Washington, Dc International Business Guide

WASHINGTON, DC INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS GUIDE

Contents

1 Welcome Letter — Mayor Muriel Bowser

3 Introduction

5 Why Washington, DC?

6 A Powerful Economy Infographic 8 Awards and Recognition

9 Washington, DC — Demographics 11 Washington, DC — Economy

12 Federal Government 12 Retail and Federal Contractors 13 Real Estate and Construction 12 Professional and Business Services 13 Higher Education and Healthcare 12 Technology and Innovation 13 Creative Economy 12 Hospitality and Tourism

15 Washington, DC — An Obvious Choice For International Companies 16 The District — Map 19 Washington, DC — Wards 25 Establishing A Business in Washington, DC

25 Business Registration 27 Office Space

27 Permits And Licenses 27 Business And Professional Services 27 Finding Talent 27 Small Business Services 27 Taxes 27 Employment-related Visas

29 Business Resources 31 Business Incentives and Assistance 32 DC Government by the Letter / Acknowledgements

D C C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E Dear Investor,

Washington, DC, is a thriving, global marketplace. Over the past decade, we have experienced significant growth and transformation. The District of Columbia has one of the most educated workforces in the country, stable economic growth, an established research community, and a business-friendly government.

I am proud to present you with the Washington, DC International Business Guide. This book contains relevant information for foreign firms interested in establishing a presence in our nation’s capital. In these pages, you will find background on our strongest business sectors, economic indicators, and foreign direct investment trends. In addition, there are a number of suggested steps as you consider bringing your business to DC.

Washington, DC, is on the cutting edge of innovation for companies that operate in the District. My Administration is implementing solutions that lessen bureaucracy and increase efficiency, such as reduced business registration times, enhanced tax incentives for specific sectors, and streamlined contract processes. This kind of adaptation is what the business community expects and experiences in our city. Simply put, we are a good place to do business.

As you look for your next overseas investment, I hope you will take a close look at Washington, DC. We look forward to having you join our great city.

Sincerely,

Muriel Bowser Mayor

W A S H I N G T O N , D C I N T E R N A T I O N A L B U S I N E S S G U I D E 1 2 D C C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E Introduction

Washington, DC, has many faces. While stands alone as a city with its own stature Timeless it is the home to the U.S. government, it and power. Governed by its Mayor and is remarkably international with ap- City Council, the District’s fortunes are yet modern, proximately 180 resident embassies and intertwined with the Federal Govern- respected global economic and policy ment yet they are unencumbered by Washington, DC, organizations. Some 90,000 DC residents the layers of bureaucracy that define or 15 percent of the population speak the states around them. The District is is a magnetic more than a dozen different agile in responding to opportunity within languages. The Greater Washington its borders and regionally, and there is region is home to 400 international less bureaucracy in moving projects and place drawing associations and 1,000 internationally incentives through the system. owned companies. tourists who As of 2014, the population of the District Washington, DC, formally known as exceeds 650,000, and another half a mil- seek to visit the the District of Columbia and frequently lion commuters come in daily from Mary- referred to as the District, is a cultural land and Virginia, bringing its weekday monuments, phenomenon, featuring some of the population to well over a million people. world’s finest museums, theaters, and The District is served by three interna- entrepreneurs arts companies. DC is also home to eight tional airports, an expansive subway and major professional sports teams It is bus system that serves the metropolitan small in size, but large in influence. area, and the national highway system. looking to build The District was established in the The District has identified the diversifica- businesses and Constitution of the United States for tion of its economy as one of its highest the express purpose of housing the priorities, and that is one of the central families hoping three branches of U.S. government— reasons it seeks to encourage more the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. foreign direct investment (FDI) in the city. for a fresh start The President of the United States In 2015 the Washington region ranked as resides in Washington, and it also hosts the second-best place to build wealth, and a new life. the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. out of the United States’ 18 largest metro Congress. George Washington, the first areas, and it ranked No. 1 for savable president and namesake of the city, income, a financial ranking source noted. Washington is considered one of the chose the site between the Potomac By fostering investment from overseas, most accessible and welcoming of U.S. and Anacostia rivers. the city hopes to accelerate technological cities, with its low-profile skyline and innovation, job creation, capital forma- with a lifestyle and culture that are the Washington is unique in the United tion, and economic diversification to build envy of other world capitals. States not just for its prominence, but a stronger and more globalized economy. also for its local government. The District

W A S H I N G T O N , D C I N T E R N A T I O N A L B U S I N E S S G U I D E 3 4 D C C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

Why Washington, DC?

percentage of college graduates, politics, the environment, and peace. If Washington, DC, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. your business is seeking international More than 100 academic institutions impact, this is the place for you. is a thriving operate programs and degrees in this region. The fourteen institutions in marketplace for the area are ranked internationally: Georgetown University, The University ideas, innovation, of Maryland College Park, The George Washington University, The University of the District of Columbia, Howard and invention. University, American University, Marriott Marquis (Ward 2) Gallaudet University, and more. These institutions attract, educate, and Designed to reflect its surroundings Fifteen of the Fortune 500 companies help retain exceptional talent. If your and complement the adjacent Walter E. call this region home, and they represent business is looking for highly educated Washington Convention Center, the 1.1 a variety of industries from international employees and leaders, this is the million-square-foot Marriott Marquis hospitality with Hilton Worldwide and place for you. Marriott International to finance with opened its doors in May 2014. With 1,175 rooms, the Marriott Marquis serves Capitol One and Fannie Mae. The region Washington, DC, is a hub for thought as the headquarters hotel for many is home to engineering and defense leadership and global policy makers. meetings and conferences, and guests giants with General Dynamics, Lockheed Organizations such as the World Bank, enjoy direct access to the convention Martin, and the Computer Sciences the International Monetary Fund, center via an underground concourse. Corporation, as well as technology firms the Organization of American States, The hotel is conveniently located near like Advisory Board, and Blackboard. If the Inter-American Development Penn Quarter, CityCenterDC and the your business is looking for opportunity, Bank, and the Carnegie Endowment Verizon Center. The project’s estimated this is the place for you. for International Peace consider value is $520 million, with some $5 Washington, DC, as a focal point for million in foreign direct investment. Among U.S. metropolitan areas, the critical international conversations Washington, DC, region has the highest about the world economy, global

W A S H I N G T O N , D C I N T E R N A T I O N A L B U S I N E S S G U I D E 5 DC Vital Stats DC GDP by Sector

Real estate investment sales: Population: 658,890 in 2014, in 2014, up 9.5 percent from 2010. $6 billion up from $4.7 billion in 2013. WASHINGTON, DC Per capita personal income: Foreign born: 13.8 percent, $75,329 in 2013, compared to 12.9 percent nationally. 38,292 27,623 13,684 8,860 A POWERFUL the highest in the nation. Government Professional Finances, Educational Bachelor’s degree or higher, and business insurance, real services, health services estate, rental care, and social Households: 263,649, and age 25 or higher: and leasing assistance ECONOMY 2,133,062 in the metro area. 52.4 percent, compared to 28.8 percent nationally. Gross Domestic Product: $115.2 billion 7,689 7,447 4,385 5,381 in current dollars. Information Other services, Arts, Other except entertainment, Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Economic Affairs government recreation, accommodation, and food services

