WASHINGTON, DC INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS GUIDE

Contents

1 Welcome Letter — Mayor Muriel Bowser

2 Welcome Letter — DC Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Vincent Orange

3 Introduction

5 Why Washington, DC?

6 A Powerful Economy Infographic8 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. With one of the most educated workforces in the country, stable economic growth, established research institutions, and a business-friendly government, it is no surprise the District of Columbia has experienced significant growth and transformation over the past decade.

I am excited to present you with the second edition of the Washington, DC International Business Guide. This book highlights specific business justifications for expanding into the nation’s capital and guides foreign companies on how to establish a presence in Washington, DC. 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 recommended steps to take as you consider bringing your business to the District of Columbia.

Washington, DC, is at the forefront of inclusive innovation. My Administration is implementing solutions that reduce bureaucracy and increase efficiency, such as the recent establishment of an all-online business registration system which reduces registration times, enhances tax incentives for specific sectors, and streamlines contract processes. After successful InvestDC summits in Beijing and Shanghai, we are planning to increase promotion of District investment opportunities for foreign firms. Allowing for good business opportunities to flourish is what the private sector expects and experiences in our city. Washington, DC, is an excellent 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 Dear Investor:

Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, serves as the foundation for one of the strongest regional economies in North America, and has the affluence and opportunity that are extremely attractive to companies and entrepreneurs desiring to invest and do business in the District of Columbia.

Home to some of the world’s most brilliant minds and competitive firms, the Washington Metropolitan Area consistently ranks as one of the most accomplished regions in the country. It possesses an education level significantly higher than the national average in the United States, and it hosts the headquarters of more than a dozen Fortune 500 companies.

The DC Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) is honored to partner with the Mayor of the District of Columbia, the Honorable Muriel Bowser, and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, under the leadership of Deputy Mayor Brian Kenner, to produce the Washington, DC International Business Guide. The Guide is designed to introduce you to the District and the many resources available for launching a business here.

The Chamber’s international initiatives are intended to advance global trade, foreign direct investment, and business opportunities. Its local and international partners play a critical role in promoting and advancing international trade and investment in our region. And the Chamber’s programs and services have a strong focus on export promotion, job creation, and assisting local businesses in building international partnerships to expand their global reach.

We encourage you to consider the nation’s capital for investment purposes, and to become one of our many success stories. Let the Chamber open the doors to investment, opportunity, and growth for you in our great city and region. Call on the DC government and the Chamber to learn more about the city and its agencies and organizations that can assist you in doing business locally and globally.

Sincerely,

Vincent B. Orange, Sr. President & CEO DC Chamber of Commerce

2 D C C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E Introduction

it is remarkably international with District’s fortunes are intertwined Timeless some 180 resident embassies and with the Federal Government yet they respected global economic and are unencumbered by the layers of yet modern, policy organizations. Some 90,000 DC bureaucracy that define the states residents or 16 percent of the population around them. The District is agile in Washington, DC, speak more than a dozen different responding to opportunity within its languages. The Greater Washington borders and regionally, and there is less is a magnetic region is home to 400 international bureaucracy in moving projects and associations and 1,000 international incentives through the system. companies. place drawing As of 2015, the population of the District Washington, DC, formally known as exceeds 670,000, and another half a tourists who the District of Columbia and frequently million commuters come in daily referred to as the District, is a cultural from Maryland and Virginia, bringing seek to visit the phenomenon, featuring some of the its weekday population to well over a world’s finest museums, theaters, and million people. The District is served monuments, arts companies. DC is also home to by three international airports, an eight major professional sports teams. expansive subway and bus system that entrepreneurs It is small in size, but large in influence. serves the metropolitan area, and the national highway system. The District was established in the looking to build Constitution of the United States for The District has identified the the express purpose of housing the diversification of its economy as one businesses, and three branches of U.S. government— of its highest priorities, and that is the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. one of the central reasons it seeks families hoping The President of the United States to encourage more foreign direct resides in Washington, and it also hosts investment (FDI) in the city. In 2015 for a fresh start the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. the Washington region ranked as the Congress. George Washington, the first second-best place to build wealth out and a new life. president and namesake of the city, of the United States’ 18 largest metro chose the site between the Potomac areas, and it ranked No. 1 for savable and Anacostia rivers. income, a financial ranking source Washington is considered one of the noted. By fostering investment from most accessible and welcoming of Washington is unique in the United overseas, the city hopes to U.S. cities, with its low-profile skyline States not just for its prominence, accelerate technological innovation, and with a lifestyle and culture that but also for its local government. The job creation, capital formation, and are the envy of other world capitals. District stands alone as a city with economic diversification to build a Washington, DC, has many faces. While its own stature and power. Governed stronger and more globalized economy. it is the home to the U.S. government, by its Mayor and City Council, the

