Regional Collaboration and Growth Take Center Stage at REO 2026 Forum

This year’s Regional Economic Outlook (REO) Forum on March 26 set a new standard of frank, high-level exchange on the forces shaping the DMV’s future. The Forum brought together public and private sector leaders for a candid, wide-ranging discussion on the economic future of the DMV region.

Framed by remarks from REO organizers Luis Clavijo, Vice President of the LEN Board of Directors; Mario Ramos, CEO and Founder; and Guillermo Christensen, Partner, K&L Gates, the event began with a focus on regional collaboration, competitiveness, and structural challenges.

The conversation, moderated by Erika Gonzalez, featured Nina Albert, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development for Washington, D.C.; Natali Fani-González, President of the Montgomery County Council and Chair of its Committee on Economic Development; and Victor Hoskins, President and CEO of the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance.

Panelists addressed a central question: how the region can work across jurisdictions to attract and retain talent, investment, and long-term growth.

Economic Investment: Recent large-scale projects, including Amazon HQ2, the proposed Commanders stadium deal, and continued data center investment, were cited as indicators of sustained private sector interest in the region. However, speakers emphasized that long-term economic performance will depend less on major deals and more on structural factors such as innovation, workforce development, housing supply, and regulatory efficiency.

Collaboration: Hoskins described the region’s current dynamic as “co-opetition,” noting that while jurisdictions continue to compete, there is increasing recognition of their economic interdependence. That approach was reflected earlier this year in a trilateral meeting between Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s administration, and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.

Federal Government Role: Panelists also discussed the region’s evolving relationship with the federal government. While federal employment remains a significant component of the local economy, accounting for approximately 11% of the metropolitan workforce and a larger share within the District, there was consensus that future growth will rely on a more diversified economic base.

AI Disruption: Workforce development emerged as another key theme. Participants pointed to ongoing investments by educational institutions in digital skills and AI readiness but noted that adoption, particularly within government, has lagged behind.

Housing was identified as one of the most pressing challenges. Panelists emphasized the need to increase supply through measures such as zoning reform, office-to-residential conversions, and expanded density near transit. Regulatory barriers, including permitting delays and licensing processes, were also cited as constraints on growth.

The discussion underscored the need for more builders, more connectors and more leaders willing to bet on what this place can become. The reinvention of the DMV is underway, and LEN intends to help shape it.

Written by Maritza Lizama. Photos by Ernesto Azalde.