The Federal City Council (FC2) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, membership-based organization dedicated to the advancement of civic life in the nation’s capital.
Established in 1954, the FC2 recognizes that improvements in the District of Columbia’s social, economic and physical infrastructure require innovative, tireless work. We seek long-term solutions to complex, community-based problems that produce lasting change and a stronger D.C.
What We Do
A Catalyst for Progress
Serving as a catalyst for progress, the FC2 focuses the talents of its Trustees—many of Washington, D.C.’s most respected business and professional leaders—on major initiatives and civic projects to enhance the vitality and resiliency of the nation’s capital. Working collaboratively with public and private sector institutions, the FC2 delivers innovative, achievable solutions to deeply embedded challenges.
How We Operate
Core Principles
The FC2’s work is based on core principles that are a result of its deep commitment to and broad understanding of community-based change. First and foremost, it is a catalyst, providing short-term assistance to expedite improvements in the nation’s capital.
Guidance & Assistance
The FC2 responds to requests for guidance and assistance from public officials, community organizations and civic leaders by launching initiatives and nurturing new institutions, after careful review, to urge a particular course of action.
Activating Institutions
The FC2 devotes itself to a few major issues at any one time, setting clear priorities based on urgency, consequence and alignment with its mission. The FC2 is known for leveraging partnerships to fill in obvious service gaps, rarely taking permanent operational responsibility.
Why We Are Needed
A D.C. voice in the Nation’s Capital.
Washington’s unique and fragmented governmental structure reflects often-divergent interests and concerns. With the nation’s capital as its home, the FC2 seeks to bridge gaps, working with all levels and branches of federal and local governments to increase effective communication and to facilitate community development to improve the nation’s capital.
Areas of Focus
Transportation and Infastructure
Advancing Metro and transit innovations.
D.C. needs a functional, reliable transportation system and improving Metro is critical in achieving this goal. In an effort to rebuild the infrastructure, Metro will embrace innovation and competition to improve its customer experience. Therefore, city and regional leaders must put aside traditional, parochial interests and approaches to work together to achieve best practices for our transportation infrastructure.
Economy
Prioritizing economic competitiveness and fiscal resiliency.
D.C.’s fiscal and economic success is extraordinary, but it is also delicate and easily reversible, particularly given the competitiveness of our region and federal influence over our economy. D.C. must prioritize economic diversification, innovation, and sensible public policy to maintain its positive trajectory.
Education
A steadfast commitment to education and workforce excellence.
With one of the fastest improving urban school systems in the country, the District has much to celebrate. The FC2 continues to prioritize the ingredients of success, emphasized within DC Public Schools and charter schools, including leadership, human capital, accountability, equitable and sufficient funding, and a focus on our persistent achievement gaps.
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Public Private Partnerships
Activating cutting-edge initiatives for affordable housing and community development.
The FC2’s most complex problems require creative solutions at the intersection of the District government, the federal government and the private sector. The FC2 is a trusted partner as it facilitates these partnerships to benefit D.C. residents, whether through the Washington Housing Initiative or The Langston Initiative.