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, If your business is seeking international Washington, DC, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. impact, this is the place for you. More than 100 academic institutions is a thriving operate programs and degrees in this region. The 14 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 Fifteen of the Fortune 500 companies Designed to reflect its surroundings help retain exceptional talent. If your are headquartered in the region, and complement the adjacent Walter E. business is looking for highly educated representing a wide variety of industries. Washington Convention Center, the 1.1 employees and leaders, this is the From global hospitality leaders, such million-square-foot Marriott Marquis place for you. as Hilton Worldwide and Marriott opened its doors in May 2014. With 1,175 International, to finance institutions rooms, the Marriott Marquis serves Washington, DC, is a hub for thought such as Capitol One and Fannie Mae. as the headquarters hotel for many leadership and global policy makers. Corporations flourish here. Engineering meetings and conferences, and guests Organizations such as the World Bank, and defense giants, General Dynamics, enjoy direct access to the convention the International Monetary Fund, Lockheed Martin, and the Computer center via an underground concourse. the Organization of American States, Sciences Corporation, make this region The hotel is conveniently located near the Inter-American Development their home as do technology firms such Penn Quarter, CityCenterDC and the Bank, and the Carnegie Endowment as Advisory Board and Blackboard. Here, Verizon Center. The project’s value is for International Peace consider business opportunities abound. $520 million, with some $5 million in Washington, DC, as a focal point for foreign direct investment. critical international conversations Among U.S. metropolitan areas, the about the world economy, global Washington, DC, region has the highest politics, the environment, and peace.

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 A POWERFUL ECONOMY

DC Vital Stats

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Economic Affairs Population: Gross Domestic Product: 672,228 in 2015, 11.7% from 2010 $122.5 billon in current dollars

Per Capita Personal Income: Real Estate Investment Sales: $71,496 in 2015 the highest in the nation $6 billon in 2014, up from 4.7 billion in 2013

Households: Foreign Born: 267,415 and 2,112,551 in the metro area 14% compared to 13% nationally

Bachelor’s Degree or Higher (age 25+): 53.4% compared to 29.3% nationally

6 D C C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

ST K NW 1300 DC GDP by Sector 5 Largest U.S. Metro in millions of dollars 2015 Areas by GDP in millions of dollars 2014

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis

1. New York–Northern New Jersey–Long Island, NY–NJ–PA $42,426 Government $1,558,518 2. Los Angeles–Long Beach–Santa Ana, CA $866,745 $29,402 Personal and 3. Chicago–Joliet–Naperville, IL–IN–WI business services $610,552 $15,956 Finance, insurance, 4. Houston–Sugar Land–Bayton, TX real estate, rental and leasing $525,397 5. Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, DC–VA–MD–WV $9,383 Educational services, $471,584 health care, and social assistance

$6,255 Information Educational Attainment of DC Pop. 2014

$7,985 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey Other services, except government Graduate Degree 133,195 $5,038 Arts, entertainment, Bachelor’s Degree 103,179 recreation, accommodation and food services Some College 60,863

Associate Degree 13,854

High School or Equivalent 82,531

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 #1 IN GREEN BUILDING LEADERSHIP Awards and Clean Edge, 2016 Recognition #1 TOP 10 SOFTWARE HOT SPOT #1 Forbes, April 2016 COOLEST U.S. CITY Forbes, August 2014

#2 STRONGEST ECONOMY IN TOP 10: THE U.S. TOP 5 BEST U.S. #1 Business Insider, January 2016 CITY PARKS CITIES FOR FITTEST IN THE U.S. NEW U.S. CITY Trust for the Public Land, CONSTRUCTION USA Today, May 2016 May 2016 Forbes, June 2015

RESTAURANT CITY OF THE BEST YEAR #1 BEST CITY EDUCATED Bon Apetit, August 2016 TO VISIT CITY IN AMERICA Lonely Planet, 2015 Forbes, 2014