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis

5 Largest U.S. Metro Areas by GDP In millions of dollars 2013 Educational Attainment of DC Population 2012

1. New York–Northern New Jersey–Long Island, NY–NJ–PA $1,471,170 Graduate degree 133,632

2. Los Angeles–Long Beach–Santa Ana, CA $826,826 Bachelor's degree 119,301

3. Chicago–Joliet–Naperville, IL–IN–WI $590,248 Some college 95,119 4. Houston–Sugar Land–Bayton, TX $517,367 Associates degree 15,120 6 D C C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E 5. Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, DC–VA–MD–WV $463,925 High school or equivalent 99,941

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis Source: U.S. Census ACS DC Vital Stats DC GDP by Sector

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis

5 Largest U.S. Metro Areas by GDP In millions of dollars 2013 Educational Attainment of DC Population 2012

1. New York–Northern New Jersey–Long Island, NY–NJ–PA $1,471,170 Graduate degree 133,632

2. Los Angeles–Long Beach–Santa Ana, CA $826,826 Bachelor's degree 119,301

3. Chicago–Joliet–Naperville, IL–IN–WI $590,248 Some college 95,119 4. Houston–Sugar Land–Bayton, TX $517,367 Associates degree 15,120 W A S H I N G T O N , D C I N T E R N A T I O N A L B U S I N E S S G U I D E 7 5. Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, DC–VA–MD–WV $463,925 High school or equivalent 99,941

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis Source: U.S. Census ACS #1 in Green Building Leadership Awards and Clean Edge, 2012 Recognition #1 New Tech Hot Spot Forbes, January 2013 #1 coolest U.S. City Forbes, August 2014

#1 Strongest Economy in Top 5: the U.S. U.S. #2 POLICOM, 2013 Best U.S. Family Cities for FiTtest Destination New U.S. City ABC Travel Guides Construction American College of for Kids, 2013 Forbes, June 2013 Sports Medicine, 2013

Top 5: Top Best U.S. 10 U.S. City for a retail Best Vacation investment U.S. News and World Educated market Report— City in America Marcus & Millichap, 2013 travel.usnews.com Forbes, 2014

Top 5: Cities for Top 5: Biotech Investment Top 10: NVCA/Reuters, 2014 most Global Walkable City for City in the U.S. Real Estate Walkscore.com, July 2013 investment AFIRE, 2013 Top Ten in Venture Capital #1 TOP Investment departure in U.S. Best Entrepreneur, 2014 Cities for city for College Grads International Forbes, 2015 Travel Cardhub.com, 2013

8 D C C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E Washington, DC Demographics

The Washington metro area had the high- 23 percent of the U.S. population, As a vibrant and est median household income among according the Neighborhood Information the 25 largest U.S. metro areas in 2013, DC. During that period, DC gained about multicultural according to the Census. The Washing- 8,000 more adults age 35 to 64. This ton region’s median household income influx of new faces has built up newly capital with a was $90,149, significantly leading No. 2 popular neighborhoods such as Mt. San Francisco, with a median household Vernon Square, Shaw, and Logan Circle strong economy, income of $79,624. The Boston region as well as up-and-coming areas such as ranked third at $72,907. The national me- Ivy City, Trinidad, Congress Heights, and dian household income was $51,939. LeDroit Park. Washington, DC, The Washington metropolitan region is There are also growing numbers of pro- serves as a desti- consistently ranked as one of the most fessionals who ride their bikes to work. educated in the country, and the city According to the District’s Department of nation for singles itself boasts an education level much Transportation, in 2000, less than three higher than that of the national average. miles of bike lanes existed in the District. and families, and The U.S. Census Bureau reported Since then, the District has constructed that 88 percent of the DC population 57 miles of bike lanes, three miles of it has proven to be has attained a high school diploma cycle tracks, and 10 miles of multi-use or a higher degree, compared to 86 trails. The District also has installed percent for the national population. In more than 3,000 bike racks. An estimated especially fact, 51.2 percent of persons over the 3.3 percent of the District’s residents age of 25 in the District hold a bachelor’s rode a bicycle to work in 2014, making attractive to degree or higher, which is more than 20 the city the sixth-highest urban area for percentage points higher than the na- bike commuters in the United States. young, educated tional average of 28.5 percent, according to the Census. Moreover, in 2012, the In addition to its three international air- professionals. Washington Business Journal ranked the ports—Baltimore/Washington Washington Metropolitan Area (WMA) International Thurgood Marshall Airport, the second most educated region in Washington Dulles International Airport, The District’s population grew from the country, only two percentage points and Ronald Reagan Washington 601,723 in 2010 to an estimated 658,890, behind Boston. National Airport—travel along the East in 2014, a 9.5 percent increase over the Coast corridor is facilitated by train with four-year period. Moreover, according While the United States may be aging, major Amtrak and regional carriers. to Census figures, the District attracts the District has been getting younger. Via train and bus, the District is within nearly 1,000 new residents on a monthly From 2000 to 2010, the city’s 18- to several hours travel time of Baltimore, basis and has registered constant 34-year-old population grew by some Philadelphia, Atlantic City, New York City, growth in total employment. 37,000, and now makes up 35 percent and Boston. of the population compared to only

W A S H I N G T O N , D C I N T E R N A T I O N A L B U S I N E S S G U I D E 9 10 D C C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E Washington, DC Economy

city, in regards to GDP, between Economic Puerto Rico ($103.35 billion) and Morocco ($107.05 billion), the World development Bank reports. initiatives in The District’s GDP has climbed steadily over the last seven years City Market at O (Ward 2) Washington, despite the 2008 recession. The District’s GDP was $93.8 billion in Set in one of the District’s most iconic 2007 and moved steadily up to $105.2 neighborhoods—the birthplace of DC, have been billion in 2014. The top three sectors Duke Ellington and the local jazz contributing to the District’s GDP scene—the City Market at O is an enormously growth were government, professional urban-infill project in the historic Shaw services, and real estate. neighborhood. The two-block project successful— features nearly 90,000 sq. ft. of retail, The Washington Metropolitan Area 550 luxury rental apartments, 90 (WMA) has the fifth largest GDP in affordable senior rental units, an 182- transforming DC’s neighborhoods and the United States, the BEA notes. room Cambria Suites Hotel, and a 500- producing a city that is better able The region includes the District as car parking garage. One of 10 winners to weather regional, national, and well as Northern Virginia, parts of of the 2015 Urban Land Institute international economic downturns. Southern Maryland, and Jefferson Global Awards for Excellence, the City County in West Virginia. At that level, Market at O includes the historic O In fact, Washington’s thriving the region’s GDP is comparable to Street Market at 7th and O streets NW, economy has been a critical part of that of Austria ($471.584 billion in which was restored into a state-of- the region’s economic success story. 2014), according to the World Bank. the-art Giant Food Store. The project’s The District realizes a gross domestic This positive yield reinforces the estimated value was $315 million, product (GDP) of approximately $105.2 fact that DC is a low-risk locale for with some $102 million in foreign billion, according to the Bureau of entrepreneurs and companies seeking direct investment. Economic Affairs (BEA). That ranks the investment opportunities.

