(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser celebrated the announcement that TalentCapital.AI has been named Product of the Year by Technical.ly, recognizing the platform’s innovation and impact in supporting workforce development across the District.
“To meet this moment, our charge is to not only focus on the fact that our economy is changing, but even more important – to focus on how we are also changing and how we are creating new opportunities that keep people in DC and in the region,” said Mayor Bowser. “Talent Capital is a very strong tool that we now have in our toolbox. We know that people want to be in DC, they want to keep their families in DC, and Talent Capital is helping public servants who have dedicated their careers to supporting our nation find their next great opportunity in the nation’s capital.”
Launched by Mayor Bowser in October 2025, Talent Capital is a first-of-its-kind regional initiative housed at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG). It connects displaced federal workers and other residents with high-quality employment opportunities, training programs, and personalized career support.
“The vibrancy of our region depends on the creation of great new jobs matched with our talented residents. Talent Capital shows what’s possible when our region comes together to advance workforce and economic development, taking advantage of the best technology available,” said Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn. “We look forward to deepening this effort to achieve our shared goal of making it much easier for jobseekers to find good jobs and move forward in their careers and for employers to connect with our region’s tremendous talent pool.”
Technical.ly readers recognized TalentCapital.AI as Product of the Year for its innovative use of agentic AI technology to expand access to employment resources and training opportunities for residents throughout the region. The award also highlights the platform’s ability to combine cutting-edge technology with community-focused support.
“We are honored to receive this recognition for the Talent Capital initiative,” said DC Department of Employment Services Director Dr. Unique Morris-Hughes. “This initiative is about keeping our talent here in the District and ensuring residents are connected to careers that reflect their skills, interests, and potential. By combining cutting-edge technology with trusted workforce services, we’re not only opening new pathways to opportunity, we’re investing in a stronger, more inclusive regional economy.”
The Talent Capital initiative is part of a broader regional strategy focused on strengthening collaboration across the District, Maryland, and Virginia.
“Talent Capital showcases the power of collaboration and innovation in our interconnected region,” said Clark Mercer, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. “It's a great example of how our members and partners across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia are laser-focused on keeping our talented workforce within our region and shaping a more resilient economy.”
TalentCapital.AI combines AI-driven job matching, skills assessments, and career navigation tools with in-person support from partners including local universities, workforce organizations, nonprofit groups, and regional employers. Users can access free coaching, certifications, upskilling programs, and professional development resources designed to meet the needs of today’s rapidly evolving job market. The site is powered by local tech company BuildWithin.
“TalentCapital.AI improves with every AI advancement, helping people get matched to tens of thousands of jobs and regional services,” said Ximena Gates, CEO of BuildWithin. “As the nation’s first free, public agentic AI workforce system, it serves as a front door for the region. This impact reflects a strong collaboration across DC and the region that expands access to jobs and opportunity. We are proud to help power this work.”
Since launching, TalentCapital.AI has had more than 80,000 visitors, with over 61,000 receiving personalized job matches. Residents have been connected to employment opportunities with major regional employers, including MedStar Health, Amazon, Northrop Grumman, Capital One, Inova Health System, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and Deloitte. These opportunities span various sectors and provide pathways for residents to grow in their careers.
“Thanks to Talent Capital, displaced federal workers like me can get the support and resources needed to move forward. Between building connections, free career coaching sessions, and free project management programs, Talent Capital and their amazing team are helping former public servants take the next steps,” said Alexandra Reid, a former Program Specialist with the National Institute of Health. “I was able to make some valuable connections at Talent Capital’s job fair, which ended up leading to a temporary teaching role. Talent Capital cares and is helping us carve a path forward.”
Since 2015, the Bowser Administration has been committed to creating new pathways to high-quality, good-paying jobs and careers for DC residents. In 2018, Mayor Bowser launched the DC Infrastructure Academy, a collaboration between District government and utility, union, university, and private sector partners. The program established a pipeline to in-demand infrastructure careers by offering training in construction, energy, telecommunications, and other critical fields. Mayor Bowser is also expanding access to high-quality career and technical education. This year, the Ward 8 Advanced Technical Center (ATC), located at the Whitman-Walker Max Robinson Center, opened its doors. The new ATC builds on the success of the first ATC in Ward 5 and expands the District’s dual-credit Career and Technical Education programs by offering more high school students opportunities to earn industry credentials and college credits.
For more information on the Talent Capital initiative, visit TalentCapital.AI.
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