Welcome to Local First DC!

We are a network of local business owners, non-profit leaders, and community members who are committed to building a sustainable local economy and preserving the vibrant character that makes Washington DC a unique place to live and visit.

We promote and advocate for independent, locally-owned businesses in the Washington Metropolitan area through:

• Economically, environmentally and socially sustainable business practices
• Collective purchasing power
• Promotion and education
• Mentorship and stewardship

We are proud to be a member of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE), a nationwide network of 15,000 entrepreneurs dedicated to building strong Local Living Economies.

Local First DC was formed in 2006 and is a project of the Latino Economic Development Corporation (LEDC), a non-profit organization located in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of Washington, DC.