DMPED

Today in our nation's capital, the 2026 Cherry Blossom Festival begins. Last year, the festival welcomed: 🌸+1.6M attendees 🌸44% local residents, 56% visitors 🌸+$200M in economic impact across our region Here's to another record-breaking festival, DC!

LIVE: Mayor Bowser Hosts 12th March Madness twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1…

From the opening tip to the final buzzer, DMPED’s 12th Annual March Madness celebrated Mayor Bowser’s steadfast commitment to economic growth.

There will be year-round activation of 180 acres on the banks of the Anacostia—on both game days and non-game days. Not yet pictured: the day DC hosts the Super Bowl.

Ready to scale your business with the Growth Fund? Join us for a webinar tomorrow, Thursday, March 12 at noon to learn how one of the District's premier business incentive programs can help your startup grow in Washington, DC. Reserve your spot today: tinyurl.com/growthfundwebi….

Beautiful day in Washington, DC to go outside and visit a local business!

Mayor Muriel Bowser and DMPED invite you to the 12th Annual DMPED March Madness on Thursday, March 19 at 3 PM — the District’s premier showcase of upcoming real estate, housing, and workforce development initiatives. Register at obviouslydc.com/mm26.

There’s still time to support our local restaurants and save on your @DoorDash order! The DMV Flavor Fest challenge runs through March 11.

At Mayor Bowser’s final Budget Engagement Forum, Deputy Mayor Albert highlighted DMPED’s work to build a more predictable business climate, create funds to support small businesses, and modernize policies to stay competitive with neighboring jurisdictions. DMPED is committed to running through the tape and driving economic opportunity for DC.

Tomorrow is the final Budget Engagement Forum of the year, and my final as your Mayor. We want to hear your priorities as we develop the FY27 Budget. Join us:

Since 1997, Sankofa Video, Books and Café has been a cornerstone for DC creatives—preserving Black diaspora stories and fueling our creative economy. Sankofa’s resilience and community roots make it essential to DC’s cultural and economic fabric.

DMPED, alongside our partners, was proud to support SpaceNEXT, convened by Connected DMV. With our city’s proximity to NASA and a thriving ecosystem of innovative companies, Washington, DC is uniquely positioned at the forefront of the next phase of space growth.

Today, Deputy Mayor Nina Albert and DMPED senior staff Ben Stutz, Latrena Owens, and Brennan Hicks testified before the DC Council. They highlighted DMPED’s work to advance Mayor Bowser’s vision of greater opportunity and long-term growth for DC.

Mayor Bowser launches the FY26 Green Book, marking 10 years of investing in DC’s local businesses. The latest Green Book unveils new contracting and procurement opportunities, including the RFK Memorial Stadium Campus redevelopment.To learn more, visit greenbookdc.com.

With support from Mayor Bowser’s Vitality Fund, Solar Solutions is expanding its footprint in Washington, DC. JD Elkurd, CEO and owner of the solar installation company, shares how the District’s funding helped them invest in a property in Northwest DC, an investment that’s fostering community growth and sustainability right here in the District. Applications are now open for both the Vitality and Growth Funds. If you’re looking to expand or relocate

Today, DMPED joined @MayorBowser, @SmallBizDC, @DoorDash & @RAMWdc to kick off DMV Flavor Fest at Milk & Honey at the Wharf! The campaign supports 300+ local restaurants, including 90+ in DC. Order from 3 local restaurants on DoorDash to save on your next order between Feb. 19—Mar. 11! @RAMWdc

Celebrate Lunar New Year in Downtown DC! We’re excited to support Mayor Bowser’s Lunar New Year parade, a cultural celebration taking place on Sunday, February 22. In the lead-up to the parade, check out other events happening this week, and support our local businesses!

Mayor Bowser is doubling down on creating jobs for DC Residents and attracting businesses to DC — with applications now open for the Vitality Fund and Growth Fund. This morning on WUSA9, Deputy Mayor Nina Albert shared how the Vitality Fund and Growth Fund are driving real impact across the District. Learn more and apply at ObviouslyDC.com

Lunar New Year celebrations start now in Washington, DC. Invite your friends, support local, and let's come together as a community to ring in the Year of the Horse. Your guide to celebrating in Downtown DC: