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WASHINGTON, D.C. – According to an annual study based on U.S. government data, the District of Columbia gained 2,200 high-tech jobs in 2002. The American Electronics Association’s Cyberstates 2003 report found that while Maryland, Virginia and all but two other states suffered a net loss of information technology jobs last year, the District’s high-tech job base actually expanded.
A number of observers point to NET 2000, an initiative authored by Councilmember David Catania (At-Large) and approved by the Council and Mayor, as being the catalyst for this achievement. The New E-conomy Transformation Act of 2000 (“NET 2000”) offered tax breaks to technology companies who locate in the District. In practice, the initiative provides targeted assistance to IT companies in three key areas: workforce development; affordable facilities; and financial incentives. "Economic development is unglamorous and it takes a long time to see your pay off", said Shabbir Safdar, CTO of Mindshare Internet Campaigns, "but the hard work of the Council led by David Catania, the Mayor's office, the D.C. Tech Council, and the tech and business community has already given us some tangible results." The exponential growth in District-based high-tech jobs counters the average 8 percent loss nationwide. Maryland and Virginia lost 6,000 and 19,000 information technology jobs respectively. Officials from the American Electronics Association reportedly expect the District’s growth to continue and for the metropolitan area to recover as well. While these projections are welcome, many high technology advocates believe without NET 2000 and other targeted incentives, the District would have nothing to look forward to. According to Sanford Saunders, attorney with Greenberg Traurig, LLP and co-Chair of the New E-conomy Advisory Group, “But for Catania and his leadership in the Council, the business community in specific and the public in general would be left with no hope for improvement.” More information on NET 2000 may be found at http://www.dcneweconomy.org or http://dcbiz.dc.gov/info/net2000/main.shtm. Councilmember Catania is available to comment on this issue by calling 202-724-7772. |