TOP 5: CITIES FOR BIOTECH INVESTMENT TOP 10: NVCA/Reuters, 2014 MOST TOP 10 BEST WALKABLE U.S. CITY FOR CITY IN THE U.S. GLOBAL Walkscore.com, July 2016 INVESTMENT Forbes, 2016 TOP TEN IN VENTURE CAPITAL #1 INVESTMENT 52 PLACES BEST CITY Entrepreneur, 2014 FOR COLLEGE TO GO GRADS IN U.S. IN 2016 New York Times, 2016 Forbes, 2015

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

constant growth in total employment. This influx of new faces has built up As a vibrant and The Washington metro area had the newly popular neighborhoods such as highest median household income Mt. Vernon Triangle, Shaw, and Logan multicultural among the 25 largest U.S. metro areas Circle as well as up-and-coming areas in 2014, according to the Census such as Ivy City, Trinidad, Congress capital with a Reporter. The Washington region’s Heights, Edgewood, Hillcrest, Kingman median household income was $91,193, Park, and Michigan Park. strong economy, significantly leading No. 2 San Francisco, with a median household Nearly 40 percent of the District’s income of $83,222. The Boston region residents do not own a car, and there Washington, ranked third at $75,667. The national is a growing number of professionals median household income was $53,657. who ride their bikes to work. According DC, serves as to the District’s Department of The Washington metropolitan region is Transportation, in 2000, less than a destination consistently ranked as one of the most three miles of bike lanes existed in the educated in the country, and the city District. Since then, the District has for singles and itself boasts an education level much constructed 69 miles of bike lanes and higher than that of the national six miles of cycle tracks. The District families, and it average. The Census Reporter reported also has installed more than 3,000 bike that 90 percent of the DC population racks. An estimated 3.3 percent of the has attained a high school diploma or a District’s residents rode a bicycle to has proven to be higher degree, compared to 86 percent work in 2014, making the city the sixth- for the national population. In fact, 55 highest urban area for bike commuters especially percent of persons over the age of 25 in in the United States. the District hold a bachelor’s degree or attractive to higher, which is almost 25 percentage In addition to its three international points higher than the national average airports—Baltimore/Washington young, educated of 30.1 percent. International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Washington Dulles professionals. While the United States may be aging, International Airport, and Ronald the District has been getting younger. Reagan Washington National Airport— From 2000 to 2010, the city’s 18-to- travel along the East Coast corridor is The District’s population grew from 34-year-old population grew by some facilitated by train with major Amtrak 601,723 in 2010 to an estimated 672,228 37,000, and now makes up 35 percent and regional carriers. Via train and in 2015, an 11.7 percent increase over of the population compared to only bus, the District is within several hours the five-year period. Moreover, 23 percent of the U.S. population, travel time of Baltimore, Philadelphia, according to census data, the District according to Neighborhood Information Atlantic City, New York City, and attracts nearly 1,000 new residents on DC. During that period, DC gained Boston. a monthly basis and has registered about 8,000 more adults age 35 to 64.

