What We Do
Serving as a catalyst for progress, the Council tries to enhance the Nation’s Capital by focusing the creative and administrative talents of Washington’s business and professional leaders on major problems and opportunities that are facing the City. The Council works without seeking publicity to help both local and federal government agencies meet community needs. It offers the knowledge, experience, and skills of its members; prompt research capacity; and the ability to act expeditiously. Further, the Council makes commitments for the long-term, recognizing that the fundamental structural improvements in the City’s economic, physical and social welfare system will require years of dedicated, relentless effort.
Typically, the Council takes on a very limited number of projects at any given time. In most instances, these projects are large and complex, and they frequently involve the private sector, the federal government and the District government.
Why the FCC is needed
The DIstrict of Columbia plays three roles. To its 600,000 residents, it is home. It is the urban center of a major metropolitan area of several million people. To over 300 million Americans, it is their Nation’s Capital.
Washington’s complex and fragmented governmental structure reflects these often-divergent interest and concerns. The Council seeks to bridge the gaps, working with all levels and branches of federal, state, and local government to increase effective communication and to facilitate community development that serves both local and national interests. Projects come and go. Priorities change with the times. But the basic idea of the Council has proved sound through the years. An organization of civic leaders working quietly to help public officials get the job done has been and will continue to be of major benefit to the City.