On Monday, The Coalition, alongside Mayor Muriel Bowser, celebrated a major milestone: more than $1.5B in spending with DC-based businesses by institutions participating in the DC Community Anchor Partnership since 2017, including nearly $1 billion with local minority-owned businesses.
The milestone was announced during “Anchored in Community,” a recognition event held at the Gallup Building that brought together health systems, hospitals, universities, utilities, procurement leaders, local businesses, and public officials committed to advancing inclusive economic growth across Washington, DC.
Washington, DC, is home to more than two dozen major anchor institutions and large employers that make billions of dollars in purchasing decisions each year. But when The Coalition first analyzed procurement spending among District hospitals and universities, it found that less than 3% was being awarded to local small businesses.
In response, the Coalition launched DCAP in 2017 to help institutions intentionally direct more spending toward DC-based businesses and strengthen the city’s local economy.
Since then, DCAP has helped reshape how institutions think about procurement and local impact, proving that community-focused institutions can strengthen local supply chains, increase competition, and expand economic opportunity at the same time.
“DCAP demonstrates what is possible when institutions intentionally align their purchasing power with the communities they serve,” said Steve Glaude, President & CEO of The Coalition. “These are real contracts, real revenue, and real jobs for DC residents and businesses. This milestone reflects years of collaboration and leadership from institutions that understand inclusive procurement is not just good for communities, it is good business.”
“Over the past decade, the DC Community Anchor Partnership has brought together some of the biggest and most important employers in our region, and together, they have made our city’s prosperity more inclusive,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “We know that when more entrepreneurs get their foot in the door, and when small and local businesses grow, then prosperity spreads. When we’re intentional about this work, we can drive growth and give more DC residents their fair shot.”
“DCAP created opportunities we never thought were within reach and helped us grow in ways that changed the trajectory of my business. That kind of partnership makes a real difference for local businesses trying to build and stay rooted in DC,” said Genell Anderson, Founder and CEO of AMAR Group.
“MedStar Health is proud to engage with local businesses and honored to be recognized with a Community Anchor Impact Award,” said Gregory J. Argyros, MD, president of MedStar Washington Hospital Center and senior vice president, MedStar Health. “We believe buying locally is an important part of advancing health equity, wellbeing and prosperity in the communities we serve, including Washington, D.C.
“Through Georgetown’s involvement in DCAP, we have seen a positive difference in our ability to engage local businesses and help our local economy thrive,” said Robert M. Groves, Interim President of Georgetown University. “This partnership is an expression of our mission as a Catholic and Jesuit institution, driven by a commitment to the common good. We value our presence in this city and know that we all benefit from a strong and inclusive city and economy.”
“We are so honored to be recognized with a Community Anchor Impact Award. At Children’s National, our commitment to children’s health extends beyond our hospital walls. We are investing in the strength and vitality of the communities where our families live,” said Michelle Riley-Brown, MHA, FACHE, president and CEO of Children’s National Hospital. “Through DCAP, we’re proud to partner with local businesses and help create economic opportunities that ultimately support healthier outcomes for children and families across the District. This milestone shows what’s possible when we work together with intention and purpose.”
“Small businesses create jobs, spark economic growth and strengthen our communities,” said Nadine Duplessy Kearns, Vice President and Program Officer, Global Philanthropy at JPMorganChase. “Reaching this milestone reflects years of sustained commitment from both the public and private sector across DC, and JPMorganChase is proud to support The Coalition’s DC Community Anchor Partnership as it builds on this momentum to align institutional purchasing power with more DC-based small businesses to advance long-term economic growth.”
“At Wells Fargo, we’re proud to support efforts that strengthen local economies by expanding opportunities for small businesses to grow and compete,” said Victor Burrola, Philanthropy and Community Impact at Wells Fargo. “Through our support of the DC Community Anchor Partnership, we’ve seen how connecting local businesses with large institutions can help generate jobs and drive sustained economic growth across Washington, DC.”