Day 3 of the annual Washington, D.C. continued with roundtable discussions with the last two Utah Federal Delegates.

Congressman John Curtis:

Tara Thue of AT&T led the roundtable with Congressman John Curtis. They discussed small business, energy, the opioid epidemic and health care. In terms of energy independence he said, “In Utah, we pride ourselves in personal responsibility so I find it interesting that we as consumers aren’t having the discussion about our own habits when it comes to energy independence, without government mandates.”

When discussing the opioid epidemic he shared some statistics about Utah and said that he believes the epidemic is due in part to a lack of facts and understanding. Ultimately, he thinks, “we should think of how we can help on an individual level. When we see people in crisis, we need to pull together to support them.” 

Congressman Chris Stewart:

Terry Buckner of The Buckner Company led the roundtable with Congressman Chris Stewart. They discussed appropriations, cybersecurity, trade, and energy. On the recent tariffs and their impact on farmers and small business Congressman Stewart said, “I grew up farming and ranching. I never thought you could grow hay in Utah and sell it in Japan. But now you can and we do. We have always been about free trade.”

When discussing cybersecurity he said, “Cyber attacks impact businesses in many sectors, international cyber threats impact the security of America. What can be done? Protect small businesses and be strategic on the international scale.”

Track Option 1: Tour of the Riverfront Development Project

The Capitol Riverfront neighborhood is a 500-acre former industrial “backyard” of the District that is being rapidly transformed as a high density, TOD mixed use community. It is anchored by world class parks that have created a sense of place and community, two professional sports stadiums, 1.5 miles of riverfront, a vibrant restaurant scene,9,000 residents and over 34,000 employees. Located on Metro’s Green Line, the neighborhood is connected by rail transit to other destination neighborhoods and employment centers.

The Federal and DC governments have invested over $2.3 billion in Capitol Riverfront and that is leveraging over $10 billion in private redevelopment. The Anacostia River is being recognized as a citywide asset that connects our residents to over 1,200 acres of public parklands. The tour will focus on many of the investments and public/private partnerships that have helped define today’s Capitol Riverfront neighborhood. With over 19 million SF of development, we are over 55% built-out on our way to a total of 37.5 million SF.

When discussing the neighborhood Michael Stevens, president of the Capitol Riverfront, said, “I think public investment was crucial for the area, as you had to change public perception. With the programs and events, people realized what the area could be.”

To learn more about the Capitol Riverfront, click here.

Track Option 2: George Mason University – Mercatus Center

The Mercatus Center at George Mason University is the world’s premier university source for market-oriented ideas—bridging the gap between academic ideas and real-world problems.

As a university-based research center, the Mercatus Center trains students, conducts research of consequence, and persuasively communicates economic ideas to solve society’s most pressing problems and advance knowledge about how markets work to improve people’s lives.

Our mission is to generate knowledge and understanding of the institutions that affect the freedom to prosper and to find sustainable solutions that overcome the barriers preventing individuals from living free, prosperous, and peaceful lives.

To learn more about the Mercatus Center, click here.