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Washington DC & Mid-Atlantic  + DC  + Office  | 
Cushman & Wakefield has made available its 2023 DC BEPS Compliance Guide to help building owners in Washington, DC remain at the forefront of local ordinances.

DC Adopts New Incentive Program to Repurpose Downtown Offices 

The D.C. Council approved the fiscal 2025 budget, launching the Central Washington Activation Program to convert office buildings into hotels, retail, and restaurants. This new initiative, distinct from the existing residential conversion program, offers a 15-year property tax abatement for eligible projects.  

The abatement cap is set at $5 million in 2027, $6 million in 2028, and $8 million in 2029, with a 4% annual growth. Properties must be at least 50,000 square feet and undergo significant renovations. This program, expanding geographically to areas like Shaw and Capitol Hill, aims to reduce the office vacancy rate and stimulate downtown revitalization. The budget still requires Mayor Bowser’s signature. 

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About Emily Fu

Emily Fu is Content Director of Connect Commercial Real Estate, where she covers the east coast markets, including New York, Boston & New England, and DC & Mid-Atlantic markets. She produces daily news stories as well as longer-form content, ranging from Q&As to thought-leadership pieces. She also writes feature stories for Connect Money. With previous stints at Reuters, Seeking Alpha, and Commercial Observer, Emily has covered the finance side of the commercial real estate industry, technology, media, telecom (TMT), and fashion. She attended the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism and currently resides in Manhattan.

  • ◦Development
  • ◦Policy/Gov't