The District’s Summit on the Creative Economy, Creative DC, will explore the concept of the creative economy, its implications for the District and how the city can leverage its creative economy to transform neighborhoods and contribute to the city’s overall economic vibrancy. The "creative economy" is an economy fueled by the power of innovative thought and ideas. Manufacturing and routine-intensive jobs are rapidly being outsourced abroad, while technology and innovation are playing an increasingly important role in the American market place. The number of businesses and jobs based on the arts, design, music, performing arts, technology and software development, media, research and film sectors continue to grow. These enterprises—both commercial and not-for-profit—play an important role in building and sustaining economic vibrancy. They employ people, spend money, attract tourism, facilitate home sales, foster existing businesses and bring new companies to cities. The creative economy has become an important sector of the modern city.

A first step under this new initiative is the launch of the Creative Action Agenda, a year-long assessment of the District’s creative assets that will be led by the District’s Office of Planning. The Creative Action Agenda will lay out an action plan for strengthening the District's creative economy, expanding employment and business development opportunities, and enhancing neighborhoods. This is the first comprehensive assessment of its kind undertaken by the District.

Presenters will illustrate how a deliberate focus on supporting a creative economy can help transform neighborhoods, spark and sustain economic growth, support city residents, improve schools, foster and cultivate new and existing businesses and attract new and repeat visitors.

National and international examples of how this focus has produced results in other cities will be shared along with insights into what this could mean for District by comparing each city’s challenges, opportunities, solutions and results.