Business

The District is prepared to enforce its new indoor vaccine mandate, officials said on the weekend the new rules took effect, but educating small businesses about the guidelines is the city’s first priority.

Why it matters: The proof-of-vaccination requirement to dine indoors, enter gyms, and go inside many other businesses was introduced to boost vaccination rates and prevent the spread of COVID-19 when going out.

Across the DMV, the pandemic's sickening of workers is leading to scaled-back bus service, reduced hours for government offices, and trouble keeping schools open with dwindling staff. 

Why it matters: Unlike early in the pandemic when government restrictions shuttered much of public life, the sheer number of employees sidelined this time by the coronavirus is upending industries and governments.

The pandemic will play a large role in determining what 2022 looks like for restaurants and bars.

The big picture: With a widespread vaccine rollout and months of low COVID case numbers, 2021 was looking up for the food and beverage industry, until D.C.’s late December COVID case spike.

Even in our new work-from-home era, D.C. is attracting new employees from all across the country.

What’s happening: The D.C. area gained the most workers from the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, Virginia area over the last year, according to LinkedIn’s Workforce Report.

Demand for office space is up and surpassing pre-pandemic levels in the D.C. area, according to CBRE.

Why it matters: Empty office buildings resulting from employees working from home is one of the driving forces behind empty downtowns both in the DMV and around the country. 

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and her top officials are in Las Vegas Monday, wooing retailers and developers at a major conference.

Why it matters: For years, D.C. politicians have regularly attended the annual conference — now back in-person — to try to bring grocery stores and other retail east of the Anacostia River. This year they are touting a new incentive program.

'Tis the season for exploring outdoor markets and doing all of the holiday activities that were scaled back or canceled last year at the height of the pandemic.

The Downtown Holiday Market, one of D.C.’s top holiday experiences, is in full swing with over 70 exhibitors, six food vendors, and live music.

Here are a few of Paige’s takeaways from a recent trip there.

Today is Giving Tuesday, a global campaign to promote “radical generosity.” Last year, American donors gave almost $2.5 billion.

Why it matters: As we come out of our second pandemic year, non-profits, small businesses, and other groups need more support than ever before.