The Digital Capital Alliance is the Mayor's advisory group on high technology issues in the District. The Alliance consists of the leaders of District-based technology companies. Some companies represented include XM Satellite Radio, BET Holdings, Blackboard.com, Venturehouse Group, Doceus.com, Adrenaline Group, SmarThinking.com and DCVentureNet. Their input has been invaluable in our efforts to build the technology sector in the District. Areas of discussion include policy, regulatory reform, infrastructure improvements, funding and real estate and facility challenges. Another area of focus is how the District can better market itself internally and externally to the technology industry.

The Digital Capital Alliance partners with the District in a number of ways, including the following:

New Economy Transformation Act of 2000
The Digital Capital Alliance has provided the Mayor with input and feedback on the New Economy Transformation Act of 2000, legislation currently pending in the City Council that offers a package of incentives and facility assistance to attract and retain technology companies in the District. The Mayor has been working with the City Council in crafting the New Economy Transformation Act of 2000.

About the New Economy Transformation Act of 2000:
The incentives contained in the bill are grouped into three main areas: Workforce Development, Affordable Facilities, and Targeted Financial Incentives. The Finance and Revenue Committee of the City Council approved the legislation on October 19th. The first reading of the legislation was on November 8th. The second reading and vote will be December 5th.

"Tech Ambassadors" Referral Network
Members of the Digital Capital Alliance assist us in recruiting companies looking to move into the District. We refer interested companies to one of the members of the Alliance and they provide the company with valuable information based on their experience in starting or moving their business into the District. It also provides an opportunity for the companies to network in areas from funding to the office sub-let market.

Marketing Input and Website Assistance
Digital Capital Alliance members are participating in a larger group that is reviewing all aspects of the District's overall marketing message. Alliance companies are also assisting the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development with ongoing website development. Website areas that are being further developed include an interactive feature on Economic Development Areas as well as enhanced material on the technology industry, the New Economy Transformation Act of 2000 and the Digital Capital Alliance's partnership efforts with our office.

Source of information

For more information about the Digital Capital Alliance or the New Economy Transformation Act of 2000,
contact Judi Greenberg at (202) 727-6365.