Economy

Metropolitan Washington is a dynamic region with one of the strongest economies in the nation, attracting talent and investment from around the globe. For decades, much of the region's economic growth was fueled by the federal government—first as an employer, then as a contractor. Given an outlook of reduced federal spending, area leaders are now focused on growing the private sector, better aligning workforce development programs with key industry sectors, and increasing the region's global exports.  

To support these economic efforts, COG collects and monitors data from various federal, state, local, and private sources and publishes monthly, annual, and occasional summaries and analyses. Key information on the region's job growth, unemployment, inflation, retail sales, and more is analyzed and presented in the monthly Regional Economic Monitoring System (REMS) report. Economic growth as measured through new construction is monitored in the Commercial Construction Indicators report. COG also provides in-depth analysis of population, household, employment, income, and demographic factors and changes in the region using Census and American Community Survey data.