Academics: D.C. needs federal money

The federal government must expand its financial investment in the District if the city is to overcome a $1 billion annual shortfall and become a “world-class capital city,” a regional advocacy center concludes in a report to be released today.

“Building the Best Capital City in the World,” a study produced by the D.C. Appleseed Center, finds that the District has restored its fiscal reputation since the bankrupt days of the mid-1990s. Yet, the city still is treated “far worse” by its federal partner than other famed capital cities, is heavily burdened by fiscal restraints, and badly needs an economic boost to address critical infrastructure needs.