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

Economic Affairs (BEA). That ranks the Economic city, in regards to GDP, ahead of the nation of Hungary ($120.6 billion), the development World Bank reports. initiatives in The District’s GDP has climbed steadily despite the 2008 recession. City Market at O (Ward 2) Washington, The District’s GDP was $93.8 billion in 2007, grew to $108 billion in 2011, and Set in one of the District’s most iconic continued to rise to $122.5 in 2015. neighborhoods—the birthplace of DC, have been The top three sectors contributing Duke Ellington and the local jazz to the District’s GDP growth were scene—the City Market at O is an enormously government, professional services, and urban-infill project in the historic Shaw 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, a Citywide development programs have the United States, the BEA notes. 182-room Cambria Suites Hotel, and transformed DC’s neighborhoods, The region includes the District as a 500-car parking garage. One of producing a city that is better able well as Northern Virginia, parts of 10 winners of the 2015 Urban Land to weather regional, national, and Southern Maryland, and Jefferson Institute Global Awards for Excellence, international economic downturns. County in West Virginia. At that level, the City Market at O includes the the region’s GDP is comparable to historic O Street Market at 7th and O In fact, Washington’s thriving that of Austria ($471.584 billion in streets NW, which was restored into a economy has been a critical part of 2014), according to the World Bank. state-of-the-art Giant Food Store. The the region’s economic success story. This positive yield reinforces the project’s value is $315 million, with In 2015, the District realized a gross fact that DC is a low-risk locale for some $102 million in foreign direct domestic product (GDP) of $122.5 entrepreneurs and companies seeking investment. billion, according to the Bureau of 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 companies. The city claims home to tech There are nearly 30,000 hotel rooms Economic Sectors companies such as Blackboard, and more than 2,000 restaurants in of the District of LivingSocial, SocialTables, and the District. TrackMaven, but it also has a vibrant Columbia ecosystem of small, independent In 2014, the District welcomed a total startups making their way with the help of 20.2 million visitors, setting a new The District’s economy is composed of local co-working spaces, such as record for the city. Overseas visitors, of eight critical sectors: the Federal WeWork and Cove, and incubators, such except for Canada and Mexico, totaled Government and Federal Contractors, as Union Kitchen and 1776, which has 1.9 million, up from 1.6 million in 2013. Professional Services, Technology and gained an international reputation for its DC’s visitors are expected to continue to Innovation, Hospitality and Tourism, work. Having such spaces available in grow by 2 percent to 3 percent each year Retail, Real Estate and Construction, the District has helped grow a through 2018. Higher Education and Healthcare and technology ecosystem, attracting and the Creative Economy. Descriptions retaining smart, entrepreneurial minds Visitor spending in Washington was of the District’s economic sectors are in the District. $6.81 billion in 2014, a slight increase detailed below. from $6.69 billion in 2013. Lodging There are more than 30,000 tech jobs accounted for the largest percentage Federal Government and in the District, with the lion’s share in of spending in the District in 2014, with Federal Contractors information technology (76 percent), 17 $2.29 billion in sales. It was followed by percent in biotech and life sciences, and food and beverage at $1.194 billion and The Federal Government is the largest 7 percent in telecommunications. entertainment at $1.14 billion. Travel employer in the region, with more than Venture capital spending on technology and tourism spending supported 74,570 was some 1.4 billion in 2015, according jobs annually in the District in 2014, 330,000 civilian employees. Approx- to the Washington, DC Economic supporting $3.86 billion in local wages. imately 213,000 of those employees Partnership. in the Washington Metropolitan Area Retail (WMA) are located within the District Hospitality and Tourism and represent roughly 30 percent of the During the day, the city’s population total employment in the city. The largest The District’s unique international swells to more than one million Federal Government Employer in the position and constant cycle of visitors people, providing ample opportunity District is the Department of Homeland make it a ripe location for the for the realization of rapid growth in Security, with more than 18,800 hospitality industry. The hospitality the retail sector. In the last decade, the employees. sector currently employs 74,570 people, retail expansion beyond the traditional the majority of whom work in food downtown and Georgetown communities Professional and Business Services service and accommodations. That is unprecedented. Although the Gallery accounts for $3.86 billion in wages. Place Chinatown, CityCenterDC, and the The professional services sector is one of the most robust and important sectors in the DC economy, providing work for one in nine employees in the Skyland Town Center (Ward 7) city. Four professional services subsec- tors provide work for more than 66,000 Skyland Town Center is a mixed-use project under development in Ward 7, employees in the District, the largest of which is located east of the Anacostia River. The 18.5-acre site will include which is legal services. some 340,000 sq. ft. of first-floor retail space and 480 residential units set in a town-square setting. The redevelopment of the former Skyland Technology and Innovation Shopping Center will occur in phases and result in up to 323,000 sq. ft. of retail space, 485 residential units and nearly 1,700 parking spaces. Phase I is scheduled to include 220,000 sq. ft. of retail space and 250 to The growing and dynamic technology 270 apartments. The project’s estimated value is $150 million, with some sector of Washington, DC, employs $55 million in foreign direct investment. nearly 35,000 individuals who are dispersed through startups and large

