WDCEP Washington DC Economic Partnership

What WDCEP Washington DC Economic Partnership does

Washington DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP), founded in 2000 and headquartered at 1495 F St NW, is a nonprofit, public-private partnership that serves as the primary economic development organization for the District of Columbia. The organization operates as a concierge connecting national and international corporations to the District's public sector, private-sector leaders, real estate market, and incentive programs, supporting business attraction, retention, and expansion. WDCEP's service portfolio covers site selection and real estate navigation, customized market intelligence and community tours, introductions to local C-suite executives, financial incentive navigation (including the Vitality Fund and Housing in Downtown incentives), the Washington DC Global Soft Landing Program for international firms, and ongoing business retention outreach.

WDCEP's core products are research and data rather than software. The organization publishes the annual DC Development Report in partnership with Cavalry Real Estate Advisors, tracking groundbreakings, conversions, and the development pipeline. It maintains ESRI-based GIS interactive maps and story maps covering corporate expansions, office conversions, international businesses, the tech sector, the University District, grocery market, and the Saint Elizabeths East redevelopment. WDCEP runs an events program including the Annual Meeting, the DC Fintech Summit (co-hosted with the DC Tech and Venture Coalition), and the Powering the Future conference (co-hosted with K&L Gates). The Capital Insights newsletter and publications page are the primary outbound content channels.

The revenue model is nonprofit and not product-priced: WDCEP is funded through private-sector investor contributions (Board Directors including Verizon, Microsoft, TD Bank, Comcast, Deloitte, Clark Construction, Amazon, Pepco, CareFirst, JLL, Nixon Peabody, Bohler, Smoot, and Cherry Bekaert), event and program sponsorships (Annual Meeting, Powering the Future), and government-aligned incentive work via DMPED. Most services to businesses are provided at no cost. The organization operates with 11-50 employees and a Board plus Advisory Board that includes senior executives from every major commercial real estate firm in the DC region (JLL, Cushman & Wakefield, CBRE, Boston Properties, Skanska, Tishman Speyer, Colliers, Newmark, Akridge).

Name

WDCEP Washington DC Economic Partnership

Legal name

Washington DC Economic Partnership

Website

https://wdcep.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Washington DC Economic Partnership is a nonprofit, public-private partnership that serves as the District's primary economic development concierge. It supports business attraction, retention, and expansion through site selection, financial incentive navigation, the Global Soft Landing Program for international firms, and research publications including the DC Development Report and GIS-based market maps.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Private Sector Investor Contributions: WDCEP relies on private-sector partners to fund its programs throughout the year. Private-sector partners can engage through: (1) joining the supporter network, (2) sponsoring specific programs and events, or (3) joining the WDCEP Board of Directors. An Investor Packet is available for download.
2. Sponsorship Revenue: The organization generates revenue through event and program sponsorships. Private companies sponsor events such as the Annual Meeting and the Powering the Future conference.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels2 records

Core offering

WDCEP is a nonprofit, public-private partnership that operates as a concierge connecting national and international corporations to Washington, DC's public sector and local ecosystem. It provides site selection and real estate assistance, customized community tours, market intelligence and custom research, government navigation, financial incentive access (such as the Vitality Fund and Housing in Downtown incentives), and networking introductions to C-suite executives and community leaders for businesses seeking to locate, expand, or remain in the District.

Product overview

WDCEP is a nonprofit public-private partnership serving as the core economic development organization for Washington, DC. Rather than a unified software product, WDCEP offers a portfolio of service offerings including business development concierge services, site selection assistance, market intelligence and research publications (such as the DC Development Report and various maps), the Washington DC Global Soft Landing Program for international companies, and financial incentive navigation support including the Vitality Fund. These services work together to attract, retain, and expand businesses in the District.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Business Development Concierge Services
• Washington DC Global Soft Landing Program
• DC Development Report
• DC Maps and Interactive Tools Collection of interactive GIS-based maps including Corporate Expansions, Office Conversions, International Businesses, Tech Sector, University District, Grocery Market, and Saint Elizabeths East redevelopment maps. Award-winning economic development maps using ESRI platform.
• Vitality Fund Navigation Assistance navigating the Vitality Fund incentive program supporting businesses in key sectors to relocate, expand, or remain in the District. Helps companies access performance-based incentives for creating jobs and capital investment in DC.
• Washington DC Retail Strategic Plan Comprehensive retail market assessment developed in partnership with Streetsense, evaluating conditions across District neighborhoods, identifying opportunities, and outlining coordinated strategy for strengthening retail outcomes.

