Current State

Ward 7 faces some of the highest economic challenges in the District. Despite being rich in talent and potential, unemployment rates range between 8% and 11%—significantly higher than the citywide average of 5%—making it the second-highest in Washington, DC. The Ward only has three (3) full-service grocery stores to serve 90k residents and lacks basic retail, and other everyday amenities that residents in other parts of the city often take for granted. As a result, many residents are forced to travel outside of the community to shop, work, or receive services. This lack of economic infrastructure not only limits convenience—it limits opportunity.