Bowser Taps Nina Albert To Lead D.C.’s Economic Development, Planning

Nina Albert, the outgoing head of the federal government's real estate portfolio, has been named D.C.'s next deputy mayor for planning and economic development.

Mayor Muriel Bowser's office announced Albert's appointment Friday, just three days after the General Services Administration announced Albert is leaving her role as Public Buildings Service commissioner at the end of this week. 

“A leader with a proven track record of innovation, sustainability, and using public real estate to support communities and economic development, she prioritizes collaboration, fosters a diverse culture of high performers and encourages growth mindset and creative ideas,” Friday’s release from the mayor’s office says. 

D.C.'s DMPED role oversees housing and economic development efforts, including major acquisitions, renovations and large-scale development initiatives. The city's portfolio includes more than 157M SF of land and 35.7M SF of real estate, according to the mayor’s release.

The spot has been filled by Keith Anderson since March, following former Deputy Mayor John Falcicchio’s abrupt departure from the administration following sexual misconduct allegations. Anderson will transition to deputy mayor for operations and infrastructure, Bowser announced.

Albert was appointed as PBS commissioner in July 2021 after serving as head of real estate for WMATA, the region's transit system. Her tenure steering the trajectory of the federal government’s real estate was defined by the effects of the pandemic and the GSA’s efforts to reduce its office footprint.

Mike O’Hara, co-chair of the Washington DC Economic Partnership's board of directors, said in a statement that Albert will also serve as co-chair of that organization. 

“Nina knows the District well based on her past experience with DMPED and WMATA, and she has an exceptional understanding of the intersection of real estate and economic development,” he said in an emailed statement. “I am personally delighted to welcome such a strong individual to serve as Co-Chair with me for the coming year.”