President Biden is calling federal workers back to the office, a move that would provide a much-needed boost to D.C.’s economy.

Why it matters: Federal workers help fuel the District’s economy. Downtown businesses that rely on office workers have been hit especially hard during the pandemic.

• Mayor Muriel Bowser’s administration has been vocal about the Biden administration returning the nearly 200,000 federal workers to offices in order to reboot downtown.
• The record-high office vacancy rate resulted from the move to virtual work.

Driving the news: During his first State of the Union address Tuesday night, Biden said people working from home can feel safe to return to the office. The president aims to lead by example with the federal government in an effort to get the U.S. workforce as a whole back to the office.

• “It’s time for Americans to get back to work and fill our great downtowns again,” the president said. “We’re doing that here in the federal government. The vast majority of federal workers will once again work in person.”

What they’re saying: The District estimated in 2020 before the pandemic that the average office worker spent about $20 to $40 a day in the city, whether that’s at a pharmacy, on transportation, for food, or more, according to John Falcicchio, the deputy mayor overseeing economic development.

• “For us, this is more than just getting people back in the office,” he told Axios. “It’s about the impact it has for other workers indirectly positively impacted,” such as those employed at local businesses.
• “The runway is sort of between now and the spring,” Falcicchio said about when federal agencies individually will ramp up returns to the office. He said the District has been in talks with the White House.

🌸 Hey, Chelsea here!

My most prized possession is my 2018 commemorative Cherry Blossom Festival Metro card.

• It shows pink and white blossoms in full bloom dangling over the Tidal Basin, which is glowing orange with early morning light. I’ve used it so many times that it’s scuffed and the sides are chipped.

I’m not the only one who loves their commemorative Metro card.

• WMATA will soon unveil a new round of commemorative cards for the 2022 Cherry Blossom Festival.
• Some D.C. residents are still using their commemorative Metro cards from former President Obama’s first inauguration, the Nationals’ 2019 World Series win, and the National Zoo’s 125th anniversary.

Take a look at some of WMATA’s most iconic commemorative Metro cards, sent to us by subscribers.

The 2018 Stanley Cup Championship

The 2016 4oth Anniversary of Metro

The 2013 Van Gogh Exhibit

The 2009 Inauguration of Barack Obama

See more commemorative cards here.

Friday:

🪘 Step Afrika!’s Drumfolk | Strathmore at 8pm | Tickets start at $28

The performance is inspired by the Stono Rebellion of 1739, which involved enslaved Africans in South Carolina who started a revolt using their drums.

• There’s also a performance tonight at 8pm.

Saturday:

🦸🏽 Fairfax Comic Mini-Con | Dulles Expo Center from 10:30am-4:30pm | Tickets start at $10

Get your cosplay ready for the comic con event that’ll feature comic creators, gaming, and more.

• Ticket holders who bought passes to shows delayed by COVID get in for free. (They’ll also get in free at the Aug. 27 mini-con.)

Sunday:

🏀 Wizards vs. Pacers | Capital One Arena at 6pm | Tickets start at $8

• Wear your best kicks for Sneaker Night, which includes a pre-game event from 2pm-5pm.

🍃 Turn over a new leaf with our Job Board.

1. Executive Vice President, Congressional Relations at American Bankers Association.
2. Project Associate, Higher Education at Bipartisan Policy Center.
3. Press Secretary at Accountable.US.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a Job.

👍 Georgetown athletics director Lee Reed released a statement of support for men’s basketball head coach Patrick Ewing amid the Hoyas’ historic losing streak.

• That streak continued last night with the Hoyas falling to the Seton Hall Pirates, 68-73.

🏒 The Capitals have lost three straight and hope to make it up tonight against the Hurricanes at Capital One Arena.

🏀 The Wizards are hoping to continue a recovery after snapping a two-game losing streak Tuesday night with a 116-113 win in Detroit. They play the Hawks tomorrow night at home.

This week, two popular DMV businesses opened new locations in Alexandria.

• Fresh Baguette opened its King Street location on Monday. The French bakery was well received, with a line down the block of customers hoping to get a year's worth of free croissants and take advantage of the bakery’s other grand opening deals.
• Foxtrot, the café and corner store, opens its first Virginia location today, also on King Street.