W A S H I N G T O N , D C I N T E R N A T I O N A L B U S I N E S S G U I D E 11 such as LivingSocial and Blackboard, In 2014, the District welcomed a total Economic Sectors but it also has a vibrant ecosystem of of 20.2 million visitors, setting a new of the District of small, independent startups making record for the city. Overseas visitors, their way with the help of local co-work- except for Canada and Mexico, totaled Columbia ing spaces, such as WeWork and Cove, 1.9 million, up from 1.6 million in 2013. and incubators, 1776, which has gained DC’s visitors are expected to continue to The District’s economy is composed an international reputation for its work. grow by 2 percent to 3 percent each year of eight critical sectors: the Federal Having such spaces available in the Dis- through 2018. Government and Federal Contractors, trict has helped grow a technology eco- Professional Services, Technology and system, attracting and retaining smart, Visitor spending in Washington was Innovation, Hospitality and Tourism, entrepreneurial minds in the District. $6.81 billion in 2014, a slight increase Retail, Real Estate and Construction, from $6.69 billion in 2013. Lodging Higher Education and Healthcare and Ninety-two percent of the District’s accounted for the largest percentage the Creative Economy. The following technology jobs are in the informa- of spending in the District in 2014, with brief descriptions of the District’s eco- tion technology subsector. The other $2.29 billion in sales. It was followed by nomic sectors are detailed below. 8 percent of jobs are divided between food and beverage at $1.194 billion and software publishers, Internet publishing entertainment at $1.14 billion. Travel Federal Government and and Web portals, and data processing and tourism spending supported 74,570 Federal Contractors and related services. The WMA employs jobs annually in the District in 2014, 229,000 technology employees, 74 per- supporting $3.86 billion in local wages. The Federal Government is the largest cent of whom work in IT, 14 percent in Retail employer in the region, with more than biotech and life sciences, and 11 percent in telecommunications. 330,000 civilian employees. Approx- The daytime swelling of the city popula- imately 213,000 of those employees Hospitality and Tourism tion to more than one million people and in the Washington Metropolitan Area the millions of visitors each year provide (WMA) are located within the District The District’s unique international ample opportunity for the realization of and represent roughly 30 percent of the position and constant cycle of visitors quick growth in retail. The last decade total employment in the City. The largest make it a ripe location for the has seen unprecedented growth in this Federal Government Employer in the hospitality industry. The hospitality sector, and its expansion beyond the District is the Department of Homeland sector currently employs more than traditional downtown and Georgetown Security, with 18,819 employees. 66,000 employees, the majority of whom communities. Although the Gallery work in food services and accommoda- Place Chinatown, CityCenterDC and the Professional and Business Services tion at 57 and 23 percent of the new Convention Center complex have hospitality workforce, respectively. brought fresh vitality to downtown, it is The professional services sector is the newly thriving cultural centers of one of the most robust and important sectors in the DC economy, providing work for one in nine employees in the city. Four professional services subsec- Skyland Town Center (Ward 7) tors provide work for more than 66,000 employees in the District, the largest of Skyland Town Center is a mixed-use project under development in Ward 7, which is legal services. which is located east of the Anacostia River. The 18.5-acre site will include some 340,000 sq. ft. of first-floor retail space and 480 residential units Technology and Innovation set in a town-square setting. The redevelopment of the former Skyland Shopping Center will occur in phases and result in up to 323,000 sq. ft. of Washington DC growing and dynamic retail space, 485 residential units and nearly 1,700 parking spaces. Phase I is scheduled to include 220,000 sq. ft. of retail space (120,000 sq. technology sector employs over ft. for Walmart) and 250 to 270 apartments. The project’s estimated value 29,000 individuals, dispersed through is $150 million, with some $55 million in foreign direct investment. startups and large companies. The city claims home to tech companies

12 D C C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E U Street, H Street, the Riverfront and commercial development encompassing while 27 percent work for ambulatory neighborhoods like Shaw and Brookland 10 acres in the heart of the District is a services and 16 percent work for nurs- that area residents talk about. prime example of foreign and domestic ing facilities. The largest contributor to investment coming together to advance the District economy from healthcare is Real Estate and Construction the city’s fortunes. MedStar Washington Hospital Center, followed by Children’s National Medical The DC real estate market remains Higher Education and Healthcare Center and MedStar Georgetown Uni- the largest source of the city’s tax rev- versity Hospital. There are also major enues, accounting for approximately 35 DC has a highly educated population, research and direct services providers percent of tax revenues in 2011. with more than a quarter of its residents in the region, such as the National From 2001 to August of 2013, the city possessing graduate or professional de- Naval Medical Center and the National saw 130.4 million square feet of projects grees, and roughly half of its residents Institutes of Health in close proximity completed, with 20.1 million square with Bachelor’s degrees and above. The to the District. In addition to the large feet of projects still under construction, city and surrounding area possesses a population of healthcare workers, the and another 130 million square feet in collection of 13 universities, under the city realized a significant growth in em- the pipeline. The two largest categories Consortium of Universities of the Wash- ployment numbers in that sector from of projects completed were office and ington Metropolitan Area, which educate 2007 to 2010. residential properties, consisting of at any given time roughly 155,000 stu- 48.3 and 47.6 million square feet, dents from all around the world. These Creative Economy respectively. JBG Group was the most universities are both talent and knowl- active developer with 41 projects over edge centers for the District, and attract The Creative Economy— the the last 14 years, followed by WC Smith students from around the world. segment of the economy driven by and Jair Lynch Development Partners, human innovation and creativity — is both with 30 projects, according to the Higher education institutions within critical to the District’s success. DC Development Report. the District of Columbia employ more Collectively, the Creative Economy in than 25,000 professionals, the vast the District accounts for more than Real Estate is a major potential invest- majority, 97 percent, of which work 112,400 private sector employment ment area for foreign businesses, for colleges and universities. Two of positions, which is some 16 percent of with cranes in the air all around town. the largest educational employers are all District employment. By comparison, The District is booming and building Georgetown University and the George the Creative Economy makes up and there are incentive programs, like Washington University. 13 percent of employment nationally. EB5 investment program, mentioned In dollar terms, creative businesses later in this document that can help Healthcare institutions in the District contribute $14.1 billion to the District your company decide where and how employ more than 50,000 professionals. Gross State Product (GSP) and an esti- to invest. Projects like CityCenterDC, a Fifty-seven percent of healthcare pro- mated $200 million to the District’s tax large mixed use retail, residential and fessionals in the city work for hospitals, base annually.

