How Local Politics Can Help or Hurt Your Startup

​How does Washington, DC’s local government actually work - and why does it matter for your startup?

​2026 will be Washington, DC’s most consequential local election cycle in nearly 20 years - and the outcomes will materially shape how startups operate, grow, hire, contract, and scale in the city for the next decade.

​Join us for a practical session on navigating City Hall, led by Malcom Fox of Opportunity DC. The event will also feature a fireside chat with a few DC-based founders who have built successful businesses here and have deep experience engaging with local government.

​This is built for founders, operators, and investors who want a clearer understanding of how DC’s local government operates and how startups can productively engage - rather than get tripped up by process, politics, or timing.

​We’ll cover how to work with DC agencies and elected officials, where local government can be a tailwind (and where it can quietly become a headwind), and what’s coming next - from upcoming elections to policy priorities and bills on the horizon that founders should actually be tracking.

​Malcom will share examples, practical frameworks for engaging City Hall, and common mistakes startups make when approaching local government - followed by open discussion and Q&A.

​Space is limited to keep this highly interactive. RSVP to secure your spot. STATION DC Members have priority access.