The Maryland-Washington D.C. chapter, launched in September 2023, facilitates connections between researchers, policymakers, civic leaders, and journalists in our nation's capital and Maryland. With members representing diverse policy interests and academic institutions, the chapter focuses on addressing state and local policy issues that concern residents of Maryland and D.C. These regions frequently act as incubators for evidence-based policies that are emerging on federal, state, or local legislative agendas, making them pivotal centers for innovative policy solutions with the potential to shape the nation's future.