Washington D.C., also referred to as the District of Columbia (the "District"), is the capital city of the United States, the world's most powerful democracy. The city's growing economy, cultural diversity, world class attractions, educational institutions and livability work to draw a steady stream of new residents and visitors year after year. The Greater Washington region is the 4th largest regional economy in the United States and has the 5th largest population.

In 2008, the gross regional product was $454 billion, 4th in the country only surpassed by New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

The District is a vibrant, growing, epicenter of the mid-Atlantic regional economy. In the past 10 years the city has undergone a complete renaissance. The Washington DC market has transitioned from a government focused market to a strong commercial center, while remaining one of the top tourist destinations in the world. As the seat of the national government, the market enjoys a strong and stable core of business generated through this sector. The region has also experienced significant growth in the private sector in industries ranging from technology and defense to international business and hospitality.

The District is located between the states of Virginia and Maryland. The District is often referred to as two cities in that there is a local city and the federal city including the White House, the Capitol, the monuments and museums which have become internationally recognized symbols of the nation's capitol. The other city, the local city is the focus of DCRC.