Double Standard of Evidence for Economic Development Incentives is Wasteful and Comes at the Expense of Residents’ Wellbeing and a Stronger Economy

Double Standard of Evidence for Economic Development Incentives is Wasteful and Comes at the Expense of Residents’ Wellbeing and a Stronger Economy

Here in DC—the wonkiest of places—residents value data. Mayor Bowser has said policies should be evaluated so we know what works. However, her proposed fiscal year (FY) 2026 budget and four-year financial plan heavily invest in unproven and disproven economic development strategies like tax breaks and subsidies for developers, technology companies, and sports teams, while cutting health coverage for residents, affordable child care, and other pr…