Some of the jobs and investments in the Creative Economy sector overlap The Wharf (Ward 6) other sectors, such as Technology, Hospitality, and Education. There were Situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers and ad- nearly 7,500 creative enterprises in the jacent to DC’s renowned National Mall, The Wharf is a mixed-use, three- District in 2011, according to the Census million-square-foot, 27-acre development that is positioned to become the Bureau’s County Business Pattern 2011 neighborhood center for the Southwest Waterfront. The Phase I redevel- survey, the latest data available. opment of the Southwest Waterfront is 1.86 million sq. ft. and will include 230,000 sq. ft. of office space, 190,000 sq. ft. of retail space, 872 residential The District’s Creative Economy is units, 683 hotel rooms, 140,000 sq. ft. of cultural and entertainment space diverse and includes Media and Com- and 1,475 underground parking spaces. The project’s estimated value is munications, Performing Arts, Culinary $806 million, with some $300 million in foreign direct investment. Arts, Visual Arts and Crafts, Building Arts, and Museum and Heritage.

W A S H I N G T O N , D C I N T E R N A T I O N A L B U S I N E S S G U I D E 13 14 D C C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E Washington, DC: The Obvious Choice for International Companies

economic benefits are numerous. As Directly investing in Washington, DC, Washington, DC, a firm looking to grow in a competitive creates the opportunity for strong firms marketplace with a supportive to bring new and innovative practices to is an increasingly government infrastructure and highly the city and region, which is ripe with capable employee pool, this city is the federal contracting opportunities. In attractive location obvious choice. 2013, for example, $17.3 billion worth FDI in the District has major effects of contractor work was performed in for foreign direct on the District’s job market. In 2011, Washington, DC, according to State around 21,500 jobs were created due to Smart. Foreign businesses have U.S.-affiliated of foreign firms. New FDI a unique advantage of introducing investment or FDI. project announcements have increased innovative products and services in a from seven in 2003 to twenty-two in diverse business landscape, increasing 2011. Since 2003 there have been 125 competition and operational structures. In 2014, the District had $6 billion FDI projects announced in Washington, dollars in real estate investment DC, and when completed they will The steady climb of private sector job sales, a significant jump from $4.7 represent more than $785 million in opportunities in the District is meeting billion in 2013. And because it is a capital investments. the supply of capable employees, cosmopolitan city with an educated and especially those who graduate from diverse workforce, Washington, DC, In 2014, fDi magazine ranked local and internationally reputable is a high-quality living and working Washington, DC, third among its major universities. An increase in employment center for business. American Cities of the Future 2015-16 opportunities for DC residents is a for its human capital and lifestyle in mutual benefit for the city and foreign This steady flow of investment and attracting FDI to the market. It was businesses, with gainful employment for business growth provides mutual behind Boston and San Francisco. residents and top talent for employers, benefits, such as an excellent source The District ranked seventh in the respectively. In addition, the District of capital, employment growth, magazine’s assessment of FDI-related is continuing to offer training to local innovation, increased product and interest in terms of connectivity. residents so that they are competitive service competitiveness, and cross- for the shifting business landscape and border trade. Washington, DC, is prepared for technology and innovation- the ideal location to invest. The oriented jobs.

W A S H I N G T O N , D C I N T E R N A T I O N A L B U S I N E S S G U I D E 15 The District is also a city defined by Southwest and Southeast—that move Washington, DC’s two rivers—the Anacostia and the out from the U.S. Capitol to dissect the Potomac. The Anacostia River divides city. The horizontal lettered streets vibrant economy the Southeast and Northeast quadrants, extend north and south, while the with Wards 7 and 8 falling to the east numbered streets run vertically east and stretches into side of the river. The Potomac River west. Because there are four quadrants, serves as the border between the it is possible to have four locations for every corner of District and Virginia. In the map below, a single address in the District, so it’s prominent Washington, DC, landmarks important to know the quadrant. such as the White House and U.S. the city. Capitol are marked, as are universities, As the nation’s capital, Washington hospitals, downtown Metro stations, is also decorated with streets that incubators, and prominent international carry the names of all 50 states and Designed by Pierre Charles L’Enfant, a institutions, including the World Bank Puerto Rico. The most recognized state Frenchman who fought in the American and the International Monetary Fund. streets are the busy avenues named for Revolutionary War, the District is a city Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, of dramatic contrasts—broad avenues Getting around in Washington is made Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. and quaint, narrow terraces, the easier knowing it’s built in a quadrant breathtaking vistas of the National Mall configuration. The District is divided into and the wooded hiking trails of Rock four quadrants—Northwest, Northeast, Creek Park.

16 D C C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E University of the District of Columbia Washington DC VA American Medical Center University Rock Creek Park MedStar Washington Hospital Center

Providence Children’s National Hospital 4 Medical Center

We Work

Trinity University 3 H Sibley Memorial H Howard University Hospital 5 1 H Catholic University Marriott Marquis Howard University Embassy Row (Mass. Ave.) Hospital

FOGGY BOTTOM H Mess Hall H UNION STATION 2 EatsPlace Georgetown H Gallaudet University Hospital City Center University $ L’ENFANT PLAZA Union Kitchen Georgetown University O St. Market White House 7 Capitol 6 Gateway George Washington University U.S. Capitol George Washington 1776 Skyland Town Center University Hospital World Bank The Hive PENTAGON DC Device Lab @ Canvas

R.I.S.E. The Wharf Demonstration Center

8 St. Elizabeths H United Medical Center

LEGEND

Historical Ward Number Incubators Hospital 1 H Development Landmark

Key Metro Border Avenue University Metro Line Station

W A S H I N G T O N , D C I N T E R N A T I O N A L B U S I N E S S G U I D E 17 18 D C C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E Washington, DC Wards

Choosing where secret paths that add mystery and fun to to locate a any exploration of the city. The highlight for any visitor to the company inside District is the National Mall, which is a lush expanse of manicured lawns and monuments, as well as thousands of Washington, cherry trees that blossom to their fullest beauty every spring. Neighborhoods DC, is a critical get to share in the glory as cherry trees CityCenterDC (Ward 2) secreted away in local parks or circles decision for any blossom on cue. Encompassing 10-acres in the heart of the District, CityCenterDC is a 2.5 enterprise. What is especially attractive about the million-square-foot neighborhood District is that the cultural life of its development enlivened with a mix of A city as diverse as Washington offers many neighborhoods is shaped by the condominiums, apartments, offices, great contrasts in neighborhoods and anchor institutions that define them, public spaces, hotel, restaurants wards, and great opportunities for whether it be a world-class museum, and high-end shops. A centerpiece entrepreneurs who prize diversity and highly ranked university, a popular ball of downtown DC, its prominent community cohesion. park or a public library. location puts CityCenterDC near the region’s many cultural destinations, Like other cities, Washington’s The District is composed of eight wards, two of the city’s busiest Metro neighborhoods have their own cultural each with multiple neighborhoods and stations and the convention center. lives that allow them to fit into at least one central business district. Opened in 2014, it encompasses geographically distinct parts of the city, These political jurisdictions trace the three city blocks and will be home whether along the Potomac River or lines of neighborhoods and encompass seven buildings, a park, a plaza and deep in the wooded recesses of Rock the full breadth of the District. City three entrances to an underground Creek Park. government offers different incentive public parking garage. The project’s programs for new businesses, and estimated value is $700 million, And the District’s neighborhoods are not some of them are based on locating in with some $1.2 billion in foreign connected by streets and Metro stations a particular ward or neighborhood. The direct investment. alone, but also by hidden alleys and eight wards are:

