Strengthening the DMV Region’s Energy Future

Category: Policy & Legislative Updates

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.

Expediting Delivery of the American Legion Memorial Bridge and I-495 & I-270 Managed Lane Project

Posted on by Board of Trade

 

The American Legion Memorial Bridge has been in use since 1962 and is in need of major updates to accommodate our growing region.

 

About This Advocacy Effort:

Expediting Delivery of the American Legion Memorial Bridge is a must for Greater Washington to thrive. Below is part of the Board of Trade’s response to the Federal Highway Administration’s Request for Information on accelerating delivery of the American Legion Memorial Bridge replacement and the I-495/I-270 managed lanes corridor. It outlines why the bridge is a linchpin for regional mobility and economic competitiveness—and recommends a unified, multimodal corridor approach that pairs transit integration and modern technology with a Public-Private Partnership (DBFOM) delivery model to reduce risk, attract investment, and move faster. It also highlights key barriers (funding, cross-jurisdiction complexity, regulatory uncertainty), strategies to expedite construction, and the economic cost of delay for commuters, employers, and freight movement. Read the executive summary below or download our full response.

Download Full Response

Executive Summary

The Greater Washington Board of Trade (the Board of Trade) is the region’s premier nonpartisan business organization. For more than 135 years, we have represented all industry sectors across the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia, serving as a primary convener to advance business competitiveness, inclusive growth, and regional livability.

Greater Washington is undergoing a profound economic transformation. The region’s historic reliance on the federal government is shifting toward a more diversified economy driven by artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cybersecurity, and other advanced industries. To remain globally competitive and to sustain the federal government’s own economic and national security interests our shared infrastructure must evolve.

Investing in the American Legion Memorial Bridge (ALMB) is therefore a strategic imperative for both Maryland and the federal government. As the bridge approaches the end of its useful life in 2028, it represents not only a critical transportation asset, but one of the most important federal–state infrastructure partnership opportunities in the nation.

While Greater Washington is now the most congested region in the United States, with daily gridlock costing billions in lost productivity, the central issue is not simply congestion. Mobility is now a core economic and national competitiveness function. The efficiency with which people and goods move determines whether the region can support federal missions, attract private investment, expand workforce participation, spur innovation, and sustain long-term growth.

We Cannot Compete Through Congestion

Greater Washington’s roadway system is fundamentally constrained. Unlike most major metropolitan regions, which benefit from inner and outer beltways, the Capital Region relies on a single overburdened loop to serve both local and national travel demand. Every chokepoint now carries national economic consequences.

Relying solely on traditional public funding for multibillion-dollar infrastructure investments is neither feasible nor equitable. Competing with global hubs such as London, Toronto, and Houston requires demonstrating a willingness at both the state and federal levels to invest now, responsibly and creatively, in the systems that underpin long-term competitiveness.

A Unified, Multimodal Corridor Strategy

The solution is not piecemeal projects, but a unified, multimodal corridor strategy for the I-270 and I-495 system. Given limited physical space and a single Capital Beltway, the objective must be to maximize throughput.

This requires integrating highways, transit, and technologies where rail, bus, and roadways operate as a single ecosystem. Only through this level of integration can the region meaningfully reduce congestion, improve reliability, and support long-term economic growth.

In 2019, the Board of Trade and the Greater Washington Partnership convened the Capital Regional Transportation Forum, leading to the Capital Beltway Accord, a joint Maryland–Virginia commitment to address the ALMB bottleneck and pursue a coordinated corridor strategy.

The replacement and modernization of the American Legion Memorial Bridge is the linchpin of this system and a cornerstone of North–South regional connectivity. The South Side Project is equally critical, unlocking the eastern and southern Beltway, improving freight movement, expanding access to jobs and housing, and strengthening trip reliability across the metropolitan area.

Leveraging P3s and Federal Investment

These projects are too critical and too large to be delivered through state level public funding alone. Public-Private Partnerships (P3s), supported by strong federal investment, should serve as a core delivery mechanism for the corridor.

P3s enable faster project delivery, introduce private-sector innovation, transfer risk, and unlock substantial private capital while positioning Maryland to maximize federal investment and meet USDOT’s expectations for performance, cost discipline, and schedule certainty.

We recommend a Public-Private Partnership using a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain (DBFOM) revenue-risk model to align federal priorities, state leadership, and private capital around long-term performance, accountability, and regional impact. This approach not only adds capacity to the corridor, but it introduces demand management in the form of dynamically priced express lanes, which offer reliable travel times for drivers when they need it and are willing to pay for it. This travel time reliability is also enjoyed by transit riders, as transit vehicles will use the express lanes at no cost.

By advancing a unified federal–state strategy that leverages private investment and modern delivery models, Maryland and the federal government can transform the region’s transportation system from a structural constraint into a national competitive asset.

Additional Advocacy Around This Topic

Letter of Support for Proposed I-495 Southside Express Lanes Project

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

Testimony: Support for Maryland’s Metro Funding Modification Act of 2026

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About this Testimony: 

This written testimony was submitted by Greater Washington Board of Trade President & CEO Jack McDougle in support of Maryland Senate Bill 0281 and House Bill 0386, collectively known as the Metro Funding Modification Act of 2026. The testimony outlines why strengthening regional coordination, funding predictability, and accountability is essential to sustaining a safe, reliable, and modern Metro system—one that underpins economic competitiveness, workforce access, and quality of life across Greater Washington. It highlights Metro’s ongoing capital needs, the economic benefits to Maryland, and the shared responsibility required among Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia to ensure long-term system performance and stability.