12 D C C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E new Convention Center complex have EB5 investment program, mentioned With 10 hospitals, the District has brought fresh vitality to downtown, it later in this document that can help experienced a major increase in is the newly thriving cultural centers your company decide where and how to health care employment, more nota- of U Street, H Street, the Navy Yard invest. Projects such as CityCenterDC, a bly responsible for nearly 9 percent of and neighborhoods such as Shaw and large mixed use retail, residential, and District jobs. The largest hospital is the Brookland that show the city’s continued commercial development encompassing MedStar Washington Hospital Center, retail promise. 10 acres in the heart of the District is a which is located in a healthcare hub with prime example of foreign and domestic neighboring health institutions such as Real Estate and Construction investment coming together to advance the Children’s National Medical Center, the city’s fortunes. MedStar Rehabilitation Hospital, and The DC real estate market remains the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. In the largest source of the city’s tax Higher Education and Healthcare addition, the District hosts The George revenues, accounting for approximately Washington University Hospital, 39 percent of tax revenues in 2015. DC has a highly educated population, Georgetown University Hospital, and From 2001 to August of 2015, the city with more than a quarter of its residents Howard University Hospital, which saw 150 million square feet of projects possessing graduate or professional serve the community as well as their completed, with 25.5 million square feet degrees, and roughly half of its academic institutions. of projects still under construction, and residents with Bachelor’s degrees. another 133.2 million square feet in the The city and surrounding area boasts Creative Economy pipeline. The two largest categories a collection of 14 universities, under of projects completed were office and the Consortium of Universities of the The District’s Creative Economy—the residential properties, consisting of 52.1 Washington Metropolitan Area. These segment of the economy driven by and 56.9 million square feet, universities are both talent and human innovation and creativity—is respectively. JBG Group was the most knowledge centers for the District, key to the city’s success. Under Mayor active developer with 32 projects since attracting more than 165,000 students Muriel Bowser, there has been an effort 2010, followed by WC Smith and Jair from around the world. to grow DC’s uniquely knowledge-based Lynch Real Estate Partners, with 26 and economy through incentives and 21 projects, respectively, according to Higher education institutions within programs that elevate technology and the DC Development Report. the District of Columbia employ more creative economic pursuits. than 25,000 professionals, the vast Real Estate is a major potential majority, 97 percent, of which work The District’s Creative Economy is investment area for foreign businesses, for colleges and universities. Two of diverse and touches nearly every with cranes in the air all around town. the largest educational employers are industry. It includes media and The District is booming and building and Georgetown University and The George communications, professional services, there are incentive programs, like Washington University. performing arts, culinary arts, visual arts, architecture and building arts, and museums and heritage.

The Wharf (Ward 6) Some 400,000 people in the District are employed in Creative Class occupations, Situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers and ranging from architects to lawyers to sci- adjacent to DC’s renowned National Mall, The Wharf is a mixed-use, entists. They made up 58.5 percent of the three-million-square-foot, 27-acre development that is positioned to District’s workforce in 2015, according to become the neighborhood center for the Southwest Waterfront. The Phase city data. The median income of Creative I redevelopment of the Southwest Waterfront is 1.86 million sq. ft. and will Class occupations was $66,040 in 2015, include 230,000 sq. ft. of office space, 190,000 sq. ft. of retail space, 872 up 10.6 percent from 2010. The high- residential units, 683 hotel rooms, 140,000 sq. ft. of cultural and est earners among the Creative Class entertainment space, and 1,475 underground parking spaces. The were lawyers, with a median income project’s estimated value is $806 million, with some $300 million in of $147,290, followed by management foreign direct investment. executives ($130,170), and computer and mathematical specialists ($100,230).

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

a firm looking to grow in a competitive Directly investing in Washington, DC, Washington, DC, marketplace with a supportive creates the opportunity for strong firms government infrastructure and highly to bring new and innovative practices to is an increasingly capable employee pool, this city is the the city and region, which is ripe with obvious choice. federal contracting opportunities. In attractive location 2014, for example, $19.2 billion worth FDI in the District has marked effects of contractor work was performed in for foreign direct on the workforce. A Brookings Washington, DC, according to State Institution analysis from 2014 estimates Smart. Foreign businesses have that foreign-owned establishments a unique advantage of introducing investment (FDI). (FOEs) accounted for 5.5 percent of jobs innovative products and services in a in the Washington region. The impact diverse business landscape, increasing continues to grow as new FOEs come on competition and operational structures. In 2014, the region had $6 billion line and as FDI project announcements dollars in real estate investment increase the importance of the The steady climb of private sector job sales, a significant jump from $4.7 investment in the region. Since 2003 opportunities in the District is meeting billion in 2013. And at its center, the there have been 137 FDI projects the supply of capable employees, cosmopolitan city of Washington, DC, announced in Washington, DC, and especially those who graduate from with its educated and diverse workforce, when completed they will represent local and internationally reputable is a high-quality living and working more than $3.36 billion million in universities. An increase in employment center for business. capital investments. opportunities for DC residents is a mutual benefit for the city and foreign This steady flow of investment and In 2014, fDi magazine ranked businesses, with gainful employment for business growth provides mutual Washington, DC, third among its major residents and top talent for employers. benefits, such as an excellent source “American Cities of the Future 2015- In addition, the District is continuing to of capital, employment growth, 16” for its human capital and lifestyle offer training to local residents so that innovation, increased product and in attracting FDI to the market. It was they are competitive for the shifting service competitiveness, and behind Boston and San Francisco. business landscape and prepared for cross-border trade. Washington, DC, The District ranked seventh in the technology and innovation-oriented jobs. is the ideal location to invest. The magazine’s assessment of FDI-related economic benefits are numerous. As interest in terms of connectivity.