W A S H I N G T O N , D C I N T E R N A T I O N A L B U S I N E S S G U I D E 19 WASHINGTON, DC | WARDS

WARD 1 WARD 2 The smallest ward in terms Corridor, much of which Best known as the home of past 10 years as vacant of area, Ward 1 is the most serves as the southern the National Mall, the White buildings have been reno- densely populated one in boundary of the ward. House, the Washington vated, vacant lots built on, the District. It is dominated Monument, and world-class and empty storefronts filled by some of the best known Mount Pleasant is known museums, Ward 2 is the with new retail, restaurants, residential neighborhoods in for its unique townhouses, place where many tourists entertainment venues, the city, many of which have strong international cul- and other visitors spend the and museums. great historic significance tural mix, and leafy streets bulk of their time. The iconic for the local African-Ameri- that push into Rock Creek images that define Washing- But Ward 2 is so much can and Latino populations. Park and up against the ton are most associated with more than government National Zoo. The Pleas- this ward. It also includes and retail. It encompasses While most of these neigh- ant Plains neighborhood is the mostly non-residential, some of the oldest residen- borhoods are populated home to Howard Univer- federal office enclaves of tial neighborhoods in the by rowhouses, they are all sity, which also abuts the Federal Triangle and South- city, and includes a mix of distinct. Columbia Heights townhouses and gracious west Federal Center. historic townhouses, apart- sits right in the middle of Victorian homes of historic ment and office buildings. the ward, boasting beautiful LeDroit Park and portions Ward 2 is a thriving com- Sheridan-Kalorama and historic townhomes, a major of the Shaw neighborhood. mercial center for the city, Dupont Circle are home to commercial core anchored Serving as a grand boulevard stretching along Pennsyl- grand Victorian townhomes by Target, the popular big running through the center vania Avenue Northwest and stand-alone mansions, box retailer, and landmarks of the ward, 16th Street from Georgetown to Foggy many of which are occupied such as the Tivoli Theater. Northwest is lined with Bottom to Downtown. Retail by foreign embassies and The Adams Morgan neigh- impressive apartment build- and commercial outlets chanceries. The Logan Cir- borhood is home to an eclec- ings, embassies, churches, range from quirky shops to cle, Mount Vernon Square, tic mix of shops, restaurants, and Meridian Hill/Malcolm X luxury retailers. The storied and Shaw neighborhoods and bars, and has long been Park. Ward 1 is a culturally K Street Corridor houses have undergone significant a center for city nightlife rich, intricate section of the government affairs, lobby- changes in the last few for millennials. This activity city that serves many roles ist offices, and law firms, years as houses are renovat- extends along the U Street for many different people. another economic engine in ed and new multi-family the District. The Downtown and commercial develop- neighborhood has seen ment are completed, tremendous growth and particularly along the 14th redevelopment over the Street corridor.

20 D C C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E WARD 3 WARD 4 Ward 3 is a largely resi- respectively, follow a similar, Largely a residential area homes. Grand and gracious dential area located in the though more single-family, located in the northernmost buildings line 16th Street, upper Northwest quadrant home-oriented, pattern. portion of the city, Ward 4 Northwest, including of the city. In many ways, its Friendship Heights also straddles the Northwest churches, schools, ambas- neighborhoods are a series follows this pattern, but its and Northeast quadrants. sadorial residences, and of villages clustered around commercial core has grown Georgia Avenue bisects private homes. local commercial centers. tremendously over the past the ward, and serves as its 10 years, stretching into major commercial spine, Fort Totten and La- Some of these neighbor- Maryland, is now a regional extending from the Petworth mond-Riggs are both solid, hoods grew up along the draw with its high-end shops neighborhood into downtown middle-class neighborhoods Connecticut Avenue street- and restaurants. Silver Spring, Maryland, to of apartments, townhouses, car line that connected DC the north. Smaller, local and single-family detached with Chevy Chase in sub- Much of the remainder of the commercial areas include homes. The neighborhoods urban Maryland. Woodley ward consists of single-fam- 4th Street, Northwest in along 16th Street, such Park, Cleveland Park, North ily homes set among tall Takoma, Kennedy Street, as Crestwood, 16th Street Cleveland Park/Forest Hills trees and parks, including Northwest in Brightwood, Heights, Colonial Village, and the DC-portion of Chevy the beloved Smithsonian and portions of 14th Street and Shepherd Park, contain Chase all follow a similar National Zoological Park within the ward. Petworth is large single-family detached pattern of a commercial core and Conservation Biology the southernmost neigh- homes and townhouses, with local shops and restau- Institute. Some are modest borhood in Ward 4, notable nestled against Rock Creek rants, surrounded by in size, while others are for its rich architectural Park and its tributary parks. a cluster of dense apartment veritable mansions, home to variety of townhouses, broad The Takoma neighborhood buildings and/or townhous- some of the wealthiest DC boulevards, and circles. abuts the City of Takoma es, and spreading out into residents and a large num- And recently it has become Park, Maryland – togeth- single-family homes. ber of foreign ambassadorial a thriving area for offbeat er they made up a late residences. The character restaurants and shops. 19th-century streetcar sub- Tenleytown, Palisades, of these areas is more urb, and now share a com- and Spring Valley, strad- suburban in nature, with a Brightwood, one of the mercial center that straddles dling Wisconsin Avenue, greater concentration of largest neighborhoods in the the DC/Maryland border and MacArthur Boulevard, and cul-de-sacs than anywhere city, sits in the middle of the an architectural heritage Massachusetts Avenue else in the city. ward, and is made up of a emphasizing Victorian variety of townhouses, small and bungalow-style single- apartment buildings, and family homes. comfortable single-family

