The D.C. Policy Center’s Alice M. Rivlin Initiative for Economic Policy & Competitiveness provides an in-depth and objective look at the factors that influence the District of Columbia’s attractiveness and competitive position in the region and in the nation.

Our core analyses examine business migrations and growth trends, regional workforce dynamics, and how policy can shape and impact these trends. However, this work is also grounded in the idea that strengthening D.C.’s competitive position requires a balanced study of how economy policy, business conditions, quality of life, access to opportunity and resources, and workforce dynamics all contribute to a city’s growth and prosperity.

Through this research, we aim to build a deeper understanding of the competitive dynamics within the Washington metropolitan region and develop comprehensive policy solutions that support a strong and growing local economy for all D.C. residents.

Economic policy & competitiveness issues in focus

Remembering our namesake, Alice M. Rivlin

In March 2022, the D.C. Policy Center launched the Alice M. Rivlin Initiative for Economic Policy and Competitiveness. The initiative is named for the late Dr. Alice M. Rivlin, a friend and advisor of the D.C. Policy Center. Dr. Alice M. Rivlin’s legacy goes beyond the list of her numerous accolades, credentials, and affiliations. She was a champion for this city, consummate public servant, and a trailblazer for women.

About the Rivlin Initiative

Our research agenda explains in-depth the Initiative’s focus on shared prosperity, and research goals for the next two years.

Dig into our research at virtual and in-person events.

Our experts are often interviewed and our research frequently highlighted by the press.

Staff

These staff members are at the core of the Rivlin Initiative.

Advisors

Our research is guided by a group of researchers with deep regional and national knowledge of the economic dynamics in urban areas.

Santiago Pinto
Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Leah Brooks
GWU Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Analysis

Rachel Meltzer
Harvard University Graduate School of Design

Richard C. Auxier
Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center

Joe Cortright
Impresa, City Observatory

Krista Ruffini
Georgetown McCourt School of Public Policy

Evette Banfield
CNHED

Tracy Hadden Loh
Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program

Financial support

The D.C. Policy Center launched the Alice M. Rivlin Initiative for Economic Policy & Competitiveness in March 2022. The Rivlin Initiative is supported by generous contributions from the following donors:

Fort Lincoln Realty Company, Inc.
Monumental Sports & Entertainment
Quadrangle Development
Tishman Speyer
Ruben Companies

Recent publications on Economic Policy & Competitiveness