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 prominent Washington, DC, landmarks The release of the Washington, DC Washington, DC’s such as the White House and U.S. Neighborhood Profiles, 2016 Edition, Capitol are marked, as are universities, by the Washington, DC Economic vibrant economy hospitals, downtown Metro stations, Partnership (WDCEP) illustrates the incubators, and prominent international enormous economic renaissance stretches into institutions, including the World Bank in the 54 neighborhoods profiled. and the International Monetary Fund. “New investments are occurring every corner of beyond the downtown and revitalizing Getting around in Washington is made several sub-markets at the same easier knowing it’s built in a quadrant time. Neighborhoods such as Capitol the city. configuration. The District is divided into Riverfront, Mount Vernon Triangle, and four quadrants—Northwest, Northeast, NoMa have transitioned from emerging Southwest and Southeast—that move to established mixed-use districts, and Designed by Pierre Charles L’Enfant, a out from the U.S. Capitol to dissect the corridors such as 7th and F Streets in Frenchman who fought in the American city. The horizontal lettered streets Downtown DC, 14th & U Streets as well Revolutionary War, the District is a city extend north and south, while the as H Street, NE are re-establishing of dramatic contrasts—broad avenues numbered streets run vertically east and their historical status as shopping and and quaint, narrow terraces, the west. Because there are four quadrants, entertainment destinations,” the breathtaking vistas of the National Mall it is possible to have four locations for report noted. and the wooded hiking trails of Rock a single address in the District, so it’s Creek Park. important to know the quadrant. Since 2001, 7 million square feet of retail space has been built in the District and The District is also a city defined by As the nation’s capital, Washington another 1.3 million square feet is under two rivers—the Anacostia and the is also decorated with streets that construction at this time. It is estimated Potomac. The Anacostia River divides carry the names of all 50 states and that more than 60 percent of that retail the Southeast and Northeast quadrants, Puerto Rico. The most recognized state space will deliver in 2016, according to with Wards 7 and 8 falling to the east streets are the busy avenues named for the report. Since 2010, there has been a side of the river. The Potomac River Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, 23 percent increase in taxable retail and serves as the border between the Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. restaurant sales in the District. District and Virginia. In the map below,

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

Walter Reed

Providence Children’s National 4 Hospital Medical Center

We Work

3 H Trinity University Sibley Memorial H Howard University Hospital 5 1 H Catholic University Marriott Marquis Howard University Embassy Row (Mass. Ave.) Hospital H FOGGY BOTTOM 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 6 Capitol Gateway George Washington University U.S. Capitol George Washington 1776 Skyland Town Center University Hospital World Bank & International The Hive Monetary Fund DC Device Lab