W A S H I N G T O N , D C I N T E R N A T I O N A L B U S I N E S S G U I D E 21 WASHINGTON, DC | WARDS

WARD 5 WARD 6 Extremely diverse in dominated by 20th century Ward 6 is located in the The center of the ward is the character and history, porch-front townhouses. To heart of Washington, DC, and historic Capitol Hill neigh- Ward 5 ranges from quiet the east, Fort Lincoln is a is the only ward to include borhood, with its townhous- residential neighborhoods modern “new town” develop- portions of each of the four es and local commercial and local shopping streets, ment, with a mix of town- quadrants of the city. As a corridors. While this area to new high-rise develop- houses and apartments from consequence, it has a highly includes major national ment and industrial uses. the 1960s and 1970s. Ward diverse population and symbols such as the United The Brookland neighbor- 5 has a great deal of both housing stock, and a myriad States Capitol building and hood sits in the middle of industrial land and open of neighborhood character- the Library of Congress, it is the ward in the northeast space. Florida Avenue Mar- istics. To the west, Ward 6 also a tight-knit community quadrant. Developed as a ket is the city’s wholesale covers parts of Downtown with local resources such as commuter rail village in the center, with other industrial and the Penn Quarter, Eastern Market and the Old late 19th century, it is full of spaces in Eckington and Fort Gallery Place, and China- Naval Hospital. charming Victorian homes Totten, and along the rail- town neighborhoods, home and a number of Catholic road tracks, New York Ave- to office buildings, major While many of the Feder- institutions such as Catholic nue and Bladensburg Road. retail, and restaurants, al Government’s majestic University of America and The Ward is also home to the hotels, museums, and the- buildings and facilities are the Franciscan Monastery rolling hills of the National aters, federal buildings, and, located in the ward, it also of the Holy Land in Ameri- Arboretum and the great particularly over the past is home to a diversity of ca. Brookland gives way to lawns of the U.S. Soldiers’ ten years, a growing number small businesses, cultural early 20th century bungalow and Airmen’s Home. of residential buildings. To attractions and restaurants neighborhoods such as the south are the modern that serve their neighbor- Michigan Park to the north The northern portion of high-rises and townhouses hoods and are a magnet for and Woodridge to the east. the NoMA neighborhood of the Southwest Water- tourists and local visitors. and Gallaudet University, a front, and the major new To the west, neighborhoods college for deaf and hard-of- development of the Capitol As the most recognizable such as Eckington and hearing students, sit within Riverfront neighborhood, an- ward in the District, it Bloomingdale, on either side Ward 5, and a number of chored by the new Nationals includes many of the city’s of North Capitol Street, are mixed-use, high-rise devel- Stadium and soon to include most iconic neighborhoods, more typical of the town- opments are finished or in a variety of housing, retail including Capitol Hill, Hill house neighborhoods of the works in the Union Mar- and office buildings as well East, H Street, the Navy Yard, central Washington, DC. To ket neighborhood, bringing a as two new parks. the Southwest Waterfront, the south, Trinidad and bit of the hustle and bustle of NoMa, Shaw and Mount Carver Langston are downtown to the ward. Vernon Triangle.

22 D C C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E WARD 7 WARD 8 This diverse section of the its many wood-frame and Much of what is now Ward apartment complexes, District is distinguished brick houses. To the south 8 was farmland during the as well as new single- by its leafy streets, sin- of Deanwood are neighbor- early history of Washington, family homes at Walter gle-family homes, transit hoods such as Capitol View, DC, and a rural character is Washington Estates. stations, and above all, its Benning Heights, and Mar- occasionally evident among green space. It is home shall Heights, characterized the houses, apartment The neighborhood of Bellev- to a number of Civil War by a variety of single-family buildings, and institutions of ue sits at the far southern fort sites that have since homes, duplexes, garden the ward. The historic Ana- end of the District, and has been turned into parkland apartments, and apartment costia neighborhood is the many garden apartments including: Fort Mahan Park, buildings. Further south, oldest in the ward, having and 1940s era detached Fort Davis Park, Fort Chaplin neighborhoods including been founded as Uniontown, homes with yards. Ward Park, and Fort Dupont Park, Hillcrest, Dupont Park, one of Washington’s first 8 also has several large the largest city-owned park and Penn Branch have a suburbs, in 1854. It has a federal and local institu- in the District. Ward 7 is very suburban character, variety of wood frame, brick tions. Bolling Air Force Base, also home to green spaces dominated by single-family houses, and townhouses, as for example, is in many such as Kenilworth Aquatic detached homes with large well as grander homes such ways a small town of its Gardens, Watts Branch Park, yards and lawns. Ward 7 also as Cedar Hill, the Frederick own, stretching along the Anacostia River Park, and has an extensive waterfront Douglass House. Further Anacostia riverfront. Saint Kingman Island. along the Anacostia River, south is the neighborhood Elizabeths Hospital is a large which will likely see a rebirth of Congress Heights, which campus with sweeping views The neighborhoods of Ward as the District looks to revi- has the largest commercial of the city that has become 7 are proud, distinct, and nu- talize stretches of the water- area in the ward, which runs home to local and federal merous. Deanwood, situated front. River Terrace, Mayfair, along Martin Luther King Jr. government agencies. The on the north end of the ward, and Eastland Gardens abut and Malcolm X Avenues, as Blue Plains Wastewater is one of the oldest com- the east side of the river, well as a number of garden Treatment Plant and DC Vil- munities in the Northeast while Kingman Park sits to apartments and single-fam- lage both take up significant quadrant, and has a pleasant the west. ily bungalows. Washington acreage at the southern tip small-town character with Highlands is located further of the city. south, and is home to many

W A S H I N G T O N , D C I N T E R N A T I O N A L B U S I N E S S G U I D E 23 24 D C C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E Establishing a Business in Washington, DC

As a first step to establishing a business in DCRA provides most (if not all) the legal forms required to Washington, DC, it is critical that an international set up a business in DC, on their website. company and entrepreneur study the market and Business Registration make sure that it is primed for your products and services. If your review of the District and If you are a registered business outside the U.S. and are bringing your business to the District, you must file for a region proves positive, then the next steps Certificate of Registration (DCRA permit). follow the same pattern whether you’re a local or international company. The information Following are the organizations that DO NOT require a DCRA below will help you in this process, and there permit to start a business: are additional resources in the back of this • Sole Proprietorship publication for local for-profit and non-profit • General Proprietorship organizations that offer business assistance. • Unincorporated Non-profit Association

Following are the organizations that DO require a DCRA Depending on the type of business you have and permit to start a business: the products and services you provide, some of • Non-profit or For-profit Corporation the requirements for setting up a business in DC • Limited Liability Company are as follows: • Limited Partnership • Limited Liability Partnership • General Cooperative Association Legal Forms in DC • Limited Cooperative Association or Statutory Trust

The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) requires all businesses in DC to be registered and licensed with the district as well as the federal government.

W A S H I N G T O N , D C I N T E R N A T I O N A L B U S I N E S S G U I D E 25 Employer Identification Number (EIN) • Once you have completed your application, you are required to submit the application in person to the An EIN is a nine digit unique number given to all Permit Service Center. organizations for tax purposes. IRS uses this number to identify business tax payers who are required to file DC Business Tax Identification Number various tax returns. You will need to fill out your EIN application form if you answer yes to any one or more of the • The FR-500 is a DC Combined Business Tax following questions: Registration document used to provide information on ownership, location, and type of business. This • Do you have employees? information is needed to make a determination of an • Do you operate your business as a corporation, LLC employing unit’s liability to pay unemployment taxes. or partnership? • Do you file any of these tax returns: Employment; Certificate of Registration Excise; or Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms? • Do you withhold taxes on income, other than wages, • You will receive a Certificate of Registration on paid to a non-resident alien? completion of the application and approval from • Do you have a Keogh plan (a tax deferred pension the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. If you wish to cancel your registration, fill account)? out an Application for Cancellation of Registration Are you involved with any of the following types of of Foreign LLC. organizations? Clean Hands Certificate • Trusts (except certain grantor owned • The Clean Hands Certificate is an affidavit stating revocable trusts) that you do not owe more than $100 to the District • IRAs Government. If you owe more than $100, you will • Exempt organization business income tax returns need to resolve the outstanding debt before you • Estates, Real estate mortgage investment conduits can proceed. • Non-profit organizations • Farmers’ cooperatives or plan administrators Basic Business License

Certificate of Occupancy (CRA-5) • A Basic Business License (BBL) allows you to do business in the District of Columbia. All BBL’s are • To ensure the safety of a commercial building you valid for two years. If you are planning on establishing plan to operate out of, you need to file a certificate of more than one business in the district you will need occupancy. This evaluates that the building meets separate licenses for each of them. However, if you the building and zoning code requirements for its have several business activities you can use one intended use. license for all of them. A directory of BBL currently offered by the DCRA provides more information on • If you are renting office space or building, you might how to apply for a license and other required forms. be able to get a copy of the certificate from the owner. However, if not, then you will need to apply for the Business Trade Name Certificate of Occupancy. • You must register your trade name with DCRA by filling • Again, if you choose to operate from you house out Trade Name Registration, TN-1 form. You can or apartment, you will need to apply for Home register as an individual or an organization, for ease Occupation Permit. of transacting with vendors and financial institutions, official record and to undertake legal action.

