DowntownDC State of Downtown Economic Analysis
DowntownDC Business Improvement District
HR&A transformed the DowntownDC Business Improvement District’s annual economic report into a powerful storytelling and advocacy tool for downtown Washington’s post-pandemic recovery. Our comprehensive sector analysis and employment study provided the BID with evidence-based insights to engage stakeholders, guide strategic decisions, and advance recommendations that will shape downtown’s economic future.
The DowntownDC BID needed to refresh its annual economic report to better tell the story of downtown Washington, DC during a critical recovery period. The organization required rigorous analysis across multiple economic dimensions to inform stakeholders and guide strategic decision-making. HR&A gathered, synthesized, and assessed implications of data across several key sectors and industries including office, hospitality, housing, culture and entertainment, and education, as well as transportation and public safety. This multifaceted approach provided comprehensive understanding of downtown’s economic dynamics and emerging trends.
The resulting 60-plus page State of Downtown report provided analytical foundation for key recommendations in the BID’s Downtown Action Plan. HR&A also produced supplemental employment analysis with BID-specific estimates by sector, giving the organization granular data to understand workforce trends. These deliverables positioned the BID to make informed decisions, engage stakeholders effectively, and advocate for strategies supporting downtown Washington’s continued vitality and economic competitiveness.