Quantifiable outcome

• 300+ retailers, restaurants, and entertainment venues attracted to DC through ICSC Las Vegas efforts over 25 years
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers28 records

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

33 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• World Trade Center DublincoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 July 2025Washington DC and World Trade Center Dublin (WTC Dublin) signed an MOU to attract Irish companies to the District through the Washington DC Global Soft Landing Program. The partnership targets high-growth industries including technology (AI, cybersecurity, fintech), life sciences, consulting, and education. Organizations are committed to promoting the Global Soft Landing program to their networks, sharing referrals, providing support to participating companies, and collaborating on events and programming.
• World Trade Center Washington DCsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerWTC Washington DC (at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center) supports WTC Dublin's collaboration with DC. Managed by Trade Center Management Associates (TCMA), a Drew Company subsidiary, in partnership with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) for over 25 years.
• Drew CompanysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerReal estate development firm holding World Trade Center licenses for Dublin, Washington DC, and Boston. Key partner in facilitating the WTC Dublin MOU and cross-border business connections.
• Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDMPED is WDCEP's primary government partner in economic development. Together they co-produce the DC Development Report, Retail Strategic Plan, and manage programs including the Vitality Fund, Housing in Downtown (HID) incentives, and Global Soft Landing Program. DMPED assists WDCEP with policy alignment and incentive structuring.
• Cavalry Real Estate AdvisorscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner in producing the annual DC Development Report. Cavalry Real Estate Advisors provides real estate market expertise and data for the cornerstone publication used by investors and businesses to assess DC's market conditions.
• Golden Triangle Business Improvement DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey partner in the Washington DC Global Soft Landing Program, providing real estate and business environment support for international companies landing in the Golden Triangle area of DC.
• Penn West Equity and Innovation DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Washington DC Global Soft Landing Program, supporting international companies establishing presence in the Penn West area of DC.
• George Washington UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in the Washington DC Global Soft Landing Program, providing research capabilities and talent pipeline support for international companies.
• The Build Fellowship by Open AvenuessupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Washington DC Global Soft Landing Program, providing programming and support for international companies.
• StreetsensecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWDCEP and DMPED partnered with Streetsense to complete a comprehensive Washington DC Retail Strategic Plan assessing conditions across the District, identifying opportunities, and outlining coordinated strategy to strengthen retail outcomes.
• Federal City CouncilsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting partner in the Washington DC Global Soft Landing Program, providing access to DC's civic and business leadership network.
• DC Chamber of CommercesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting partner in the Washington DC Global Soft Landing Program.
• Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of CommercesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting partner in the Washington DC Global Soft Landing Program.
• Greater Washington Black Chamber of CommercesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting partner in the Washington DC Global Soft Landing Program.
• DC Tech and Venture Coalition (DCTAV)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-host of the annual DC Fintech Summit with WDCEP. DCTAV is a coalition advancing the District's innovation economy and runs DC Tech Meetup, the world's biggest meetup group with over 28,000 members.
• K&L Gates LLPcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-host of the 'Powering the Future: Energy, Infrastructure, and the Next Generation of Development in the DMV' conference. K&L Gates LLP is a law firm providing legal and policy expertise supporting DC economic development.
• SelectUSAsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerUS government program through which international companies like Equinox Outsourced Services connected with WDCEP for DC market entry.
• Paul Collins, Cushman & WakefieldsupportingOthersExecutive Vice Chair of Cushman & Wakefield and Executive Vice Chair of WDCEP Advisory Board. One of the top Investment Sales brokers in the Southeast US with over 30 years of commercial real estate experience, having completed over $30 billion in investment property sales.
• Elizabeth Cooper, JLLsupportingOthersVice Chairman of JLL and Vice Chairman of WDCEP Advisory Board. With over 30 years of real estate experience, has negotiated more than 50 million square feet of office space globally, generating approximately $100 million in revenue.
• Colette Dafoe, Nixon PeabodysupportingOthersManagement Committee Member of WDCEP Advisory Board and Office Managing Partner of Nixon Peabody's DC office, focusing on all aspects of commercial real estate transactions.
• Dan Dooley, Tishman SpeyersupportingOthersManaging Director at Tishman Speyer and Management Committee Member of WDCEP Advisory Board. Responsible for leasing and asset strategy in the DC region.
• Andy Eichberg, StreamsupportingOthersManaging Director at Stream and Advisory Board member. Leads regional brokerage platform and business lines across Mid-Atlantic.
• Manny Fitzgerald, CBREsupportingOthersExecutive Vice President at CBRE and Advisory Board member. Founded and leads CBRE's National Nonprofit Practice with high-profile transactions including nonprofit headquarters buildings.
• Scott FrankelsupportingOthersAdvisory Board member with over 20 years of commercial real estate experience, having negotiated over 30 transactions valued at more than $400 million in the past three years.
• Scott Franklin, JBG SMITHsupportingOthersSenior Vice President at JBG SMITH and Advisory Board member. Responsible for leasing an office portfolio in excess of 4 million square feet.
• Matt Gannon, CollierssupportingOthersManaging Director/Market Leader at Colliers and Advisory Board member. Responsible for strategic direction and performance of Colliers offices in DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland.
• Matt GarcellsupportingOthersAdvisory Board member specializing in tenant representation, lease acquisitions, space dispositions, and multi-market relocations. Client portfolio includes Fortune 500 companies, law firms, and media companies.
• Laura Kennington, OTJsupportingOthersPresident & Co-Chief Executive Officer at OTJ and Advisory Board member. Firm has offices in DC, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, New York, San Diego, and San Francisco.
• Martha Naughten, First American Title Insurance CompanysupportingOthersVice President at First American Title Insurance Company and Advisory Board member. Focuses on expanding FirstAm's network in the DMV area.
• Dennis Perkins, Civitas Commercial Real Estate ServicessupportingOthersFounder & CEO of Civitas Commercial Real Estate Services and Advisory Board member. Provides expertise in commercial brokerage, strategic planning, and market research.
• Sean Sullivan, Boston PropertiessupportingOthersVice President of Development at Boston Properties and Advisory Board member. Responsible for new mixed-use, office, and residential buildings in the DC region.
• Jennifer Tatum, SkanskasupportingOthersVice President of Capital Markets & Leasing at Skanska and Advisory Board member. Has contributed to leasing of over 5 million square feet of commercial office space.
• David Toney, AkridgesupportingOthersAdvisory Board member at Akridge. Oversees approximately $530 million in development projects and has completed nearly $1.5 billion in office and mixed-use acquisitions and development since 2005.