26 D C C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E Doing Business with Government

Setting up a business is a complex enterprise, and it requires a number of key decisions made at critical steps along the way. The listing below includes important decision points for any business, whether domestic or international, and these agencies or organizations can provide assistance to new businesses.

Permits and Licenses Taxes investing in them at later stages. (dcicorps.org/what-is-dc-i-corps/). The type of business you are interested The DC Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) in operating will directly affect the encourages businesses and individuals Small Business Services number of permits and licenses to comply with District tax laws and it you will need to receive to operate offers detailed information about how The DC Department of Small and in Washington, DC. For additional to comply with business and employee Local Business Development (DSLBD) information about permits, visit the taxes. It also offers a program to supports the development, economic dcra.dc.gov. encourage companies and employers to growth, and retention of District-based voluntarily come forward to bring their businesses, and promotes economic Financial Incentives accounts into compliance through the development throughout the District’s Voluntary Disclosure Program. commercial districts. For assistance, Washington, DC, offers a number of please visit dslbd.dc.gov. attractive incentive programs where Office Space qualifying companies can receive tax Visas credits based on a company’s office Washington, DC, offers a wide variety location, industry focus, and job of office and residential real estate Employment-based visas are issued creation plans. For more information on options for international businesses through the Federal Government incentives that your company may be and entrepreneurs. One of the best to individuals with unique skills or eligible for, please visit dmped.dc.gov. ways to get connected to Washington’s abilities who wish to work in the U.S. neighborhoods is through its Business for a limited period of time. There are Finding Talent Improvement Districts (BIDs). For more multiple categories of visas issued information about BIDs, please visit the to foreign citizens seeking entry into Washington, DC, has one of the most DC BID Council (dcbidcouncil.org). the United States permanently and diverse and highly educated workforces temporarily. Additionally, the EB5 is in the world. The Department of Business and Professional the immigrant investor visa created Employment Services (DOES) provides Services by Congress in 1990 to stimulate the comprehensive employment services U.S. economy through job creation and to ensure a competitive workforce, The District offers start-up businesses capital investment by foreign investors. full employment, life-long learning, resources to become successful. There The source of information for visas economic stability and the highest are several incubators, accelerators, is U.S. Citizenship and Immigration quality of life for all District residents. and co-working facilities in the District Service (uscis.gov). For more information on finding talent that help startups by not only setting up for your company, please visit does. programs and helping with networking, dc.gov. but also providing seed fund and

W A S H I N G T O N , D C I N T E R N A T I O N A L B U S I N E S S G U I D E 27 28 D C C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E Business Resources

The District of Columbia Government has a number of key agencies that can assist international companies and entrepreneurs looking to locate in Washington, DC. Most of these agencies can be found through the DC government’s main Web portal, dc.gov, but a handful of DC agencies and non-profit institutions have close ties to foreign business owners and investors. They include the following:

Foreign Business Resources emphasis on the arts, cultural and their cultural differences. (http:// historical communities. os.dc.gov/page/office-protocol-and- • The Office of the Deputy Mayor international-affairs). for Planning and Economic • Events DC is the official convention Development or DMPED (dmped. and sports authority for the District • Washington, DC, is unique in this dc.gov), which is responsible for of Columbia, (eventsdc.com) and country because it plays host to 186 creating jobs and increasing the is the face of conventions, sports, foreign embassies, which represent District’s tax base through attracting entertainment and cultural events their country in the United States. domestic and foreign businesses within our nation’s capital. These embassies can be reached and investors. through the U.S. Department of • The DC Department of Small and State listing of embassies (state. • The DC Chamber of Commerce Local Business Development’s gov/s/cpr/rls/dpl/32122.htm) located (dcchamber.org) is the largest ExportDC (dslbd.dc.gov/service/ in the United States and serving chamber in the Washington exportdc) team works closely with their citizens here. region, and provides its members local businesses that are new to with advocacy services, valuable exporting, as well as seasoned • The Greater Washington Board of networking opportunities, and exporters looking for assistance in Trade (bot.org) addresses business educational programs. accessing new markets. concerns that span geographic boundaries. Pro-business and • The Washington, DC Economic • The Office of Protocol and bipartisan, the Board of Trade Partnership (wdcep.com) is International Affairs is located convenes business, civic and an important point of contact within the Office of the Secretary government leaders to collaborate for development and business of the District of Columbia and is on important issues throughout opportunities in the District of the District government’s primary the District of Columbia, Suburban Columbia. WDCEP partners with all liaison with the diplomatic and Maryland and Northern Virginia. parties—public and private, foreign international community for or domestic—interested in making both substantive and ceremonial • The District also has a variety of DC a great place to do business. matters. The DC government Chambers of Commerce in order to has signed Sister City Agreements support the diverse population of • Destination DC (washington.org) or Protocols of Friendship with business owners and entrepreneurs serves as the lead organization to 14 cities around the globe, and the in the city, including the U.S. successfully manage and market Office oversees those relationships. Chamber of Commerce, which Washington, DC as a premier global These relationships serve as a serves the entire country. Here is a convention, tourism and special way to involve District residents list of the other local Chambers of events destination, with a special in special projects to help them Commerce in the District. better understand and appreciate

W A S H I N G T O N , D C I N T E R N A T I O N A L B U S I N E S S G U I D E 29 • The Consortium of Universities of organization whose mission is to Due to the nature and number of the Washington Metropolitan Area provide leadership in improving the legal documents required to set up (consortium.org) represents the health care system in the District, a business in District, the District institutions of higher education that advocating for the interests of government has provided the full call Washington home, as well as member hospitals as they support list of federal agencies to which one universities that are located outside the interests of the community. should refer (https://www.usa.gov/ of the city limits. Eleven of its 14 branches-of-government). members are based in the District. • Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (mwaa.com) actively • SelectUSA (selectusa.commerce. • District of Columbia Public Schools manages the nation’s capital’s gov) seeks to highlight the many (dcps.dc.gov) are dedicated to two international airports—Dulles advantages the United States offers excellence at every level. The DCPS International Airport and Reagan as a location for business and serves the District’s some 47,500 Washington National Airport—as investment. From a vast domestic students in 111 facilities, including well as the Dulles toll road and market, to a transparent legal 60 elementary schools, 11 middle metro rail. system, to the most innovative schools and 15 high schools. companies in the world. • U.S. Federal Government Agencies • District of Columbia Hospital are headquartered in the District and Association (dcha.org) is a non-profit throughout the region.

