For over four decades, Steve Fuller's research has given developers, politicians, and the rest of us a glimpse of Washington's future. Now he's announced his retirement (like Letterman, it's not 'til next year). That's why we're thrilled to hear the latest regional trends from Steve at our 5th Annual Washington Real Estate Summit on May 7, and also present him with our Emmy Tony Grammy Bizzy award for lifetime vision and achievement.

Yesterday, we caught up with the avid sailor as he was at his vacation home in Maine (by phone, otherwise we'd get lobster juice on our keyboard). He says a successor to lead George Mason's Center for Regional Analysis will be announced by this fall semester. Steve, who speaks at over 50 events a year, tells us he'd like to be remembered as a teacher instead of economic guru. But to pupils and event-goers, he hopes his research has made folks more inquisitive, "so that they're better informed decision makers."

As for DC's fortunes, Steve tells us the economic boom the region saw from the growth of government contracting is pretty much over. So the assets already in place here have to be mobilized and repositioned to make DC not just the nation's capital, but a global business center as well. He'll speak more about that at our summit. (Sign up here and we can all meet again at the Marriott Wardman Park, where you'll also hear Brookfield Office US CEO Mitch Rudin and Jamestown CEO Matt Bronfman, among many top speakers.)