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A group of 70 companies has come together to write a letter to Washington, D.C., lawmakers urging them to do more to curb crime in the city’s downtown.
A group of 70 companies has come together to write a letter to Washington, D.C., lawmakers urging them to do more to curb crime in the city’s downtown.
“I think many of us have found increasing levels of frustration that government leaders need to do more to protect communities across the city,” American Investments said. Council President and CEO Drew Maloney said.
Organizations that signed the letter include the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Broadcasters.
Maloney, whose office is in the Gallery Place district, is spearheading the effort. This comes after a spike in violent crime in the downtown area in recent years, including the death of former D.C. Board of Elections member Mike Gill in an attempted carjacking.
Maloney said Gill was not only a close friend, but also well-liked by the downtown business community.
“So it was a no-brainer to get everyone together on this issue,” he said.
A letter sent to Mayor Muriel Bowser and all City Council members called on city leaders to end the “horrific acts of violence” seen in the city.
In 2023, D.C. experienced a record 39% jump in violent crime, with 274 homicides for the year. As of February 29, violent crime in the city was down 11% compared to the same time last year.
Maloney said that despite the slight decline, the organization’s employees are still “afraid” of venturing out of the office.
“Many of our employees are looking around and becoming increasingly fearful of what they might encounter when they arrive at work, leave work or go out to lunch,” he said.
The letter calls for further steps to be taken to target the “small group of organized and habitual criminals” that city leaders say are behind the vast majority of crimes.
Maloney, who has lived in Washington, D.C., for many years, said it’s hard to see a city that is “pretty safe and affluent” lose its edge.
“I think it’s time to get this back and make sure people feel safe and comfortable coming downtown to work and go to concerts.” [or] Dinner,” he said.
Maloney said business leaders are also considering whether to keep their offices in downtown Washington, D.C., because of crime.
“There is a lot of interest in relocating and finding a place where all of our employees feel safe,” Maloney said.
He also predicted that Maryland and Virginia would try to attract businesses and industry groups from their capitals.
“This is a wake-up call for city leaders to do everything they can to remind residents in every ward of the city that safety and security is their top priority.” .
WTOP has contacted the mayor’s office for comment.
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