@ Canvas PENTAGON

R.I.S.E. The Wharf Demonstration Center 8 St. Elizabeths

H United Medical Center

LEGEND

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

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

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

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 many wood-frame and Much of what is now Ward is home to many apartment District is distinguished brick houses. To the 8 was farmland during the complexes, as well as new by its leafy streets, single- south of Deanwood are early history of Washington, single-family homes at family homes, transit neighborhoods such as DC, and a rural character is Walter Washington Estates. stations, and above all, its Capitol View, Benning occasionally evident among green space. It is home Heights, and Marshall the houses, apartment The neighborhood of to a number of Civil War Heights, characterized by buildings, and institutions Bellevue sits at the far fort sites that have since a variety of single-family of the ward. The historic southern end of the District, been turned into parkland homes, duplexes, garden Anacostia neighborhood and has many garden including: Fort Mahan Park, apartments, and apartment is the oldest in the ward, apartments and 1940s era Fort Davis Park, Fort Chaplin buildings. Further south, having been founded detached homes with yards. Park, and Fort Dupont Park, neighborhoods including as Uniontown, one of Ward 8 also has several the largest city-owned park Hillcrest, Dupont Park, Washington’s first suburbs, large federal and local in the District. Ward 7 is and Penn Branch have a in 1854. It has a variety of institutions. Bolling Air also home to green spaces very suburban character, wood frame, brick houses, Force Base, for example, is such as Kenilworth Aquatic dominated by single-family and townhouses, as well in many ways a small town Gardens, Watts Branch Park, detached homes with large as grander homes such as of its own, stretching along Anacostia River Park, and yards and lawns. Ward 7 also Cedar Hill, the Frederick the Anacostia riverfront. Kingman Island. has an extensive waterfront Douglass House. Further Saint Elizabeths Hospital is a along the Anacostia River, south is the neighborhood large campus with sweeping The neighborhoods of Ward which will likely see a rebirth of Congress Heights, which views of the city that has 7 are proud, distinct, and as the District looks to runs along Martin Luther become home to local numerous. Deanwood, revitalize stretches of the King Jr. and Malcolm X and federal government situated on the north end waterfront. River Terrace, Avenues. It has the largest agencies. The Blue Plains of the ward, is one of the Mayfair, and Eastland commercial area in the Wastewater Treatment Plant oldest communities in Gardens abut the east side ward as well as a number and DC Village both take up the Northeast quadrant, of the river, while Kingman of garden apartments and significant acreage at the and has a pleasant small- Park sits to the west. single-fam ily bungalows. southern tip of the city. town character with its Washington Highlands is located further south, 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 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 Legal Forms in DC The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs establishing your business (DCRA) requires all businesses in DC to be registered and licensed with the District as well as the federal government. in Washington, DC, DCRA provides most (if not all) the legal forms required to set up a business in DC, on their website. (dcra.dc.gov/) it is critical that an international company and Business Registration entrepreneur study the market and make sure that it is primed for your products and services. If you are a registered business outside the U.S. and are If your review of the District and region proves bringing your business to the District, you must file for a positive, then the next steps follow the same Certificate of Registration (DCRA permit). pattern whether you’re a local or international Following are the organizations that do not require a DCRA company. The information below will help you in permit to start a business: this process, and there are additional resources in the back of this publication for local for-profit • Sole Proprietorship • General Proprietorship and non-profit organizations that offer business • Unincorporated Non-profit Association assistance. 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 • Limited Cooperative Association or Statutory Trust

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) DC Business Tax Identification Number

An EIN is a nine-digit number given to all organizations for • The FR-500 is a DC Combined Business Tax tax purposes. The IRS uses this number to identify business Registration document used to provide information tax payers who are required to file various tax returns. You on ownership, location, and type of business. This will need to fill out your EIN application form if you answer information is needed to make a determination of a yes to any one or more of the following questions: business’s liability to pay unemployment taxes. • Do you have employees? • Do you operate your business as a corporation, LLC, Certificate of Registration or partnership? • Do you file any of these tax returns: Employment; • You will receive a Certificate of Registration on Excise; or Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms? completion of the application and approval from • Do you withhold taxes on income, other than wages, the Department of Consumer and Regulatory paid to a non-resident alien? Affairs. If you wish to cancel your registration, fill • Do you have a Keogh plan (a tax deferred pension out an Application for Cancellation of Registration account)? of Foreign LLC.

Are you involved with any of the following types of Clean Hands Certificate organizations?

• 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 • Non-profit organizations need to resolve the outstanding debt before you • Farmers’ cooperatives or plan administrators can proceed.

Certificate of Occupancy (CRA-5) Basic Business License

• To ensure the safety of a commercial building you • A Basic Business License (BBL) allows you to do plan to operate out of, you need to file a certificate of business in the District of Columbia. All BBLs are occupancy. This evaluates that the building meets the building and zoning code requirements for its valid for two years. If you are planning on establishing intended use. more than one business in the district you will need separate licenses for each of them. However, if you • If you are renting office space or a building, you might have several business activities you can use one be able to get a copy of the certificate from the owner. license for all of them. A directory of BBLs currently If not, then you will need to apply for the Certificate offered by the DCRA provides more information on of Occupancy. how to apply for a license and other required forms.

• If you choose to operate from you house Business Trade Name or apartment, you will need to apply for Home Occupation Permit. • You must register your trade name with the DCRA by • Once you have completed your application, you are filling out the Trade Name Registration, TN-1 form. required to submit the application in person to the You can register as an individual or an organization, Permit Service Center. for ease of transacting with vendors and financial institutions, creating an official record or undertaking 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 the 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 Small Business Services