Written Testimony Submitted:

DOWNLOAD HERE

February 10, 2026

My name is Jack McDougle, and I am President and CEO of the Greater Washington Board of Trade. Founded in 1889, the Board of Trade is the region’s leading business organization, bringing together employers, civic leaders, and other key stakeholders to advance inclusive economic growth and regional competitiveness.

We are in strong support of SB0281 / HB0386, the Metro Funding Modification Act of 2026, and we commend Maryland’s continued leadership in sustaining a safe, reliable, and regionally coordinated Metro system. This legislation is an important step in ensuring that our region’s core transit infrastructure remains a competitive asset that supports economic growth, workforce access, and long-term fiscal sustainability.

Greater Washington remains one of the most congested regions in the country, a challenge intensified by the transformation of the federal government and the rise of disruptive technologies. These forces are reshaping where and how people work, redefining talent markets, and increasing the urgency of investing in modern, high-performing transit. Mobility is no longer simply a transportation issue; it is a fundamental economic and quality-of-life imperative. The cost of inaction is steep: congestion drains billions in productivity, constrains business growth, and weakens our ability to compete for talent and investment.

The Board of Trade supports the approach taken in this legislation to strengthen predictability, accountability, and regional coordination in the funding of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. The bill appropriately reinforces shared responsibility by conditioning Maryland’s investment on comparable commitments from regional partners, while improving how capital grant amounts are calculated and incorporated into the State budget. These provisions reflect the reality that Metro is a regional system whose long-term success depends on coordinated action across Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

Over the past 18 months, the Board of Trade actively participated in the DMV Moves regional process, working alongside business leaders, labor, and public-interest organizations to develop consensus recommendations on Metro’s long-term capital funding and accountability framework. Those discussions reinforced a clear conclusion: sustained, dedicated capital funding paired with strong oversight is essential to maintaining safety, state of good repair, and system modernization, especially signaling and automated train operations (ATO).

Metro’s capital needs are substantial and ongoing. Funding certainty enables long-term planning, efficient project delivery, and continued progress on railcar procurement, bus garage reconstruction, escalator and station reinvestments, railyard upgrades, and other systemwide improvements. At the same time, employers and taxpayers rightly expect transparency and measurable performance which are goals this legislation advances.

From an economic standpoint, Metro is a critical engine for Maryland. Thousands of Metro employees live in the state, and the capital program supports jobs, small and disadvantaged businesses, and economic activity throughout Maryland. Reliable transit expands access to employment, reduces congestion on state roadways, and underpins the competitiveness of the Greater Washington economy.

As policymakers consider broader revenue and funding questions, we encourage evaluating options through a regional competitiveness lens. Funding mechanisms should be assessed for their impacts on job creation, business location decisions, and the long-term strength of the tax base that ultimately supports transit investment. Approaches that inadvertently discourage high-growth sectors or reduce the region’s attractiveness for investment risk undermining the economic benefits that improved transit is intended to deliver.

The Metro Funding Modification Act of 2026 represents a balanced, forward-looking approach that reinforces accountability, strengthens regional partnership, and provides the stability Metro needs to continue improving safety, reliability, and performance.

For these reasons, the Greater Washington Board of Trade respectfully urges the Committee to issue a favorable report on SB0281 / HB0386.

Thank you for your consideration.

Jack McDougle 

President & CEO 

Greater Washington Board of Trade

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

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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

2025 Virginia Election Results and Insights

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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. 

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

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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

Statement: Board of Trade Applauds Thoughtful Transportation Planning Board Action on I-495 Southbound Plan

Posted on by Board of Trade

About Statement:

The Board of Trade applauds the Transportation Planning Board’s decision this week to defer action on the I-495 Southside Express Lanes project — a step that reflects real progress toward a coordinated, forward-looking transportation strategy for our region.

Official Statement:

DOWNLOAD HERE

October 15, 2025

This week’s vote by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ Transportation Planning Board (TPB) to defer action on the I-495 Southside Express Lanes project reflects real progress and a responsible approach to one of our region’s most complex transportation challenges. We thank the TPB and its members for keeping the project moving forward by allowing additional time to refine details, address legitimate concerns, and strengthen collaboration across jurisdictions.

The express lanes proposal offers a critical piece of regional infrastructure that must be viewed in the context of the entire Capital Beltway, including the American Legion Bridge, to ensure we are building a cohesive system that advances sustainable growth, mobility, and environmental goals. Projects of this scale demand careful planning, meaningful public engagement, and coordination among Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia to deliver real value for the people and businesses of Greater Washington.

At the same time, we must act with urgency. Our competitiveness depends on how quickly we modernize the infrastructure that connects our communities, employers, and talent. Deliberation should not become delay. This pause should be used productively to build consensus and align priorities so implementation can proceed efficiently once the path is clear.

The Board of Trade supports leaders across all jurisdictions working together with renewed focus, transparency, and speed. Our region’s success depends on a seamless, connected transportation network. We commend the TPB for its principled leadership and commitment to regional collaboration. Working together, we can turn this pause into momentum and advance a stronger, more holistic solution that moves people and goods safely, reliably, and competitively for decades to come.

More 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. Learn more about the Board of Trade and its mission at www.boardoftrade.org.

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