county, and city level are providing resources that are helping federal workers in Greater Washington. These links are a valuable resource for residents, government employees, active military personnel and veterans, contractors, nonprofits, and businesses to navigate current and future challenges related to federal service changes, disruptions, or policy actions.

State/District Resource Pages

Maryland

Virginia

Washington D.C.

City & County Resrouce Pages

VIRGINIA

Alexandria, Va.

Arlington County, Va.

Fairfax County, Va.

Loudoun County, Va.

Prince William County, Va.

MARYLAND

Charles County, Md.

Frederick County, Md.

Howard County, Md.

Montgomery County, Md.

Prince George’s County, Md.

Health & Wellness Federal Workforce Resources

As the current federal administration continues downsizing the its government workforce, affected employees will need to make crucial decisions regarding their healthcare coverage once their employment ends. Our partner and member WTOP spoke with officials that understand the complexities of healthcare coverage.

Read more and use helpful links from WTOP here: https://bit.ly/3FiEcwY

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org.

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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.

POLICY ISSUES AND TOPICS THE BOARD OF TRADE IS FOLLOWING

Letter of Advocacy: Maryland and Virginia must Prioritize Reconstruction of American Legion Bridge

Posted on March 26, 2025April 17, 2025 by Board of Trade

About this Letter of Advocacy: This letter was sent to both Governor Wes Moore of Maryland and Governor Glenn Youngkin of Virginia to rally support for the reconstruction of the American Legion Bridge, which is a vital transportation asset to our growing region. The Board of Trade joined other Washington Region Transportation Coalition members as part of these advocacy efforts.

As representatives of the vast majority of private and nonprofit employers across the DC region, we are writing to urge Maryland and Virginia to prioritize reconstruction of the American Legion Bridge, an essential part of the DC region’s transportation infrastructure that is reaching the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced.

Before the pandemic, the American Legion Bridge was widely recognized as the DC region’s worst traffic bottleneck. The Bridge carried a daily average of 250,000 vehicles and 375,000 people to jobs, housing, and commerce throughout our community. For comparison, the 2024 daily average ridership for the entire Metrorail system was 350,000 trips. Now that most public and private sector employees across the DC area have returned to the office, the number of people who rely on this bridge daily is growing, and if left unaddressed, this vital transportation corridor will continue to see further crippling congestion and delays.

As the only bridge directly connecting the DC region’s two largest jurisdictions – Fairfax and Montgomery Counties – the American Legion Bridge is critical to both the economic prosperity and security of the Nation’s Capital. When a tanker truck overturned on the bridge in 2018, it created a 24-hour traffic nightmare that brought our entire community to a standstill. Now the Maryland Department of Transportation has confirmed that the Bridge will reach the end of its useful life by 2030 and must be replaced.

Our region cannot afford to wait any longer to address this critical regional connection. Maryland and Virginia must take action immediately to ensure that this bridge is replaced and meets the long-term transportation needs of our community.

We urge you to prioritize this essential regional connection to meet the growing transportation, economic development, and national security needs of the Greater Washington region.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this important matter.

Sincerely,

Washington Region Transportation Coalition Members