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

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

Foreign Business Resources

The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic The Office of Protocol and International Affairs is Development (DMPED) is responsible for creating jobs and located within the Office of the Secretary of the District of increasing the District’s tax base by attracting domestic and Columbia and is the District government’s primary liaison foreign businesses and investors. (dmped.dc.gov) with the diplomatic and international community for both substantive and ceremonial matters. This office serves The DC Chamber of Commerce is the largest chamber as the primary link to the foreign embassies, two special in the Washington region, and provides its members with interest sections and oversees the Sister City Agreements advocacy services, valuable networking opportunities, and or Protocols of Friendship with 14 cities worldwide. educational programs. (dcchamber.org) (os.dc.gov/page/office-protocol-and-international-affairs)

The Washington, DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP) is an Washington, DC, is home to one of the largest diplomatic important point of contact for development and business communities in the world and hosts 186 foreign embassies opportunities in the District of Columbia. WDCEP partners that represent their countries in the United States. These with all parties—public and private, foreign or domestic— embassies can be reached through the U.S. Department interested in making DC a great place to do business. of State listing of embassies that are located in the United (wdcep.com) States and serve their citizens here. (state.gov/s/cpr/rls/dpl/32122.htm) Destination DC serves as the lead organization to successfully market Washington, DC, as a premier global The Greater Washington Board of Trade addresses convention, tourism, and special events destination, with business concerns that span geographic boundaries. a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historical Pro-business and bipartisan, the Board of Trade convenes communities. (washington.org) business, civic, and government leaders to collaborate on important issues throughout the District of Columbia, Events DC is the official convention and sports authority Suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia. (bot.org) for the District of Columbia, and is the face of conventions and sports, entertainment, and cultural events within our The District also has a variety of Chambers of Commerce in nation’s capital. (eventsdc.com) order to support the diverse population of business owners and entrepreneurs in the city, including the U.S. Chamber The DC Department of Small and Local Business of Commerce, which serves the entire country. Development’s ExportDC team works closely with local businesses that are new to exporting, as well as seasoned exporters looking for assistance in accessing new markets. (dslbd.dc.gov/service/exportdc)

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 the Washington Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority actively Metropolitan Area represents the institutions of higher manages the nation’s capital’s two international airports— education that call Washington home, as well as universities Dulles International Airport and Reagan Washington National that are located outside of the city limits. (consortium.org) Airport—as well as the Dulles toll road and metro rail. (mwaa.com) District of Columbia Public Schools are dedicated to excellence at every level. The DCPS serves the District’s U.S. Federal Government Agencies are headquartered in the some 49,00 students. (dcps.dc.gov) District and throughout the region. (usa.gov/branches-of-government) District of Columbia Hospital Association is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide leadership to improve SelectUSA seeks to highlight the many advantages the United the health care system in the District and advocate for the States offers as a location for business and investment. From interests of member hospitals as they support the interests a vast domestic market, to a transparent legal system, to the of the community. (dcha.org) most innovative companies in the world. (selectusa.commerce.gov)

www.eventsdc.com www.dmped.dc.gov

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

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 MWAA Metropolitan Washington Airports DCOZ DC Office of Zoning Authority DCPL DC Public Library OCFO Office of the Chief Financial Officer DCPS DC Public Schools OCP Office of Contracting and Procurement DCRA Department of Consumer and OCTFME Office of Cable Television, Film, Music & Regulatory Affairs Entertainment 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 Chief Executive Officer and President Vincent Orange, Sr., and that imperative informed this publication. The Guide’s production has been shepherded by the discerning management of Margaret Singleton, the Chamber’s Vice President of Contracts and Programs.

These Acknowledgments must recognize the inspiration of the DC Chamber of Commerce International Committee in conceptualizing the guide, especially its chairman, J. Scott Kilbourn, of Perkins Eastman. The painstaking work of researching, writing, and editing the guide fell to Telaekah Brooks, Excelsior College 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.

Most importantly, we owe a debt of gratitude to the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, which was integral in the guide’s planning and execution. We thank Deputy Mayor Brian Kenner, Karima Woods, Director of Business Development and Strategy, and Gizachew Andargeh, International Business Manager, for their wise counsel and guidance.

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

6th hottest startup hub in the United States in 2016. (Inc.) Innovation

Connections 9th most innovative U.S. city in 2014. (CNNMoney) First in U.S. cities for women in tech in 2016 Economic (SmartAssets) Momentum

12th in U.S. cities in economic momentum and vitality in 2014. (Forbes) Quality of Life Culture Talent 2nd in U.S. cities 6th most cultured city 2nd U.S. city for its rising for its well-rounded in America in 2015. tide of well-educated education market and (Travel + Leisure) transplant workers in 2015. high-powered education (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