30 D C C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E Business Incentives and Assistance

Employment/Recruiting Assistance • Exclusion of Capital Gains from Nationally Accredited Main Streets DC Zone Assets: eliminates through the National Trust for Historic The expense to businesses to hire new capital gain in gross income from Preservation. Local volunteers and employees can be a costly investment in qualified property sale or exchange community development professionals both time and money. The DC Department (properties must be held more than organize and lead the DC Main Street of Employment Services (DOES) can help 5 years).* commercial district revitalization efforts. employers defray some of these costs Main Street Neighborhoods: Barracks by facilitating training, recruitment and *As of 2012 these specific incentives have Row, Congress Heights, Deanwood, screening processes for potential hires as expired, but are expected to be reauthorized by Dupont Circle, H Street, NE, North Capitol, well as tax incentives and wage subsidies. the federal government. However, tax exempt Rhode Island Avenue, NE, and Shaw. Additional DOES programs, services and bonds are still available for non-profits and tax-based employer incentives include manufacturing businesses. Contact: the following: Customized Training 202.727.3900 / Program, Apprenticeship Program, Work Contact: www.dslbd.dc.gov/service/dc-main- Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), Project 202.727.6365 / www.dmped.dc.gov streets-program Empowerment (PE), Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), DC Tech Incentives Supermarket Tax Credits and Virtual DC Works! Career Center System. The District offers one of the most Through the Supermarket Tax Exemption attractive incentive packages for high- Act of 2000, the District waives certain Contact: tech businesses in the country. DC Tech taxes and fees to supermarkets that 202.724.7000 / www.does.dc.gov Incentives provides certain credits, locate in a Priority Development Area. exemptions and other benefits for a Qualifying supermarkets may receive Enterprise Zone Qualified High Technology Company the following benefits for 10 years: (QHTC). A QHTC can leverage the program Real property tax exemption; business The District of Columbia “Enterprise to develop their workforce, secure license fee exemption; personal property Zone” (EZ) Program was established in affordable facilities for their business and tax exemption; and sales and use tax 1997 by the U.S. government to stimulate benefit from reduced real estate, personal exemption on building materials necessary economic growth and job development in property, sales and income taxes. A QHTC for construction. the nation’s capital. The program offers can expect a significant tax break with these benefits to qualified businesses: the following abatements from DC taxes: Contact: 202.727.6365 / Franchise tax reduction or exemption, www.dmped.dc.gov • Employee Tax Credits: up to $3,000 real property tax abatement, personal for each DC resident employee (full property tax abatement, sales and use tax Washington, DC Economic or part-time)* exemption, capital gains tax exemption, Partnership • Work Opportunity Credits: up to workforce development credits, relocation $9,600 for each employee from expense reimbursement and training and The Washington, DC Economic Partnership targeted demographic groups such wage credits. (WDCEP) is a public/ private partnership as veterans, disabled individuals, dedicated to facilitating economic recipients of family assistance, Contact: development in the District of Columbia. and others. 202.727.6365 / www.dmped.dc.gov The WDCEP promotes the creation of jobs, • EZ Bonds—Tax Exempt Bond growth of tax revenues, attraction and Financing: up to $15 million in DC Main Streets retention of businesses, and distribution below- market interest rate loans of community resources for local DC (as much as 200 basis points below Through DC Main Streets, DSLBD provides residents and business owners. The the market rate). Activities such as comprehensive technical and financial WDCEP offers the following services: construction and renovation of a assistance to build the capacity of site location assistance, economic building, equipment acquisition, land neighborhood nonprofit organizations (i.e., development data, entrepreneurship and building acquisition and tenant DC Main Street organizations) to assist seminars and tech company mentorship. improvements may be financed businesses and coordinate sustainable through EZ Bonds.* community-driven revitalization efforts. Contact: 202.661.8670 / www.wdcep.com / The DC Main Street organizations are @WDCEP

W A S H I N G T O N , D C I N T E R N A T I O N A L B U S I N E S S G U I D E 31 DC Government by the Letter

CAH Commission on the Arts and Humanities DOES Department of Employee Services DCA Ronald Reagan Washington National DPR Department of Parks and Recreation Airport DSLBD Department of Small and Local DCCAH DC Commission on the Arts and Business Development Humanities IAD Washington Dulles International Airport DCHA DC Housing Authority MPD Metropolitan Police Department DCHFA DC Housing Finance Agency MPTD Office of Motion Picture and Television DCOZ DC Office of Zoning Development DCPL DC Public Library MWAA Metropolitan Washington Airports DCPS DC Public Schools Authority DCRA Department of Consumer and OCFO Office of the Chief Financial Officer Regulatory Affairs OCP Office of Contracting and Procurement DCWASA DC Water and Sewer Authority OCTO Office of the Chief Technology Officer DDOE DC Department of the Environment OLBD Office of Local Business Development DDOT District Department of Transportation OP Office of Planning DISR Department of Insurance and Securities OS Office of the Secretary Regulation OTR Office of Tax and Revenue DMPED Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic WCCA Washington Convention Center Authority Development WMATA Washington Metropolitan Area Transit DMV Department of Motor Vehicles Authority

Acknowledgements

The vision of Washington, DC, as a thriving and welcoming international city comes first from the leadership of DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and DC Chamber of Commerce President Harry Wingo, and that imperative informed the production of this publication.

These Acknowledgments must begin with the inspiration of the DC Chamber of Commerce International Committee in conceptualizing the guide, especially its chairman, J. Scott Kilbourn, Perkins Eastman. Additionally, the counsel of Karima Woods, Acting Director of Business Development and Strategy, Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, was integral in the guide’s planning and execution.

The painstaking work of researching, writing, and editing the guide fell to Telaekah Brooks, Excelsior College; Gizachew Andargeh, DC Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development; Margaret Singleton, DC Chamber of Commerce; and CLT3 Security Consulting. A thank you is owed to the DC Office of Planning for the exemplary descriptions of the District’s wards on pages 20-23.

32 D C C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E WASHINGTON, DC DELIVERS Opportunity

Ranked 4th hottest startup city in the United States in 2014. (Tech.Co) Diversity

Connections Ranked 4th in U.S. metro areas for diversity in 2012. Ranked 2nd most educated (CityLab) city in the United States in Economic 2015. (WalletHub 2015) Momentum

Ranked 12th in U.S. cities in economic momentum and vitality in 2014. (Forbes) Quality of Life Culture Talent Ranked 2nd in U.S. cities Ranked 10th in U.S. Ranked 2nd U.S. city for its for its well-rounded cities for culture, art rising tide of well-educated education market and and recreation in 2014. transplant workers in 2015. high-powered education (Business Insider) (National Journal) systems. (Portfolio)

The DC Chamber of Commerce is the region’s largest and most dynamic business network, creating a better environment to work, play and do business in the District.

No other business organization delivers what we do: We deliver the capital.

LEARN MOREW A S AT H I WWW.DCCHAMBER.ORG.N G T O N , D C I N T E R N A T I O N A L B U S I N E S S G U I D E DC Chamber of Commerce | 506 9th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004 | 202-347-7201