Scale indicators22 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Greater Houston Partnership: Greater Houston Partnership is a public-private economic development organization that connects companies to the Houston ecosystem through business attraction, retention, and international inbound investment programs. Like WDCEP, it operates as a 501(c)(6) with private-sector investor funding and a similar board-driven governance model.
• Choose Chicago: Choose Chicago is the city's official destination and economic development marketing organization, attracting major events, corporate meetings, and business investment to Chicago. While tourism-leaning, its role as a public-private partnership promoting Chicago as a business destination aligns with WDCEP's positioning of DC.
• New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC): NYCEDC is the municipal economic development corporation for New York City, operating as a public-private partnership that drives business attraction, retention, and real estate development. It mirrors WDCEP's concierge model, sector-targeting approach (fintech, life sciences, tech), and incentive navigation services, but at far larger scale.
• San Francisco Office of Economic & Workforce Development (OEWD): San Francisco's OEWD is the city-level economic development function that supports business attraction, retention, workforce development, and inclusive growth initiatives. Its scope and concierge-style approach to inbound business needs are functionally analogous to WDCEP's operations.
• World Business Chicago: World Business Chicago is a public-private partnership serving as Chicago's leading economic development organization, focused on business attraction, retention, and inclusive growth. Its structure and citywide economic development mandate are directly analogous to WDCEP.
• Invest Atlanta: Invest Atlanta is the city's economic development authority, operating incentive programs, supporting business attraction and retention, and driving real estate development. It is a close functional peer to WDCEP's incentive-navigation and corporate-concierge services.
• Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce: The Greater Boston Chamber is a member-driven business organization that promotes economic development, business attraction, and policy advocacy for the Boston region. Its member-investor model and economic development focus parallel WDCEP's structure and mandate.
• Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce / PIDC: PIDC is Philadelphia's public-private economic development corporation, providing financing, real estate, and business services to grow the regional economy. It matches WDCEP's blend of public-private partnership, incentive management, and sector-focused business attraction.
• Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC): LAEDC is a nonprofit public-private partnership that promotes economic development across the Los Angeles region through business attraction, retention, research, and policy advocacy. Its mission, governance, and concierge-style services closely parallel WDCEP's operating model.

Regional players

• Greater Washington Partnership: Greater Washington Partnership is a regional (DC-VA-MD) public-private CEO-led organization focused on talent, infrastructure, and inclusive economic growth across the DMV. It is a regional peer rather than a direct competitor, since WDCEP is DC-only while GWP operates across the broader capital region.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/the_digital_dc
• Facebookfacebook.com/digitaldc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/washington-dc-economic-partnership

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about WDCEP Washington DC Economic Partnership